A FESTIVE celebration at Shannon Springs Hotel last week brought more than a thousand locals together to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
The Christmas Tree lights were turned on at Shannon Springs on Tuesday last and for the second time, the community was invited to join in the fun.
Santa Claus surprised revellers with a visit to Shannon and handed out selection boxes to children. Everybody in attendance was offered mince pies and hot chocolate while adults also enjoyed mulled wine, tea and coffee. James Sexton MCd the occasion, Muse Productions sang Christmas carols while a DJ played Christmas music to get people into the festive spirit.
John Gavin, co-owner of Shannon Springs Hotel told The Clare Echo, attended the event with his own children and described the evening as a “feelgood event” for the people of Shannon.
“It was a really good evening and it’s becoming a big event,” John said. “Last year we decided to make an event out of turning on the lights here for the people of Shannon as nothing like this was previously being done in the town. We were very happy with the turnout last Christmas but this year we had triple that number, there were about 470 children and 1,300 people in attendance altogether.
“It was just something to give back to our customers for their support throughout the year and it’s a feelgood event,” he said.
The event follows the four-star Shannon Springs Hotel’s latest award win, having been named Best Hospitality Provider at the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2023 in association with Ennis Chamber. John added, “We’re thrilled to have won that, especially with the competition we faced, we were just delighted to win it.”
All photographs by Joe Buckley
