Aine Art,Killashee

He is one of the best known publicans in the Midlands, but in Killashee he is a legend, pure and simple.This week Willie Donlon celebrated his 81st birthday and was looking back on a life well lived.In 1957 the Killashee man was serving an apprenticeship in the bar trade in an establishement in Longford town when John Magan walked in and asked Willie if he would work for him in Magans Pub in Killashee.Willie jumped at the chance and in 1960 he took over the business and ran it till 2005 when ill health forced him to take life a bit easier.Willie recalls some great memories from that time.Racing festivals and Football games always brought a crowd to Magans.Albert Reynolds visit to Killashee was a great occassion bringing crowds to Magans.Cheltenham and The Grand National were big days in the pub,the customers betting among themselves and having great craic.People came to the pub on foot or by bicycle as there were very few cars then,and it was a safer return home after closing than it...

On the Northern tip of Lough Ree you will come to the twin villages of Lanesborough and Ballyleague. These villages are a relaxing stop over for Shannon cruisers and are famous for fishing.Lanesborough is most noted for the large ESB powerplant that dominates the landscape.The station has helped the local economy not only through employment but through its by-product of warm water pumped into the river attractin g an abundance of fish.Amid the towns dramatic scenery there are restuarants,pubs,and shops for supplies,and the harbour is safe and quiet perfect for a good nights sleep in the cruiser. This coming weekend October 6th and 7th the villages will host the Taste of the Lakelands food festival. Aine Art will have a stand there and I am so looking forward to it.Some of the finest food producers on the island will be there.Celebrity chefs Kevin Dundon,Stephen Dowd,Catherine Fulvio,and Fiona Egan will give demonstrations with mouth watering recipes.Attractions include an ice cream p...