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...

Aine Art had a lovely day today at Strokestown Park House Annual Show. Strokestown Park House is an 18th centuary mansion which has been faithfully restored.It is unique in that it retains its original furnishings and guided tours allow visitors to experience Georgian Ireland in its purist form.The National Famine Museum is located in what was once the stable yards of Strokestown Park,an 11,000 acre estate owned by the Mahon Family until 1979. The estate was purchased by the Irish State and papers relating to the management of the estate were found.This collection of papers is now regarded as the single best archive of the Great Irish Famine in the world.The beautifull Walled Garden of over six acres has been restored to its original splendour.Visitors can learn about horticultural practices and garden architecture from the 1740s to the present day.The Woodland Walk has been restored and visitors can walk through parts of this beautifull estate.Aine Art will definately be back again.

All roads lead to Strokestown next Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th of September for the annual Agricultural Show.Aine Art will be there with a selection of paintings and I am really looking forward to it.This years event will be held in the grounds of Strokestown Park House and will feature 23 All Ireland Finals.Sections include Cattle,Sheep,Horse and Pony,Farm and Garden, Fruit and Vegetables,Hay and Pasture,Turf,Cookery and Handcrafts.Something there for everyone. Ther will be a Best Dressed Lady competition aslo Best Dressed Gent,Glamorous Granny and Little Miss and Mister and of course a Bonny Baby.If you attend the Show and feel peckish there will be a food fair entitled Flavours from the Heart,there will be a large selection of both savory and sweet.I hope the weather will be kind and drop in to see me at the Aine Art Stand, I will be delighted to see you.