Longford crowds savour delights of Granard Easter Parade

Sizeable crowds took to the main street of the north Longford town to take in an occasion that was richly enjoyed by young and old alike.

Independent councillor and Longford County Council Cathaoirleach Turlough McGovern occupied the role of MC on top of a grandstand that featured a whole host of local politicians and dignitaries.

The event brought the curtain down on the town’s annual two day festival, a spectacle which kicked off less than 24 hours earlier with a special talk delivered by historian extraordinaire Jimmy Donohoe at Granard’s Knights and Conquests Centre.

That was followed by a 5km run which attracted a large volume of entries from every generation.

The finale, as has routinely been the case with previous years, was the parade itself as various groups and local organisations led a procession of eye-catching and innovative floats through the town.

Among the crowds was Granard’s Aisling O’Hara who, while describing the day as “great craic”, lauded the role played by the event’s MC.

Watching on also was a visibly enthralled Brother Bartholemew Doran.

“I think it’s very good,” he said, adding however that “there was a good bit of it to go yet”.

One of the more comical highlights which drew plenty of cheer was a float, carrying the slogan ‘Bunlahy Court’ which had been carefully pieced together by the north Longford village’s Area Action Group.

Taking centre stage on its float was a comical performance that depicted the ongoing controversy surrounding sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke.

“I might have to call on (Supt) Seamus Boyle to sort things out here,” shouted Cllr McGovern, to the amusement of those watching on.

Those sentiments certainly weren’t lost on Ballywillan man Pat Fox, who said: “It’s a great day out and the weather has been kind to us so far.

“There has been a huge amount of effort gone into it behind the scenes.”