'We live in an incredible community':  Midleton lights up after a difficult year

THE bells were ringing out for Christmas in Midleton last weekend when the town’s Chamber organised a ‘Mingle & Jingle’ event to lift the spirits of the local community in the wake of Storm Babet that hit the town on October 18.

“We wanted to bring a bit of festive joy back into the town,” said Adrianna Hegarty, president of Midleton and Area Chamber. 

“It is a boost for the area-and to spread the message that Midleton is ‘very much open’ for business.” 

People got the message as they dived into a shopping extravaganza offering lots of seasonal deals. 

A dramatic year 

Kelvin Farmer thought all his Christmases came together when he met Santa who came to town. 

The man himself got a garda escort through Midleton, much to the delight of all the younger townspeople.

“Now Kelvin can ask Santa for what he wants for Christmas,” said his mum, Jane Duggan.

“He’s been asking for a basketball all year. Santa has been listening intently!”

It’s been a dramatic year for young Kelvin. His pre-school had to close due to the floods,” said Jane.

“We weren’t flooded out in Broomfield, but the pre-school was. Kelvin started a new pre-school this year.”

Molly Jane Lackey enjoyed mingling and browsing around Midleton with her mum, Karen, at this most wonderful time of the year.

The shop windows were lit up, and sparkling lights and fizzy stars illuminated the main street, which not so long ago was decimated and strewn with skips after 94 milliliters of rain fell in just 24 hours.

“There is a fabulous atmosphere in town today,” said Karen, who started her Christmas shopping on December 8, the official start of Christmas.

“I feel there is a lovely relaxed, feelgood buzz in the town after the floods,” says Karen.

“Everyone is supporting the businesses and shops in the town by shopping local. It’s great to see.”

'An incredible community'

Emer Harrington who was bringing her daughter, Mae, for a ride on the merry-go-round in Market Green, agreed.

“We live in an incredible community,” says Emer.

“We all support each other and in tough times we all pull together.”

Marie Piper was in a bubbly mood in Market Green as she chatted to customers and offered them free samples of the delicious crepes, candy floss and churros. 

It’s not surprising her customers were full of Christmas cheer.

“There are so many happy customers around today,” said Marie from Glanmire.

“The atmosphere about town is wonderful, people are in a great mood, and we are all like one big happy family.”