Local Tipperary town switches on Christmas lights with many festivities

Santa visited Market Square in Roscrea for the official switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Those present were also treated to the lighting up of the first-ever Christmas tree in Market Square.

This Christmas tree is also a Remembrance Tree, where local people can hang the names of loved ones who are no longer with us on its branches in the heart of the town they lived in and loved throughout their lives.

Santa was in high spirits and greeted the big crowd with high fives and fist bumps while handing out selection boxes to every child who came to welcome him.

Santa also posed for lots of photos while his elves made sure that all children had a chance to meet Santa and give him their wishlists for Christmas.

While the children were busy chatting with Santa and the Elves, the adults enjoyed a seasonal drink of hot chocolate and mulled wine, while there was lots of pizza for all to enjoy.  

The official turning on of the lights got a cheer that you could be heard all over the town.

"The Festive Season was well and truly felt by all," says Councillor Shane Lee, who was a key organiser of the event.

He went on to say the event would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of many local people whose donations were greatly appreciated by the organisers.

"You made this happen," he told them, adding that the event is a credit to the following people who willing gave their support - Scott Fairbrother (Christmas Tree), Cathy Hogan (Remembrance Cards), CE Scheme Workers (Instillation of Tree), Kevin Leonard (Sleigh), Steward Davis (Tractor), Zack (Tractor Driver), Joseph Dooley (Electrical), Fitfix Foods, a Local Business that you can check out on Social media or www.fitfixfoods.com (sponsorship of Selection Boxes) and the kind donations from many local people who wanted to support this special local event.

Cllr Lee wishes to thank all the volunteers who put their shoulders to the wheel to make this event a reality.

Special mention for Santa's main Elves - Elaine Loughnane, Reilly Heeney and, of course, Mrs Clause herself Caroline Wynne.  

The organisers say that, while this special Christmas event was arranged over a very short period of time, they intend to make it an annual Christmas event in Roscrea and will be adding new surprises each year to make it bigger.