December 6th – Santa Claus is Coming to Town

All set for Christmas in Castleisland celebrations on Friday evening, December 6th. Click on the image above for more.
Santa with a section of the crowd at the 2016 Castleisland Chamber Alliance/AIB Christmas Street Party. This year’s event is on Friday, December 6th and fingers are crossed for a fine evening. ©Photograph: John Reidy ©Photograph: John Reidy

The chairperson of Castleisland Chamber Alliance, Michael John Kearney has been in touch to inform us that preparations are well under way for the chamber’s launch of Christmas in Castleisland.

A Most Wonderful Time of the Year

“Christmas is a wonderful time of year for both young and old. It gives us an opportunity to welcome home family, meet up with old friends, reflect on what the past year has brought and look forward to what next year will bring,” said Michael John.

On behalf of Castleisland Chamber Alliance and, as a thank you to our members, businesses, schools and community, I would like to extend an open invitation to you all to celebrate Christmas in Castleisland with us at our street event on Friday, December 6th.

Blessing of the Crib

At 2.30pm on December 6th Fr. Brick will bless the Crib at the fountain accompanied by the choir from Scoil Íde, Curranes National School.

“Our Christmas street event is taking place at 6pm at rear of Walsh Electrical in the Car Park. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Joe Walsh for hosting us once again this year.

Sensory Santa on Facebook

“To facilitate members of our community with sensory needs, Santa will be available to meet these children at an earlier time from 5pm to 5.40pm.

Bookings are now being taken for the Sensory Santa through Castleisland Chamber Alliance Facebook page.

“From 6pm, Gerdie Murphy, MC and DJ Dylan will be on stage and Santa and his elves will be ready to greet the public.

“Children will get an opportunity to meet Santa and pick up their free gift. Face painting and novelty balloons will also keep the children entertained while free Hot Chocolate and a BBQ will all add to the festive atmosphere.

Invite to Retailers and Craft Producers

“We are happy to facilitate retailers or craft producers with free stall space by booking through our Facebook page before December 1st.

“The evening’s celebrations will culminate in a fantastic fireworks display. This year, we are delighted to have added an eye-catching Christmas Tree at the fountain to add to our new street lights.

“Thanks to NEWKD/Leader funding we have also replaced all the existing lights on the trees in the centre of town. These lights were 25 years old and had become very costly in repairs annually.

Duke to Do the Honours

John Keane Electrical and his team are currently installing Led lights on all the town centre trees. “As you know 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the St. Mary’s Castleisland Basketball Blitz and we are delighted to have Donal ‘Duke’ O’Connor, founding member of the blitz and a fantastic community person in the town, to turn on our lights, ahead of St. Mary’s celebratory event which kicks off at the River Island Hotel at 8pm.

A Busy Christmas

“We look forward to a very busy Christmas season here in Castleisland and we kindly request that our retailers, cafes, restaurants and pubs are well supported by our community this festive season. “Castleisland will not be beaten for variety, value, customer service and the added advantage of ample free parking.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our members and our entire community a happy and safe Christmas and hope to see you all on December 6th.,” Mr. Kearney concluded.