Christmas spirit alive in Killenagh
THE community of Killenagh came out in full support to see Santa Clause switch on the Christmas tree lights.
Every child was lucky enough to receive a Christmas present from Santa, and Eileen O’Leary of the committee sad that a fantastic time was had by all.
‘We had every age, from babies to teenagers. We put a lot of work in for the organisation, from wrapping presents to selling raffle tickets but it all went down really well,’ she said.
‘We got our tree and decorations up with the help and support of local businesses’.
Refreshments and sweets were supplied by O’Brien’s pub, Killenagh, and children receiving sweets when Santa arrives goes back to a special tradition.
‘It’s a tradition that started 60 years ago when Aidan O’Leary from Kilanegh got a horse and cart off a man called Nicky Devereux, and came all dressed up and had sweets for the children.
‘We now have a new generation but the tradition is being carried on by family and friends to their kids,’ she said.
With an extra push this year, the committee got a great response from local businesses, and the committee said that they couldn’t believe the excitement.
‘We really appreciate all the hard work and money that was put in to cover the toys and raffle prizes.
‘Thank you to all the helps and the donors, we have put all the names up as a plague at bottom of the big tree. We’d also like to thank all the sponsors over the years that always come back, from when we started 40 years ago,’ said Eileen.