ARTICLE USED

The switching on of the Christmas tree lights around Fermoy town proved to be a real community affair last week. On Wednesday evening three giant Christmas trees were illuminated in different parts of the town, namely the Town Hall, Barrack Hill and on Cork Road.

Mayor Michael Hanley did the honours at the first tree to be lit up at the Town Hall. Then it was on to Barrack Hill where a large crowd had gathered to enjoy the proceedings. Festive music was much in evidence, with schoolchildren from St. Joseph's NS and Adair singing carols accompanied by two guitar players. The Fermoy Concert Band also played some seasonal favourites. The snow machine proved particularly popular with the children, while the arrival of Santa caused much excitement. On what was a bitterly cold night, welcome refreshments were provided by local business owners.

From there it was on to the Cork Road where an equally big turnout was waiting for their turn to switch the lights on their tree. Children from Fermoy Pre-school Playgroup placed their decorations on the tree before it was lit up. Again there was festive music, refreshments and Santa made an appearance.

REFRESHMENTS GO DOWN A TREAT

The festivities continued on Thursday evening with the switching on of the lights on the Christmas tree in Fitzgerald Place and, simultaneously, the Christmas lights up and down the main streets in Fermoy. Before the lights were switched on, children and parents were treated to refreshments at the Education Centre, again courtesy of local businesses.

The parade from the Cork Road, which saw Santa arrive together with some of his Disney friends, was led by a Garda and fire brigade escort.The Fermoy Concert Band once again entertained the crowd with some seasonal tunes while there was much "oohing" and "aahing" over the carol singing by young members of Teach na Leanaí. In spite of a heavy downpour, a sizeable crowd turned out.

In switching on the lights at Fitzgerald Place Mayor Michael Hanley thanked everyone involved, including Cllr Noel McCarthy and his team at Fermoy Business Action Group. "This is a good start to Christmas," he said.

Noel, in turn, thanked the Lions Club for their help and Brian Shinnick, Thomas Aherne and Billy Murphy for organising the events and putting on refreshments in their respective areas.

From there it was over to see the opening of the Winter Wonderland Carnival that was to provide such a hit over the weekend and attracted good crowds into the town.

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