Hacketstown toys on 29th year

FOR the 29th year in a row, the community of Hacketstown, Co Carlow, has donated hundreds of children’s toys for struggling Tallaght families in the run-up to Christmas.

Community gardaí from Tallaght Garda Station collected the toys from Carlow last week, continuing a tradition that was started by former Killinarden priest Fr Jim McCormack almost three decades ago.

The toy drive began when Fr McCormack became the parish priest in Hacketstown and made an appeal on behalf of Tallaght’s disadvantaged families to his new parishioners.

When Fr McCormack retired in 2020, the current parish priest for Hacketstown, Fr Terence McGovern, was happy to carry on the tradition.

The Christmas toy haul was delivered this week by community gardaí to families they have come into contact with during the year, and also through liaising with local schools and agencies.

Tallaght Garda Pat Courtney, who helped to distribute the toys, told The Echo: “There were hundreds of toys donated, and most of them have been given out at this stage.

“They’re given to families who have been referred to us by schools and other agencies in the area, and people who would’ve come into contact with us through our investigations during the year.

“We just try to get out to them all and make sure they get what they need.”

The donated toys come from parishioners across four parishes in Hacketstown, who also donate Easter eggs to Tallaght people in need every spring.

“The toys are given to kids and families that need them,” added Sgt Courtney.

“It’s a small gesture from individuals in Hacketstown, but it makes a huge difference to people up here.

“It’s very positive, they’re giving something to people who, if you didn’t give it to them, then they wouldn’t have it – you’re easing the burden on families at Christmas.”