Ten years of festive fun as Clonkill Christmas Market celebrates anniversary

Launched a decade ago as a Clonkill hurling Club Lip Sync fundraiser and organised by a group of friends, Clonkill Christmas Market celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

The market has evolved significantly in that time and now claims a special place locally as the start of the festive season for many families.

Over the 10 years, it has grown from those community roots into a winter tradition and is now mainly a fundraising event supporting local charities, clubs and community groups.

The committee members are friends who share the enthusiasm to make the event fun and a day to enjoy for all. Vivienne Mulligan, Karen Gavigan, Olivia McGrath, Denise Muldoon,Oliver Scally and Ger Harding are the hard working committee, and they have expresssed their gratitude to the team of volunteers that help each year.

Vivienne Mulligan, chairperson of the Clonkill Christmas Market committee, said: “Niall Brennan, principal of Loughegar NS, is technical wizard we could not be without, the children from the school make decorations, and we have huge local support from businesses that assists towards our raffles and the various requirements on the day.

“This year we will enjoy live entertainment on stage from the local Comhaltas group, Ray Dolan, and festive tunes from Hans wilderman on trumpet. Santa will visit upstairs in the grotto.

“We’ll have beautiful crafts and a warm, charming atmosphere to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for making this market evolve into what it’s become over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to opening the doors to everyone on Sunday 29 November.

“We encourage everyone to please try and support small businesses this time of the year and shop local.”

The market is on Sunday 29 November 11am-4pm.