Over the past number of weeks, as Christmas lights in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and other places were switched on and announcements were filtering through to the public about dates to save for smaller towns, there was still a cloud of uncertainty about the Christmas lights for Mitchelstown. 

This week, chairman of the MBA Mark Waldron, told The Avondhu that the money for this year's lights has been secured and they will be turned on to tie in with the switching on of lights on the tree in the Square by Mitchelstown Lion's Club. 

He told The Avondhu that the lights are being funded through a €1,000 grant from Cork County Council which Cllr Frank O'Flynn secured, remaining funds in the Mitchelstown Business Association account, €2,000 from the membership fees of approximately 40 MBA members and €1,300 from the cake sale and raffle that took place on Thursday last. 

Mark thanked Cllr O'Flynn for securing the grant, as it was a welcome contribution to the lights and he said that himself and Sean Hyland have been working behind the scenes to secure funds to make sure that the lights will go ahead this year. 

He added that while many people seem to think that it's just a matter of flicking a switch, there is a lot of planning and organisation involved and it also costs a great deal to keep the power points open year on year. As a good deal of the funds were from the MBA, Mark also urged people to shop local and support the MBA members this Christmas. 

The MBA chairman also thanked Carole Bradley for the cake sale and raffle, saying that the funds raised would go somewhat towards the upkeep of the lights and to keep the power points open over the Christmas period. 

Speaking to The Avondhu at the cake sale and raffle which took place in the Mitchelstown Leisure Centre, Carole Bradley said that the event was very well supported by people who came and bought cakes, breads or other baked goods, those who purchased raffle tickets and also the businesses who gave generously for the raffle prizes. 

She thanked everyone who helped out in any way by bringing baked goods, providing raffle prizes and supporting the day and also the staff of Mitchelstown Leisure Centre who were very helpful throughout the day. 

The event has so far raised €1,300 and there are still funds coming in. 

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