Yesterday was Saint Ciarans Day in Clonmacnois and apart from the normal visitors there was a wedding, a funeral and later an open air Mass. Donald Claffey from Crevagh and Paula Concannon from Ferbane started proceedings with an exchange of marriage vows during the wedding Mass celebrated in the old cemetery. The bridal party were aware of Roy Mooney's funeral and timed it precisely by meeting the funeral cortage as they journeyed to the reception in The Hodson Bay Hotel near Athlone. Wishing Paula and Donal every happiness together. In the evening four priests concelebrated Mass with Father O Hanlon in glorious sunshine as the weather people got it wrong about the arrival of Hurricane Frances which is predicted to bring about six inches of rain in the next few days. The wedding seating was used by the congregation and I found five Mother Theresa nuns sitting within handshake. Talking to Father Mc Auley afterwards about the Stations that he normally leads on Pattern Day he said that this year about four Bishops will lead the Stations and it will be part of the overall ceremony on September 19.
After Mass people were inclined to hang around and Mick and Mary went to visit the center attached to what was Molloys house. Meanwhile looking at some of the grave slabs I was delighted to find the Reid plot which told that Micky Joe Reid,the accordeon player died on 25 - 6 -1954 and his brother Tom died on 24 - 2 - 1955. Their plot is to the right of the main gate leading to the working cemetery. Wondered was their sister Mary Margaret buried there.
Noticed the Hunt plot on my travels and later at dusk an animal hopped along and settled down on a kneeler that said Pray For Me. In the darkness it was not easy to distinguish what it was and it let me come within two yards before it hopped along. Think it was a rabbit.
Tidy Towns again and Shannonbridge was awarded 29 Marks out of 50 Maximum for Overall Development Approach: Thank you for submission and sketch map. We still notice no progress on the formation of a three year plan. This need not be as intimidating as some people think:what we are anxious for is your thoughts for a better Shannonbridge, but it is important that these be listed and approved by the community. Ideally, you should phase your efforts and keep in close laison with other agencies.
The Built Environment section has 40 Marks available. Our marrking was 34. Comments -
The history and heritage aspect of the village is strong and the magnificent 19th century buildings on the Roscommon end of the bridge are unique. The public buildings in the village all looked well this year and some have high quality landscaping. The village lends itself to strong colour beside the Shannon and you have performed well here. The thatched house on the approach road is enticing and projects a good image for the village. The unsightly barn opposite is unfortunate:any chance of the owner being persuaded to improve.? Flynn's Bar and Bridge Bar looked well. We note the derelict house beside Nugents is due for demolition and replacement of four accommodation units. Planners should ensure that the traditional streetscape is protected and avoid the use of materials not appropriate to the character of the village. The school is drab and needs painting, even the flag poles need attention.
Landscaping has 40 Marks and we got 34 marks. Their comments: Landscaping is rich and plentiful throughout and much of previous years planting continues to enhance. You still have potential to raise your marks here. Farm gates should be painted, if the owners won't do it you should do it yourselves. Picnic areas mentioned last year are well presented again this year. The landscaping at the new marina is very good and this in a splendid development offering valuable boating services to the users of the Shannon. The toilets and shower units at the other side are well maintained and were spotless on adjudication day.
Wildlife and Natural Amenities offers 30 Marks. Shannonbridge got 20 marks. Adjudicator comments: You have great scope here for the promotion of wildlife and we suggest you contact a specialist from the Irish Wildlife Society for advice on the implementation of a suitable project.
Litter Control has 40 maximum marks. We got 30 marks. Their comments: Some litter was in evidence at the Marina. However in general litter control is very good and Main Street was free of litter. Your close association with the school authorities is praiseworthy. Toilets here were well maintained and were cleaned on adjudication day.
Will cover Tidiness, --Residential Areas, Roads, Streets and Back Areas -- General Impression parts later.