03 December 2019

Two-year-old Emily Byrne who received a lifesaving liver transplant earlier this year was the special guest at Winterval on Ice on Bolton Street on Friday, November 30th along with her brother Cormac, mum Ann Marie and her doner John Fenton as they officially opened Winterval on Ice for the festive season.

 

Emily and her brother Cormac cut the ribbon, officially opening the rink which is open until January 5th, 2020. The opening marks the start of an extra special Christmas for the Byrne family this year, as it will see Emily spend her first Christmas at home. 

 

Commenting at the opening, Emily’s mum Ann Marie Byrne said, “We are delighted to officially open Winterval on Ice with Emily and our family friend John Fenton, Emily’s doner. It’s the start of a very special Christmas this year. Since Emily was born, she has spent Christmas in hospital so we’re very much looking forward to Emily’s first Christmas at home. 2019 has been a whirlwind year and we are so thankful that Emily is doing so well. Emily is with us because of organ donation and we want to continue to raise as much awareness as possible around organ donation and the importance of blood donation also. There are so many families on the journey of organ donation and even if we just help one person by increasing awareness, we truly understand the difference it will make.”

 

Speaking at the opening, Bill Cremin, Managing Director of Cool Running Events which operates Winterval on Ice said, “We are thrilled that Emily and her brother Cormac, her doner John and family could join us to officially open Winterval on Ice this year. We heard about Emily’s story earlier this year and we wanted to do something special to show our support. It’s hard to think what Emily and her family had to endure but it’s amazing that John was able to become Emily’s doner and save her life.”

 

Emily and Cormac kick-started proceedings with Winterval on Ice as they open five days a week from Wednesday to Sunday, extending to seven days over the school holidays with nine sessions per day.

 

All levels of experience are catered for on the rink from beginners to advanced skaters with a large main rink and a separate smaller rink with experienced staff on hand. Winterval on Ice prides itself on providing the best ice skating experience, ensuring each customer has an enjoyable, safe and memorable skating experience, creating amazing festive memories.

 

For those who would like to watch with their feet firmly on the ground, they can enjoy delicious crepes and stay warm with a coffee or hot chocolate from Mean Bean Coffee Co.

For further information on Winterval on Ice and to pre-book your tickets visit http://www.iceskating.ie