WATCH: Hugs and tears as families reunited for Christmas at Shannon Airport

THERE WERE HUGS and tears a plenty at Shannon Airport this week as families were reunited just in time for Christmas. 

Hundreds of people arrived on flights from New York and Boston and were met by family and friends in the arrivals hall. 

There were tears of joy in the arrivals hall at Shannon Airport as Limerick families reunited for Christmas #ChristmasinLimerick #Limerick pic.twitter.com/pBmwK2FHtQ

— Limerick Leader / Limerick Live (@Limerick_Leader) December 19, 2022

The airport was decked out with festive decorations and some children even had a ride on Santa's sleigh. 

Emotions were running high as sons, daughters, sisters, brothers and grandchildren came walking, and sometimes running, through the doors. 

For some families it was a normal festive reunion shared by loved ones living apart but for others it was the first time they had been home for Christmas since before the pandemic.

One Limerick mother was so happy to see her daughter after four months apart she had made a sign to welcome her home, much to her daughter's embarrassment. 

Roy and Pauline Meaney from Ballyneety were in Shannon at 6am on Monday to welcome daughter Clodagh home.

The student was on Erasmus at Parsons School of Design in New York City and her mother said they had come to the airport to "embarrass her". 

"We are excited to see her and have Christmas at home with family. The most exciting thing for her will be coming home to see the dogs. 

"She will be on the floor with them for an hour when she gets home". 

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There were two rounds of hugs and a lot of tears after Kayla Haugh was spotted coming through the doors by her waiting family. 

Sister Sarah nearly took her older sibling to the ground as they shared an embrace after almost a year apart. 

Kayla had been in Charlotte, North Carolina since January and said she was looking forward to spending Christmas with her parents along with Sarah and brother Billy back home in Castlemahon. 

Mayo man Frank was anxiously awaiting some precious cargo in the form of his daughter and her wedding dress. 

Celebrating her first Christmas at home in seven years, this year it will be extra special as the family prepares for her wedding day on December 28.

Frank said there was great excitement in the air for the big day and he was "really looking forward to it". 

Jenny and Jessica Cleary from Shannon were also up early to greet Jenny's brother Daniel and his wife Naheil McAvinue. 

The husband and wife are home from Boston for two weeks and Jenny said they are looking forward to spending quality time together. 

Jessica said she was looking forward to seeing her uncle and aunt who she hasn't seen since last Christmas.