Tulla’s Christmas cheer restored as lights go back up

FESTIVE lights are burning brightly once again on Tulla’s Main Street after a complaint forced their removal from ESB poles earlier this month.

The goodwill of residents and businesses on Main Street has resulted in bespoke brackets being installed so that Christmas lights could be hung back up last week.

The street had been without its seasonal illuminations for some days after a complaint was made to the ESB about the positioning of the lights which had, in a decade-long tradition, been suspended from the poles.

While there was no question of the lights drawing any electricity from those, the ESB was forced to act on the complaint. Despite their dismay at not being contacted directly by the complainant – likened by some to the Grinch – the Tidy Towns committee quickly rallied its resources. A dedicated Christmas lights team went above and beyond the call of duty to get brackets installed, so that the festive sparkle could be restored.

“Everyone was shocked to see the lights coming down,” said Tim Humphries of Tulla Tidy Towns.

“That’s a bit of an understatement, actually, because the lights had been hung in the same way for years and the supply was donated by homes and businesses.

“We had to get two of our team out with the ESB to mind the lights because they’re funded by grants from the likes of Clare County Council. That meant they had to take time off work and it was an extra job we could have done without at this time of year.

“We then approached all of the residents and businesses on Main Street about installing brackets and, to be honest, we got a really great reaction.

“We got a lot of work done in a short pace of time and it’s credit to a great team of 12 volunteers and to Seán Cahir who looks after our lights and our hanging baskets and makes sure what we do is sustainable. The lights are on a timer so that they are using as little electricity as possible.”

While Main Street was without lights for a week to ten days, there were great celebrations when they returned on December 12.

“We had a great turn out, with Tulla Choir there to sing and lots of kids and parents,” Tim said.

“Because of the cold, we didn’t know if we would get people coming out, but it was really great to see everyone there. Tulla Scouts were on hand with festive punch. Paula Queally, a long-standing member of the committee, did the honours and pressed the magic button.

“There was a great atmosphere and Main Street is looking great. Some people have said the new arrangement for the lights looks even better.”