Category: News

John Carrington – 29th April 2003

From: John Carrington 29th April 2003 (john.carrington@actrix.co.nz)

Hi

My name is John Carrington. My Wife’s name is Mary nee Campbell.

We have stayed in Achill three times over the last few years. Mary’s cousins are the Pattens and the Devers from Belfarsad.

Sadly Mary’s dad Pat Campbell passed away last month. Thank you for all the cards and letters.

We both miss the George and the Compass, especially Pat Ó,Malley’s songs and tales.

If Ann Sweeney or anyone else wants to stay a few days in Wellington New Zealand, Drop us a line.

 

Ann Sweeney – 16th April 2003

From: Ann Sweeney 16th April 2003
Hi All,

Hope you are all well and happy! Well, I just want to send my final last greetings from Syndey, Australia. Can’t believe I’m leaving here, the time has gone by so fast its unbelievable!! I’ve had the best time here in Sydney. I played my last game of rugby on Saturday, nearly got a try – it was so close but got tackled just by the line but my mate got it so that was alright! We got beaten in the end but never mind!

My old man Harry took me out last week for a lovely meal in this posh restaurant. It was so funny, you should have seen us waited on hand and foot (the way it should be right?) and then Harry brought me up the Sydney Sky tower. Amazing views of Sydney – sure I was spoilt! Today was my last day working for him. I’m going to really miss going for our daily swim in the pool and the spa!! Sure it was great!!

On Sunday I played my last gaelic match. I’m going to really miss all the Clan Na Gael girls! We meet down to our local (for those of you who don’t know it) the Cock and Bull The girls wrote a poem about me it was so funny! and we all sang the green and red of Mayo it was so nice, great nite was had by all!!,

So, my bags are packed and I’m ready to go!! New Zealand here I come! Can’t wait to do my skydive, should be amazing. I’ve got to go as we’re having our farewell dinner in the house and meeting the girls for a few farewell drinks, get the tissues out!!!

take care,

all the best,

Ann

Telecoms Campaign


Muintir a’Chorráin, in partnership with Achill Community IT Centres, is campaigning for an improvement to the telephone system in Currane.
Our focus is on the lack of ISDN availability, due to the distance from the exchange at Achill Sound, which prevents any meaningful use of the internet at the IT Centre as well as hampering any business ventures in Currane.
The solution is to install a small Exchange in Currane. Not only will this provide digital services for those who need them, it will also solve the capacity, quality and reliability problems faced by all telephone users here.
Several letters have been sent to government ministers and two meetings have been held with Éamon Ó Cuív. The Minister supports the campaign and has indicated that funds are available, all that is needed is a politically acceptable mechanism for allocating the money.
The campaign must keep up the pressure, especially with cutbacks being made in all areas, but there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Community Employment

The FÁS scheme finished on the 1st November. 14 participants were employed, 10 mainly on outside work and 4 working inside.
The work carried out was as follows:
• The entrance to Casadh an Taoille was made wheelchair accessible.
• The parking area around the Church was lined out and the cattle grid was removed and re-welded.
• The flower beds around the Church were dug and new flowers and shrubs set.
• The inside and outside of Glór na dTonn, the Church porch, the store room, and parts of Casadh an Taoille were painted.
• The ground outside exit doors was painted with special safety paint.
• A wall was built around the Cillín at Gob na bPáistí in Mewillian.
• A sign was erected around the Cillín at Clochán.
• A new fence was erected around the football pitch at Bollinglanna and new shrubs were set.
• The road to Aith an Aoil was maintained on several occasions.
• In Glór na dTonn the floor was swept and washed weekly, the toilets and kitchen cleaned daily, tables, chairs and stage moved as required and fixtures and fittings repaired or replaced as necessary.
• A meals-on-wheels service was provided daily, along with day care on a Wednesday.
All participants took part in training schemes such as Health & Safety, Stonework and Tiling, while some took part in an ECDL computer course.
The new scheme starts on 2nd December and an ambitious programme of work has been drawn up.