Snippets - 11 June 1997
11 June 1997
Tragic death of teenager
The tragic death of a Castlebar welder in a motor cycle accident has shocked the entire community.
Nineteen-years old David Munnelly from Ballinaglough, Snugboro, was killed when the bike collided with a wall at Knockthomas in the early hours of Sunday morning. No other vehicle was involved.
He was son of Jimmy and Margaret Munnelly and his remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary. Requiem Mass was celebrated yesterday (Tuesday) after which interment took place in the new cemetery.
A guard of honour was formed by members of the Youthreach students from Ballinrobe.
He is survived by his heartbroken parents, by his brothers Declan, Francis and Shane and sisters Sharon and Ashling, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends to whom deepest sympathy is tendered on their great loss.
Controversial GP loses seat on Health Board
By Tom Shiel
A Mayo family doctor has lost his seat on the Western Health Board after his nomination papers seeking re-election for another five year term went missing in the post.
Tourmakeady GP, Dr. Noel Rice, who has been a thorn in the side of officialdom and strongly critical at times of political colleagues on the Board, said yesterday (Tuesday) he was disappointed that he won't be serving on the Board any longer.
"There were many issues as regards the state of the health services in the region which I wanted to highlight", Dr. Rice stated.
He explained that he found out his nomination papers hadn't arrived at the Health Board Headquarters in Galway when he enquired late on nomination day.
"There is nothing that can be done. I didn't register my envelope", Dr. Rice stated.
Dr. Rice had a stormy time both as Chairman and as a member of the Board.
He narrowly survived a bid to oust him from the chair after incurring the wrath of colleagues by querying the lowly pay rate for home helps and comparing that pay with the mileage expenses Board members get for attending meetings.
Garda Supts on move
Two popular Garda Supts in Mayo, Liam Collins of Swinford and Malachy Mulligan, Westport are transferring back to Dublin.
Supt Collins, who has been in Swinford for 17 months, is moving to Garda HQ. He will be replaced by Inspector Patrick Forde who is moving on promotion from Galway City.
Supt Malachy Mulligan of Westport, formerly attached to the Garda Drugs Squad, leaves next week for Cabra, Dublin. He has been in Westport for two years. Supt Mulligan will be replaced by Supt Frank Gunter, a native of Loughrea.
Opposition to Kilkelly compost plant
A group of residents from the Kilkelly area are objecting on environmental grounds to a proposal for a mushroom compost manufacturing plant near the town.
The plan is to manufacture the compost in a disused sandpit but locals say the mixing of such components as chicken manure and straw will create a very strong odour locally.
Objectors also claim the compost used in wetting the compst will become highly polluted with organic waste and that it will be impossible to avoid some run-off. As a result, the plant would pollute an adjacent stream as well as polluting the underlying water sources.
Residents, who held a public meeting on the issue last week, say the proposed site is only 2.2 miles from Knock Airport and the compost facility might dissuade would be industrialists and investors from coming to the area.
Mr. Francis Henry, Chairman of the Residents Group, said they had carried out a full investigation into the proposal and they felt that the only ideal location for such an industry would be a remote area free of houses with no danger to the environment, water supply, wildlife for fisheries.
Knock man dies in US drowning tragedy
A young Mayoman has been tragically drowned on his 24th birthday while holidaying in the United States.
Jarlath Concannon, a building contractor from Knock, stepped into a hole while paddling in a river near Chicago and was swept away. Desperate efforts by some of his brothers to save him failed.
The body was recovered after a search lasting several days and has been flown home for burial tomorrow (Thursday)
Mr. Concannon, a single man, was visiting two of his brothers in the States at the time of the accident.
Jarlath went with his brother Tom to the US just over a week ago. Two of his brothers, Eamon and John are based in Chicago.
The group were enjoying a day out at a riverside resort when the tragedy happened. Jarlath was knee deep in the river and suddenly stepped into deep water and was carried away by the strong current.
Said a shocked neighbour: "Tom Concannon caught hold of Jarlath's hand but was unable to hold on because of the strength of the water flow.
The dead man, who is survived by his mother Mary, and six bothers, was a talented soccer player with the local Knock United soccer team. All games in which the club were involved at the weekend were cancelled as a mark of respect to the late sportsman.
