Crowds gathered outside Mansion House today (Wednesday, December 11) as the live animal crib made its annual return at the official launch.
The crib first made its way to the capital in 1995 and has had visitors every year since in a joint initiative between Dublin City Council and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).
IFA president Francie Gorman said that the crib first came as a “gift” from the farmers of Ireland to people in Co. Dublin to appreciate the “support and thanks” received throughout the years.
He said that bringing the animals to the city, helps to “bridge the gap between town and country”, giving people the chance to see live farm animals.
The president launched the crib along with the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Donna Cooney. It was then blessed by Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin, Most Rev Paul Dempsey and Rev. Paul Arbuthnot, St. Ann’s Church, Dawson Street.
Choir singers from ‘Little Angels’in St. Josephs Nursery, Dublin, and the Lucan Gospel Choir performed on the steps of the Mansion House.
The Deputy Lord Mayor said: “The Mansion House should always be welcoming to the people of Dublin, and we want to make sure that’s especially so at Christmas. Children and grown-ups of all ages are welcome to drop by and share some festive joy.”
The crib will be open from today and every day until December 23 from 11:00a.m until 4:00p.m. It will also open from 11:00a.m until 1:00p.m on Christmas eve.
The times will allow for the daily return of the main attractions: Daisy the donkey, Lilly the goat and the sheep, Paul and Peter.
Farmer, Fionn Sherlock brings the animals to and from the crib each day from the family farm in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.
The farmer has been returning to the crib every year since he was about eight-years-old, following on the tradition of supplying the animals from his grandparents and parents.
“Its quite a warm structure here, no rain can get in and its probably as good as the shed at home that they’re kept in. It’s a very comfortable environment for them,” Sherlock said.