Christmas in Longford: a memorable festive evening in Drumlish

Drumlish lit up its Christmas lights on December 7. Beginning with a serene, celebratory Carol service in St Mary’s Church from 5pm, local families and community members were ready to officially launch the festive spirit. The local choir in Drumlish sang many seasonal songs to lift the mood. The big lights switch on took place shortly after the lovely carol service.

The Christmas lights committee had been working diligently to make this event another success. With towns and villages throughout the county marking the arrival of Christmas, Cllr David Cassidy posted that Drumlish had received €9,895 in Leader funding.

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Amanda O’Hara, a member of the Christmas lights organising committee, spoke about how funding was acquired to purchase new lights:

“The committee were successful with LCRL this year, towards the lighting. We got sponsorship from local businesses. This is for the lights, the upkeep and more lights next year. We’re only getting started, really.”

There was also a Christmas raffle to go towards the funding, with Amanda saying that amazing prizes were there to be won. Not only did Drumlish receive new lights, but also a brand-new Christmas tree to bring joy to the town.

St Mary’s National School and the local creche also helped bring funding with an art competition and a fun day.

The Christmas lights event in Drumlish coincided with the Grey Run, where Santa on his sleigh led the vintage tractors back into the village.

“We’ve had help from local volunteers and the Men’s Shed for the fitting of the lights and trees. It’s been a great community effort in getting everything read for the lights,” added Amanda.

As always, the Drumlish Christmas lights event has had a great range of children, adults and the wider community in attendance. Everyone gathered outside the church as Fr Bernard Hogan switched on the new lights, as he does every year.

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“We’d like to thank everybody for their contributions in whatever way, their support and hope to see as many people on Sunday evening for a festive evening for all in Drumlish. Drumlish has never been looking better with the Tidy Towns committee, the lights committee and the volunteers. And all those involved in the funding.”