Festive fare at Clonkill Christmas Market
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David Scally from Clonkill, John Daly from Crookedwood part of Croína CoillteImage 2 of 11
Ben Tormey, Tommy Griffith from TyrrellspassImage 3 of 11
Valentina Naedeucci with her Aunt Louisa Naedeucci from ItalyImage 4 of 11
Sean Thornton, Jane Thornton from MullingarImage 5 of 11
Geraldine Mangan and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick enjoying there day.Image 6 of 11
Dianr Ashmore from Westmeath Christmas Trees, Vivienne Mulligan part of the organiseres of Clonkill Christmas MarketImage 7 of 11
RIGHT: Charity Pedersen and Robert Healy from MullingarImage 8 of 11
RIGHT: Members of the Clonkill Christmass Market organiising committee.Image 9 of 11
Karen McClure, Elsie Moore, Linda Connolly, Lucy Moore, Holly MitchellImage 10 of 11
Claire Maher from Ballynacarrigy, Gemma Smyth from MullingarImage 11 of 11
Madara Rutkovsa from Longford, Ingas Rutkovsa from Longford part of Ingas CraftsClonkill Christmas Market took place on Sunday, November 16, in Clonkill GAA Club. The event, which started in 2016 as a fundraiser for the local GAA club in Clonkill, raised funds this year for local charities such as TEAM, Mullingar Arch Club, Diabetes Ireland, Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul Taughmon Turin branch, and many more.
The Christmas Market was spread across the main downstairs area, upstairs, and outside. Stalls were selling handmade crafts, festive treats, gifts, and local products. Families enjoyed the holiday atmosphere and a special visit to see Santa after he arrived on a tractor at the GAA club.
Planning for the event was organised by six organisers: Vivienne Mulligan, Karen Gavigan, Olivia McGrath, Ger Harding, Denise Muldoon, and Oliver Scally.
The event was sponsored by local businesses such as Homestore + More, Keough Tyres, Westmeath Christmas trees, The Greville Arms Hotel, and many more, who donated items for the raffle table.
John McCauley joined again this year, offering family photos upstairs in the building, printed and available for collection the same day, with all proceeds going towards John’s Tanzanian Heavenly Homes charity. The talented Hans Widmann also joined the event to entertain the crowd by playing the trumpet and creating a wonderful atmosphere.
Overall, the day was a significant success, with crowds arriving throughout the day to add to the amazing atmosphere created by participants, stall holders, volunteers and organisers.