MUSKERRY LIGHTS UP FOR CHRISTMAS
THE festive season arrived with a bang across Mid Cork last weekend with a series of events to light up the region.
Despite inclement weather people came out in great numbers for the annual lighting up events which certainly brighten up the winter right up to the New Year.
The first annual Christmas market was held in Macroom on Saturday, featuring stalls with arts and crafts, seasonal foods and included a seasonal favourite, the carousel in the square. Again this year businesses remained open late with many offer special discounts for the occasion.
This year, the 2018 Flower of Macroom, Emma Nott, officially switched on the town’s magnificent Christmas lights at 6pm with the Dynamic Showband providing music from 5pm to 7pm, and afterwards there was music into the night the Town Square. Upcoming, the Blarney/ Macroom Municipal District Council is promoting another special Christmas Market in the Town Square on Tuesday, December 11, offering another opportunity for locals to bag some artisan Christmas goodies and spread the festive cheer. As with Saturday’s market, there’s another free draw on December 11 with prizes of €50 vouchers. Free tickets are available at premises of all Lee Valley Enterprise Board members.
Meanwhile, the annual turning on of the Masseytown Christmas lights was on Sunday with Santa, Mrs Clause and the Elves paying their usual visit. There was mulled wine, refreshments and treats on offer for the occasion before a great many later adjourned to Mary Anne’s, where there was a great night (The committee of Masseytown Community Action Group wish to thank Paddy Murphy Haulage & Christmas Trees for donating & delivering this year’s tree).
Also on offer in Macroom at the weekend was a show hosted by The Lee Valley Enterprise Board at the Riverside Park Hotel feature The Nualas with their ‘Christmas Glam Slam’ show.
Meanwhile, the Rusheen N.S Christmas Market was on Sunday in Aghinagh GAA Hall and, on the same day, the Cúil Aodha Christmas market was in the halla.
So, despite a bout of thoroughly wintry weather, Mid Cork really did light up for Christmas last weekend and it’s all set for a merry old time in Muskerry from here ’ til the New Year, with plenty of fun along the way.