Shops lead counter revolution

THE eighth of December was traditionally the day that the big Christmas shopping spree began in rural Ireland.

It was a day of obligation for country people who visited their local shops, bought their presents and began the countdown to the festivities.

Women ordered the turkey from the local butcher and cleared unpaid bills. Men folk had a seasonal drink in the pub and talked about the dying year and the state of the country. And children gazed in wonder at the colourful displays of decorations and toys.