Garden County blazes bright for Shine a Light campaign

COMMUNITIES across Wicklow shone brightly on Saturday night to create a moment of solidarity in these challenging times.

Candles, christmas lights, torches and house lights were ablaze into the night as families and communities in all towns and villages across the Garden County participated in the RTE initiative. Many shared photos online of their homes lit up with fairy lights, candles and other lights on Saturday night.

The Shine a Light initiative aimed to bring communities together while staying apart at this difficult time. The lights also paid tribute to frontline workers and those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and their families and loved ones. The Bray Fire crew paid their respects and condolences to the memory of Firefighter Paramedic Dave McLoughlin of Dublin Fire Brigade badge number 1376.

Local landmarks including the 19 Arches bridge in Arklow, Bray Townhall, Wicklow lighthouse and Dunlavin Library were also illuminated as part of the initiative by Wicklow County Council.

Bray resident, Sinéad O’Connor, performed during a special five-minute broadcast on RTE One which included images from around the country as families, individuals and workers shine their light, along with local and national public buildings and embassies around the world, joining in solidarity with their communities and loved ones near and far.

RTÉ.ie will also shine a light on this special occasion with a homepage takeover and live gallery of images from around the country. President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina shone a light from the Áras while Government buildings and national buildings were also lit up for the evening.

The national broadcaster said it intended to expand the Shine a Light initiative and will commission further cultural works beginning this Saturday and continuing right up to the Summer Solstice on June 21.