Ann mentioned last week that it was Nice to see the first 2010 car in Roundstone owned by two local owners. So as she said let’s hope that the RSA gets around to filling in all the pot holes that have sprung up since the frosty weather and making driving safe for them in fact for all of us. At the moment I dread a trip anywhere in Connemara with the state of the roads.

It is time now that the powers that be to get their act together and give proper roads, you could say this our right as we are tax payers, for road tax and rates. Galway County Council contacted RDC last week to say that work will begin to repair the pot holes and road surface from Dogs Bay to Murvey. GCC will be continuing to concentrate on repairing all the roads between Cleggan and Roundstone over the coming weeks. However, in their favour work has, I gather been done on the Bog road, which as far as I am concerned is not priority, so I beg of them and urge them to have the pot holes in Roundstone and Ballyconneely filled properly as soon as possible.

Water:
As you all now, the water pumps still have to be turned off from 10pm to 8am and will remain so for quite some time, I am reliably told the water level by the morning is not rising, this could be due to the fact, that people when they hear the weather forecast with the possible threat of frost, taps are still being run through the night, or perhaps there is a leak within your supply, the only way to find out is during the day check your pressure, if it is weak go on a walk about for a suspected leak. Johnny goes to the reservoir in the evening and morning to check on the levels and to turn the pumps off, bottom line water is being wasted. Being by the Gulf Stream it’s rare to have a major freeze in February on a coast line, and even it does freeze, just wait for the thaw.

O’Dowd’s:
Congratulations to Nicholas, Roy and family from O’Dowd’s Seafood Restaurant are delighted to have been included in the B.I.M Seafood circle for 2010 for the fourth year in a row. There are only three restaurants in Connemara to receive such an award in 2010. The BIM (Bord Iascaigh Mhara) Seafood Circle recognises and awards hospitality and retail businesses that consistently deliver the highest standards of seafood and service to their customers. Membership is awarded on an annual basis and may be withdrawn at any stage if an establishment fails to continue to meet the criteria necessary.".
O’Dowd’s Seafood Restaurant is open every day throughout the winter, from 10.30am to 9.30pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. So well done to all concerned

Windsurfers:
There is also some good news regarding the windsurfing competition which was held in Roundstone for a good few years. Danny Mulryan from Galway is hoping to bring back the national windsurfing Championship final day event to Roundstone this October Bank Holiday. Danny met with members of RDC and the beach committee on Sunday 23rd January to outline his proposal. There was an open and frank discussion about problems that existed in the past. However all sides were agreeable that the event should go ahead. Danny is hoping that the event will bring up to 150 windsurfing competitors to Gurteen beach along with their families and supporters of the sport. The event will be held over three days from Saturday 30th Oct to Nov 1st. nice one for Roundstone.

Fund Raiser for Haiti:
Again it’s the year of fun. We will be holding a Haiti Fundraiser with a charity Table Quiz this coming Friday 5th February in the Shamrock Bar kicking off at 9.30pm, a load of spot prizes music, and a bit of fun, we need as many teams as possible to make it work, the funds raised will go to Goal Haiti Earthquake appeal. It would be appreciated that even if you can not take part in the quiz, come along to the event and perhaps make a donation for this earthquake appeal



Murder Mystery Night:
Again as it’s the year of fun, we had our first Murder Mystery Dinner with a caste of twelve budding local actors up at Errisbeg House, I have to say it was a lot of fun, also a learning curve, with great costumes totally in keeping with the forties era therefore certainly we will have another Murder Mystery Dinner once a month, keeping some of the original caste, and to invite new local invitee’s, these mystery’s are actually quite complicated to unravel so more we do of them the better we can become more proficient in our interaction. The long term plan is to have weekends of murder Mystery’s some time during the year, so watch out guys invitations will be going out again for the Champagne Murder Mystery in the month of February. My compliments who took part in the mystery and the spirit that it represented.



Roundstone Bingo:
Talking about fun and something new, word has got round that we would like to bring bingo to the village, people have been asking me when will this happen, all I can say at this stage, is that I am just waiting for a reply from the superintendent to my letter for permission and sort out the paper work to bring it to fruition, so mean while I go Tuesday nights to Ballyconneely to play the game and learn some thing about the rules etc, it’s enjoyable, and do I dare say it is fun.

Jive and Rock & Roll Classes:
A reminder for all those that have enrolled in the Jive Classes which commenced last Wednesday night in the local community hall with Christina Lowry. Round two this coming Wednesday 8.30pm, we are about thirty all together, plenty of room for more, its good exercise and good fun.

Robin Price:
A sad week for Roundstone with the death of two of Robin Pryce who died on Wednesday last at his home in Murrish Westport. Although Robin and his wife Theresa left Roundstone some years ago to be nearer there family who live in Westport and Castlebar, he still kept in constant touch with his friends in Roundstone.  While he lived here he was part of so many different organisations, Tidy Towns, Arts Week, and Garden Club and was one of the founder members in the twinning with Noyelles sour Lens in France and Roundstone. Robin was a retired school teacher and one of his most endearing  traits was his love for wild life, his cattle and of course his rare breed of ducks. Our Condolences and prayers to the immediate families. May you rest in peace Robin.

Geraldine Keoghane: 
From Erlough & Cork also passed away this week after suffering from Motor Neuron Disease. Ger, as she was better known as by her friends was a wonderful lady who loved life to the full, her life was her family and grand children and we are glad that she lived to see her newest grandchild born nine weeks before her death. She loved her house in Erlough on the beach and was our watchdog as to when the sea was warm enough for our first swim. Many times she would bring down Ice Cream to the children on the beach and the cup of tea was always available if you felt like dropping in. Erlough will never be the same without you and we will miss you lots Ger. May you rest in peace.

Congratulations:
To Padraic & Sheena Connolly on the birth of their 7 lb 2oz baby girl and to the proud grandparents Martin & Kate of Dooeither, Carna and Bridie and Martin Conneely, Erlough.