Christmas countdown at Nolan's

We can tell we're on the final furlong to Christmas Day when Nolan's Butchers queues form, writes Brian Byrne. Like last year, the process has been organised in military-level precision, with the entrance from the car park on the New Abbey Road.

"We have 39 people behind the counter, so we'll get to everybody as quickly as possible," James assured those of us early birds as he signalled the off this morning. And they did.

When you're in the queue out the back, take a look at the signs and slogans which James has erected along the wall. All encouraging us to be optimistic. "One woman told me she had arrived in a very low humour, and they totally lifted her spirits by the time she came in."

Happy Christmas to all the Nolan's team.

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