The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
HUNDREDS of people descended on Tim Smyth Park (Ennis Fairgreen) on Sunday afternoon to participate in, or enjoy as spectators, the annual Christmas tree throwing competition. A break in the bad weather enabled the event to progress in a very enjoyable atmosphere, much to the relief of organisers, Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council.
The contest, which is based on age-old lumberjack traditions and is commonplace across Germany and Austria, sees members of the public competing to achieve the longest distance for throwing a standard 1.5 metre tree.
Last year’s winner, John O’Dea from Limerick launched a Christmas tree 10.2 metres, just less than 2 metres short of the World Record held by Klaus Pubnaz who hurled a tree a distance of 12m in Germany three years ago.
