Special guests light up Mountmellick Christmas Tree
John, Ann and Sara Dooley, Eoin, John Holohan and Cathal who switched on the Christmas Tree lights in Mountmellick. Photo: Denis Byrne
TWO very special guests switched on the Mountmellick Christmas Tree lights on Friday, when a remarkable mother and son spread festive cheer throughout ‘the little town with the big heart’.
Family Carer of the Year 2024 Sarah Dooley and her son Cathal Houlihan, a Hero Forever who overcame leukaemia, turned on the lights to joyful applause at a wonderful community gathering in O’Connell Square.
Santa's little helpers from Mountmellick Employment Resource pulled out all the stops to have the tree and crib ready for the big switch-on at 7pm, while a tireless team of volunteers worked behind the scenes to transform the town centre into a festive winter wonderland.
During an uplifting address by Christmas Tree Committee chair Paddy Buggy, there were special cheers for Leon Westman, another courageous local boy going through cancer treatment. There was also a poignant remembrance of much-missed committee members Brian Lynch and Trish Kelley, who passed away this year.
Ecumenical prayers from four local church leaders were recited around the glittering tree, which will be replaced by a bigger, permanent structure in 2026.
The Mountmellick Christmas Tree committee was thrilled that two amazing residents did the honours, as they said: ‘Sarah is a mother of four from Mountmellick whose courage, kindness and unstoppable determination have inspired people far beyond Mountmellick. Herself and her partner, Cathal senior, have faced enormous challenges, yet they never stop advocating and never stop showing what resilience really looks like.
‘Cathal junior’s own bravery and good humour have been just as remarkable. Together, they have shown what is important in life: family, health and being together.’
The committee added on their Facebook page: ‘Their spirit is a lesson for all of us, especially here in Mountmellick where we know hardship only too well.
‘We have faced many challenges, including the recent risk of flooding, yet we keep coming together, we keep looking out for one another and we keep fighting.
‘So, as Sarah and Cathal light up our Christmas Tree, please remember that this season can feel heavy for some. Not everyone loves Christmas and many will carry loneliness, worry or the ache of loss. Let the light remind us to look out for one another, to be kind and to make space for those who need a little extra care this time of year.’
From Debbicott, Mountmellick, Sarah is a busy full-time mum to four boys, including twins John and Patrick (6). Cathal (8) and Eoin (10). The twins are autistic and non-verbal while Cathal’s treatment required constant hospital visits.
The judges who selected Sarah as 2024 Netwatch Laois Family Carer of the Year described her as ‘a remarkable woman who shows incredible dedication to her kids every day’.
