RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) hosted its annual Christmas lunch for senior citizens of the local community on 16 December. The lunch has been held annually in the College for more than 25 years for senior citizens living in the catchment area of the College. The event was held in the College Hall.

Approximately 100 senior citizens aged between 60 to 90 years of age attended the Christmas lunch which included a festive fun-filled afternoon with music, singing, dancing and a grand raffle, with prizes sponsored by RCSI, Dunnes Stores, Walls to Workstations Ltd and St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre.

Guests were greeted by Professor Cathal Kelly, Registrar/CEO, RCSI on arrival after which they sat down to their Christmas lunch. Musician, Mick Doherty then took to the stage to provide entertainment and music for the remainder of the afternoon.

Speaking on the annual Christmas lunch, Prof Cathal Kelly said: "Every year we look forward to welcoming our local senior citizens to the College. The annual event is much anticipated by the locals and their Christmas lunch always signifies the start of the festive season at RCSI."

This year's event is organised by REACH (Recreation Education And Community Health) RCSI programme Manager, Maria Kelly and RCSI Head Porter Frank Donegan, together with REACH project worker Clíona Lyes and RCSI archivist Meadhbh Murphy. The REACH RCSI programme was established in 2007 to encourage and facilitate third level participation and enhance the life chances for those traditionally underrepresented at third level, particularly those from Dublin's south inner city.