Longford authors have a host of books to offer this Christmas

There is no shortage of excellent Christmas books penned by talented Lanesboro authors available to buy over the festive period.

Local writer Gavin Cooney, a co-author of 'The Racket', who won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year recently, has received rave reviews for his publication.

As we approach the Christmas season and a time for giving to family and friends, a book is a great stocking filler. especially one that is written by a local author.

At present there are a number of local books well worth considering.

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Shannonside Tales by John Casey, Traces of Truth by Ciaran Prior, a host of recent books including the best seller ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte, the three book trilogy of Shamrock 166 by Gavin Walsh, The Future is Now by Ciaran Mullooly and books of poetry The Overlap of Things by Margaret Nohilly and Ghost Homeland by Colin Carberry.

There cannot be a better feeling of giving a gift to your own by some of your own.

Meanwhile, Lanesboro Community College presented their annual variety show in the Parish Hall last Thursday, December 5 with money going towards the funding of the Transition Year students' projects.

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A large audience of local people, including many proud parents, enjoyed the production.

The Transition Year class does a fantastic job every year producing and presenting this highly entertaining variety concert.

The pupils have an array of talents and they are expertly guided by their teachers to harness these.

The variety show gives them an ideal opportunity to showcase their singing, dancing and other impressive talents to a supportive and appreciative audience.

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Elsewhere, the inaugural Arts, Crafts and Food Christmas Market will take place at the Pier Inn, Lisnacusha, on Sunday December 15.

This will be the very first Christmas Market at the Pier and organisers believe it will be a wonderful spectacle with lots of fine local produce and a unique festive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, a large number of people attended a Christmas Lights Tractor Run last Sunday, which was organised by the Parents Association of St Mary’s NS, Newtowncashel.

Following the Tractor Run there was a mini disco for the kids in the beer garden at The Local with a special visit by Santa with gifts for all the children.

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After Santa, the day's event's continued with the turning on of the Christmas Lights at 5pm with singing from the local choir.