The theft and return a week later of a giant inflatable snowman was not an elaborate publicity stunt, the organisers of the Wicklow Victorian Christmas have said.
A spokeswoman for the Wicklow’s Historic Gaol, which is organising the festive initiative, insisted the return of a 60 foot, inflatable snowman today had not been expected and was a cause of genuine relief and delight in the town.
The spokeswoman said the snowman - known as Snowy - had been taken from its position on top of a gift shop in the town nine days ago. It appeared to have been placed in Fitzwilliam Square in the town in the early hours of yesterday.
Weighing about 8 stone, she said, the snowman had been deflated but still required several men to move it.
“He was found by a passerby who made an anonymous phone call to Wicklow gardaí sometime between 8.15am and 8.30am.”
Wicklow gardaí confirmed they did receive a call at that time alerting them of the reappearance of the snowman. It was found with a handwritten note on top stating “Sorry”.
Martina Robinson, manager of Wicklow's Historic Gaol, arrived on the scene and confirmed that the deflated figure was indeed Snowy.
John Sinnott of Wicklow Chamber of Commerce said the people of the town were “thrilled”.
“We hope to return him to his rightful perch atop a building in the centre of the town by tomorrow. The children of the town are so happy to have Snowy back in plenty of time for the Christmas festival.”
Wicklow gardaí are not planning to pursue the matter further.
