WINTER OLYMPICS COMES TO MILLSTREET

MILLSTREET made the most of the Beast from the East and Storm Emma by taking full advantage of a few days snow by wrapping up and heading outside to practice their sledding skills, build snowmen and throw the odd snowball or two.

As Met Eireann sent out red and yellow alerts, the snow failed to stop young and old from enjoying the rare sight. Families took advantage of school closures to make the most of the unexpected closedown of normal routines and chores.

For Millstreet folk it was off to Deer Park or Cashman’s Park overlooking the town and Lackabawn to sample the atmosphere. A noted landmark, a carpet of pristine white snow, and a patchwork of glistening fields were made indistinguishable by the remnants of Storm Emma.

Resembling a version of the Winter Olympics with its natural descent, the majority wanted to sled in the snow. But without an actual or fancy sled, participants used their ingenuity, with plastic barrells, fertiliser bags, tyre tubes to election posters utilised by revellers on the ski slopes.

One of the participants, Fr. James McSweeney, enjoyed the experience and with the area caught up in the wintry conditions it allowed him the chance of reliving a great tradition in Millstreet. “Large numbers took advantage of the few days to go tobogganing and sledding on a teriffic slope. It created a brilliant atmosphere with people getting out to sample the excitement,” he said. Photos: John Tarrant

Fr James McSweeney on the downward trek in the Deer Park snow fest in Millstreet.

Enjoying the fun at Deer Park, Millstreet were Eugene Crowley, Meabh Crowley, Stephen Lyons, Holly Sheehan and Ciara O’Connor.

Orla Twomey, Niamh Tarrant, Amy O’Sullivan and Jenifer Kiely savoured the Millstreet Snow Fest.

Aoife O’Callaghan and Georgia Serreli enjoyed the Millstreet Tobagganing at Deer Park.

Millstreet’s Grzegorz Balla enjoyed the snow exploits at Deer Park.

Hannah O’Regan and Louise Lyons enjoying the fun.

Denise Smith and Jake Culhane enjoyed the magic of the Millstreet Snow Fest.

Colm O’Connor relaxed on a slide.

Adrian McCarron and Darragh Cashman on the slopes.