Special little guest to light up Mountmellick Christmas Tree

Mountmellick Christmas Tree is one of the most famed in Ireland, a semi permanent structure of moving lights standing 65 feet tall, erected and funded by the local community. 

A special little guest has been announced by the committee to turn on the lights, with the time also announced.

They have chosen Ballyfin schoolboy Thomas Scott.

The kindhearted boy had donated his communion money back in 2020 for a huge fundraising appeal to keep the tree lit that year. It is a Scott family tradition to come to Mountmellick each year to see the tree, and as a thank you for his generosity, this year Thomas was invited to press the switch.

The tree will be lit up at 8pm this Friday, November 25, in time for the Late Late Toy Show.

"Back in 2020 we told you the story of our biggest fan, Thomas Scott. Of how the tree plays a huge part of his family’s Christmas tradition and of how he decided to donate his Communion money to our fundraising that year (in his hand-decorated envelope). Beautiful.

"So, we are extremely honoured to have Thomas turn the switch on this year. We all know the massive part this tree plays in our respective childhood memories, and we know its future is safe with people like Thomas in the ranks. See you all this Friday night," the committee announced. 

 Below: video by John Lynch.

Mountmellick has had a Christmas tree located in O'Connell Square since 1956. The first tree was transported by ass and cart into the Square. 

Larger trees were erected until 1961, with a manhole in the square to take these larger trees. In 1963 light sequences were introduced. 

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In 1969 a pole structure was used instead of the original live tree. In 1983 a permanent steel structure was put in place with a skeleton framework, which enabled the wiring to be standardized, with real branches attached by hand. It is this structure that is in use to the present day.

Brothers Brian and Ger Lynch were instrumental in creating and maintaining the crib and tree over the decades. They retired and a new committee took on the task in 2020, with Ger's daughter Aoife now running the complex light sequences.