Joanne O’ Riordan, the inspirational Millstreet teenager was the guest of honour at the launch of the Christmas lights and she was joined by the Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer and even Santa Claus himself made an appearance as did characters from the Christmas pantomimes that will take place in both The Everyman Theatre and Cork Opera House. The Lord Mayor welcomed the switching on off the lights and said this symbolic event was the beginning of the Christmas season in Cork.