Ho-ho-ho... Santa rides into town

Ho-ho-ho... Santa rides into town

6 December 2023

SANTA’S Christmas Charity Ride brought a spectacle of colour to Downpatrick on Saturday.

The event is normally held in Saintfield, but this year it came to Downpatrick to provide the town with much-needed cheer in the aftermath of last month’s floods.

Dozens of horse-mounted Santas made their way from Downpatrick Racecourse, where they enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies, to St Patrick’s Square.

At the head of the procession was the real Santa himself, who said he was delighted to come to Downpatrick.

Ride organiser Joan Cunningham said she was “totally overwhelmed” by the “amazing welcome” she and all the riders and supporters experienced.

“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.

“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.

She added: “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.”