Yesterday the newspapers gave the results from this years Tidy Town compettion with Lismore gaining 275 out of a possible 300 Marks. Shannonbridge was marked at 222 and was the same as in 2003. This was a leveling off after a very long run of an increase each year. There will be the normal report issued to each of the 700 towns and villages that competed in the event. Some of the neighbours were marked as follows -Ballinasloe 222, Belmont 200, Cloghan 194,Ferbane 204,Ballinahown 250, Shannon County Clare 272.
Home on holiday are Frank Turley from California and Ragherabeg and Lew and Helena Bantleman from England. Helena nee Carry is on a ten day non singing holiday so.
Lots of pike being caught by continental anglers who measure their catch in Metres so it was a bit different to hear that our own Kieran Hynes caught a 15 Lbs pike on Monday evening while trolling a Mepps lure from his boat. Rick Roper from Blackpool returns from holiday today and as promised he counted his fish catch yesterday landing 50 roach and one perch. Best roach 20 ounces. All returned alive. Weather for the last two days has been glorious sunshine and has started well today.
The death occured yesterday of Roy Mooney of The Doon with funeral to Clonmacnois later. May he rest in peace. Pat tells that Roy and his brother the late Roderick met two nurses in Perrys in Belmont many years ago and married them. Roy married a Kitty O Dea from Galway.
Ireland play Switzerland in soccer tonight in Basle and Roy Keane is back on the panel.
Irishexaminer.ie tells us today that Ireland's population is at its highest since 1871 with an estimated 4.04 Million people. Increased 64,900 since last year due to increase of births less deaths of 33,300 and a net immigrant of 31,600. And there is more so read it yourself.
Had a very enjoyable visit to two old derelict homes last evening calling to see Charlestown House home of Le'strange and the Coughlan chiefs and to Derryholmes House one time home to Doctor Samson and The Atkinson families. Found two of those small houses that Pauline Kemp from Bradford is always searching for when here on holiday.