Over a decade in the making and Longford's Marquee in Drumlish still going as strong as ever

The much anticipated extravaganza kicks off with four nights of high octane entertainment this Friday night inside a purpose built marquee on the grounds of Fr Manning Gaels’ GAA headquarters at Monaduff.

For its small, yet dedicated band of local volunteers, it’s an occasion that extends far beyond the parameters of a so-called labour of love.

“It’s huge for the area,” said chairperson Michael Mulleady.

“The pubs, shops, the whole locality and it’s not just Drumlish, but Longford in general.

“There’s no place to stay with all places being booked out, so it’s probably fair to say everyone gets a slice of the action.”

Michael told of how planning for the event, which is now over a decade in existence, gets underway almost as soon as the previous one ends.

“That’s when the bands for the next year are booked and the past four to five months is hectic in getting the likes of the licence, equipment, alcohol and everything else,” he said.

The local businessman paid tribute to the festival’s industrious, hardworking committee who continue to ensure the occasion continues to retain its enviable status at the apex of the local music festival scene.

The event, with its main sponsors Mulleady Properties, is also a key fundraiser for Fr Manning Gael’s GAA.

“Apart from the club lotto, it’s the only fundraiser we have in the year and hopefully we will be able to progress with the plans for a development at the ground we have recently submitted,” he said.

That development, alluded to by Michael, was unveiled in June and includes plans for a ‘game-changing’ extension of its home grounds.

The plans encompass the proposed construction of a multi-purpose building incorporating a 25 metre long swimming pool, changing rooms, treatment rooms, a state of the art gym and handball facilities.

Michael said while those proposals are for the medium to longer term, its feasibility is very much predicated on the success of this week’s four day gathering.

And, as for a final message to anyone who may not have sampled the unique delights of the Marquee in Drumlish, Michael was as candid as he was passionate over its merits.

“It’s as good as you will see anywhere, you won’t get as much entertainment and craic anywhere else and for four hours of entertainment each night, where else would you be going?” Michael added.