Roscrea Christmas Crib appeal receives phenomenal response

Santa visited Roscrea early last week for the official lighting of the Christmas decorations and an appeal for funds to build a new Christmas Crib received an overwhelmingly generous response.

The Christmas Crib which traditionally adorns Market Square in the heart of the heritage town needed renewal this year and a request for the public to contribute to raise the necessary €500 received a phenomenal response last week.

In less than 24 hours after the appeal was posted on social media local businesses and individuals had contributed over €2,700 to create a new Christmas Crib.

Paddy Reidy and the local Community Employment scheme workers, who have always constructed a stunning Crib in Roscrea, already have the new Crib on Market Square, much to the delight of the local community.

“We put out a request for the funds on Sunday morning and by 9pm that night we had raised over €900 from just two local businesses”, Derek Russell, Chairman of Roscrea Stands Up told the Tribune.

Although it was a chilly evening the heavy wind and rain which was forecast for the evening abated while the local clergy - Fr. Tom Corbett, Rev Jane Galbraith, Pam Troy and Rev. Denis McGuire - recited Prayers and blessed the crib and all those present.

“By dinner time on Monday we were over €2,700 and people and local businesses were still giving”, Derek said, highlighting the incredible spirit of generosity in Roscrea.

Several local businesses followed with more funds to contribute and the excess money will be used to finance a youth initiative planned for Roscrea in March.

SANTA VISITS ROSCREA

Meanwhile, Roscrea burst into Christmas cheer on Sunday when Santa Claus, who was invited to Roscrea a little ahead of his December 25th schedule by local Councillor Shane Lee, landed on Castle Street to officially light up the town and meet all the local children.

‘Tis the season for making memories and children in Roscrea made some wonderful ones on Sunday evening when Santa visited Market Square in the town for the official switching on of the town’s Christmas lights.

Those present were also treated to the lighting up of the first-ever Christmas Tree in the historic Market Square so it was fitting that Santa and many of his elves came along for this very special occasion.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves arrived in style in Roscrea and landed on Castle Street to meet all the local children

This Christmas Tree is also a Remembrance Tree, where local people can hang the names of loved ones who are no longer with us on its branches in the heart of the town they lived in and loved throughout their lives.  

“It was wonderful to see such a big crowd gathered in Market Square to welcome Santa and his Elves arrived on their sleigh and were welcomed with a huge cheer”, organiser Cllr. Shane Lee said.

Santa was in high spirits and greeted the big crowd with high fives and fist pumps while handing out Selection Boxes to every child who came to welcome him.

Santa also posed for lots of photos while his busy elves made sure that all children had a chance to meet Santa and give him their special wishlists for Christmas.

While the children were busy chatting with Santa and the Elves, the adults enjoyed a seasonal drink of hot chocolate and mulled wine, while there was lots of pizza for all to enjoy.

The Official turning on of the lights got a cheer that could be heard all over the town and it was magical, as the shining eyes of the children made it a moment that will long be remembered in the town.

“The Festive Season was well and truly felt by all”, Cllr. Lee said, who was a key organiser of the event. He went on to say the event would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of many local people whose donations were greatly appreciated by the organisers.

“You made this happen” he told them, adding that the event is a credit to the following people who willing gave their support -  Scott Fairbrother (Christmas Tree), Cathy Hogan (Remembrance Cards), CE Scheme Workers (Instillation of Tree), Kevin Leonard (Sleigh), Steward Davis (Tractor), Zack (Tractor Driver), Joseph Dooley (Electrical), Fitfix Foods and the kind donations from many local people who wanted to support this special local event.

Cllr. Lee wishes to thank all the volunteers who put their shoulders to the wheel to make this event a reality. Special mention for Santa's main elves - Elaine Loughnane, Reilly Heeney and, of course, Mrs Clause herself Caroline Wynne.  

The organisers say that, while this special Christmas event was arranged over a very short period of time, they intend to make it an annual event in Roscrea and will be adding new surprises each year to make it bigger and better and welcome suggestions for 2025.

Pictured above is the beautiful new Christmas Tree on Market Square provided by Fairbrothers Fuels - The Christmas Tree is also a 'Remembrance Tree', where local people can hang the names of loved ones who are no longer with us on its branches in the heart of Roscrea - the town they lived in and loved throughout their lives.