Fermoy shows resilience to bounce back for Christmas
The Christmas lights are up and local businesses are once again all decked out in seasonal trimmings, welcoming patrons, while families, friends, and neighbours are cautiously coming together once again.
While 2021 got off to a rocky start thanks to enforced Covid restrictions, the town of Fermoy showed true resilience going from what resembled a ghost town in January to the now bustling, busy community it truly is.
This bounce-back was reflected on Friday last, November 26 as communities reunited and the public turned out across the town for the annual switch-on of the Christmas lights.
For some in the town, this event may have been a first as a number of new businesses were welcomed to Fermoy in the past year.
Others will be familiar with the occasion and the usual jingling hum that comes with the Christmas buzz, as busy shoppers pick up much of their Christmas presents ahead of the town’s festivities.
Knitted Christmas themed sweaters, caps and gloves adorned the town on Friday as families and friends took to their streets, hot drinks in hand, and enjoyed a festive treat as they awaited the switch-on.
The following morning may have seen a number of ‘sore heads’ as some enjoyed the festive atmosphere in the (finally) reopened bars across town, but no doubt many will have availed of a Saturday morning lie-in. Early risers could also be seen out however, making their way to local gyms, while some opted for a brisk walk along the chilly Barnane.
As December rolled in, many were already picking up new decorations, an ornament here and there or maybe a string of lights or a tin of biscuits, as they prepared to deck their homes, both inside and out. Shoppers, aware of the importance to shop local wherever possible, should bring a brisk trade to the vibrant streets.
Yes, the past weekend displayed a town on the mend, a town bouncing back, a town on the up-and-up as Fermoy came out to light up the locality for hospitality, for retail, for business, and most importantly, for the people.
Everyone who contributed to the annual fundraiser was thanked by the Fermoy Christmas Lights Committee.
Thanks were also extended to everyone involved with lighting up the town and all those who turned up on the night.
Those seeking to donate can do so via a dedicated Fermoy Christmas Lights account in the local credit union with the account number: 25751, IBAN: IE66FECN99111310431891, BIC: FECNIE21.
Online donations can be made via the idonate page at www.idonate.ie/fermoylights2021 with links available via the Fermoy Christmas Lights social media accounts.
Alternatively, in-person donations can be made to committee member Jimmy Corcoran, who can be contacted at 087-7567546 or at jimpcox@ gmail.com