Handy Mullingar dad makes life-size Santa sleigh

If Santa ever needs to bring a human in to help the elves in the North Pole, Mullingar father of two Joe Dowling could be the man for the job.

A roofer and steel erector, Joe recently made a life size sleigh for his front garden, much to the delight of his children, Robin (3) and Brooke (10). To complete the seasonal scene, the Dowlings bought a few light up deers.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, Joe's wife Chrissy says that while it only took Joe a couple of hours to make one recent Saturday, the sleigh has caused quite a stir in Ardilaun estate where the family live.

“He can put his hands to anything and can do all kinds of wood work. He basically did it for the kids. People have been stopping to take pictures. When I was leaving the house this morning a little from around the corner was getting his picture taken next to it.”

In addition to the arrival of Santa, Christmas Day is extra special for the Dowlings as it is also Brooke's birthday.