Longford judge grants licence to Marquee in Drumlish Festival

This year's shindig promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with musical entertainment in store as a range of musicians will make their return to the stages in Drumlish.

Solicitor Michelle Dolan moved the application by Thomas Cassidy for an occasional licence to facilitate the four day event.

The annual music extravaganza has been held in August every year since 2009 and features top Irish and International performers.

This year the festival takes place from Friday August 18, to Monday August 21.

Chairman of Fr Manning Gaels and the Marquee in Drumlish Festival Committee, Michael Mulleady, informed Judge Bernadette Owens of the preparations in place to ensure that the event progresses without any hitches.

Mr Mulleady told the judge of the preparations: “We have all the necessary documentation and plans in place. Pauline Corr is the Secretary of the Club. She does all the work on the part of the Club in preparation for the Festival.”

Ms Dolan said the Fire Officer has met with the organisers in advance of the plans to highlight potential issues and will attend every night to assess the site.

The committee has engaged a private licensed security firm to regulate the security at the Festival.

Later in the sitting licence holder, Thomas Cassidy of the Old Village Inn, said he will be in charge of the bar during the four days.

He said his staff are familiar with the licensing laws, particularly in regard to underage drinking.

Solicitor for the local authority, Frank Gearty, advised Mr Cassidy: “There will be up to 1,780 people. You will need to be very engaged in the process.

“You are responsible for the safety of those people. The buck will stop with you if anything happens,” Mr Gearty said.

Judge Owens noted no objections were made to the application and subject to the Fire Officer's conditions granted the application.

Addressing Mr Cassidy Judge Owens issued the warning: “There is a mandatory closure period if some is found in breach of the licensing laws in respect of under age drinking.”