Shanagolden’s Beloved Christmas Lights Display Takes a Break in 2024
This holiday season, Shanagolden will be a tad less sparkly. The cherished tradition of Hayes Christmas Lights won’t be illuminating the town in 2024.
The festive spectacle, meticulously crafted by Cormac Hayes, has been delighting visitors for years. This year, however, Cormac announced a much-needed pause.
The tradition began in 1997, sparked by Cormac’s mother, Mary. Despite initial skepticism from his father, Timmy, who thought “only Americans do that sort of thing,” the display blossomed into a beloved tradition. After a pause from 2005 when his father passed away, Cormac revived the display in 2017.
Since its reboot, the dazzling display has not only become a beacon of holiday cheer, but has also raised almost €100,000 for local charities.
A Dedicated Creator
Every year, Cormac tirelessly dedicates eight and a half weeks to creating this magical spectacle. Working each evening after his shift at O’Neills Deli Supplies – a demanding schedule that begins at 4 am – Cormac transforms his home into a winter wonderland. His dedication, while impressive, is driven by something even deeper.
“Every morning, when I pass University Hospital Limerick, seeing the people inside who won’t be able to come out for Christmas keeps me going,” Cormac confessed.
A Year for Family and Personal Reflection
Cormac expressed his gratitude for years of community support. He promises a grand return in 2025. “Next year’s display will be larger and brighter, that’s for sure: If you’ve seen last year’s display, it’ll be another quarter bigger, I can promise you that,” he shared.
This year, however, is about family time. Cormac wants to spend this Christmas cherished time with his mother and family.
“We never got to do all the things we’d hoped for,
and this year I’m making those places in my heart that won’t be able to come out for Christmas. I can promise you it’ll be another quarter bigger.
Is there any indication whether the absence of the lights is temporary or a permanent change for Shanagolden?
## Shanagolden’s Christmas Lights: A Year Off
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we want to talk about a local tradition that’s taking a break this year. For many, a visit to see the Hayes Christmas Lights in Shanagolden has become a beloved holiday ritual. But this year, the lights will be dimmed. With me to discuss this is [Guest Name], a lifelong resident of Shanagolden. Welcome to the show.
**Guest:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** It’s a bit of a shock for many to hear that the Hayes Lights won’t be up this year. Can you shed some light on why this decision was made?
**Guest:** It’s true, it’s definitely a change for Shanagolden. Unfortunately, the information available is limited. I know from the local community newsletter from 2020 [[1](https://shanagolden.eu/PDF/Shanagolden_CC_Xmas_newsletter_2020.pdf)]that the lights were a big attraction, even winning praise from people in the surrounding areas like Clounties. But there haven’t been any official announcements about why they won’t be up this year.
**Interviewer:** It’s certainly a tradition that will be missed. Any idea if it’s a permanent change or if the lights will return in the future?
**Guest:** It’s hard to say for sure. I imagine the decision will depend on a number of factors. Maybe there are logistical challenges, or perhaps the organizers need a year to regroup.
**Interviewer:** I’m sure everyone in Shanagolden is hoping they’ll be back soon. Thank you so much for joining us today, [Guest Name], and sharing your perspective on this.
**Guest:** My pleasure, it’s always good to talk about our community.
Please note that this interview is speculative as the provided information doesn’t state a reason for theHayes Christmas Lights being off in 2024.