PHOTOS Sharlene Mawdsley lights up the Crescent Shopping Centre for Christmas

Sharlene Mawdsley lights up the Crescent Shopping Centre for Christmas. Sharlene with Eimear Dwan, Marketing Manager Crescent Shopping Centre, Brian O’ Leary, Centre Director, Crescent Shopping Centre. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Olympic athlete Sharlene Mawdsley spread Christmas cheer at the Crescent Shopping Centre as she officially turned on the Christmas lights

Sharlene Mawdsley celebrated the beginning of Christmas with hundreds of her fans at the Crescent Shopping Centre as the Team Ireland Olympic athlete officially turned on the Christmas lights.

Sharlene, who saw her dream come true this past summer as she represented Ireland at the Paris 2024 Olympic games, was greeted by fans and young people she has inspired at the Crescent Shopping Centre for the special event marking the beginning of the festive period.

Sharlene was joined by DJ Valerie Wheeler from Spin South West who MC’d the event and I Love Limerick were at hand to capture the event and bring its energy.

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Singers from Gaelscoil Sáirséal amazed the crowd while they waited for the big moment with much-loved Christmas carols.

Eimear Dwan, Marketing Manager for the Crescent, said the event “exceeded expectations” and was very grateful to Sharlene for taking time out of her busy training schedule to attend the event, saying the whole day had a “Christmassy feel” about it.

Eimear said, “It exceeded expectations, everybody really loved it and we are really appreciative here at the Crescent for Sharlene to come out of her busy training schedule and turn on our lights. Really, really happy and there’s a super Christmassy feel about the whole day.

The evening also showcased Sharlene’s influence as a role model with many fans in attendance sharing their admiration for the inspirational athlete, one young fan, Aoife, said, “She’s very inspiring and she’s, I’d love to be her when I grow up.”

Sharlene also expressed her joy and appreciation for her young fans, saying, “That’s why we do it and it’s just so great to see that little girls have someone to look up to.”

The countdown to the light switch-on was a highlight as the moment was met with a huge cheer as the beautiful festive lights illuminated the shopping centre’s mall making it a Christmas wonderland, following the lighting ceremony Sharlene took time to meet her fans, many of whom were happy to receive an autograph and pose for photos.

Brian O’Leary, Manager of the Crescent said following the event that it finally felt like Christmas and shared his gratitude for Sharlene attending the event as a special guest, saying, “Sharlene has been fantastic, and the crowd absolutely loved her. We couldn’t be happier.”

Sharlene echoed the festive feeling when she told I Love Limerick, “It feels like being home here in the Crescent today, it’s second to none. I’m honestly thrilled that Christmas is finally here. So the next few weeks are going to be so exciting!”

Following this festive start, Black Friday on November 29th promises not only great discounts across participating retailers but also a special fundraiser with St. Gabriel’s Foundation.

A 24 hour World Record Rowing attempt at Crescent Shopping Centre in aid of St Gabriel’s Foundation takes place November 29-30. Therapist and experienced rower Kate Healy will attempt to set a world record by rowing for 24 consecutive hours, starting at 11:00 am on Friday, November 29 and concluding at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 30th. This inspiring effort aims to raise funds for an Innowalk device, which enables children in wheelchairs to experience dynamic movement and participate in physical activity.

The season’s festivities continue with the arrival of Santa Claus at 1:00 pm on Sunday, December 1st, where he’ll greet families at the Garryowen Mall entrance before leading a merry parade to his Grotto on City Mall. The Grotto theme for 2024 is “Santa’s Candy Wonderland,” promising an enchanting experience for children and families alike.

Ilovelimerick will be present to capture the joy of the season, with live music and entertainment adding to the excitement.

Adding to the holiday cheer, the famous Coca-Cola Truck will stop by Crescent Shopping Centre on Sunday, December 8th, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Positioned in the City Mall Car Park (by Milanos), this classic Christmas attraction will make for a truly magical afternoon. Visitors can also enjoy a stunning custom ‘Crescent’ mural at the Garryowen Mall entrance, painted by local Limerick artist Patrick Hartnett.

Pictures: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick