*Tánaiste Simon Harris (FG) with Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) and Kilkishen NS students. Photograph: Kevin Donovan.
KILKISHEN gave a real example of “community spirit” as it welcomed the Tánaiste to switch on the Christmas lights.
Rain was falling in cold conditions at the Kilkishen Cultural Centre on Friday evening when Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris (FG) arrived at 17:23.
Students from Kilkishen National School sang ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’ moments before his arrival while they also gave an excellent rendition of ‘Clare My Heart My Home’ where Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) was among those joining in for the verses and chorus.
“I’m almost obligated to sing the ‘Among the Wicklow Hills’,” quipped the Tánaiste as he addressed the crowd. “Young boys and girls, thank you so much for the beautiful songs and carols and for making this a really special night”.
He was quickly informed by pupils that there was thirty four more days till Christmas. “Remember to support each other, shop local and back the community. We live in strange times but we have each other,” the Fine Gael leader told the crowd.
Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) who issued the invite to the Tánaiste to turn on the was vociferous in his praise for the local community, primary school students and principal Conor Harrison. “Ye were simply fantastic,” Deputy Cooney commented.
Michael Hogan of Kilkishen Development Association said that the Tánaiste was “very welcome” to East Clare. “We want to give you a special thanks for the funding we have received for his building over the years and the funding which has come to the parish”.
Speaking to the local media, the Tánaiste stated, “I’m delighted to be in Kilkishen tonight for the turning on of the Christmas lights, I was really delighted to accept an invitation from my friend and colleague, Deputy Joe Cooney and it was a great opportunity to be here, what an amazing community and spirit, the rain didn’t keep them away, huge crowds, lots of children and excitement, they tell me there is thirty four more sleeps to go, it is great to see such community spirit”.
All photographs by Kevin Donovan.
