By Dan Walsh at Enniscorthy
The live Christmas Animal Crib returned to Enniscorthy today following a break due to the Covid interruption and it proved a huge hit with families turning out in record numbers.
There was a presence of animals at the crib including two-week-old lambs and their mother, an alpaca, Jacob sheep and mother and son donkeys. They patiently endured a four-hour stint being patted, spoken to, requested to share in selfies and generally soaking up the admiration in rainy conditions, but they all appeared to enjoy the experience away from the farm environment for a few hours.
Organised by Wexford IFA (Irish Farmer’s Association) it was a fundraiser for St. Patrick’s Special School, Enniscorthy, and took place at the Farm Centre on Mill Park Road.
Chairperson of the IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Committee, Alice Doyle, told WexfordLocal.com; “It has been a brilliant day. We are overwhelmed by the numbers and may have to run over closing time to facilitate everyone. We will have a nice cheque for St. Patrick’s Special School, which is great, and I’d like to compliment all our volunteers who did great work in setting it up and supervising over a few days.”
The animals were a big attraction, especially with the little folk, but Santa Claus was also busy throughout the afternoon and there were music sessions, a children’s concert, plenty of food, and displays of farm produce and a fun endurance test with Macra Na Feirme.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be back in action,” Chairman Wexford IFA, Jer O’Mahony, said, and he added “The central location of the Farm Centre building in Enniscorthy makes it an ideal venue to host the event which is supported by Wexford County Council.”
Amongst the public representatives in attendance (while I was there) included Cllr Aidan Browne, Cathaoirleach, Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Senator Malcolm Byrne, Cllr Bridín Murphy and Cllr Jim Codd.
In conclusion, Alice Doyle said, “It is fantastic to have the live crib back. It’s traditional in Ireland. It is also great to see the urban/rural mix.”
WexfordLocal.com 