Snippets - 11 December 1996



Connaught Telegraph 11 December 1996


A CAT SCAN CHRISTMAS GIFT

There has been an excellent response to the drive to raise funds for the purchase of a CAT Scan machine for the Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar.

Many fund raising events have taken place to date and the county committee are now selling £100 limited draw tickets, a move which the organisers hope will raise £200,000.

Such a ticket would make an ideal Christmas gift and the tickets are available from any of the committee.

CONG MAGAZINE NOW ON SALE

The Cong Christmas magazine is now on sale and is full of features, old photographs and an interesting mix of articles both past and present.

The 64-page production is selling at £2.50 and the editorial board, consisting of Mary Waldron, Marie Buckley, Michael Walsh, Wyndham Little and Colm Kilcoyne have to be complimented on what can only be described as first class magazine.

The superb front cover picture of St. Mary's, Cong was taken by local photographer Michael Kelly. Many other of his pictures are included in the publication.

POT HOLE PROBLEMS

Angry motorists are seeking legal advice on the possibility of taking action against Mayo County Council over damage to their cars because of a huge' pot hole at Ballyheane.

Over twenty vehicles experienced blow-outs or damage to wheel rims at the weekend after going into the pot hole which was full of water.

The Gardai were notified about the dangers of the pot hole and later a County Council crew arrived to fill it in.

CHAMBER PROTEST OVER COLLECTORS

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce has called for a clampdown on the numbers of professional collectors invading the town.

Chamber president Mr. Frank Greene is to take the matter up with Chief Supt. John Carey as a matter of urgency. The chamber is concerned that support for local worthy causes will drop as a result for the influx of the paid collectors.

Mr. Greene said: "We have received several complaints about members of the public being hassled by these out of town collectors.

"We have decided to take the matter up with the Garda authorities to see want can be dome to curtail this practise."

DEATH OF BROTHER AND SISTER

A Swinford brother and sister have died with two days of each other. Thomas Byrne of Derryroane, Swinford passed away at the Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar. His sister Kate McDonagh of the same address died at her residence two days later.

Thomas is survived by his wife Bridgie, son Tom, daughter Mary and brothers and sisters. Kate is survived by her husband Joseph, daughters Mary, Ann and Catherine, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.

Both remains were removed to Swinford Parish Church and burial took place in Kilconduff cemetery after their respective Requiem Masses.

SEANAD WHIP FOR PADDY!

Castlebar's Senator Paddy Burke is hotly tipped to be appointed Government Whip in the Seanad in place of Senator Liam Cosgrove, son of the former Taoiseach, who has been appointed Cathaoirleach of the House.

Senator Cosgrove was elevated following the sudden death last month in a car crash of Senator Liam Naughton.

Taoiseach John Bruton is expected to formally announce Senator Burke's appointment within the next 24 hours.

LOST FOOTAGE

A unique piece of television footage, never screened before, will be shown on RTE1 television in the last of the series of "Raiders of the Lost Archives" on Wednesday night next (December 18).

It features interviews recorded in 1965 recalling the 1903 championship of Mayo final between Castlebar and Bohola.

The interviewer was the late Liam Campbell and among those he spoke to on the occasion were Dick Condon then aged 82 years, John McCormack and John McGowan.

Sean Ban Bhreathnach has selected the clips which will be broadcast at 10.30p.m.

CAROL SERVICE

St. Nathy's College, Ballaghadeereen will present a service of carols and readings for the season of Advent in the Cathedral on Wednesday next (December 18) at 8p.m.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Early arrival is advised as a large turnout is expected.

FCA ANNIVERSARY

To mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the FCA a special Mass will be celebrated by Fr. John Maloney in Swinford Church tomorrow (Thursday) evening at 7.30p.m.

Past and present members of the FCA from Foxford, Swinford, Kiltimagh, Charlestown and Ballyhaunis.

LIONS TOP APPEAL

The Castlebar Lions Club Christmas toy appeal is now in full swing. And members of the public are asked tp bring along surplus, used or unwanted toys to their collection points at your local school from tomorrow (Thursday) to Wednesday next (December 18).

The national schools in question are at Ballyheane, Derrywash, Snugboro, Breaffy, Castlebar, Islandeady and Belcarra.

CLERICAL APPOINTMENTS

The Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Neary has announced the following clerical appointments and promotions.

CRIMLIN CARD GAME

The annual Crimlin national school big card game will be held in Crimlin Community Hall tomorrow (Thursday) at 8.30p.m. with an admission of £5. This is always a great night out.

Tea and refreshments will be served. There will be spot prizes for all games as well as three hampers.

NEW CASTLEBAR RATE IS STRUCK

Castlebar Urban Council have struck a new rate in the pound of £44.44, one of the highest rates in the country. The figure represents a three per cent increase on last year's rate.

Service charges have also been increased by £15 to £165 for 1997. The new rates were adopted at Monday's estimates meeting of the authority by eight votes to one.

Mr. Johnny Mee, the Labour Party councillor, was opposed to increasing the service charges. Independent councillor Mr. Frank Durcan supported the striking of the new rate for the first time in a number of years.

He said new council manager, Mr. Alex Fleming, deserved the chance to prove himself.'

Charlestown nun is Leitrim Person of the Year

By Michael Commins

CHARLESTOWN native, Sr. Eva Horkan, has been honoured with the Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year Award.

Sr. Eva is a nursing sister in Carrick-on-Shannon and is being honoured for her outstanding work with the elderly and disabled members of the community. She has been based in Carrick for 29 years.

A member of a very well known and prominent family in Charlestown, Sr. Eva is a regular visitor to the family home in Church Street. She is daughter of Martin and the late Margaret Horkan and is a sister of Marty and Collie, both of whom reside in Charlestown.

News of her selection as Leitrim Person of the Year has been warmly welcomed back home in Charlestown. "She's a great lady and we are not in the least surprised that her work is being recognised at this level. She is a very worthy recipient of the award," said a neighbour in Church Street.



Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - December 1996