Large crowd in North Longford enjoy silver jubilee celebrations at Corrigan's Service Station

Hundreds of people in the area attended the 'Celebration Day' to mark the 25th anniversary of Corrigan's Service Station in Moyne.

The novel event included quality live music, a marquee, kids face-painting, complimentary food and drinks, free ice-cream, free balloons and surprises.

Declan Corrigan said they were delighted with how the day went and by the large number of people who attended and enjoyed the entertainment.

"It went very well, we had a great day on Saturday and a packed house here from 1pm until 7pm, we had a massive crowd and it was great to see them all," he added.

Declan is very thankful that so many customers, suppliers and people connected with the business were eager to show their support and be a part of it.

"I would say that over the course of the day about 700 or 800 people passed through," he said. "It was a fantastic day, even the weather held out with no rain falling at all. We even had people sitting outside enjoying it."

Declan stated the live music, which was very enjoyable, was also a big draw for the large crowd.

"Musicians Sean Hussey and Eddie Quinn put on a great show for us," he added.

Corrigan's Service Station organised a free raffle for everyone who attended with 25 prizes to mark 25 years in business.

Declan said they enjoyed having so many of their customers join them for the memorable day.

"We had a lot of older people there that would not stir out that often, it was all very good and positive," he added.

Declan also expressed thanks and gratitude to their staff for their efforts over the last few weeks of preparation and to Gala, Emo and the rest of their suppliers who helped them.

"We hope everyone enjoyed a great day," he said. "It was well worth organising the celebration day.”

Declan said he is grateful to their customers, suppliers and many friends in the surrounding area.

The top raffle prizes consisted of a smart TV won by Bernie Coghlan, a €150 Certa voucher won by Noleen Shekleton and two €100 Certa vouchers won by Paul McEntyre and Raymond Taaffe.

Corrigan's Service Station was opened on September 20th, 1999 by Declan and his brother Bernard in an expansion of the existing family business, which has been in operation since 1919.

The siblings, who were both in their twenties at the time, took over the business previously ran by their parents Chris and Maura.

Declan and Bernard decided to build a new service station in the adjacent site to the old forge.

They went from one fuel pump to four and took on the responsibility of a much bigger shop area, however, they retained their core. loyal customers and managed to attract further passing trade.

Three generations of the family have worked for significant periods at Corrigan's since 1919 at the same location in Legga, Moyne, Co. Longford.

Maura (86) still takes great pride and a keen interest in the business and she visits the shop on a daily basis.

And in recent years, Declan and Bernard's children Niamh (18), Bláthnaid (17), and Christopher (16) -the fourth generation -have began helping out and doing shifts during holidays.