In Reply to: CASTLEBAR CHRISTMAS posted by Brķan Hoban on December 08, 2010 at 11:35:02:

Well folks, it is getting close to that special time of the year once again. Christmas. Now, that I am the grandfather of 7 little ones, this time of year brings back so many memories of when I was a young boy growing up on Mchale Road. Being part of a very large family made it even more special. God only knows how my parents used to cope with the pressures that this time of year used to place on them. We were by no means rich, but no Christmas ever went by when we did not receive something in our "Christmas stocking". It wouldn't be much but there was always something. My parents always opted for a goose as opposed to a turkey for our Christmas feast. Maybe a goose was less expensive, I really don't know but when you are part of a large family with many mouths to feed, you don't question the "menu".
The excitement always reached a climax on Christmas eve and this was probably the only night of the year when our parents did not have to tell us a 100 times "to get to bed". The way we figured it was, the sooner you get bed, the sooner Santy would come.

When I see the amount of presents that the young ones of today get I am amazed and of course I am just as guilty as the next grandparent for adding to the massive amount of toys. We do tend to spoil them but then that is what grandparents do.....

It has been many years since I spent a Christmas in Castlebar but not a year goes by when I don't think back to those (tough) but enjoyable and exciting Christmasses in the town I love so well.

So, to all my family and friends in the town and on Mchale Road, I wish you all a Happy, Holy & Blessed Christmas and my wish for the New Year of 2011 is that the tough times will end and that Castlebar and Ireland will once again enjoy prosperity and employment opportunities.