It was, delighted organisers observed, one of the biggest if not the biggest crowds that ever lined the streets for a Christmas in Killarney parade and those that turned out were not disappointed going home as they were treated to a spectacular festive season show that had everybody reaching for the superlatives.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan
The weather – dry and mild – played its part and excitement was building from early afternoon as the country’s premier tourist town prepared to turn on the style and show some real class, as only Killarney can.
Shortly after 6.00pm the fun began by which time master of ceremonies Cllr Niall O’Callaghan had the children agog with excitement as they waited for the spectacular floats to wind their way through the streets.
Several tractors and agri machinery, festooned with Christmas lights and giant wrapped gifts, led the way and inflatable and illuminated white horses, stage school participants, dynamic dancers from Ukraine and Disney characters followed quickly behind before the first of the fabulous floats came into sight.
There were giant-sized candy factories, super-sized Christmas decorations and famous local landmarks decorated for the festive season but the biggest cheer of all – and the greatest sense of wonder – was reserved for Santa Claus himself, who had just arrived from the North Pole.
He waved and smiled and joked and chatted with the children – and the young at heart – from his lofty pedestal on a giant sleigh and to say he was a massive hit would probably be the understatement of the year.
It’s Christmas in Killarney and there is nothing quite like it in the country in terms of magic and excitement and sheer quality.
And those unlucky enough to miss out need not fret as there will be another parade next Saturday night, and the Saturday night after that and the Saturday night after that again – and Santa has put those dates in his diary and promised that he’ll be there every time.
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