The Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr. Emer Costello and the Irish Farmers Association President Mr. Padraig Walshe will open the Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 on Tuesday, 8th December 2009 at 10.00am.
The Crib portrays the traditional nativity scene with live animals housed in a stable setting. This year in conjunction with the opening of the Live Animal Crib, the forecourt of the Mansion House will be transformed with stilt-walkers, face painters and balloon modellers and a choir from St. Mary’s School Glasnevin to mark “Family Day” which is part of Dublin City’s Winter Festival programme. The Lord Mayor will also turn on the lights of the Mansion House Christmas Tree after the blessing of the Crib. To view a full list of events log on to www.dublincity.ie
The Lord Mayor Cllr. Emer Costello said,
"I would encourage Dubliners, young and old alike, to take a few moments out of their hectic schedules to enjoy the magical simplicity of the live animals within a stable setting. The Crib is a special gift from the farmers of Ireland to Dublin and I would like to thank the Irish Farmers Association for their generosity over the past fourteen years.”
Speaking at the opening the President of the Irish Farmers Association, Padraig Walshe said,
” At the close of what has been a very difficult year for farming, IFA is delighted to be part of the Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House. Since its inception in 1995, the Crib has become a much-cherished part of Christmas in Dublin for visitors and shoppers. The additional features of this year’s Crib launch which will incorporate Dublin City’s “Family Day” will enhance the Crib as an event for families. The partnership between IFA and the Lord Mayor of Dublin brings a part of the country into the heart of the city and allows children access to a variety of farm animals. It plays an important role in helping to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's Fund, and serves as a reminder about the importance of food production in this country.”
The Crib will be open to the public outside the Mansion House from Tuesday 8th December until Thursday 24th December (inclusive) from 11a.m. to 7p.m. daily (closes at 4p.m. on Christmas Eve). Admission to the Crib is free but voluntary contributions are welcomed for the Mansion House fuel Fund.
ENDS