So Christmas came and went and how was it for you?
A memorable family gathering or an endless row over the remote control? Over in the UK crowds came out in their droves to see the royal family turn up for their Christmas service, all desperately trying to catch a glimpse of baby George who was no doubt enjoying his first Christmas in Sandringham sleeping and awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. In her Christmas speech Queen Elizabeth reflected on what had been a momentous year for herself and her family – not just the birth of her great grandson but the celebration of her diamond anniversary as well.
Here at home our Taoiseach chose to deliver his Christmas message via merrionstreet.ie, urging us to look forward to the festive celebrations "with more lightness of heart", promising that he will lead "a Government which will not repeat the mistakes of the past, which threatened our children's futures." (and we all know that we can believe our politician's and their promises can't we?!)
Perhaps Enda's recent visit to Herterich's Artisan Meats Store in Ballymahon Street Longford and his purchase of some of the finest locally made scones in Longford have mellowed him? Here's hoping it will rub off on some of our local representatives as the 2014 local elections get underway....
Meanwhile life continues in Longford, the 'sale' signs are up in the stores and the early shoppers are out in force, keen to secure a bargain, while Bernie Crossan celebrates forty years of business in Longford.
As the festive lights continue to shine across Longford's market square, the customers make their way into Herterich's Artisan Meats where the staff have been very busy sending hampers full of treats across the Irish sea and further afield to relations far and wide, bringing a little taste of Ireland into the fold.
Herterich's hampers come in a variety of sizes and are filled with an array of only the finest locally produced goods – choose from sausages, bacon, black pudding, chutney sauce, biscuits, homemade strawberry jam, cranberry and orange stuffing, tins of Afternoon Tea biscuits, Belgian Truffles and a glass of Carmen to top it all off!
If you'd like more information on how to order online please log onto www.herterichartisanmeats.ie or follow @Herterichartisa on twitter.