Things are getting very quite here in Roundstone, but there seems to be at least a good few visitors milling around to keep the village alive. But a great crowd for the : Champions of Champions:

Paddy was once again very lucky with the rain holding off for a very successful Fifth All Ireland pony show yesterday. Nearly all the pony’s that were in the catalogue showed up to be judged, golly these pony’s were well turned out as were their handlers in their shirt and ties etc. During the day there was a raffle for the Galway hospice, €655 raised, the draw was a home made wedding cake. A musical Ridden demonstration, young musicians in conjunction with the National Anthem which was sung by Eva Coneys, in the presences of our show queen Rosin McQuinn , also we had Joanne Fox who was a special guest of the show, Joanne is the Irish Horse Editor for the Famers Journal. The all Ireland Junior Champion was given to Sinead Lusby McGrath from Claregalway with her 3 year old filly “Lucky Molly” and a good one for Roundstone, the Reserve Champion was given to our own Caillin Conneely, Letterdyfe, with his 2 year old filly “Letterdyfe Rachel Rose” in fact Caillin looking up the results had a good day so to speak with his pony’s for Roundstone,in fact I think its been a very good for him with is pony’s.

The all Ireland Champion foal was given to Michael Conroy from Cashel, with the reserve Champion given to Francis and Deidre O’Rielly, all the way from Dundalk and finally the Supreme Champion was given to Padraic Hynes with his mere “Village Heather”, and the Reserve Champion was given to Eamon Burke with his Stallion “Clooneile Cashel”, actually I was delighted for the Burke Family as they have all been great supporters of the Roundstone Pony Show for the last 5 years, even if it was just Reserve Champion, because Eamon Burkes son Joe really showed off that Stallion to a very high standard, I was sure he was going to win it, but hey la the Judges decision is final, mind you the winning Mere “Village Heather” was lovely. Full results will be on the website in a day or two with some smashing photos. We must thank all the Roundstone voluntary helpers on the day, without this great help it would be very difficult to run this now all important event and of course to thank all the sponsors without them there would be no show. To you Paddy for your attention to detail and your hospitality in many ways

Male Community Games:

Paddy the yank is not finished yet with the show grounds, on the 18^th September not only will he be holding the Pony Sales, but on the same day on the show grounds “The Roundstone Parish Men’s Sports Day” commencing at 11.am with every sort of activity possible from Archery, to tossing the sheaf, running, walking etc support for these games gentlemen would be appreciated, and trust me it will be great fun.

Monty Halls Great Escape Dive Fest:

Took place on Saturday 5^th September, one of the most spectacular days of this summer. It was a wonderful packed day of talks, walks and fun for all the family. While the children enjoyed the games and snorkelling on the beach the adults were informed and entertained by such great names as Monty himself who is a who is the BBC presenter and a Marine Biologist, Michael Gibbons, Marine Archaeologist, Nigel Motyer (under water photographer) Producer Martin Pailthorpe and of course Simon Berrow from the Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, great traditional music was provided by the Hernon Family followed by the Ciotogai Band the festivities went on into the night. A huge success and some money’s were raised for the Save the Dolphin Pontoon. Hopefully the Dive Fest will become an annual event.

The Pakistan Fund:

Fr Jarlath announced at Mass yesterday that the collection which was held in the Roundstone parish last week-end netted €3,500.00 for the Pakistan Concern fund

Art in Roundstone

Belgian artist Pierre Charriot and his class of 10 students have returned again for a 2 weeks vacation and painting holiday to Eldon’s Hotel. Pierre who is in his eighties is from |Brussels and have been a visitor on and off to Roundstone for about 15 years. He is a wonderful watercolour painter and boasts that Queen Beatrice is one of his students back in Brussels.

Dublin & Cong artist John Dinan has had two separate week sessions with12 students each week on his painting Holiday here in Roundstone which took place over the first two weeks of August.

It is wonderful to see so many artists making our village their choice of destinations.

St. Edna’s School.

Work was carried out over the summer holidays on St Enda’s and is now completed. With a new heating system installed and also new windows.

The children returned to school on Friday last but sadly there were no new pupils. This is the first time in my 33 years in Roundstone and maybe it is a first. Some time ago we had just one pupil starting that was Sarah Devane and she started in the Community school last year.

There are 12 in junior and 22 in the senior class at present

Senator Dodd:

Senator Chris Dodd along with his wife Jackie and daughters Grace and Christine have spent the last three weeks in their holiday cottage in Inishnee chilling out and being part of the Roundstone community, attending all the local events. Including climbing a mountain or two and horse riding. The Senator is having a well deserved rest after his long and hard battle to have Health Care introduced for the American people, this bill was passed last March he also strived long and hard on the Banking Reform plan and was honoured to have it now called the Dodd Banking Reform after him. He plans to retire from politics come Christmas to spend more time with his family. He travels to Spain on Thursday to receive an award from the Spanish Government .This is the highest award given to a person outside of Spain. The Senator is a fluent Spanish speaker and has worked closely with the Latin America Committee on issues for Spaniards. Last year he received the Aztec award from the Mexican Government.

Bill Whelan:

Bill, from the “Riverdance” Fame and who has a holiday home and studio here in Roundstone has been honoured by being given a teaching post in Princeton University, New Jersey. As Bill says himself it is time for him to have a proper job. This post lasts until Christmas and along with six others such as Bill himself they will undertake to teach some students, who will at the end of the term be in a position to write, play and put on a recital. The ever famous Riverdance show can be seen in Castlebar at the end of this month right through to October 2^nd.

Roundstone Lotto

Are delighted to be in a position to help the National school St Eanna’s with a part of their shortfall from their recent renovations. A cheque was presented to the principal teacher Michael McDonagh today.

The Roundstone Lotto Prize now stands at €10,800 and next weeks Sunday the draw will be in Eldon’s Hotel. The money from the lotto goes to helping Roundstone local community events such as the school, church, tidy towns, playground and many more The Committee wishes to thank all those who diligently buy tickets every week.

Birthday wishes:

To Mary Mc Donagh who celebrated her birthday yesterday also to Gary Conneely who had a birthday earlier in the week.

RNLI:

Congratulations to Jim Vaughan & Pat O’Neill who both completed the Life Boat 10K run up the sky road in and around the 45min mark. Phew!!! I can’t even think about it.