'It's time to talk up Longford' in wake of festival season, says Monaghan
Longford town’s public image is very much on an upward trajectory, a meeting was told last week.
In the wake of a month of festivals in the county town, local politicians took time at its monthly meeting to talk up the merits of how the past four weeks have impacted on its wider perception.
Those plaudits were led by Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Monaghan who said all those involved in hosting festivals deserved a congratulatory hail of salute.
“Since we have had our last MD meeting, we have had a month of festivals in the town,” he said.
“These guys have brought a different aspect to Longford from what I have seen over the past number of years.
“I just think people involved in these festivals need applause.”
Cllr Gerry Warnock added his weight to those sentiments, describing recent events as nothing short of “fantastic” and a fine illustration of what can be done when people come together in unison.
Fine Gael Cllr Peggy Nolan was just as enthused and told of how one former Longford ex-pat had contacted her personally to express her own delight at the past number of weeks.
“I got a beautiful email from a young girl born and raised in Longford,” she said.
“She said she had never seen the town like it, it was looking like the good old days were back in the town and that the streetscaping was fantastic.
“Like all of us here she feels hard done by and takes it very personally when Longford gets bad press. For somebody who would be a fairly young mother who thinks so much of her town, that to put pen to paper is a very positive response to the work that is being carried out in Longford.
“I think that message has to go out loud and clear, the same as other negativity goes out,” Cllr Nolan said.