Festive cheer to begin earlier this year!

THE Christmas lights at Athlone Castle will be switched on earlier this year, in response to requests from local retailers.

The switching on ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 23 at 5pm.

The Mayor of Athlone Councillor John Dolan (Fine Gael) told a meeting of Athlone Municipal District yesterday that the retailers in the town requested that the lights be turned on earlier this year than in the past.

This was accepted by the council members.