SINCE she was born eight months ago little Imogen Brigdale has lit up the lives of her family, and now she has helped to light up the community of Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Residents in Newmarket-on-Fergus have been treated to an illuminating Christmas display this holiday season. The lights were recently switched on by Imogen and her parents Jane O’Leary and Alan Brigdale. The tiny tot has proved an inspirational character having repeatedly defied the odds since her post-natal diagnosis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
The light display is thanks to a collaboration between the Rise Global Foundation and community development organisation, Obair.
Located in the Fairgreen near to the village church, the Christmas tree and light display was unveiled at a fun-filled event earlier this month.
David McCourt, who is the founder of Rise and the Chairman of National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company responsible for designing, building and operating the new national infrastructure under the National Broadband Plan in partnership with the Government, commented: “For the past three years, we’ve been donating Christmas trees for everyone in the village to enjoy, but this year what’s made it extra special is the collaboration that’s taken place in the community to create something we can all be proud of.
“In the months running up to launching Rise, which we did last month, we’ve engaged business owners, community leaders, social enterprises, and others responsible for supporting grassroots community projects, and this Christmas display is a great example of people in the community pulling together and celebrating our shared pride of place.”
Showing their support to Rise and Obair to elevate this year’s Christmas display, a number of cross community organisations joined forces, including The Residents Association, as well as Newmarket residents Pat Keogh, Bob Enright, Tom Neylon, Fergus Bannon and many other local supporters.
The celebration was marked by music provided by the Irish Traditional Music Institute and Harp School, with carols sang by 11-year-old local soprano, Seamus McGuire.