Celebrating 40 years of Bingo in Longford

Ballinamuck Bingo commenced in November 1984. The original idea behind starting the bingo was for it to be a source of income for the upkeep and running of the ‘98 Hall.

Its previous income has come from dances and the like which had stopped in the years preceding.

The founding committee was made up of Fr Mc Keon (RIP), Liz Balfe, Geraldine Connolly, Margaret Donnelly, Mairead Thompson, Sean Donnelly, Patsy Brady, Eamon Kerrigan (RIP) and Michael McNally.

It has been running consistently since then with the only break being during the Covid pandemic. Some of those original committee members still help with the running today with Michael McNally only retiring from service in very recent years.

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To think back now its popularity was huge from the outset with 20 mini buses and two large buses servicing it each week.

Coming from the length and breath of Longford including surrounding counties like Longford and Cavan.

The very first callers on the opening night were Patsy Brady & Sean Donnelly. With many following in their footsteps in the years that followed.

Ballinamuck Bingo has from its inception been run by volunteers, both as committee members and the people on the ground tasked with the weekly running of the bingo. From book sellers, ticket sellers, bingo callers, floor callers each volunteer is an important cog in the wheel.

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Many, many people selflessly giving up their time week in week out over the years playing their part in keeping the 40-year tradition alive.

The ’98 hall is a very important asset and is the centre of the community in Ballinamuck. It is the meeting place for all the community groups that carry out great work year in year out. It's where the children of Ballinamuck and surrounding areas meet through Foroige. Dancing classes, workshops, social dancing, drama groups and much more is carried out there and it really is the heart of the community. The effort of each and every committee over the 40 years has played their part in ensuring that The Hall and the community as a whole continues to thrive. Some of the current members are children of the founding committee and so the baton has been passed on for at least another 40 years we hope!

Ballinamuck Bingo is celebrating on Tuesday, November 26 at 8.30pm and €2,100 in prize money will be paid out on the night with light refreshments being served at half time. They have invited all past committee members to come join them on the night to celebrate and mark the occasion. Everyone is welcome!