Let it snow!: Countdown to Christmas on in Limerick village as hurling heroes light the lamp

THE COUNTDOWN to Christmas in Shanagolden is well under way as one of the biggest displays of festive lights in the county was switched on.

Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely and Kyle Hayes were on hand to flick the switch at the home of the Hayes family home in the hills above the village.

They were joined by Limerick senior footballer and All-Star nominee Cian Sheehan, who brought the county football trophy he won with his club, Newcastle West.

Around 800,000 lights and decorations have been erected as part of the Hayes’ Christmas Lights display which was first-launched 25-years ago.

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Since 1997, the charity display has expanded and this year there will be a Disney and North Pole theme.

“It's hard to believe how fast the year has gone and winter has arrived upon us again. As we face a challenging time ahead it's one we hope to overcome as a group of people like we did during the Covid time,” said Cormac Hayes who began installing and erecting the lights several weeks ago.

Despite the increase in electricity prices, Cormac says he and his family never considered not going ahead with the display.

A number of local charities – Milford Care Centre, the Children’s Ark at UHL and St Gabriel’s School – have been selected as the beneficiaries of this year’s display with members of the public encouraged to make a small donation when they visit the display.

There were large crowds, and youngsters were full of excitement as they had the chance to have their picture taken with Santa Claus, John Kiely and Kyle Hayes!