Notable Irish figures send their Christmas wishes to the WorldIrish community

 A number of well-known Irish figures have Christmas messages for you and yours this season wherever you are around the world.

In the videos below you'll hear from the former president of Ireland Mary McAleese, actor Gabriel Byrne, writer Joseph O'Connor, poet Theo Dorgan, broadcasters Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny, Jean Byrne and Miriam O'Callaghan, singer Daniel O'Donnell, one of Ireland's best known priests Fr Brian D'Arcy, and two special appearances from actor and comedian Mario Rosenstock.

We also have a performance of Jingle Bells by choir New Dublin Voices especially for the members of WorldIrish, which was recorded in a Dublin church.

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Mary McAleese

President of Ireland from 1997– 2011, Mary McAleese took a few moments in Rome to share her Christmas wishes with Irish people all over the world.

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Gabriel Byrne

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Joseph O'Connor

Author Joseph O'Connor reads a story, based on his own experience, about Christmas away from home.

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Gay Byrne

Gay Byrne, Ireland's most famous veteran broadcaster, shares his best wishes with those who can't be home this year.

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Pat Kenny

Pat Kenny shares his vision for WorldIrish.com and what could be achieved here.

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Jean Byrne

A special Christmas weather forecast from one of Ireland's favourite Weather forecasters.

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Miriam O'Callaghan

Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan sends the global Irish her best wishes for 2013.

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Theo Dorgan

Theo Dorgan, Irish poet, writer and more, tells us a lesser-known side of the Irish story in his message.

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'Mrs Brown' aka Brendan O'Carroll

The nation's mammy, Mrs Brown, serenades us with some well-known festive tunes before telling us the true meaning of Christmas (so listen up!).

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Fr Brian D'Arcy

Fr Brian D'Arcy, who has spent his Christmasses in Africa and the United States, sends his prayers and wishes to the Irish, wherever you are.

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Daniel O'Donnell

Singer Daniel O'Donnell wishes you a very merry and peaceful Christmas and describes how he plans to spend 25 December.

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'Enda Kenny'

Is it just us, or is 'Enda Kenny's' Mayo accent even stronger than usual in this well-wishing video?

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'Vincent Browne'

Another one of Ireland's leading broadcasters, 'Vincent Browne' warns of the dangers of Christmas and the wool being pulled over our eyes by a man in a red suit...

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New Dublin Voices 'Jingle Bells'

The incredibly talented New Dublin Voices choir recorded this beautiful (but jazzy) version of Jingle Bells in the Carmelite Church on Whitefriar Street, Dublin.

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Happy Christmas from all at WorldIrish.