Site of 'illegal' Longford Traveller wedding reception used to host two further parties branded 'a bloody disgrace'

Michael Neary Park, which is county council owned land and located just off Longford's Strokestown Road, courted national headlines two years ago when more than 120 revellers attended a wedding after party in direct contravention of public health guidelines.

The saga, which was first broken by longfordleader.ie, culminated in a high profile court case and €3,000 fines being handed out to the groom, catering firm and parents of the bridal party behind its staging.

Judge Keenan Johnson, speaking at the time of the incident, described the episode as "absolutely scandalous" given its hosting took place despite both a circuit court injunction being in place and at a time when the country was in the grip of a Coronavirus pandemic.

It has, however, come to light that two further wedding receptions have taken place at the exact same venue in recent months.

Cllr Seamus Butler delivered the news at a meeting of Longford Municipal District earlier this evening.

In apologising for his use of strong language, a visibly incensed Cllr Butler said: "This is public land and it is a bloody disgrace."

Those soundings prompted Director of Services John Brannigan to intervene and request a private meeting with the long serving local councillor upon the conclusion of this evening's meeting.

Speaking to the Leader outside the council chamber moments afterwards, Cllr Butler said it was his belief local authority officials were aware of the issue and were actively moving to address those concerns.

"It is to return to the people of Longford," he said.

"It is being used by certain elements. There have been two weddings on it, two this summer and one last year. One was held under Covid rules and that’s not good enough on public lands.

"My understanding is the council are going to make moves to take it back by doing a survey, see what works needs to be done and then it will be on offer the same way Connolly Barracks is to community groups and sports groups."