Mount Temple and New York team up for special Christmas Lights celebration

The annual switch-on of the Mount Temple Christmas Lights will take place this Saturday evening, November 28 at 8pm. This year’s event is unique in that it is online and also it is being beamed directly into New York and other American states.

This is thanks to Mount Temple native Padraig Allen who lives in New York where he is part of an excellent band called the McClean Avenue Band. Padraig performs weekly online through his Facebook page where he has a big following throughout the States and here in Ireland.

Tom Daly, who is Chairman of the Mount Temple Christmas Lights committee, said that he is really looking forward to this online event and the fact that hundreds of people overseas who will not be able to make it home this year for Christmas can log on to enjoy the musical show, he said.

"We have put together a great programme of talented musicians and singers from the Mount Temple area and indeed links from both Baylin and Mount Temple National Schools for the event," added Tom.

Cllr Frankie Keena said that the lighting display in Mount Temple has been extended again this year thanks to funding from Westmeath County Council. There is a marvellous group of volunteers involved in erecting these lights under the chairmanship of Tom Daly.

The council has also given financial support for Christmas lights to Baylin, Glasson, Moate, Tang, Ballinahown, Fardrum & Castledaly where volunteers are also busy decorating their areas for the festive season, he said.

"We encourage everyone to link into the Mount Temple Christmas Lights Facebook Page on Saturday next at 8pm and join us for an excellent evening’s entertainment," he concluded.