Festive lights greatly enhance any village, town or city and on Sunday evening last, Lismore lit up, much to the delight of the fine crowd in attendance.

The formalities of hitting the switch went to Cllr James Tobin, the current mayor of Waterford city and county, who was assisted by Dean Paul Draper and Aoife Dunne, secretary Lismore Mochuda Development Group - a voluntary organisation who oversee the financing and erecting of the Christmas lights.

The group received a grant this year, but fundraising remains important - currently, they're involved in raffling a hamper and readers are also advised that their church gate collection is coming up very shortly.

In his address, Mayor Tobin said bodies such as Lismore Mochuda Development Group, played a critical role in sustaining active communities.

"These people are volunteers, whose sole motivation is the betterment of Lismore, I know from personal experience the amount of work that goes into Christmas lights and I wholeheartedly congratulate them and all those who've played a role in bringing such colour and atmosphere to Lismore town centre".

He went on to say that those not involved in community groups could also play a role.

"Spending locally is vital for the continued survival of small businesses and in this regard, everyone has a role to play, my message this evening is to give serious consideration to spending some of your disposable income locally".

Music for the occasion was provided by the Lismore Children's Choir, who were directed by Mairead Cullinane. All in attendance were impressed by the sophisticated lights, many of whom have been incorporated into the trees that line the town's main thoroughfare - bright, cheery and uplifting, the lights signal that the festive season is well and truly upon us.

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