The 'Journey to Bethlehem' tree contributed to last year's Nenagh Christmas Tree Festival by St Cronan's Association.

Joy of Nenagh Christmas Tree Festival

The partner for this year's Nenagh Christmas Tree Festival is St Cronan’s Association, which provides services to people with intellectual disabilities.


One of the winning trees last year was their ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ tree, telling the Christmas story from the visit of the Angel Gabriel to Mary to tell her she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus, all the way to the coming birth in a stable. But how did this beautiful tree come to be?


Like any other group of business-like people, the participants had a brainstorming session and used story boards to develop the scenes along the way. The arts & crafts and woodwork group were responsible for much of it, including the cutting out of figures and the crocheted and stiffened angels and snowflakes. It was a masterpiece that brought joy to everyone who saw it, and particularly the children.


This winning tree illustrates once again that ‘ability’ is the key element of ‘disability’.


Do join us at the Nenagh Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary's Church of Ireland, Nenagh, and see what other treasures have been created. The festival will run from December 13th to 17th, 1-6pm daily.