A lovely Longford atmosphere as Kenagh lights up for Christmas

There was an abundance of festive cheer and Kenagh residents were out in large numbers recently when the official switching on of the Christmas tree lights took place.

The Christmas tree was illuminated in the usual place beside the clock tower.

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Olive McKeogh of Kenagh Tidy Towns said the event on December 6 at 8pm went very well.

"We had a gathering at the clock tower to turn on the lights after mass in Kenagh on the Saturday evening and there was a lovely atmosphere, it was a lovely gathering with a good cross section of our community."

Olive said the local businesses played their part to light up their premises in the village and the preparations for the official lighting up of the town was a real community effort.

Olive stated Santa Claus was the big attraction for the children but they had something for young and older people.
“We get the tree from a local farmer Charlie Harrison who is part of the KDDA (Kenagh District Development Association) collects it and erects it and puts the light on with our community employment participants.

"And then we decorate the clock tower and have it looking lovely with lights and everything, so he does all that side of it."
Olive said it was a very enjoyable event with Cathaoirleach of the Ballymahon Municipal District, Cllr Martin Skelly also in attendance.

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"We had mulled wine and hot chocolate and carols and music and we always have a poem from Paddy Egan.”

Olive said local DJ Damien Quinn looked after the music, while herself and Patricia Harrison provided hot chocolate and treats for the kids.

"We had a raffle with a hamper on offer and various other prizes were part of it as well."