The most wonderful time of the year?
IT MAY feel like we’re living in an alternate universe right now but even so it’s definitely too soon for Santa Claus to start doing the rounds.
But for the people of Rosslare Strand Christmas came early last Saturday as the man in red donned his protective visor and brought some festive cheer to young and old alike.
Organised by Cois Barry Community House this special occasion was, according to Chairman David Clancy, all about keeping spirits up in the local community.
‘We visited the surrounding estates, there’s 120 houses between the two of them. And, to be honest, in all my years of doing community work I’ve never seen an atmosphere like it,’ said David.
‘All the families came out and we had three coast guards cars and the garda car with the lights flashing. It was a great lift for everyone, a real pick-me-up. The kids had a great time, as did the older residents.’
Delivering presents for the young ones and boxes of sweets to those of a certain vintage, Santa made sure to adhere to guidelines, wearing a visor and practising social distancing.
And these safety measures were carried out by those he visited too.
‘We sent out letters beforehand to everyone and told them we’d be coming and to stay in their gardens, and everyone followed the guidelines,’ David said.
Thanking Shane Murphy from Centra for helping prepare the parcels, Jack O’Reilly for playing the role of Santa, Alan Duggan of the Coast Guards and Garda John Coughlan, David said Cois Barry would be reopening in line with restrictions.
‘We’ll have things like the knitting and crochet available again soon, the drumming and guitar lessons. But the Junior Youth Club won’t be open until the schools start up again.’