An inflatable Santa has vanished from the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght.
Hundreds of children attending the hospital have enjoyed the replica Santa during the Christmas period for the past three years. However, last Sunday, somebody made off with Father Christmas.
Eight foot tall, a well fed look, white beard and red coat.
The inflatable Santa had been deflated by staff for safety reasons overnight. At some stage during the night, Santa was taken.
An appeal has been made by hospital staff for the return of the stolen Santa. Maura Connolly, Matron of the National Children's Hospital, says that the inflatable Santa was very important for the children.
Although there are other Christmas displays for patients and visitors to enjoy the inflatable Santa was the centrepiece. There was good news with a donation to the hospital of another eight foot Santa and a giant snowman.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 13 December 2007. The reporter is Barry Cummins.
