It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Ballivor
Hannah McNamara
The festive season is well underway in Ballivor with the lighting of the village Christmas tree and two Santa visits.
Last Sunday, Ballivor welcomed its first Santa who arrived alongside one of his elves to Byrne's Bar at 1pm in a horse-drawn carriage.
With an inflatable Santa's grotto out the back of the pub, the children could have a personal visit with Father Christmas and tell him all they wish for this Christmas.
There were families travelling from surrounding towns and Santa greeted and gifted selection boxes to over 100 children.
The visit was just €4 per child with all the money raised going towards Ballivor's St Patrick's Day Parade 2024.
Claire O'Mara, Secretary of the Ballivor St Patrick's Day committee said: "We were delighted to host Santa Claus in Byrne's last Sunday. He arrived on the horse-drawn carriage with many people stopping, waving and taking loads of pictures.
"Santa was visited by over 100 children. It was a fantastic set up and all the children really enjoyed the experience."
She added: "It's all about the children at this time of year, it's a magical time and we as a committee wanted to create that magic right here in the heart of our wonderful village. All monies raised goes towards making our second parade in decades bigger and better and growing each year."
Later that evening, at 6pm the people of Ballivor gathered outside the church for the turning on of the village Christmas tree lights.
The second Santa arrived to the village followed by a Christmas tractor parade for the little ones.
There were plans for Irish dancers, live music, carol singers and serving of mulled wine at the event, however the bad weather conditions meant they had to abandon these plans.
Lisa Byrne, Ballivor Community Council member and the tree lighting event organiser said: "The weather outside may have been frightful but Ballivor was still delightful!"
This year, Ballivor council received a €1,000 grant towards their Christmas lights from Meath County Council, which "helped make it all possible".
The council want to thank everyone involved in their successful day: "We wish to thank everyone involved in making the Christmas tree lighting this year possible. From the lads erecting the tree and putting on the lights, to the people of Ballivor who came down and braved the rotten weather to support it.
"To Pat Laughlin aka Santa Claus and the Local Vintage Club who decorated their tractors to ensure Santa arrived in true festive style!"
They added: "Unfortunately the bad weather forced us to cancel some of our plans at the lights event but Joe McLaughlin invited folk back to McLaughlin's pub to ensure the adults still got their hot drinks."