St Patrick's parade Grand Marshal Lalin Swaris is immensely proud of 'Lovely Longford'

Lalin Swaris has been living in Longford for around fifty years.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Lalin began his time in Longford in the Longford Arms Hotel and has become a beloved member of the community.

A prolific community photographer, Lalin Swaris has been selected as the Grand Marshal for Longford’s St Patrick's Eve Parade taking place this weekend at 5 pm.

In an interview with Lalin and his wife Deborah, he discussed how much this role meant to him.
“I think it’s a beautiful honour,” said Lalin.

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“They’re going to put me in the car and help me out of the car and up on to the podium from there, I will watch the rest of the parade.”

Lalin received the call two weeks ago asking him to be a part of the parade.

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“I worked in the Longford Arms Hotel as a training manager and went from that to Monaghan as a training manager, but due to the fact we were together at the time and it was so far apart and there were no mobile phones I didn’t want to stay so I came back to Longford.”

Now Lalin has worked in St Mel’s College for over 20 years.

He cooked for all the borders as well as everyone who came in and out.

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He is best known for his volunteer photography, which he has been doing for the past decade.

Lalin did photography in college in Sri Lanka, where he was a border himself and he picked up the camera once again in the last ten years.

“I just love it,” said Lalin, “I love community.”

Lalin was selected through a committee meeting, who then approached him asking if he’d be interested.

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This will be Lalin’s first time in the parade as a participant as opposed to being behind the camera.

“I’ve been up on the podium before taking photographs of the parade every year.

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“I’ve gotten a few awards from the Longford County Council and things like that for his photography,” he explains.

Lalin never takes money for his photography, he strictly volunteers and offers his photography skills to fundraisers and events completely free of charge.

Lalin is heavily involved in the parkrun in Longford, he is always there to take the pictures and is beloved by all the participants.

Lalin and his wife Deborah will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary this year. They met when he was working in the Longford Arms and have been smitten ever since.

They are both very excited for Lalin’s big day this weekend and for him to represent, as he puts it, “Lovely Longford”.