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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Jordan Perez alongside his mother Sinead, stepfather Anton, siblings Ryan, Zoe, Faith and Ezra, and his grandmother Vera, and Stephen Hanley | Picture: Paul Corey
A CLARE teenager, who has just returned home from undergoing extensive treatment at Temple Street Hospital, fulfilled a lifelong dream of switching on Christmas lights in one of his favourite local spots.
Jordan Perez is battling Muscular Dystrophy and was invited to be guest of honour at the annual ceremony of switching on the Christmas lights at at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, following nine-month hospital treatment.
The Sixmilebridge native is who is 15-years-old. His mother Sinead says this 'honour' is "the perfect way to end the year".
"Lighting the lights in Bunratty is an amazing honour," Sinead said.
"It's a chance to light the way forward leaving all the stress and anxiety of the year behind. His journey ends on a high note surrounded by his family and friends back home where he belongs."
Stephen Hanley, general manager of Clare Tourism East, said: “Visiting Bunratty at Christmas has always been a highlight of the festive season for Jordan, and this year, we wanted to make his visit an unforgettable one by inviting him and his family to light up the folk park and officially launch our festive offering.
“We are also delighted to use this occasion to raise awareness of SMA Ireland: Spinal Muscular Atrophy Ireland Foundation, which was established in 2019 to provide a collective voice for Irish adults and children in with Spinal Muscular Atrophy,” added Mr. Hanley.
“Visitor attraction staff also hosted a separate fundraiser this week to raise money for the Children's Ark Paediatric unit at UHL, a service that Jordan also regularly benefits from. €910 was raised through a staff Christmas jumper initiative.”
The Folk Park has been transformed into a winter wonderland this festive season, with thousands of people expected through the gates of the popular 26-acre visitor attraction. After a three-year absence, Santa Claus has exclusively made a welcome return to his grotto on the village street.
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