Mayo Abbey Local News

LOCAL NOTES
IRELANDS MOST PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY TO LOSE IT’s PHONE BOX. .
Mayo Abbey, last year voted the most progressive rural community in the
country (winning the Pride of Place national award) has expressed utter
disbelieve at the news that Eircom has put in train its intention to remove
the phone box in Mayo Abbey village.  Following negotiations with the
community council and the input of councillor Patsy O’Brien they have agreed
to leave it there for another six-months to monitor its use.  With the
social housing project due to be completed this summer, taking out the phone
box in six months time will makes a laugh of monitoring as it is after that
it will be of most benefit to the new occupants. Ten years ago when there
was very little in Mayo Abbey we had the post office and public phone.  In
2003 when the village was alive with progress, I-e village enhancement,
resource centre was built, new parochial house, childcare facilities,
community bus and laundry service for the elderly came on stream, then An
Post closed the Post Office and gave us a post-box that won’t take an A4
solid envelope or small package. Now when there will be more need than ever
for a public phone box, Eircom announces its second attempt to remove the
phone box.  The community council are monitoring the situation and will do
all in their power to keep the phone box.
MICHAEL VAHEY SAYS THANKS
Talking to Michael Vahey during the week he expressed his thanks to all who
made his fundraising for the Nial Mellon Township Trust last year so
successful. Michael was one of the 1300 Irish volunteers who travelled to
Capetown, South Africa.  In a letter published as a thank you, Michael says
“I would like to thank every single one of you, your families, friends and
colleagues for your generous donations which helped to make my journey to
Capetown in November 2007 so successful. Under the Nial Mellon Township
Trust 203 houses were built in just one week.  Without your support and
generous contributions this project could not have been achieved.  The total
amount collected and donated to the Nial Mellon trust fund was €15,000.
My sincere thanks to one and all.  I will once again be looking for your
support and generosity in November 2008 to fund this years project to
Capetown, South Africa. Michael is well known in the building trade and GAA
circles.
INDOOR BOWLS
Indoor bowls are played every Tuesday night in the Mayo Abbey centre at
8-00. Anyone interested in taking part can call in on the night. New members
welcome.
FORÓIGE CLUB
Mayo Abbey Foróige club thanks all who supported them at Christmas by buying
their Christmas decorations.
SET DANCING
Set dancing classes continue every Monday night in the Mayo Abbey centre at
9-00.  All  are welcome.
TRAINING COURSES TO COMMENCE SHORTLY IN MAYO ABBEY.
St Colman’s Training Centre, Mayo Abbey have a number of courses starting
soon. The contact number for all courses is 094 93 65 987 unless otherwise
stated.     It is important to book early as place are limited in some
cases.
Names are being taken for a 3-day First-Aid course which will run on Monday
March 3.   You can contact Natalie Saive 087 27 04 151 for French language
classes, which will also be starting shortly.
A Jobs club starts on Monday March 10 to Friday March 28 from 10-00a.m. to
1-00p.m.  The club provides free, expert and professional assistance in all
aspects of returning to the workforce.  For further information and to book
a place contact the Job Club Team at 094 92 56 745
RECENT DEATH
The death took place recently of Jimmy Healy, Barnagreggaun. Jimmy is
survived by his sons, Tom, Balla, Martin, Barnagreggaun, James, Galway.
Daughters, Ann, USA, Marie, Claremorris, Helen, Hollymount.
SYMPATHY
Sympathy is extended to Evelyn Connolly, Coolmeen on the death of her sister
Phil McDonnell, Balla.