Santa Claus brings the festive flavour to south Longford

The town's festive lights and the visit by the man in red is setting the tone for the holiday season in the south Longford town.

Organisers invited young and old to join them on Santa Claus' trip to the town. Santa met up with the young people of the town at the Library.

Ballymahon Traders member, Jenny White, said there was great excitement in the town: “Santa gave out selection boxes to the children who attend.”

The weekend got off to a great start with the Jolly Boys Christmas market taking place from 12-6pm. Jenny says the market generated a lot of attention: “There was a huge range of stands, and the music and a food court were a great hit.”

Visitors enjoyed the showcase of incredible products, entertainment, and food and drink from the Jolly Boys team.

Jenny hopes that Santa's visit will mark the beginning of the holiday rush: “Christmas is so important for local businesses.

I think everyone appreciates how important it is to support local businesses in their difficult times. Ballymahon has so many great local businesses and they are reliant on the support of the local customers at this time of the year.”

Another highlight of the Ballymahon festive programme will be the performance by the Mulligan Sisters in St Matthews Church.

Operation Blue Light Santa presents The Mulligan Sisters' Christmas Concert by Candlelight on Sunday the 18th of December at 6pm in St Matthew's Church, Ballymahon.

The beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser will be Bridgeways Family Resource Centre, Ballymahon, Lus na Greine Family Resource Centre, Granard and Little Blue Heroes.