Townspeople were out in force last Thursday evening to see Fermoy illuminated for what's a critical couple of weeks for Fermoy.

The first port of call was the environs of Fermoy Town Hall where Mayor Olive Corcoran did the honours. Commenting in advance of the switch on, Cllr Corcoran said Fermoy was putting its best foot forward during challenging times.

"Our town has come through a lot during 2012, however, it's great to see a concerted effort for the switching on ceremony, everyone is working together to advance the town and that's how it should be," she said.

The focus then shifted to the northside of the town where another tree was switched on opposite Shinnick's shop. Pupils from St Joseph's National School help swell the crowd and under the baton of conductor, Tom Murray the school choir performed a number of festive favourites - they were joined by members of Fermoy Concert Band.

There was little time to stand and admire the sparkling tree as an even bigger crowd was waiting close to The Forge Restaurant alongside another fine specimen of Christmas tree. This part of proceedings was co-ordinated by Tom Aherne of The Wagon Tavern and with the help of Santa, Tom flicked the switch much to the delight of all present. The Thomas Kent Pipe Band then struck up and one was left in no doubt that the season of goodwill had arrived in earnest.

TOWN CENTRE SWITCH

The town centre lighting ceremony took place on Friday evening - and what a crowd we had. Organisers were thrilled with the size and reaction of the good humoured throng. Adrian Godwin (Fermoy Business Action Group) was MC with Ian O'Brien looking after the sound system.

Representatives from local national schools had the honour of pulling the lighting lever - the lucky pupils were: Ruth Cotter (Gaelscoil de h-Íde), Katie O'Flynn (Grange NS), Jane Milward (St Joseph's NS), Eoin Healy (Bishop Murphy), Gabriela Daiane (Presentation Primary School), Kori Morrison (Clondulane NS) and Eniola Amosu (Adair NS).

The gathering were also treated to a performance by the cast of Sleeping Beauty - all of this activity took place on a mobile platform supplied by haulier, Pat McCarthy. An Garda Siochana had a key role to play in each of the 'switch ons' and their assistance proved invaluable.

blog comments powered by Disqus