Members of the Clonkill Christmas Market committee (from left) Ollie Scally, Vivienne Mulligan, Sinead Uí Mhurchú, Karen Gavigan, Olivia McGrath and Denise Muldoon.

Clonkill Christmas Market to start local festive season

Published: Wed 8 Nov 2023, 10:21 PM

Last updated: Fri 10 Nov 2023, 4:25 PM

Clonkill Christmas Market committee have issued an invite for people to join them on Sunday, November 19. They promise a fun day and a range of craft, gift and artisan food stalls to start the festive season.

“We have been working away in the background to plan our great annual event, which we all look forward to,” said Vivienne Mulligan on behalf of the committee.

“We started in 2016, initially as a fundraiser for our local GAA club in Clonkill. It has been such a lift to community spirit that our committee was formed by friends and assisted by a great number of volunteers, and we were asked back by the community, and decided to make this an annual event – which we host at the same venue each year, Loughegar community centre.”

All revenue raised goes back into local charities each year.

“We also give donations to our local school parents association, the playschool, and other small groups.

“This year we have Linda McGee, manager of TEAM, and Bernie McCormack raising funds for diabetes Ireland back again – we have great charities each year that attend. Also joining us is manager Claire Garry and her great group from the Mullingar Arch Club. It is based at Columb Barracks as a craft and hobby group for people with special needs.”

Vivienne said the committee welcome new sponsors with raffle items and thank all the local community and small businesses for their support.

“We endeavour to support local, small, artisan producers and have no doubt our visitors will have a really memorable day, enjoying all the stalls, and it will definitely get the festive season mood going.

“Many thanks from the committee – myself Vivienne Mulligan, Karen Gavigan, Ollie Scally Olivia McGrath Sinead Uí Mhurchú and Denise Muldoon.”

Mullingar Town Band will attend to fundraise and they will also close the market with Christmas carols.

Performers from Mullingar Arts Centre will call to the market at 12.30pm in their costumes for this year’s panto, The Little Mermaid, and Santa arrives shortly after that.

Among the confirmed sponsors are Lagan Cement; and the main prize in the raffle on the day is tickets for a Three Amigos show at the Mullingar Park Hotel.

Clonkill Christmas Market is on Sunday November 19, 11am-4pm.