Surprise replacement for Laois town's famous Christmas tree
The famous metal spoked Christmas tree in Mountmellick in Laois has been replaced in a surprise action this week.
The town's semi natural tree at the centre of O'Connell Square had to come down for safety reasons last summer.
A local committee has been working hard to figure out a replacement long term, but this Christmas, there will be a heartwarming new tree in the square.
A stunning tall real fir tree was craned into position in a surprise installation before dawn on Monday, November 27.
It is to get environmentally friendly lights, and a big switch-on.
"Good morning, Mountmellick! As you all know by now, back on June 14th we had to take down the steel stem that held up our Christmas tree lighting. Standing there since 1983, it had reached the end of its service life. For public health and safety reasons, it had to go.
"We did say in June that we have a plan, and would have a tree in the square for the next couple of Christmases. We have worked hard to ensure that the first step could happen today! Thank you so much to Roundwood Timber Ltd. for sourcing a beautiful specimen for us and putting it in place this morning at 5:30am. Ironically, it too is 40 years old. The same age as the steel girder we took down.
"Over the next few days, we will be placing the lights on the tree and getting the crib in place. We will have lots of people to thank and will do so once she’s lit.
"Back in 2020 when we ran a fundraising campaign, the community dug deep to help us reach a total of €27,965! We were determined to make this funding last for 5 Christmases. We have achieved that goal, being able to pay in the intervening years for overheads such as electricity and insurance, as well as investing in rope lighting, electrical parts and the crib structure.
"We were able to pay for this 2023 live tree, new environmentally-friendly lights to go with it, AND we still have money in the pot! We will continue to spend it wisely.
"Early in 2024, we will be hosting a public presentation to the Mountmellick community. We will outline our 3 year plan, and have time for a Q&A session. As a committee of volunteers, we assure you of our continued efforts to keep our town square festive. Remember, we live here too, we love here too," the local committee said.