Teen craft maker just one of many attractions at Clonkill Christmas Market

Anthony Gorman, who has featured on RTÉ and elsewhere in stories about how he started his crafts, was at Clonkill Christmas Market last year and will attend again this year.

Anthony makes his popular reindeer decoration in his father’s shed at home in Killeigh, near Tullamore.

Anthony is just one of the many attractions at Clonkill Christmas Market. The cast from this year's panto at Mullingar Arts Centre will visit, in costume, and there will be other special visitors too, as well as scores of traders (details below).

Clonkill Christmas Market was set up in 2016 by a small group of friends, Vivienne Mulligan, Sinéad Uí Mhurchú, Karen Gavigan, Denise Muldoon, Olivia McGrath and Oliver Scally. As a group they chose to donate the revenue they generate to assist in their locality.

Donations have been made to Ben’s Lifeline, TEAM, Clonkill Hurling and Camogie Club, the parents association at Loughegar National School and the Bereavement Room at Mullingar Regional Hospital.

The ask on social media for suggestions for a special local group who could benefit from a little extra support, and while they can’t help everyone, they will do their best to help someone.

There will be 80-plus participants this year at Clonkill Christmas Market on Sunday November 20, which has become the midlands largest indoor and outdoor Christmas Market.

From festive gifts and jewellery, and from wooden reindeer to artisan foods and crafts, they have it all at Clonkill.

"It’s such a wonderful way to kick off the festive season, meet up with friends and family and create some special memories," said a spokesperson for the organising group.

"Mullingar Art Centre are again assisting us, and visitors to Clonkill Christmas Market will get the opportunity to meet, in full costume, the cast for this year’s Beauty and The Beast pantomime, which runs on December 8-30."

One lucky family will win tickets to see the panto, donated by Mullingar Arts Centre.

Santa is due to visit at 1.30pm and children will be able to with talk to him and his elf in the grotto.

Follow Clonkill Christmas Market on Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.

"We are really looking forward to seeing you at Clonkill Christmas Market on Sunday November 20, from 11am to 3pm."

BELOW - Anthony Gorman's story as told on RTÉ.