Enoch Burke to turn on Castlebar Christmas lights

By Paul McRingo Western Correspondent

Mayo County Council have confirmed that Enoch Burke has been booked to turn on the Christmas lights in Castlebar on Friday, November 28th.

The surprise move to invite Mr Burke to turn the lights on at this year’s opening ceremony is proving to be highly controversial with many people already questioning the decision.

We asked Mayo County Councillor Barney Fitzmaurice why they decided to ask Enoch Burke of all people.

“Because he’s from Castlebar and he’s famous.” he replied. “We don’t have many celebrities here. It’ll make a change from Enda Kenny who has turned them on for the last 27 years in a row.”

Enoch Burke was suspended by Wilson’s Hospital School in Co. Westmeath in August 2022 after he confronted his then-principal in public at a school event in June – Burke objected to addressing a student who wanted to change gender with the “they” pronoun. He has since been sacked but continues to turn up at the school every day.

Several transgender activists have condemned the news of Burke turning on the Christmas lights and said they intend to travel to Castlebar to protest. Cllr Fitzmaurice didn’t seem phased.

“Hopefully they’ll spend a few quid while they’re here. Even those people have to eat and we have a few of them weird vegan places in Castlebar for those who don’t like their meat. That’s not a euphemism by the way. I’m just saying I hear most of them types are into that sort of thing.”

Cllr Fitzmaurice added that if Enoch Burke happens to be in prison on November 28th, a distinct possibility, they’ll just get Enda Kenny again.