Licensing application granted for historic Longford commemoration event

Local plans to commemorate the 225th anniversary of The Battle of Ballinamuck were aired at Longford District Court last week.
An application by Peter and Margaret Dillon for an occasional licence to accommodate the festivities was heard by Judge Bernadette Owens.

The Battle of Ballinamuck took place in Longford on September 8, 1798. The battle was part of the 1798 Rebellion in Ireland. It was fought between General Humbert on the combined French and Irish side, while General Lake led the British side.
When the French surrendered at Ballinamuck, they were treated with all the courtesy of war. The Irish who fought with them were given no quarter; 500 are believed to have been buried in mass graves on Shanmullagh Hill.

This year the organising committee has an extensive programme in place across the weekend of September 7-10. Moving the application solicitor Mark Connellan said: “We lost it, but we still celebrate it.”

Chairperson of the organising committee, Mark Cunningham, was described by Mr Connellan as a native of Ballinamuck and “familiar to the court, in a professional capacity of course.”
Mr Cunningham, a consultant engineer, said the three days of events will open with a mass, and over the following days will feature music, guided tours, a battle re-enactment and food. The committee will host many of the events in the '98 Hall, a specially constructed marquee and on the Longford Rebel Trail. The Sunday programme will be a family day.

The Committee Chair said that the organisers have consulted with the local fire officers on the plans.

Solicitor for Longford County Council, Frank Gearty, confirmed this engagement and said there was no objection to the application on condition that the Fire Officer conduct inspections when the marquee structure was in place.

There were no Garda objections to the application. Applicant Peter Dillon took to the stand to confirm he was allowing his licence be used for the occasional licence. The publican confirmed he was familiar with the licensing laws and would ensure the laws were strictly complied with.

Having considered the submission Judge Owens granted the application.