Christmas has arrived in Abbeyfeale...

THE official turning on of the Christmas lights in Abbeyfeale a few weeks ago is one of those special occasions in the year when the entire community comes together to welcome and celebrate what is a special time.

Not many towns can say their numbers were in the thousands when it comes to Christmas events, but Abbeyfeale can. This says a lot for the sense of occasion and people’s pride in their community.

Maurice O’Connell is Chairperson of Abbeyfeale Community Council and he said the moment when the lights are switched is a moment well worth waiting for. Santa’s arrival in town soon followed and the smiles on the faces of the children told you everything you needed to know about the magic of Christmas.

Such an event adds immeasurably to the overall sense of pride the organisers get from putting on such a show. But such an evening simply does not happen on its own unless there is sufficient planning. The feedback and public reaction since the Christmas parade and lighting ceremony has been positive, which is always an added bonus.

The focus now turns to Christmas shopping and people are being urged to buy local as often as possible. Christmas is a moment when we all rush out and impulsively buy items. It’s a good time to spread the business in your own locality, which will contribute towards retaining and creating employment in Abbeyfeale.

Local groups like Abbeyfeale Community Council, Abbeyfeale Christmas Lights Committee, Abbeyfeale Tidy Towns, Abbeyfeale Town Park - and the numerous voluntary groups - are the ones who invest a year round interest in Abbeyfeale’s fortunes. Christmas is a time to celebrate home and the sense of comfort and belonging that it brings. Keep Christmas in Abbeyfeale this year.

Abbeyfeale Town Councillors turn on the Lights, Seamus Brown, Francis Foley and Liam Galvin.

The Jakbloski family and their friend Meta Alisauskite from Abbeyfeale.