Culprit comes forward after climbing Laois Christmas Tree
The image posted on the Portarlington Christmas Tree social media page
A CULPRIT has come forward after climbing the newly-erected Christmas Tree in Portarlington last night, causing damage to the lights.
The incident caused anger and upset among volunteers, who spent weeks of hard work and fundraising to have the beautiful tree erected.
As reported in the Laois Nationalist earlier today, the tree climber’s antics were condemned by the Portarlington Christmas Tree committee, which was unaware of the incident before a photo was circulated on social media.
In an update at 6pm this evening, the committee said: ‘The incident that occurred last night with the tree has been resolved between the committee and the individual involved.
‘We appreciate this individual coming forward. The picture was published on social media before the Christmas Tree committee was made aware.’
The incident caused considerable annoyance and inconvenience for the voluntary group, which must engage a hoist again to check the extent of damage to the tree lights.
In an earlier social media post at lunchtime today, the 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 image of the climber, who was clearly no angel, had been circulating on social media with the tagline ‘Good man Santa Claus’.
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.
