Santa on track for Mullingar visit
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The Big Man in Red spoke to every child on the train during the return journey to Longford.Image 2 of 14
The Killucan 5th Westmeath Scouts (Beavers).Image 3 of 14
Looks like Santa might have been a naughty boy! Superintendent Bláithín Moran had to remind him to be good, or he won’t be on his list! Mrs Claus just laughed!Image 4 of 14
RIGHT: The Grinch was one of the characters who entertained the passengers while they were waiting to board.Image 5 of 14
Among the Elves were Aoibheann McGivney and Caitlin Cusker.Image 6 of 14
Conor McCormack with Santa on board the Express.Image 7 of 14
Elf Jimmy Patrizi with Fiona O’Shea and Deirdre O’Brien McGivney, two of the organising team.Image 8 of 14
Elsa (Kate Dolan) with Robyn O’Donnell (left) and with Harriet Bauer in the sensory room before boarding the Santa Express.Image 9 of 14
Harriet Bauer with Elsa (Kate Dolan) in the sensory room while waiting to board the Santa Express.Image 10 of 14
Roger Nicholson, Rotary Club Mullingar, who are among the sponsors of the Santa Express, with Laura Bauer, Elf Aoibheann, Elf Caitlin, and Deirdre O’Brien McGivney, organising team.Image 11 of 14
ABOVE: Scouts 5th Roscommon.Image 12 of 14
Singer Erin Reynolds with Conor Malone.Image 13 of 14
The Tuffy family on board the Santa Express.Image 14 of 14
The Berry family from Monaghan.There were nine sleeps and 25 miles to go last weekend on the Santa Express train, a family Christmas experience that raises funds for the Milltownpass 9th Westmeath Scouts.
There were four special service train-rides over Saturday and Sunday, each doing a round trip from Mullingar to Longford with Christmas themed family entertainment at Mullingar Train Station and on board the train.
The event, which is in its second year, involved a huge voluntary effort overseen by Fiona O’Shea, and including people of all ages from the wider community. There was a large jovial choir of carol singers igniting the atmosphere – performers included Erin Reynolds, Mullingar Town Band, Sweet Tunes, Raimonda Jazz, and Darragh McCabe.
Appearances by favourite festive characters like the Grinch, Elsa and Olaf delighted children and adults; and an entire team of elves (teenagers and young adults from Westmeath) were at hand to help with organisation or other questions. Young teens and older children made up treat-boxes to sell to children; other volunteers served hot drinks; and a there was a dedicated scene where families could get the perfect Christmas photos.
And all that at Mullingar Train Station, before passengers even set foot on the train.
On board, the team of teens, children and adults continued to impress. Singer Karen Staunton from Tyrrellspass travelled from carriage to carriage with her guitar, leading the Christmas song, while the elves distributed tambourines, shakers and laminated song-sheets to passengers.
There was face-painting with a festive twist – snowflakes, Rudolf noses and the like. There were quieter carriages suited to children with sensory needs, which could be reserved when booking.
The most special moment for children was the visit by Santa, who toured the train along with Mrs Claus, ensuring that they stopped to chat to each and every child on board.
All was done in the spirit of the season, and the volunteers of all ages gave joyfully to make the Santa Express a non-stop magical ride.