Athboy community rallies to replace school’s stolen Christmas Tree

ANN CASEY
The Grinches who tried to ruin Christmas for the children of Athboy has failed miserably - as the local community rallied round to provide a new Christmas tree  to replace one which was stolen by heartless thieves.
The callous act took place on Monday evening but heartbreak had turned to joy by Tuesday morning as the generosity of the local community shone through.
Students and staff at O’Growney National School were horrified on Monday morning to discover the cruel theft of the Christmas tree, which had been the children’s pride and joy. There was just a hole in the ground left.  However the true spirit of Christmas wasn’t long coming to the rescue.
“The children were heartbroken” said principal, John Brennan, “We had launched our Christmas celebrations on 9th December with Mass in St James Church and then our caretaker, Jimmy Herward switched on the lights and we had carol singing.

“The children loved it and were devastated when they discovered the tree had been taken.”
However, just like the infamous Grinch, the heartless thieves didn’t succeed in spoiling Christmas, as the people of Meath ensured the tree was replaced.
The local business community rallied round and Fresh Today supplied the school with their largest Christmas tree, while Clann na Gael donated new lights. Meanwhile Paul O’Brien of Wilkinstown also provided a new tree from his nursery.

Christmas is saved... The Athboy Community turned their shock and anger to action and smiles

“This has made our Christmas,” said Mr Brennan. “Thankfully the goodness in our school community outweighs the badness. Thanks to our local councillor, David Gilroy and the local business community.”
The children had a very exciting second switch on of the lights this morning (Tuesday), as the new tree went up and there was carol singing and celebrations for the whole school community.
Mr Brennan says they have CCTV footage of the culprits - five men - who took the tree and this has been passed onto the gardai.
The chair of the Parents Association, Vanessa McAuley said that the children 
had been devastated by the theft.

Principal John Brennan and Fr Padraig McMahon inspect the new spruce

“They were heartbroken but the community rallied around and we had so many offers of help. There is definitely more good than bad around. We’ve seen the true spirit of Christmas,” she said.
Cllr Davild Gilroy said he was stunned as to how someone could be so mean-spirited.
“In a world where it’s hard to fathom how low people are prepared to go, we have certainly a new contender for the meanest act of low living.
“This lovey tree was planted for the enjoyment of the boys and girls who go to our great school. Obviously this was too much to bear for some people. Who could actually steal a Christmas tree from children? If anyone saw the perpetrators slithering away please let someone know. I’m stunned by this one. I really am.”

Schoolchildren at O'Growney NS were delighted with the replacement tree.

“The tree was taken  after 5pm on Sunday evening and there is CCTV footage of it. It was the lowest of the low. The children were so proud of that tree and make a huge effort with it. Everyone was very shocked and annoyed,” he said.

The original tree is believed to have been taken by up to my five males

“However, a very positive thing came out of something so negative. The community of Athboy rallied round to save the day. Everyone is delighted at the fantastic response.
“The children have a lovely new tree to enjoy and there was great excitement today, as the lights were switched on, and there was more carol singing around the new tree,” said Cllr Gilroy.