Lights show goes on despite vandals’ damage

December 2005

Beer-drinking vandals are blamed for trying to sabotage the Christmas tree ceremony in Blackrock, throwing the centrepiece of the annual festivities into turmoil.

Only swift last-minute work by voluntary electricians allows the switching-on of lights on the tree and street to go ahead as planned.

As fate would have it, heavy rain which falls for most of the day stops at just the right time, and one of the biggest crowds turns out for the fifth year of the event.

The big night has all the usual attractions such as a visit from Santa, seasonal mulled wine and mince pies for the adults, while the programme is rounded off by a giant fireworks display on the shore.

In between, schoolchildren who take part in an art competition run in conjunction with the celebrations are presented with their prizes.

Music and carols performed by the local church choir adds to the occasion. A large marquee is erected but thankfully is not required.

There is plenty of children’s entertainment including face-painting and a fun house.

The younger members of the community respond magnificently once again to an appeal for presents for orphans in Romania, donating a truck-load of toys and gifts to the Cross Cause charity.

Nevertheless, there is underlying anger over the attempt to scupper the happy occasion, although Cllr Dónal Lynch, chairman of the organising committee, defiantly tells a big crowd of spectators that they manage to rise above it.

Branches had been broken on the Christmas tree, and lights and wiring damaged; while the culprits leave behind evidence of their drinking spree.