13.12.2021
Live Animal Crib opens at Dublin’s Mansion House
Archbishop Michael Jackson was at the Mansion House in Dublin this morning (Monday December 13) for the official opening and blessing of the Irish Farmers’ Association Live Animal Crib. He joined the Lord Mayor of Dublin Alison Gilliland and the president of the IFA Tim Cullinan as well as Imam Jameel Mutoola, a fellow member of the Dublin City Interfaith Forum.
The festive farmyard crib has become a favourite Christmas tradition since it first appeared outside the Mansion House in 1995. Usually the Vicar of the nearby St Ann’s Church blesses the crib at its official opening every year. As the parish is currently vacant, the Archbishop stepped in along with the Revd Terry Lilburn who is taking care of the parish.
“I was delighted to attend the blessing and opening of the Live Crib this morning,” Archbishop Jackson commented. “This has become a much loved tradition in Dublin’s city centre and over the coming days it will be a popular attraction for Dubliners and visitors alike who come to see the live farm animals and who will also be reminded of the Nativity. Through this very special Nativity scene we are encouraged by the Lord Mayor to contribute generously towards alleviating the needs of people across the city.”
The Lord Mayor pointed out that the Live Crib has become a must–see for many Dubliners, particularly for children who get to have a closer look at farm animals. She added that this year a new Nativity scene has been added.
“[The scene] combines the traditional figures of Mary, Joseph and, come Christmas Eve, the baby Jesus, along with a modern day representation of our city. This representation not only includes some of our key city skyline features but also the wonderful diversity of the people of Dublin. I know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some and I hope that everyone looking at this representation will see themselves in this diversity and know that they are not forgotten in our city at this festive time,” she said thanking artists Nicholas Dolan and Matthew Kelly for working with her on the concept.
IFA President, Tim Cullinan, said the IFA is delighted to work with the Lord Mayor of Dublin once again to bring the Live Animal Crib to the capital. “There’s an enduring appeal about the Live Animal Crib that draws families to visit in the run–up to Christmas. After a tumultuous year, it’s important to reassure people that some elements of pre–Christmas in Dublin remain the same. And it’s all in a safe, outdoors environment. Be sure to take some time during your visit to the city centre to drop by,” he commented.
The opening hours for the crib will be as follows: Monday 13th December – Thursday 23rd December from 11am to 5pm and on Christmas Eve from 11am to 1pm.