The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) live animal crib was launched at the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday and will remain open to the public up to Christmas Eve.

The crib was opened by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam and IFA president Francie Gorman.

The IFA leader said that the crib acts an urban reminder of farmers’ efforts to care for their livestock.

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“The live animal crib is a wonderful way to bring a gift from rural Ireland into the heart of the city at Christmas,” he said.

Tradition

“It’s a tradition that speaks to the values we hold dear - family, community and care for animals. For farm families, looking after livestock is a year-round commitment and this crib is a small reminder of that work.”

The Lord Mayor of Dublin added: "The live animal crib is a tradition shaped and sustained by Dubliners themselves, by families who return year after year, by children whose excitement fills the forecourt and by the community spirit that defines our city.”