Actor brings a smile on children's faces in hometown hospital

Dec 28, 2011 15:41 GMT  ·  By
Colin Farrell visits sick children in Dublin hospital, brings Christmas presents for everyone
   Colin Farrell visits sick children in Dublin hospital, brings Christmas presents for everyone

Colin Farrell is no longer the bad boy who used to keep Hollywood on its toes, hanging in utter fascination. A responsible father now and a more low-key celebrity, the actor offered kids at a Dublin hospital the best Christmas present ever.

As the Daily Mail also notes, when most children are at home tucked in bed in their pajamas, waiting for Santa Claus to slide down the chimney, others less fortunate can only dream of such a thing.

It's for them that Colin tried to make a difference. While in Dublin, the actor stopped by Our Lady's Children’s Hospital for an unannounced visit.

Not only did he not tell anyone he was coming, but he also made sure there was no press to upset the kids and, more importantly, came bearing gifts.

The photos of Colin at the hospital now available online have all been snapped by parents who were visiting – and who understandably couldn't pass on the opportunity of getting a picture of the handsome and generous star.

“The Hollywood star, who was born and bred in the city, dropped in on the hospital on Christmas Day, bringing hundreds of presents for the sick children with him,” the Mail writes.

“His unannounced visit surprised staff and patients alike, and according to reports, even his publicist was unaware he would be there,” says the same publication.

“He cuddled the kids and chatted away to them as he spent some time in the hospital spreading some Christmas cheer to them,” the Mail adds.

Ecstatic parents took to Twitter and social networks to praise the actor. They were clearly most impressed by the fact that he didn't turn the visit into a massive PR opportunity, as some other celebrities are known for doing whenever they have a new project coming out.

“Just chatting with #ColinFarrell who is in with presents for the kids here in #Crumlin. No tv/media, a gentleman and genuine,” one parent said.

“Just met Colin Farrell he came to meet the kids in crumlin hospital really nice man. fair play to him putting a smile on the childrens faces,” adds another.

Colin also brought presents for the entire hospital staff, others said. “Farrell is a real genuine guy alright,” they all agreed.