It was a simple seven days that made all the difference. While thousands indulged in excess throughout the past week in Galway, one Dublin family - Tony, Teresa and Lee Duffy - just enjoyed being in Salthill.
Tigh Aisling was the name of their home from home. Recently built by O'Malley Construction, the house reflects the finest in interior design and fittings in the west. It also reflects the work of the Share-a-Dream Foundation.
Lee (9) has cerebral palsy. He is an only child, and he and his parents usually take one holiday a year, at Christmas, because it can be a difficult time to be at home. "The presents have to be small, because you are travelling, so you are away from all the hype. And somehow, on holidays, other kids relate far better to Lee."
Last week, was a bonus. Lee, his parents and extended family took walks along the promenade, and he swam daily in the Galway Bay Hotel. Weather didn't matter. "Even if we only had one good day of sunshine, we'd still have enjoyed it, says Mr Duffy.
Initiated by Shay Kinsella, the Sharea-Dream Foundation provides holidays and short breaks for terminally or seriously ill children and their parents. From Limerick, Mr Kinsella hasn't had direct experience of a sick family member, but took action after a hospital stay some years ago. He was recovering from an accident and a seven-year-old girl, also a patient, befriended him.
"At first she used to come in and bother me a bit, and then we got to know each other. Shortly afterwards, she began to show the physical effects of her treatment - for cancer. One day, she wasn't there any more." He remembers asking her what her dream would be, and her answer - to go to Disneyland - inspired him to set up a structure to provide something like that for many like her. In the past few years his organisation has brought young people to Eurodisney, the zoo, the circus and performances such as Disney on Ice at the Point Depot in Dublin.
"I remember how we were told that we'd never get the wheelchairs and stretchers in because of all the seating," Mr Kinsella says. "I asked the guys to go for a bit, and in minutes we had cleared away several rows and there was plenty of space. You should have seen the kids rocking and rolling. Some of them were blind, some were partially deaf, and they all had a ball."
The foundation is voluntary, and depends on contributions from businesses and individuals. "It is about doing something special for a day - and in the case of a terminally ill child, that is worth every effort," he says.
Tigh Aisling at Dun na Carraige in Salthill, Galway, is a new departure for the organisation. It was fitted out with the help of sponsors, who supplied everything from gas to furniture. It will be a holiday home for families, like the Duffys, who were the first to be given the key.
Teresa Duffy wonders why Mr Kinsella doesn't get more recognition for his efforts. "There is so much need for respite, even just short breaks, and his work makes such a difference to people's lives."