Tipperary Christmas Lights switched on as huge crowds attended Tractor Run

This year the Tractor Run preceded the official switching on of Cahir Christmas Lights by Santa. Organised by Dualla Ploughing Association, the Tractor Run was in aid of Scoil Chormaic this year and there was a huge amount of entries on the evening.

It was a fantastic sight to see so many tractors, diggers and other vehicles all decked out in enormous amounts of colourful Christmas lights and decorations diving through the town of Cahir. A special welcome was given to the Ford Sierra that won the 1992 Circuit of Ireland Rally with Frank Meaghear and later driven by the late Craig Breen. Johnny B was a welcome guest who arrived in style on the back of a decorated truck to much applause from his fellow townsfolk and ensuring the event began in style!

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With festive music being played on the Square, the crowds lined the streets of the Cahir waiting for the arrival of the Tractor Run and Santa. Santa of course had Mrs Claus in tow and both were transported in a beautiful, brightly lit sleigh and thanks go to Peter Forristal who once again offered his services and gave Santa and Mrs Claus a lift following the Tractor Run. Santa was followed by the childrens parade of tricycles, bikes, tractors and quads all eagerly awaiting Santa’s arrival and happy to show off their own display of lighted vehicles! 

When Santa arrived at the Square he greeted everyone before proceeding to the light switch. Johnny B met Santa there and gave the official countdown before Santa officially turned on the Cahir Christmas Lights to much excitement! There was time for a Christmas song, courtesy of Johnny B and the Elves and few photos too, and then Santa went straight to his Grotto at the Tourist Office where he had a lot of little visitors waiting to see him and tell him what they wanted for Christmas!

This year’s Tractor Run was once again organised by Dualla Ploughing Association supported by Cahir Development Association and Cahir Tidy Towns, the Cahir Christmas Lights are organised & fundraised for by Cahir Development Association, and we thank Francis Doherty of FD Electrical and crew for doing such a good job on the Christmas Lights this year! All Christmas Festivities are supported by Cahir Development Association and the Cahir Tidy Towns Group.

Thanks also to all businesses that have made financial contributions and to all the businesses that stayed open late to serve teas, coffees and hot chocolate to all at the Christmas event last Saturday. Thanks also to Cahir Fire brigade who led the Tractor Run and Cahir Community Gardaí who have been brilliant in the lead up to the event and kept traffic flowing on the evening. Also, our local hero Johnnie B, our thanks go to Johnnie for supporting the cause & taking time out from a busy schedule as the 2 Johnnies prepare for the 3 Arena next week. Of course, thanks also to Tipperary County Council, all the Elves & Olivia Darcy, Santa and Mrs Claus, the stewards and media coverage, the public and all those who support the Cahir Christmas Lights appeal. Our thanks go to each and everyone of these Groups or individuals that go out of their way to make Cahir a wonderful place to be at Christmas!

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Every year it’s a struggle to light up the town at Christmas and without the help of the public, the businesses and Tipperary County Council funding, it would simply not happen. The lights add the glow and warmth to the festive season and we encourage people to donate to the cause. We also ask that you support local businesses when shopping for Christmas, as most of your shoppping can be found in Cahir.

Well done and thank you to all involved in the official switch on of the Cahir Christmas Lights, the Tractor Run and Santa event, a great time was had by all!