Part of historic Holywood Maypole comes crashing down in storm

One of the highest profile casualties of the stormy weather which has hit the Province was the last remaining maypole in all of Ireland, which was damaged in Co Down.

The Holywood Maypole has been a fixture at the crossroads in the centre of the town for centuries and is the focus of May Day celebrations.

Having stood firm against the high winds from Storms Ellen and Ciara last year, and even Hurricane Ophelia in 2017, the giant pole finally gave way to the storm with no name.

According to local folklore, the maypole dates back to the 1700s, when the crew of a Dutch ship who ran aground at Holywood erected the broken mast as a means of thanking the townsfolk for their assistance.

Named after the famous landmark, the Maypole Bar in the town was first licensed in 1857.

Up until recent Covid restrictions were imposed the maypole was still being used for traditional dancing using coloured ribbons at the annual May Day Fair.

North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne was concerned that the top part of the Holywood Maypole was broken off by the storm which began and Monday night and picked up through the early hours of yesterday morning.

He said it highlighted the need for the landmark to be properly restored by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

He said: “It is very alarming that the top section of the Holywood Maypole has broken off and has came crashing down onto the Street yesterday morning.

“It is very fortunate that no one had been walking around the maypole when the top section detached.

“The wood on the maypole itself which came down was rotten and urgent action is now needed from Ards and North Down Borough Council to get the full Maypole restored as a major priority.”

Mr Dunne added: “The Holywood Maypole is an historic landmark, and is the only maypole in Ireland, and it is vital that its repair is sorted without any further delay.”

The MLA said he had been lobbying the council for work to be carried out during 2020, however nothing was done: “It is now imperative the council officers take urgent action and get the maypole sorted.”

Weather warnings for wind and heavy rain had been issued for today for all of Northern Ireland though conditions are expected to ease tomorrow.

At Magilligan in Co Londonderry gusts of more than 60 miles per hour were recorded.

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