|
|
Roundstone news 12th April 2010 |
|
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 12:47 |
When I think of the tough winter we have just had, re water, Rain and freezing conditions etc, we know have further headaches, re these illegal gorse fires that are destroying our landscape
Well, there was certainly some drama in Roundstone Sunday afternoon, with these gorse fires; one such fire was started, accidentally or deliberately, I feel it’s the latter, from the top of my lane, i.e. near the cottages which swept right through Paddy Conroy’s land to the main road, a very scary sight with huge flames enhanced by a north west wind, with pending danger to Betty Creane’s house, and Noel Coyne’s, and a visitors holiday home, the flames came so close to their homes, I dread to think what the damage would have been done to these properties trust me when I say it could have been disastrous if it was not for the incredible quick thinking neighbours, boats and trailers had to be moved out to make access for the firemen to arrest the fast approaching flames coming towards their homes. Two engines were called out to us; the boys were telling me that they had been putting out Gorse fires all day.
What is wrong with people who light these fires with complete disregard for the environment and its wildlife, Errisbeg Mountain is like a war torn zone, and if it was not for a certain person who at Midnight spotted a fire taking off again behind Errisbeg Mountain went up there with a shovel to stop the flames travelling, he was up there most of the night, and if it was not for him it could have travelled a lot further. On behalf of Betty Creane and the Coyne family, they really appreciated their local help, I would love to mention their names, but we all know who they were, and of course to thank the Clifden Fire brigade for their incredible quick response and speed in bringing the fires under control and arresting a potential disaster, who ever lit Paddy’s area I hope they realise the havoc that could have been caused.
Monday, all up Farrell’s Road, another fire, acres and acres of scorched commonage with a lot of last years cut turf ready for collection destroyed, the fire is still on going heading to the Bog road, and up onto the other side of Errisbeg Mountain, we have all done our best to control the fire, but to no avail, god help the area, it was also felt this was a deliberate action.
Roundstone Bingo Club:
Roundstone held its first Bingo Session in the Community Hall last Friday, in aid of the Roundstone National School, about 40 turned up, coming from Ballyconneely, Clifden, Claddaduff with of course local participation which was very encouraging for the first night, even though no money was made it will I feel sure it will in time. So, we will continue to have the Bingo every Friday from 8.30 pm to 10pm in the Community Hall. A few mistakes on my behalf were made, but it’s a learning curve and for sure will get it right, come to think of it I had better, these ladies are real pro’s and will not hesitate to pull one up, they were very patient with me on the first night. My thanks to all those that supported us.
Beach Clean up:
As part of the spring clean up of the beaches, next Sunday 18th April 2pm it would be appreciated for some help to get the rubbish Bagged and taken to the Dogs Bay car park. What will be needed is a car and trailer. Bags, gloves and rubbish pincers will be supplied, naturally weather permitting.
Noyelles Sous Lens:
We were a very small group this year to go to our twin village in France, with Lucy Mannion, Tara Coyne, Hannah O’Toole, with Adult Leaders, Self, Geraldine Coyne and Sam Reynolds, we departed on the 25th March and back on the Saturday 3rd April, This year we spent most of our time visiting other area’s of France, such as Lille, Belgium, Bologone, Bereck, , Euro Tunnel Calais,, these were historic towns, not only in its Architecture, but also German occupied towns first and second world wars, with many museums and German bunkers, while we were in bologna we went to Nausica Fish aquarium which is the biggest in Europe.
Having two drivers at our disposal we went to see various factories, one for making the famous Despinoy caramel sweets, in Canbrie, also the well known Dior Chocolate factory, much to the delight of the troops, eating as much as we wanted, which trust me we soon regretted, after a wonderful lunch paid for by hosts, we were then taken to a cheese factory where “Le Tonne de Canbrie” cheese famous in the area, I must say a little cheese after once lunch to finish off a glass of wine is one thing, but see the cheese being made is a completely another thing, I am sure you understand what I am trying to say. Disney world was visited, but it was so crowded, and long queues for the roller coasters etc, and three of the main attractions broke down much to our frustration, so we have agreed for Astrix next year god willing. Then finale The Lord Mayors reception, the usual exchange of presents with the usual speeches, and yet again the Mayors Dinner in a fantastic Restaurant right up my street, even the troops really enjoyed the French cuisine.
All in all another very calm and easy trip, my thanks to Geraldine Coyne being very much the mother figure in caring for everybody, Sam Reynolds assistant adult leader wanted to see what the Twinning was all about, if Sam liked what he saw hopefully in a year or two he might consider taking our places to keep the youth Club going.
New Borns:
Our Congratulations to Nicky Griffin and his wife Diana of O’Dowd’s on the birth of the first child just a few days ago, a baby girl, named Leah
Also to congratulate Brian and Maureen Vaughan on the birth of their baby daughter Ella. Long and happy life to them both
|
|
|
| |
  |
For information,
please contact Richard de Stacpoole.
Errisbeg House, Roundstone, Connemara, Co. Galway.
Phone: 086 821 5153
E-Mail: destacpoole@eircom.net. |
|
|
