'Wren Day' fundraising tradition set to delight the crowds in North Kilkenny
Every year, the wren boys and girls raise much needed funds for local charities
North Kilkenny is getting ready for its traditional St Stephen’s Day ‘Wren’ Christmas Charity Fundraiser - which promises to be extra special this.
The traditional ‘Wren’ festivities have taken place in Ballyragget for many years and they are part and parcel of local Christmas celebrations.
Every year, the wren boys and girls raise much needed funds for local charities by visiting local pubs and clubs throughout North Kilkenny and have raised over €20,000 in the last few years.
This year promises to be a little bit extra special as the Ballyragget Men’s Shed have kindly donated traditional ‘Wren’ straw hats, which they hand made at their newly renovated shed at the old mill store and bakery.
The festivities will kick off on St Stephen's Day at 12.30pm in Ballyouskill and the wren boys and girls will then entertain the crowds at the square in Ballyragget at 3pm.
From there, the group will pay a visit to the local O’Gorman Home (a voluntary centre established in 1985 for the supported care of older people in the local community), to meet with their neighbours and friends.
Afterwards, the group will visit the pubs throughout North Kilkenny while raising funds for local charities.
The group are made up of musicians ranging form teenagers to retirees.