Good-humour among queuing crowds at Penneys

Above: sisters-in-law Jenna and Georgina Gilmore, Dalton Park, and Caroline Kelly and Alisha Farrell

The long-waited reopening of Penneys at the Fair Green Shopping Centre took place this morning.

The queue was moving fast with about 30 waiting at a time, all well distanced.

Awaiting her turn to get in, Sharon Doherty, a healthcare worker at Mullingar hospital, remarked that it had been a long three months.

"It has been hard to get shopping so I've been shopping online.

"I'll be going to the women's section to get a few bits and pieces; I've also been missing the chance to pick up some kids' things."

Enjoying the craic and banter were sisters-in-law Jenna and Georgina Gilmore, Dalton Park, and the next behind them in the queue, Caroline Kelly and Alisha Farrell from the Patrick Street area.

"Underwear!" was Caroline's immediate response to the query of what was top of their shoppping list, a response greeted by peals of laughter from the rest.

"Underwear, leggings, T-shirts and shorts," she expanded.

"I wouldn't be there every week but whenever the shillings are spare."

Jenna said she had missed "big time" her weekly visits to Penneys.

"It's Penneys Number 1 - I won't go anywhere else!" she declared.

Georgina likewise visits weekly - and was anxious to replenish her stock of undergarments.

"They're fairly withered," she remarked.

Security guard Valentin Avram and Garda Síochána member Paul Martin were on hand to ensure the queue remained orderly.

But it was an easy task: the sunshine and the anticipation had everyone in great form.