Anger as 'gobshite' climbs Laois Christmas Tree
The image posted on the Portarlington Christmas Tree social media page
VOLUNTEERS are angry and upset after a man climbed the newly-erected Christmas Tree in Portarlington last night.
After weeks of hard work, the voluntary group must engage a hoist again to check the extent of damage to the towering tree. The incident has been reported to gardaí.
In a social media post today, the Portarlington Christmas Tree committee said: ‘We have had someone vandalise the Christmas Tree last light, causing significant damage to the lighting of the tree.
‘We know who you are and will be reporting it to the guards, expect a knock on your door.
‘We have spent weeks preparing and putting up the tree for a gobshite like you, who thinks you can do what you want. Remember we are a voluntary group who give up our time so we can have a lovely tree in our town.’
The group also posted a photograph of the culprit near the top of the tree, late on Saturday night or the early hours of Sunday morning.
The notice was posted on the ‘Portarlington Christmas Tree 31 yrs and still going strong’ Facebook page.
The incident is extremely upsetting for the group, which had just completed installation of the tree in preparation for the switching-on of festive lights in the town next Saturday.
It is hoped that the incident will not affect the town’s celebrations on Saturday 29 November, when a festive gathering featuring Santa Claus and the Santa Truck will start at 7pm.
