Snippets - 3 April 1997



Connaught Telegraph 3 April 1997


Students rapped for 'appalling' grammar

A former examiner with University College Galway and the Incorporated Law Society has claimed the standard of handwriting and grammar by third level students was appalling.

Mr. Patrick Durcan, the Westport -based solicitor, said the literacy skills of students passing through third level education is not up to scratch.

He complained about the results of a recent survey carried out in Regional Technical Colleges which suggested that students were below average when it came to reading and writing skills.

It was his view, however, that the problem existed right across the board and not just in RTCs.

"My view of the problem is that it exists across the board in all education and is not peculiar to the RTCs," said Mr. Durcan.

Mr. Johnny Mee, a member of Mayo County Council, said the survey suggested there was a flaw somewhere along the educational line and he wondered if the advent of television had anything to do with the decline.

Mr. Joe Langan, chief executive officer with Mayo V.E.C., said the survey in question was conducted in the science area. It was very technical and involved 'almost a different language.'

Death of Mr Westport - Mickey Cavanagh

The death has occurred of one of Westport's most colourful and popular personalities, Mickey Cavanagh. Aged 87 years, Mickey was one of the town's great personalities, a noted business man and dedicated community worker.

A native of Ballinrobe Mickey spent some years in America where he built up a thriving business with his brothers in Philadelphia.

He was also a retired captain from the 44th Infantry Battalion of the US Army and was a veteran of the Korean War.

On moving to Westport he purchased the Railway Hotel and later sold the premises before opening Mickey's Pub on Bridge Street.

Mickey was involved in many activities in Westport, both voluntary organisations and political circles.

A former Chairman of Westport Urban Council, he became a member of the authority in the early '70s.

He was also involved with the Westport Horse Show Society, Westport Golf Club, Westport Lions Club and was a former Chairman of Ireland West Tourism.

Mickey will be long remembered in Westport for the service he gave for many years as Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. He will also be remembered locally and worldwide for his commitment in organising the Westports of the World Convention. Mickey travelled to the convention every year regardless of where it was held and took great pride in representing Westport.

Aside from his commitment to Westport, Mickey held his home town of Ballinrobe very close to his heart. A former colleague on Westport Urban Council, Deputy Michael Ring paid tribute to Mickey's service to Westport.

He said: "Mickey played a major part in the revitalisation of the town. He was a colourful character who loved politics and his commitment to Westport will not be forgotten."

Sympathy is extended to his family and many friends.

Dail Deputy's son in boxing bid

The son of a Mayo T.D. has his eyes fixed on boxing glory.

Michael Ring, youngest son the Dail Deputy of the same name, is among nine Mayo boxers bidding for glory this week in the National Boys Championships in Dublin.

Mr. Ring, who was a notable sportsman himself in his youth, will be taking time off from his Dail Eireann duties to watch young Michael progress. He will be joined in the National Stadium by the other members of the Ring family, wife, Ann, daughter, Susanne, and first son, Paul.

Two other Westport boxers are also in action at the event. Austin O'Malley is bidding for his third consecutive title while Richard Moylette is hoping to lift his second gold medal.

The remaining Mayo boxers in action are Cian McHale (Ardagh), Bernard Ward (Ballina), Barry Durkin (Swinford), Michael Regan (Claremorris), John Halloran (Swinford) and Michael Mullahy (Claremorris).



Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - April 1997