Crowds in Longford left in awe as 'Operation Blue Light Santa' returns in style

The procession made their way to Longford Slashers ballroom where large crowds of children and their families along with Superintendent Seamus Boyle, Inspector Paddy McGirl, Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern & elected members eagerly awaited the Blue families arrival. 

The Blue Family met with the boys and girls and heard all about their Christmas plans and gave each of them a treat to take home. 

This was an extra special occasion as the Christmas Children's book 'Operation Blue Nose Reindeer” was launched on the day. 

This was a proud day for author Jessica, artist Nicole and their families for this is their second edition of the Operation Blue Light Santa collection. 

The story tells of how Rudolf’s nose fails to glow one foggy Christmas Eve & how there is absolute panic in the North Pole. 

The big question is will a solution be found in time to save Christmas?

The party atmosphere was electric, Mags McKenna provided story time while D.J Eamon McLoughlin blasted out the Christmas Tunes. 

Face Painters Emily Myers, Daisy Crossan, Hannah Carelton & Catherine Shannon were busy decorating the childrens faces. 

Following speeches by Sergeant Darran Conlon, Jessica and Nicole, the Blue Family made their way onto the dance floor where they danced the day away with the children. 

Little Blue Hero, Garda Darragh Hopkins was in charge of overseeing the event and ensuring the day ran smoothly. 

Following a busy afternoon, Mr and Mrs Blue Santa made their way to the magical Jolly Boys Christmas market in Ballymahon where they met with traders and customers including Garda Michelle Nally and Garda Linda O’Connell who were busy selling Operation blue nose reindeer boos at one of the many stalls. 

After a long day,  the Blue Family made their way back to their Longford Blue Light base where they are preparing for their next Blue Light Santa event which will be afternoon tea in Longford Rugby Club on Sunday December 11 at 3pm. 

The afternoon begins with welcome drinks upon arrival, Special Guest Speakers on the day are Operation Transformation Leader and esteemed Garda Inspector Davy Cryan,  nutritional therapist Laura Thompson and beauty guru, Ann-Marie Brady with music by harpist Niamh Columb. 

Raffle tickets available on the day with fabulous prizes to be won. 

Tickets for this event are €25 & can be obtained by e-mailing longford.community@garda.ie or contacting 087-7030328. 

The Blue Light Santa Team would like to thank Slashers GAA Club and Irene Horan for the use of their premises, Mags Murphy,  Adrian, Noel and Daniel for stewarding the event and ensuring everyone’s safety,  Eoin McGinnity of Providers Longford, Fresh Today, Arvagh, Pizza Depot Granard, Two Mugs Coffee trailer Kenagh, Sharon Murray, Anita Swaris who ran the sweet shop, Paul Higgins for organising the face painters, Mags McKenna and D.J Eamon McLoughlin for providing the entertainment and last but not least the incredibly supportive PPN Team, Siobhan Cronogue, Pozy Greene and Francesca Pawelczyk who assisted with selling books, Christmas cards and raffle tickets on the day. 

Thank you also to the Longford Leader and Shannonside radio for their coverage and promotion of our fundraising events.  Finally, a special thank you to everyone who has supported our launch last Saturday. 

Operation Blue Nose Reindeer can be purchased in Newsround Longford & Ballymahon Craft Shop, Main Street Ballymahon.