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14 Nov 2025
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14 Nov 2025
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THERE WAS only one candidate to turn on the lights on the new Christmas tree outside St Mary’s Church in King’s Island in the city – and that was the parish’s oldest and most popular resident, Betty Lyons.
The 99-year-old, who is due to turn 100 on January 3, received a warm round of applause when she pushed the button.
Fr Richie Davern, co parish priest of St Mary’s and St Nicholas, brought the idea of having a Christmas tree from his former parish in Raheen
“I did it during Covid. I just thought people needed to be cheered up. A lot of people commented afterwards, particularly those who were working in the hospital, that going into a heavy day’s work looking after Covid patients, or going home after an exhausting day that the tree cheered them up so much.
“It’s a nice location outside St Mary’s and is a very busy junction in the city. You don’t know what people are carrying around in their heads or hearts so hopefully this might cheer them up,” said Fr Davern.
The honour of turning them on had to go to Betty.
“She was born on the Island and has lived all her life there. She was baptised in the old church which was replaced by the current St Mary's 90 years ago. She is at Mass every morning. Betty is a lovely lady, just a really likeable person,” said Fr Davern, who ensured the nonagenarian remained in the warmth of a car before and after the ceremony due to the cold.
Betty then joined them in the church for a carol service thanks to choirs from St Mary’s and St Nicholas. She puts her great health and age down to her love of vegetables and a glass of milk every day. Betty also has genetics on her side as she comes from a family with great longevity on the female side.
Fr Richie wished to thank the main sponsor of the tree – Credit Union – and local pubs, an undertaker and a butcher for their generous contributions. While a collection at the concert will go towards electricity.
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