Westport crowned Ireland’s best town by Retail Excellence Ireland

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), Ireland’s largest retail industry body, has announced that Westport is Ireland’s best town. Kilkenny was nominated as Ireland’s best city. This is the third time in only a few months that Westport has won a national award after receiving its first award from the Irish Times. On that occasion the coastal town was crowned the Best Place to Live in Ireland and the second was the coveted Tidiest Large Town in Ireland award.

Young volunteers can apply now for Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Are you an outstanding youth volunteer? Do you care for an elderly neighbour or raise money for charity? Have you travelled to the developing world on a charitable mission? Do you volunteer in your local community? If so, apply now for the 2013 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards.

The seventh annual Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards invites all second-level students who volunteer in their community, at school or abroad, to submit applications detailing their volunteering activities to their school principal by October 24.

Five days to go to TV switch-off

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Ireland’s digital TV switchover will happen on October 24 2012, a mere five days away. The deadline to change is fast approaching and it is important to make sure people in Mayo are fully informed and prepared for this adjustment.

Plans afoot for The Gathering in Westport

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Westport is co-ordinating a number of ideas in preparation of The Gathering 2013—a year long celebration, which will encourage as many of the Diaspora as possible to return to the country, According to festival co-ordinator Dermot Langan, October 31 is the deadline for all ideas so that a calendar of events can then be prepared for the Westport area. Mr Langan said: “as Westport is the best place to live it is also the best place to gather.”

Town manager, Martin Keating said that there was a great response to a Gathering information evening which took place last week in Knockranny House Hotel. Mr Keating said that there was a very big attendance and people were full of enthusiasm about potential events. Mr Keating said that the use of Croagh Patrick as a backdrop to a major event was brought up as an idea. However, the town manager said that the success of the events all depends on people getting involved and inviting as many as they can to attend events.

Martin glad that NRA signs will go

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Westport town councillor Keith Martin has welcomed the announcement by the National Roads Authority that the white licence plate style signage recently erected on Westport’s cut-stone bridges was erected in error and will be removed.

Bus Éireann to extend service to Carracastle

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Bus Éireann has announced its intention to extend a Wednesday only service from Ballina and Charlestown to Carracastle subject to approval from the National Transport Authority.

Marriage equality for all—Ruane

Fri, Oct 19, 2012

Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane will bring a motion on the issue of marriage equality before the next meeting of Castlebar Town Council. The motion calls for the same rights and entitlements for civil marriage for all citizens regardless of race, religion or sexuality and this viewpoint to be communicated to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.

HSE admits liability five years after the death of Evelyn Flanagan

Fri, Oct 12, 2012

The family of the late Evelyn Flanagan have this week welcomed the acknowledgement of liability from the HSE in relation to her death almost five years ago in Mayo General Hospital. High Court proceedings had been issued by the late Mrs Flanagan’s family following the decision of the coroner’s inquest in 2009 that she had died as a result of medical misadventure.

Museum of Country Life

Fri, Oct 12, 2012

Have you been to see the beautiful Coggalbeg Hoard exhibition in the Museum of Country Life? There are only two weeks to go before the exhibition ends. Visit before Sunday October 14 and see this exhibition before it returns to the National Museum in Dublin. The Coggalbeg Hoard features Early Bronze Age goldwork which formed part of the contents of a pharmacy safe stolen from Sheehan’s Chemists, Strokestown, Co Roscommon.

Ram/sheep fair

Fri, Oct 12, 2012

A ram/sheep fair will take place in Doherty’s Car Park, Mulranny tomorrow Saturday.

Book and clothes sale

Fri, Oct 12, 2012

A two day book and clothes sale in for United Christian Aid in Moldova will take place on Saturday and Sunday October 13 and 14, in St Anne’s Boxing Club, James Street Car Park, Westport. Doors open at 10.30am.