Photo Gallery: A nostalgic look back at Christmas in Longford and meeting Santa at the old Quinnsworth store

Reporter:

News Reporter

8 Dec 2016

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newsroom@longfordleader.ie

Meeting Santa at the old Quinnsworth in Longford during Christmas 1963. Our photo features Anthony and Lilly Garvey from Collyvore, Edgeworthstown with their daughter, Mary.
The old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution for many local families.
Well known Longford town man, Justin Gray was more than pleased to meet Santa in Quinnsworth back in 1977.
Another great Quinn family photo from 1958 and it features Noel and Bernadette Quinn with their cousins, Gerry from Goshen, Edgeworthstown, who has sadly passed away.
Quinnsworth was founded by Peter Quinn Snr and this is a photo of three of his grandchildren, Damian, Kate and Mark with their parents, Claire and Patrick, when they visited Santa in 1982.
This is a notable photo as it includes Nobby Loughlin who was usually the photographer for Santa in Quinnsworth. His father also took the photos before him. It also featured a number of the Quinn family. Left to right, Ciaran Quinn, Frankie Higgins RIP, Noel Quinn, Nobby Loughlin and Patrick Quinn.
The Darling family from Longford town are pictured with Santa in Quinnsworth in 1980 and it includes Clive and Rosaleen with their children Lesley and Nigel.
The Sextons grew up on the Ballinalee Rd (where the Attic Youth project is located now) and are pictured here with Santa in Quinnsworth in 1977. Left to right, Miriam, Barney, Rita and John.
Christine Keenan (née Lennon) from Aughnacliffe used to loved coming in from Aughnacliffe as a child to meet Santa in Ouinnsworth. Here is a great photo from 1962.
Popular local cobbler and DJ, Tony Carr from Longford town is photographed with Santa at the old Quinnsworth.

For more than half a century the old Quinnsworth store on Longford’s Main Street was a Christmas institution for many local families.

There isn’t a family home where you won’t find old photos with Santa from that store.

Founded by Peter Quinn Snr, it was the store that made Christmas special.

In New York, the famous Macy’s store has their parade and in Longford, Santa did a tour of the town, throwing out sweets and goodies to the children as he went along.

It signalled the arrival of Christmas – long before the town ever got to turn on Christmas lights.

This photo gallery features some wonderful memories from yesteryear and we hope you enjoy this nostalgic look at Christmas in Longford.

Interested in winning a €200 voucher for Ganly's? Well then enter our 'Loving Christmas in Longford' photo competition. Details here: Capture Christmas in Longford to win €200 Ganly's voucher

You may also be interesting in seeing: Photo Gallery - Santa Claus lights up Longford for Christmas 2016

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