Longford Christmas events diary: Plenty of activities to enjoy over the festive season

There are plenty of activities for you to enjoy over the festive season in Longford and here is a sample of what is going on.

Longford's Traditional Christmas Panto
Longford Traditional Christmas Panto is taking place in St Mel’s College. The Panto follows Billy Doolittle (Damien Douglas) and Nanny Nonie (Davy Flaherty) attempt to rescue Princess Rapunzel from the clutches of the wicked Gothel along with appearances from a whole cast of colourful characters such as the egotistical Finn Strider. Longford Panto has guaranteed that this year's production will be their most hilarious one yet.

CHRISTMAS DAY
Wednesday, December 25

Walkers start 11am; Runners start 12 noon; Get ready for 34th annual Longford MS Christmas Day Run: Participants can walk or run from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro and help raise funds for the Longford MS Society

12 noon: Connolly Barracks, Longford: GOAL Mile - Route is one mile round the streets of Longford town.

Down Memory Lane | On the tiles! Enjoying a fun night out in Longford

ST STEPHEN’S DAY
Thursday, December 26

10am: Ballymahon AFC are hosting a 7 aside adult charity tournament

11am - 12.30 (registration) - 1pm (start time): Clonguish GAA community centre: Shane Brennan 5K. Over €1000 in prize money to be won. This is an AAI approved chip timed 5km on a fast flat course,so if you are looking for a PB this is the race for you.

11am: Derrycassan Woods: Mullinalaghta St Columba’s GFC fundraising walk in aid of Mullinalaghta Community Centre and St Columba’s National School Parents’ Association. A chance to walk off the Christmas excesses and to meet and greet each other over the holiday season while helping to raise funds for worthwhile causes.

Down Memory Lane | Momentous weekend a decade ago as Longford's St Mel's Cathedral reopens to public

1pm: Rathcline GAA Walkway: GOAL Mile

1.30pm: Latin School: The Dromard Area Men’s Shed annual charity walk, jog, run in aid of St Christopher’s Services, Longford.

2pm: Granard: St Stephens Day charity walk with all donations going to the Dillon Quirke Foundation. The Dillon Quirke Foundation was set up in honour of Dillon who sadly lost his life after collapsing during a hurling match in 2022. St Mary’s GFC will be organising this screening for our younger members in 2025.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28th
1pm: Ardagh: Ardagh Challenge 10 Mile & 5Km Run or Walk

8pm: Breffni Arms Hotel, Arva: Dromard GAA honouring their Longford Senior Football Champions winners from 1999.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29th
1pm: Walkway in Ballybrien: Killeen / Bunlahy Community Group will host a walk to raise funds to pay for the lights and insurance and the general maintenance of the Walkway so everyone who uses it is encouraged to come along and join in what will be a lovely after Christmas Community event and make a donation.

5 to 7pm: ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck: Social Dancing - an all Ballinamuck affair to finish off our first year of Social Dancing. Joe Mac & Paddy Sticks along with guest spots by Brid Shaughnessy & David Kiernan.