Dated 22^nd January 2007.

Since I last added to this site the old 48 Hour bug hit and I spent a week in hospital in Ballinasloe. While there I overheard a patient on the mobile telling his friend that everything was great and he was en-suite, which meant sharing a bottle with three others.

As they thought I might have the bug I was placed in an isolated ward with TV. But funny there seems to be no radio in hospitals any more so I was glad when Niall Grenham brought in a portable and I was able to hear Gay Byrne two hour Sunday Miscellany or whatever he calls it . Anyways it is good and enjoyable. Sunday Lyric 3 to 5.

Some bits of news. Kinnity Castle has been sold for around 12 Million Euros.

Dr Alf Delaney, well known for cruising and sailing on the River Shannon, and one of the first vice-presidents of Inland Waterways Association has died aged 96 years. RIP.

On the 1^st January Denise Ledwith from Mount Temple presented over 100 books to Shannonbridge Library. This was followed by books from Anne Kearns and Patricia Kenny which are all most welcome. Hopefully the New Year will bring a few more users of the books. Library opens Thursday evenings from 7 to 9 in the Health Center.

Recent local deaths include Jim Devery from Glebe C 90 years. Jim was a brother of Timmy and he once drove a lorry for Perry’s Mill and was good for a lift to Ballinasloe.

Dannie Farrelly told us that he had a lorry of his own that was covered in and had steps that allowed people walk aboard. Jim took groups to dances, carnivals, matches or whatever and provided a great service in its time. May he rest in peace.

Over the Christmas there was a birthday party for Tommy Corbett for his 80^th birthday.

Congratulations and best wishes on the occasion.

The well known broadcaster Sean Mac Reamoinn has died and was buried yesterday. He got a good send off with our President Mc Aleese, Ronnie Drew, Seamus Heeney, Garret Fitzgerald and Father Tom Stack some of those pictured at his funeral. May he rest in peace.

Mrs Mary Kelly, nee Kelly Clonfad has died. She was a sister of the late Mikeen Kelly, Kidlawn

Eileen Mc Guinness, nee Burke, Correen has died. Eileen was a sister of the late Doctor Donie Burke, Ferbane.

Michael Green, Clonfad has died. He was son of Josie and the late Jimmy Green.

Paddy Kelly, Banagher has died. Oliver Darcy tells us that he first saw Paddy Kelly and his brother working at the making of the Clonmacnois road. This involved kneeling on a canvas bag and breaking rocks and stones. Later Paddy was one of the first watchmen on the Shannonbridge power plant and a right good one he was. I heard a story about an engineer that was thinking of applying for the superintendent’s job and one Sunday he decided to drive to Shannonbridge and have a look at the station under construction.

He came and try as he might he was not able to get past the watchman Paddy Kelly.

Kathleen Kenny, Moystown nee Butler from The Mill of Moore, has died.

Barney Corcoran, Ferbane former county councillor has died.

May they all rest in peace.