1996/99
For up to date news visit the Connaught Telegraph website.
Mayo's mascot VW beetle stolen
4 March 1998
The famous Green and Red Volkswagen Beetle, which became the mascot of Mayo's All-Ireland bids in 1996 and 97 has been stolen.
The car was gearing up for it's new number plates SAM-98-M0, was taken from a garage outside Castlebar. It had been put into winter storage in preparation for another championship run this year.
Chief Supt John Carey confirmed last night the matters was being fully investigated and the vehicle was on the stolen list. The car was purchased by local business Michael Parson from Casey's garage in Castlebar. It was handed over to the Byrnes Babes who painted it in the Mayo colours and installed Tom Tom Denning as driver and local publican Mick Byrne as co-pilot. Mr. Byrne said he had no doubt but the car has been taken and described it as a mean act.
"The car really has no monetary value but it has great sentimental value to those of us in Mayo who recognised it as something of a symbol of Mayo's All-Ireland bid".
Mr Byrne said he had got a reported sighting of the car. A lady rang him from Robeen to say it was spotted on the back of a trailer. Owner Michael Parsons said he didn't really care about the monetary loss as the car.
"The car itself is of great importance to us in Mayo and if anyone can help we would like to have it back", he said.
Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - March 1998
