Winter warmth in Longford along the Ballinalee Forest Walkway

The Ballinalee Forest Walkway Santa visit and live crib which took place on Sunday, December 7, was a real festive treat for families and the entire community.

The appearance of Santa and Mrs Claus brought a touch of magic to proceedings for excited local children.

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Included on the day was entertainment, face painting for the children and stalls with handmade goodies and crafts to choose from. The day had a wonderful turn-out, having started in 2021, with organiser, Caroline Gallagher, noting how it is getting bigger and bigger with each passing year.

“It was good. The weather wasn’t great. There’s a small group who gets together to build the Santa hut. It’s a community gathering.

“We don’t charge entry or anything. People put in voluntary donations. It’s a community day and we split it between the chosen groups. Then there’s a small gift for the children, a collection box when the kids visit Santa,” she said.

The proceeds of the donations went to six chosen causes: The Hillside Club, the Ballinalee Christmas Lights Committee, Clonbroney Community Games, Seán Connolly’s Ladies Club, Clonbroney Minor Club and Ballinalee National School.

Altogether, the donations added up to €1,800, which was divided equally between the selected groups.

As for what the biggest highlights of the day were, Caroline remarked:

“I think everyone enjoyed the Santa hut. The work the lads put into it. There’s pictures on Facebook, you can see the detail that went into it!”

“We had local musicians, a local Céilí band and a choir. We had raffles, a baking stall, guess the number of sweets and guess the name of the teddy bear for the children. We had complimentary hot chocolate and mulled wine. It was a community day!”

The day included a live crib on the Santa trail, where children dressed as Nativity figures alongside some animals.

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Caroline thanked the many volunteers who contributed to the success of the event and spoke of how on the day they remembered and paid tribute to one of the founders of the Ballinalee Forest Walkway Santa Visit and Live Crib, who passed away earlier this year on January 30.

Catherine Hennessy was honoured posthumously with Father Tom Murray making a presentation to Catherine’s husband, Pascal, and children, Aisling and Gerald, who were also in attendance.