Over 100 senior citizens at launch of Christmas Festival

OVER 100 senior citizens braved the cold weather in Dún Laoghaire last week to officially launch the town’s gala Christmas market festival, which opened over the weekend.

Joy and delight filled the air as the ladies and gentlemen turned out in their finery to perform the official task of switching on the Christmas lights and declare that the festive season had officially arrived.

The Dún Laoghaire BID Company, which represents the town’s businesses, hosted the splendid day out for the 150 attendees, which included lunch, music, dancing, an interactive sing-song and even a visit from Santa Claus at the Royal Marine Hotel. The BID Company called on members of the community to show the elderly members of society that they are valued and an integral part of local society.

The fact that many of those attending the event were widows or widowers, some of whom had only recently lost their life partners and were living alone, was highlighted.

Don McManus, Chairman of the Dún Laoghaire BID Company, said:

“People can be too quick to forget the elderly or brush them aside when they should actually be at the centre of major local events like the celebration of Christmas in the town. Many of our senior citizens have sadly lost their life partners and live alone. Imagine how tough it can be when wider society also casts you aside because they don’t immediately see your value.

“Business must embrace humanity,

? he added.

“Our senior citizens are an integral part of our society. These wonderful individuals built the town and society we enjoy in Dún Laoghaire today and we must never forget it. People can get so obsessed with business and progress in this fast-moving society that they forget the humanity and judge people by what they can contribute. And if they are no use to them, cast them aside.

“Our message to the people of our community is to make an effort to appreciate and value those who have made our lives better through their long and hard work – our senior citizens.

?

The Dún Laoghaire Christmas festival opened with a mesmerising fireworks display over Dún Laoghaire Harbour, a spectacular Santa parade and the blessing of the traditional Crib.
The packed schedule of events in December sees a wonderful food and craft market every weekend, a Christmas cookery and craft school, enchanting treasure hunts, and festival fireworks. See dunlaoghaire.ie for more information.