Mullingar breaks world record attempt on a shoestring

Recession or no recession, Mullingar man Marty Mulligan amazed the local business community when he put on a Christmas market filled with live music, artisan producers, farmers market and a successful world record attempt, all for less than €1,000.Over 700 people from Mullingar and its surrounds broke the Guinness Book of Record's number for the most people wearing santa hats in the one place, ie. the Market Square, at the one time - three o'clock on Sunday afternoon.For just €800, a pedestrianised Mullingar Town centre played host to three live stages and many, many stalls selling everything from hot smoked salmon, to free range beef burgers, to pineapple fritters to Christmas wreaths!Martha Clancy of the Mullingar Chamber told the Westmeath Examiner that not even the wind and rain could dampen the spirit of "Christmas in Mullingar" last Sunday and a debt of gratitude was owed to many people, including the Westmeath County Council, An Garda Siochana and the Civil Defence for their support of the event.Two people and the groups they organised, in particular have been singled out by the local Chamber for special mention: "Anne Hamill and the Farmers Market and Marty Mulligan and all the bands, which gave their time for free really made the day super special" says Martha.The people of Mullingar did indeed brave the inclement weather including freezing winds and icy rain to enjoy the outdoor Christmas market and to cap it all pardon the pun, watch Marty Mulligan successfully put Mullingar into the Guinness Book of Records for the most amount of people gathered in one place wearing Santa Hats.There were well known local celebs walking the streets too, including Wallace's Recycling bins, the abbots and town mayor Ruth Illingworth. Competing with the rock bands were the choir from Mullingar Educate Together who entertained the crowd with a Christmas melody that they will go on to perform at the national Hallelujah choir.Mullingar's Mayor Cllr. Ruth Illingworth said she was delighted with town's record breaking attempt:"It is a great achievement and I myself donned a Santa Hat for the cause, so I was delighted to be part of the event," said Cllr. Illingworth."I have to congratulate two people in particular for making the day happen, Marty Mulligan and Anne Hamill, without the successful day could not have happened," she added.Marty Mulligan thanked the people of Mullingar for making the day happen, in particular Sean Lynch and the Mullingar Arts Centre, the Nally family, Westmeath County Council and local Gardaí.