The Whistlin Donkeys on stage at Blackhall, Mullingar, last night.

First night done; loads more to look forward to

The first night of the Lakeland Sessions, part of the Westmeath Bachelor Festival, drew a decent crowd last night and the organisers said they were happy with how things went.

They are not resting on their laurels though, and have taken seriously any comments concert-goers made to them last night, and as a result, the bar is being expanded before today's gigs start shortly after 3pm.

John Geoghegan, the president of Mullingar Chamber, was among those to praise the efforts of the organising team.

“From the beginning Mullingar Chamber was delighted to hear of this concept to bring this event with so much potential back to life. We fully supported the location and scale of it in our discussions with Westmeath County Council in granting use of part of the Blackhall car park to facilitate it.

"I personally admired the ambition of the organisers to make this happen, although to be honest, it appeared particularly daunting, especially closer to the event date.

"We are absolutely thrilled to see this incredible event in our town and think it is an extraordinary achievement for the organisers to deliver, brilliant on every level. Fair play to Tomás Nally and the entire team for delivering this, they are a credit to our town.”

Lydia Smith, Ray Shaugnessy, Ruth Forbes and Farah Forbes. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Mary Jo Geraghty and Gemma Masterson from Mullingar. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Jean Fox, Una Darcy and Hilary Mooney. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Denise Whelehan and Caitlin Whelehan Cleary from Mullingar. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Nicole Reilly (Mullingar), Ruby Murray (Bunbrosna), Marc Watters (Mullingar) and Lisa Reilly (Mullingar) in the VIP area. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Greg Dunne, Ray Purcell, Daniel Allen and Ger Duff from Some Ones Sons after their performance. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Tori McCormack and Emma Murtagh from Milltown. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Thomas Flynn, Camilla Flynn and Cllr Bill Collentine. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Tomás and Niamh Nally on Friday evening. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
The Whistlin' Donkeys on Friday night. Photo by Thomas Gibbons
Kate Reilly, Tom Kelly, Jackie Sheridan, Pat Kelly, Patricia McGlynn, Marie McGlynn, Lisa Maria Kelly Jenny Feery and Imelda Donoghue. Photo by Thomas Gibbons