Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Eibhlin Byrne in association with the Irish Farmers Association President Mr. Padraig Walshe will officially open the Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House at 10.30 am on Monday 8th December, 2008.  

The Crib portrays a traditional nativity scene set among live animals in a specially constructed, life size stable. The animals are brought in each morning and returned to a farm on the outskirts of the city each evening.  

The Lord Mayor said, “I am delighted to launch the Irish Farmers’ Association Live Animal Crib here at the Mansion House.  The presence of the Crib is a wonderful symbol of the first Christmas for those who share the Christian faith and I hope that those who do not share that faith will also enjoy this delightful tradition at the Mansion House”.   

Opening the Crib, IFA President Padraig Walshe thanked the Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne for her support for the Crib.  He said: “The IFA Live Animal Crib has become an established part of Christmas in Dublin and has grown in popularity, especially with children. The Crib is the only one of its kind in the country and is meant as a gesture of goodwill from the farmers of Ireland to the people of Dublin as they celebrate Christmas. It 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 for families about the importance of food production in this country." 

Admission to the Crib is free, but voluntary contributions are welcomed for the Lord Mayor’s Fuel Fund.  

The Crib will be open to the public outside the Mansion House from Monday 8th December until Wednesday 24th December (inclusive) from 11a.m. to 7p.m. daily (closes at 6p.m . on Christmas Eve).

ENDS