They started arriving at 12.30 for registration and their Goody Bag before being treated to a Puppet Show. Ahead of the arrival of Santa Claus laden down with presents for the 250 children, the intended  energy sapping disco had the desired effect.

However the arrival of Paul O'Connell, flanked by Keith Earls, David Wallace, Jean de Villiers, Paul Warwick, Barry Murphy, Felix Jones, Niall Ronan and Tommy O'Donnell revived the energy levels to new heights and the raucous reception afforded the Munster players sent Santa scurrying for his sleigh and consigned Mickey Mouse and the Pink Panther to the wings.