Model chooses Pat’s trees over plastic
A COUNTY WEXFORD Christmas tree grower has branched out and joined forces with former Miss World Rosanna Davison in appealing to Wexford people to buy a real Irish Christmas tree this year, and to support local jobs and the economy in the process.
The Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association has launched a #lovearealtree campaign to highlight the merits of a real Irish tree, and to remind people of the joys of a traditional Christmas.
According to Wexford Christmas tree grower, Pat Delaney from Dennistown, Rathaspeck, said there is no comparison between a real Irish tree and a plastic, fake one. Mr Delaney said: ‘By buying a real Irish tree Wexford people are supporting jobs and investing in something that is natural, sustainable, recyclable and that will beautifully decorate their home for the entire festive season.’
He sells between 600 and 700 Christmas trees each year, 200 direct from the farm and the remaining 400 through retail outlets in Wexford. Pat uses Shropshire sheep to keep control of the grass and weeds around the trees. ‘More and more people want a real tree at Christmas as it gives them the true festive feeling.’
Joe and Robbie Flynn who own Wexford Christmas Trees in New Ross are also looking forward to a busy season ahead.
‘All the indications so far are good. We have had a good harvest and are extremely busy now supplying trees in Wexford and all over the South East,’ said Joe.
A survey on behalf of the Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association reveals that 44 per cent of consumers are likely to opt for a real tree this festive season, with the average spend per tree expected to be €43.
Families are being encouraged to choose an Irish-grown tree by looking for the ‘Love A Real Tree’ label which will prove the tree was grown by a member of the Irish Christmas Tree Growers Association.
Davison has family roots Tomhaggard, where her grandmother Maeve lives in Bargy Castle, and both the model and her father musician Chris de Burgh visit regularly. Davison is supporting the #lovearealtree Twitter campaign and backs real and not plastic.