There is a huge amount of work going on at the moment preparing Shannonbridge’s first Supermac housed in the premises of the Shannonbridge Diner. Passing by there today I noticed that there are six tables in place in two rows inside the main window and a new serving counter has been installed. The manager of the Ballinasloe Supermac has taken out his first franchise with this venture and hopefully everything works out well for him. He told us today that he will be running a breakfast menu throughout the day and will be offering sit down mixed grills etc.

Kinsella’s house opposite the gates to Correen is about to get a new tarmacadam drive and for the past few days loads of daffodils ,tulips and other flowers have been making a hasty move. Last evening about thirty bulbs moved to Shannonbridge and took root – hopefully – on the approach road from Ballinasloe. In crossing the bridge the cross of daffodils on the island caught my eye and a lone swan was eyeing up the water in front of the island where once they nested. A lone daffodil is in bloom on the eye of the bridge. It is the only survivor from four beds of bulbs sown there about twenty years ago.

The river level is dropping fast with the level this morning at 3.58 Metres.

Only heard yesterday that there is a repair garage in Clonburren. It is situated next to the Bord na Mona sandpit workshop and can be reached by turning right at the old Falty schoolhouse.

It is operated by Noel Whelan and his telephone number is 090 9673380.

Good to hear from Mick Peake from Kent a regular angling visitor to Shannonbridge and this year he plans to come on 19^th August.

Also heard from Ben Oakley a member of Rambles in Eireann who visited Shannonbridge on Sunday 2^nd April. He tried to e-mail this website but the post box was full. Here is what he said.

Why was Shannonbridge chosen as the main centre of resistance to Napoleon and how were those complicated fortifications supposed to work?

All was explained to the Ramblers on Sunday together with the historic and geographical significance of Shannonbridge with mention of local notable buildings and people – past and present.

Thank you Shannonbridge for your hospitality, especially tour guides – Christie Cunniffe, Derry Killeen, Declan Ryan and Rose Ryan for a fascinating and instructive three hours. We had a great time.

Also thanks to Fergal Moran (The Old Fort Restaurant) and the Macklin family for accesses and not forgetting Michael Killeen for the very welcome refreshments.

Ben Oakley.

Easter Revision Courses 2006 will run for Leaving/Junior Cert 2006 from Wednesday 19^th April to Saturday 22^nd April at the Midland Tutorial Centre, Moydrum, Athlone.

Telephone 090 6475320, 090 6478010.

Today it was good to meet again one of the ladies who were seeking some information on the Egan / Kelly family tree last November. This time she was accompanied by her brother in law from San Diego and two girls. The man was telling us that his sister is married in New Jersey and now attends St. Mary’s Church in Cherry Hill. As usual they had a tight schedule with a visit to the Cliffs of Moher on their way to Killarney.