The Quiet Man who caused quite a racket

Fri, Feb 10, 2017

In terms of professional recognition and box office takings, the 1952 film The Quiet Man was a big success, the romantic comedy-drama was a gamble for Irish American director John Ford who was, until then, known largely for his high octane Westerns. The gamble paid off and Ford scooped his fourth Best Director Oscar for The Quiet Man. Though the film's stars John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara did not receive nominations, the film was nominated for seven awards and eventually won two at the 1953 Academy Awards. Its success was good news for Ireland, especially along the Mayo-Galway border, and the village of Cong in particular, where the film had been shot. Ford and his Hollywood entourage arrived in the west in the summer of 1951 to begin recording the film's outdoors scenes. The production had brought welcome employment to the area and the end result showcased the beauty of the region to a global audience.

Belmullet's Lisa Gallagher recognised for her community spirit

Fri, Feb 10, 2017

For the dedication she has demonstrated in service to her community, Lisa Gallagher, from Belmullet has been recognised as one of 20 finalists in the 2017 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, the only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind which rewards post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and the positive contribution they make in their local communities and further afield.

Castlebar team are the talk of the town after debating win

Fri, Feb 10, 2017

The junior debating team from St Gerald’s College, Castlebar, are the talk of the town following their win at the recent regional final of Comórtas an Phiarsaigh, the annual competition organized by Gael Linn for second-level schools nationwide. The event took place in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, last week.

Mayo choirs shine in National Concert Hall

Fri, Feb 10, 2017

Mayo was well represented in the National Concert Hall on Saturday last February 4, when the multi-award winning choirs Cór Mhaigh Eo, Ballina Chamber Choir and soprano Anne-Marie Gibbons joined forces with the RTE Concert Orchestra and Dun Laoghaire Choral Society, to perform Karl Jenkins epic masterpiece, The Armed Man.

Westport House named as Ireland’s most innovative leisure tourism destination

Fri, Feb 10, 2017

The landmark Westport House has been the recipient of a major tourism award. The 18th century house and estate was named as Ireland’s Best Leisure Tourism Innovation in the county category at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards ceremony at the Clayton Hotel in Dublin last weekend.

Mayo bucks the trend on car sales for January

Thu, Feb 09, 2017

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) last week issued the official 171 car sales figures for January along with presenting its final SIMI/DoneDeal Quarterly Motor Industry Review of 2016. The report showed that car sales in Mayo were up 2.7 per cent in January 2017 compared with figures from January 2016. There were 816 new car registrations in the county in the first month of this year compared to 794 last January.

More than €12k paid in expenses for councillors to attend two events

Fri, Feb 03, 2017

A total of €12,228.26 was paid in expenses by Mayo County Council to elected members to attend just two events last year. When it came to expenses for conferences, training and meetings in Ireland, a total of €72,438.85 was paid out to the members for 2016 who, according to the figures released, attended 201 conferences and training events between them, working out at an average of €360 per claim.

Do you want to help children from Chernobyl?

Fri, Feb 03, 2017

Candle of Grace is a newly formed not-for-profit organisation set up in Castlebar. Its main function is to host a few Chernobyl children from Belarus for much needed rehabilitation holidays. The idea of such an organisation came about from a family who themselves originate from the Chernobyl area in Belarus and know about their problems first hand. Having moved to Ireland a few years ago they were amazed at the generosity and kind-heartedness of the Irish people who know about Chernobyl and have been helping its victims for 30 years now.

Planning for Mayo Pride well under way

Fri, Feb 03, 2017

Planning and fundraising is in full swing for the first Mayo Pride which will take place from July 21 to 23. Taking the lead on this event is Cathy Blake, the current chairperson of OutWest, an LGBT+ social and support group based in the west of Ireland. “OutWest will be 20 years old this year and what more a fitting tribute to its founder members than being part of the first ever Mayo Pride,” said Cathy.

Westport250 gets ready to celebrate

Fri, Feb 03, 2017

In 1767, an ad was placed in Faulkner’s Dublin Journal by the second Earl of Altamont Peter Browne Kelly advertising for tradesmen to build a new town as designed by architect William Leeson. This is considered the foundation year of Westport town. 

The Irish Post to buy assets of Irish TV

Thu, Feb 02, 2017

The Irish Post an Irish diaspora newspaper based in the UK and Michael McAteer of Grant Thornton, Dublin have agreed a transaction in relation to certain business assets of Irish TV subject to approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. Irish TV which had its headquarters in Westport was placed into liquidation late last year with the loss of over 20 jobs.

Taoiseach announces €6 million investment and 20 new jobs in Newport

Sat, Jan 28, 2017

Taoiseach Enda Kenny on Saturday, announced the creation of 20 new jobs and a €6 million investment in the Marine Institute's facility in Newport.  The 20 new positions will be based at the Marine Institute, Newport, where they will be engaged on a number of research projects funded from a secured pot of €6 million in research grants from a number of agencies including Science Foundation Ireland, Interreg, EU H2020/European Research Council, European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the British Research Council.

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