Jo Mathews, Overseeing the annual installation of the RDS's ice rink
As Christmas seems to come earlier each year, you may not be surprised that Jo Mathews is putting up her tree this week, even though we're barely halfway through November. Mathews has an excuse for starting early, though: Ireland's seasonal ice rinks are getting ready to open, and, as production manager for 7Up Christmas on Ice, which starts at the RDS this week, Mathews won't have much more time to think about celebrating.
"The build takes three weeks, and it's flat out. The most important part of the preparation is the ice. We have a crew from Belgium who lay down a pipe network linked to a chiller system. They pump glycol, which is like antifreeze, into the pipes, and this is chilled to minus 12 degrees. We then spray fine layers of water on to the surface over four days, working 24 hours a day, in shifts.
"The last few days' work is about glitz and glamour - getting the Christmas tree and decorations up and so on." Then the main task becomes looking after the ice, making sure the quality of the surface is maintained. "We also have to keep the place neat and tidy and prevent the decor from getting a bit tired. Once the Christmas holidays start, crowd movement becomes crucial, as the place will be packed out, and safety has to be a priority."
Dealing with scrapes and bruises is a part of it. "We have first-aiders on site to deal with them. For most people it's their pride that is hurt more than anything else." Sympathetic as she is, Mathews can't help the odd giggle at the antics on the rink. "It still makes me laugh. It's just amazing that a five-year-old catches on so quickly but adults seem to be, shall we say, less graceful." Michael Kelly
- 7Up Christmas on Ice runs from Friday until January 14th, 2007 (0818-717200, www.7upchristmasonice.ie). Other seasonal rinks include Smithfield on Ice (0818-946900, www.smithfieldonice.ie), Mount Wolseley Hilton, Tullow (059-9151674) and Ireland on Ice in Waterford (051-879600), Killarney (064-21888, www.christmasinkillarney.com) and Limerick (061-400200).