Plenty of festive cheer over coming days in Drumlish and Ballinamuck

Over the course of three action packed days, the man at the centre of the festive season will be in situ at a venue which is credited as being Longford's favourite building.

Johnny's Cottage was, in March 2021, crowned the county's most treasured establishment following a public vote on the Leader's website, longfordleader.ie

The building has, in recent years, been lovingly restored by members of the Ballinamuck Enhancement and the Ballinamuck Olde Fair committees.

The Tidy Towns and Pride of Place judges have regularly lavished praise on Johnny’s Cottage.

They’ve said previously: “A restored two hundred year old cottage, impeccably painted in traditional white, was having the finishing touches put to its new, thatched roof by Leonard & Sons, thatchers from Longford and Kildare. A plaque tells us that the cottage – Johnny’s Cottage, was donated by Johnny and Linda Reilly.”

Paddy Howe, chair of Ballinamuck/Drumlish First Responders said the occasion is one which promises to be a great spectacle for all the family to enjoy.

“It's going to be massive for the village especially as Santa is going to be there on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he said.
“There will be a chance for the children to meet Santa, have their picture taken with him and enjoy what should be a weeekend that's not to be missed.”

Paddy, who is active in a number of local development groups, most notably through his role as chairperson of Ballinamuck/Drumlish First Responders, told of how the latter group have become a key part of the community fabric in the north Longford village.

“We still have ten public community defibrillators and last weekend we were called out to an RTA (road traffic accident) in the village,” he said.

Paddy also spoke on how the village's hugely successful twinning with in northeastern France, is continuing to go from strength to strength.

Those best laid plans were set in stone in 1996 when Ballinamuck was preparing to commemorate the bi centenary of the Battle of Ballinamuck, the last battle of the 1798 Rebellion.

Last Summer saw both locations celebrate their 25th anniversary, a milestone which was not lost on Paddy.

“It has been a great success story for the village and for Essert,” he said.

“We went out there and our French visitors came here and there are plans being made for next year which is just another thing to look forward to.”

Meanwhile, all eyes will be on St Mary's Church in Drumlish this Friday evening as the north Longford town gets set to hold a special carol service.

But that's only part of the story as Friday also sees the eagerly awaited turning on of the Christmas lights.

It all gets underway from 8pm and promises to be a fun and entertaining evening out for all the family.