Heard on the Mooney Goes Wild radio all night program last night that a Swallow ringed in Edenderry in 2000 has returned for a fifth time this year. It is estimated that the swallow travelled about 9,500 miles each year. Noticed on Friday that a number of what we call swallows nests have been built under the eveshoot of Mc Donagh’s house beside the bridge. They are round mud finished houses with a small opening. Perhaps they are Mudlarks. My sister Doc and hubby Dick travelled to County Clare to hear the Dawn Chorus this morning and she tells us that she heard twelve of the Irish singing birds. No news on how the Dawn Chorus went in Clonfert this morning.

Pauric Turley, Joe Claffey’s nephew turned up trumps at the weekend with a large consignment of books for Shannonbridge Library. Remember Thursdays 7 to 9 pm.

Walked around the edge of the new jetty on Friday and found the ground very uneven. A visiting angler suggested that most anglers have trolleys and if there was a proper pathway laid down then they would be able to fish the good swims just up from the jetty.

This weekend Shannonbridge had a visit from an amusement arcade which was set up in The Grove or Oliver Darcy’s field at Clonmacnois turn. Bumpers were all the go and their timing was perfect as nine kids had their First Communion on Saturday and many older kids joined the fun.

For people that find it hard to get comfortable shoes to fit they might consider visiting Tony Murphy, off Main Street Ballinasloe at 43 Riverview. Tony takes a cast of your feet and makes shoes to fit the cast. Tel 090-9643214.

Came across two information leaflets on two courses which will take place in Ard Na Ri, Clonmacnois. This was formerly the home of the late John and Nan Molloy.

On 24^th May What God Wants is described as a compelling workshop exploring humanity’s biggest question. The workshop will be guided by Neale Donald Walsch, author of “Conversations With God” Cost €150

Another workshop over two days May 28-29 is titled Working and Playing with Nature Spirits. The course is based on the leader’s (Tanis Helliwell) book, “Summer with the Leprechauns” and gives information on fairies, elves and people of the mist. Cost: €350.

Information and registration at www. inforation@ard-na-ri.com