Late young Longford Guide is honoured by naming of Brownie group in her memory

A YOUNG Longford Guide whose passion for guiding touched the lives of many has been poignantly honoured with the naming of a new Brownie group in her memory.

The late Máire Lillis, who was heavily involved with Longford Girl Guides and served on several national committees, was remembered during a special celebration in Temperance Hall, Longford on Friday, September 25.

The event also celebrated North Longford Senior Branch Irish Girl Guides’ trip to the Sangam World Centre in India in June where members took part in a leadership development programme and community work.

Area Commissioner for the Annaly area Irish Girl Guides and mother of the late Máire Lillis, Mary Lillis said that it “means everything” for Máire to be honoured.

“It was really emotional seeing the unit named in Máire's memory. She put so much work into it along with other leaders. We as a family are humbled and honoured.”

Mary, who is also a leader with North Longford Senior Branch Irish Girl Guides and Longford Ladybirds, said that Máire had two passions in life. “One was agriculture and the other was guiding, and for her name to be remembered in that way for years to come, it's just such a tribute to her and the work that she put into the Longford unit.”

Máire was one of the original three members of the North Longford Senior Branch which formed about eight years ago and was the District Commissioner for Longford Town.

“She was on a number of national committees as well... For her to be remembered in that way, it's just surreal,” added Mary.

Mary believes Máire would be “really proud” to be honoured like this. “She would probably have said she didn't do anything to deserve it, but the reality is she was guiding in Longford with her peers, with the senior branch girls. She had actually organised two other international trips for the North Longford Senior Branch unit to do over the next 12 months.”

Mary also highlighted that Máire also travelled to India with the Guides and partook in the programme. “She was actually medical officer for the trip as well… It was always Máire’s dream along with some of the other leaders to reopen the second Longford Brownie unit and that unit was reopened.”

North Longford Senior Branch Irish Girl Guides also thanked sponsors and reflected on the trip to India at the event in Temperance Hall on September 25. The local branch was also joined by the Indian community in Longford for Indian dancing and other fun activities.

Speaking about the event, Mary explained: “It was to thank our sponsors who had assisted us in going on the trip, and it was to bring the community together because some of our Ladybirds are actually part of the Indian community in Longford.”

"We were very lucky that the Indian community in Longford really came on board to support us with it so, there were lots of activities for the girls. We had henna painting on the hands. We had food tasting, including samosas. We also had Indian dance and learning about Indian culture and traditions, and the girls were able to dress up in saris and bangles.

Mary said the girls learned so much from the trip to India.

“They got to see the Taj Mahal, they experienced the culture of India, they were invited to people's homes for an evening meal and to celebrate with them.”

Mary continued: “They were able to experience India, the temples, the sights of India, and also then the main two reasons for going were to partake in the leadership development programme, which builds up communication skills in the girls, teamwork, independence, confidence.”

Mary also thanked their sponsors: Homestore and More, Sorca Clarke TD, Settie Blessington, Pat Corrigan Transport, Kiernan Structural Steel, Senator Joe Flaherty, Mark Cunningham Design and Planning, Larkin Alluminium, Centra Drumlish, Dunnes Stores, DTwo Flowers, Julio's Drumlish, Costcutters Drumlish, The Corner House Drumlish, Cllr Colin Dalton, Loughreys Pharmacy, Golden Dragon Drumlish, Torc, The Beauty Hub Drumlish, Drumlish Community Centre, The Salon No. 1 Drumlish, Quinns Olde Village Inn Drumlish and Drumlish Soccer Club.

If you're interested in guiding in Longford contact Mary Lillis on 087 9625890.