TOM Giblin’s annual Nativity and Christmas Lights Fundraiser was once again, a huge success raising over €6,600 for charity.
For the past four years, the nativity has been led by a baby goat named Yowné. However, as the fundraiser enters its fifth year next Christmas, a new mascot will take to the stage.
“YOW-NÉ HAY T D IT NEIGH!” (You know how to do it now.)
With those words, Yowné the baby goat officially passed the baton on to Dinky the mini donkey, who proudly accepted and stepped forward as host of the Tom Giblin Nativity and Christmas Lights 2026 Fundraiser.
Having learned the ropes in style, Dinky promises to be suited, booted and well ready to carry the torch for Christmas 2026.
Fr. Ciaran Harkin P.P. at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny, graciously accepted a cheque for €6624 which was the total amount raised on behalf of the 16 charities benefiting from this year’s fundraiser. It was a reminder of what this project is truly about: generosity, compassion, and community coming together at Christmas.
Tom Giblin accepting a donation of €500 on behalf of the 16 charities for his Christmas 2025 fundraiser from Joe Sweeney, Co. Donegal IFA Chairman. Also included is Ethan Carville, Donegal IFA Development Officer.
Yowné, who was born on the day of storm Éowyn, proved that even the smallest arrival can make a big impact.
He hosted the Christmas 2025 fundraiser with great charm and character. From humble beginnings to a much loved local tradition, Christmas 2025 marked the fourth year of the Tom Giblin Nativity and Christmas Lights as a fundraising project – and now he proudly looks ahead to Christmas 2026.
Tom wishes to thank everyone who helped make the fundraiser such a success.
The benefiting charities are:
– St Vincent De Paul, Letterkenny.
– Children’s Health Foundation Crumlin/Temple St.
– Pieta House North West.
– Jack & Jill Foundation.
– Little Blue Heroes.
– Irish Wheelchair Association.
– Bumbleance Donegal.
– MS Ireland/Donegal.
– Little Angels School Letterkenny.
– St. Bernadette’s Special School, Letterkenny.
– Donegal Hospice.
– Donegal Down Syndrome.
– Bluestack Special Needs Foundation.
– Good and New Cancer Bus Letterkenny.
– Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.
– Alzheimer Society of Ireland/Donegal.