Santa ride brings festive goodwill to Downpatrick
Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride changes location for one year only
Downpatrick welcomed the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride on Saturday, as the ride changed location for this year to bring some festive goodwill to the town and some cheer to residents, following the devastation they experienced due to flooding at the start of November.
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Ride organiser Joan Cunningham was contacted by Downpatrick businessman, Bartley Murphy asking if the ride might move to Downpatrick for this year and, in the spirit of the season, Joan agreed. Downpatrick Racecourse kindly gave permission for participants to park on their grounds, which was brilliant for everyone.
There was a mulled wine and mince pie reception, with Christmas music playing, to get everyone into a festive mood. Once everyone was tacked up and mounted, the ride followed the ‘Real Santa’ in Angelo Kane’s carriage, into Downpatrick, where crowds of people were lining the streets to welcome the ride to the town; many onlookers said ‘thank you for coming’ as riders passed them.
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“I am totally overwhelmed by the amazing welcome that myself and all the riders and supporters received on Saturday in Downpatrick with my Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. All expectations were surpassed and to help bring some festive cheer following the devastation of the recent flooding was more than I could ever have wished for,” said Joan following the ride.
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“Downpatrick businessman, Bartley Murphy asked me to bring the ride to Downpatrick for one year only to boost community spirit and morale and raise some festive cheer. I agreed, as I felt it was the Christian thing to do under the circumstances and I am so glad I did!
“The ride was a massive success, with a huge turnout of riders, supporters and crowds lining the street. It was absolutely phenomenal. My sincere thanks to Bartley Murphy, to the riders and supporters and to everyone involved, who pulled out all the stops to make the event such a wonderful success,” Joan concluded.
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