How much do you know about this 80-year-old Waterford Christmas Day tradition?
St Joseph's School on Parnell Street, Waterford city, where Christmas Dinner for those in need will be provided.
If you don’t have a place to go this Christmas, you need to know about this Waterford tradition.
The Knights of St. Columbanus Christmas Day Dinner has ensured everyone has somewhere to be and someone to see for over 80 years.
The dinner is organised by a committee of eight businessmen and is for anyone in need.
One of those businessmen is Ian Manto of Harvey Travel on Gladstone Street.
Ian sat down with the Waterford News and Star to tell us how it all comes together.
“The Christmas Day dinner is for people in need. It’s for people who live alone or may not have anyone to call to. Everyone is welcome,” said Ian.
St Joseph’s Special School on Parnell Street make their hall available and the dinner takes place between 12.30pm and 2pm on Christmas Day.
Organisers and volunteers are in the day before and the day after to prepare and clean up.
Last year the event fed 41 people in-house, which is up from 36 in 2022 and 29 in 2021.
Five people were provided with takeaways in 2023.
During the pandemic, the sit-in dinner did not happen, but the committee organised a takeaway van to ensure everyone could eat come Christmas.
Ian said that around half the guests are regular, and the other half differ every year.
He said that while numbers are increasing every year, the group make sure there is enough food.
The dinner consists of a soup starter, turkey with all the trimmings, sherry trifle and tea and coffee.
Every guest leaves with a takeaway dinner for the following day.
While numbers rarely exceed 45 guests, Ian said the hall can accommodate up to 60 people, and there is always enough food.
“It is a well-oiled machine if I do say so myself!” said Ian.
Every year, the committee acquire two turkeys from Billy Burke in Ballybricken, who donated one, and two hams from Countrystyle Foods, who again donate one.
The hospital cooks the meal, and the event is also supported by a large group of volunteers.
“We have more volunteers than guests,” said Ian.
On the day, Joe Tobin will provide musical entertainment for all those in attendance.
Ian thanks everyone who contributes every year to making the event a success.
“Without the help of all of these people, it would not happen,” said Ian.
Ian said the service is well supported in terms of funding and volunteers but if somebody would like to make a donation, they are welcome to do so by contacting Ian at Harvey Travel.
