Pictures: Festival time as Castlecomer lights up for Christmas

It was a magical time in Castlecomer as a crowd in excess of 3,000 people thronged the Square for the turning on of the Christmas Lights.

The arrival of Santa Claus, together with his merry band of elves, added to the excitement as did the fireworks which illuminated the skies in a truly magical time for all in attendance. READ MORE BELOW

Hats off to the organisers of the Festival of Light, the local Synergy group, volunteers, stewards, and the Gardai. It’s hard to believe that Synergy put on such a magnificent display with a zero budget. The event was made possible thanks to local sponsorship, donations and by the personnel of Synergy, many of whom dug deep into their pockets to make the dreams of so many children become a memorable reality.

Following the beat of the Samba Drumming Band, all marched to the Discovery Park Estate Yards to continue the festivities. Music provided from Music Generation Kilkenny’s Trad Hub in Castlecomer, the Castlecomer Community School Trad Band & TY Band with their tutor Karina Dowling, CCS choir overseen by Teresa Bourke and rounding off the entertainment was John Maddock.

Thanks to the CE workers who placed the reindeers around the town, to Eugene and Wesley in the community hall. Thanks to Discovery Park staff for smooth running of events there after the parade.

The community owes a huge debt of gratitude to all eight of the Synergy Group Kathy Purcell, Carol Coogan, Moira Duggan, John Comerford, Willie Forde, Michael Brooke, Tom Byrnes and Martin Rowe.