Christmas light fittings stolen in Athboy

There was anger and disappointment in Athboy this week at the discovery that three of their unique Christmas light fittings were stolen.

Gardai are investigating the theft of the red uplighters in the early hours of Monday morning and it is believed the culprit was caught on CCTV.

The lights were stolen from outside the old Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and at the Navan side of town.

Cllr David Gilroy as asked the public to let the Gardai know if they have any information.

"This is very disappointing for the local community. We were very proud of our Christmas lights this year. People from all the community groups in the town came together to raise funds and put up the lights," he said.

"Stealing Christmas lights is fairly near the bottom of things to do, particularly when so much effort went into them and they brought so much to our community Christmas year."

Cllr Gilroy said the uplighters had been generously loaned to them by MPI artists, the group that runs the Puca festival.

"We will replace them and Athboy will have an even bgger and brighter display next year."

He explained that they have now taken down the Christmas lights prematurely to prevent further thefts.

It isn't the first time, Athboy has been hit by Grinch stealing Christmas lights. Six years ago, the Christmas tree at the local primary school was stolen before Christmas but the local community rallied round and replaced it.

"We have a very strong community in Athboy. The thieves will get tired before we will. We'll keep going," Cllr Gilroy concluded.