Farmers get into the Christmas spirit
They have done so through an annual lrish Farmers Association live animal crib which has been attracting thousands of visitors at the Mansion House in Dublin for the past 10 days.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Vincent Jackson and IFA Farm Family chairwoman Mary Sherry opened the crib which will remain open to the public until Saturday evening.
Mr Jackson said people should bring all the family to visit this wonderful symbol of the true meaning of Christmas.
He said the strong friendship Dublin City Council has forged with the IFA over the years has raised over €130,000 for the Lord Mayor’s Charity Fund to date.
Ms Sherry said the crib which has become an established part of Christmas in Dublin and has grown in popularity, especially with children.
‘’The crib brings a little bit of the country into the heart of the city and gives children access to a variety of farm animals,” Ms Sherry said.
This crib portrays a traditional nativity scene set among live animals in a specially constructed, life-size stable.
The animals, Edward and Nancy the donkeys; Millie and Mary the goats; and Daisy, Lillie and Rose the sheep, are brought in each morning and returned to a farm on the outskirts of the city each evening.
Admission to the crib is free, but last year over €10,000 was raised for the Lord Mayor’s Fuel Fund from voluntary donations.
