Longford gets set to remember much loved son Billy 'The Barber' Beahan
All eyes will be firmly fixed on the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday night as it hosts a celebratory fundraiser in remembrance of one of the county town's favourite sons.
Billy 'The Barber' Beahan was arguably one of Longford's most instantly recognisable characters who was revered both near and far for his charitable work and penchant for motorbikes.
The 63-year-old's premature passing almost a year to the day of this weekend's fundraiser was quite possibly one of Longford's most unique and raucous of send offs as scores of bikers descended on St Mel's Cathedral to pay their final respects.
Now, the best part of 12 months on, Freewheelers MC Ireland, a motorbike club Billy was an integral part of, are putting the finishing touches to a memorial rock night in tribute to his lasting legacy.
Asked to sum up the Dublin born's distinguishable persona, his wifeJean wasted little time in summing up the much loved businessman.
“He always had a word for everybody,” she said.
“He was a man for charity and no matter where you were in Ireland, people knew him.
“To say he was like the Pope , there was nowhere where he wasn't known.”
Aside from his affection for his beloved motorbike, Jean referenced how that passion manifested itself in a plethora of various charity runs Bill routinely threw his weight behind.
Among them were those for Bethany House and Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).
Others included the Midlands Toy Run, an event which has raised substantial amounts of money for the children's ward in Mullingar Hospital and Teach Fáilte.
“If there was ever a run on to help a child, no matter what the weather was like, he (Billy) would be there, that was him,” added Jean.
This Saturday's occasion will also provide a vivid reminder of Billy's appreciation of music and his involvement with the band, Airport.
Acts set to take to the stage this Saturday include Purify, Lasarus Brother, Tommy 'Taebag' Kelly, Trudy McDermott, Neon and Blues Power.
The night is in aid of Longford Hospice Homecare and Friends of Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore.
Doors open at 7:30pm ahead of live music getting underway an hour later with entry priced at €10.