It looks as if we have another fight on our hands; we have just been informed that the Bank of Ireland ATM machine installed in Ferron’s shop is going to be removed. On the grounds that Ferron’s shop under the management of Michael and Sam Reynolds can not support the ATM service, the bank takes no responsibility in providing cash, it is the responsibility of the retailer, therefore the shops turn over to keep the ATM full has to be fairly substantial. To buy cash from the Bank of Ireland to maintain the ATM (if the retailer’s daily takings are a bit slack) incurs, overdraught fees, interest, and lodgement fees on top of the usual fees when the money is credited back to the bank. To loose this service is not good for the community, not good for our visitors during the summer season. The ATM in the shop, not only helps our visitors, but by drawing out cash this circulates around the area and helps to increase the turn over of Ferron’s shop and Petrol pumps etc.
Talking to Michael this morning as he put it, Bank of Ireland have put the “Gun to our heads” by saying buy the cash, pay all the charges or we remove the machine.
When I think of all the services that we have fought for and protected over the years, with the work and services that has been put in place into Roundstone to bring the village into the twentieth century, its disheartening when the powers that be have the arrogance to attempt to do away of all that we have accomplished over the years and bring the village back to the dark ages so to speak, once again our voices must be heard. Rural Ireland is getting a hammering once again with yet another issue.
I have a B/B business, with very prominent people visiting the area, there have been many occasions, when my clients have not enough cash on them, as I do not have the turn over to merit a credit card facility, owing to the expense of having this facility. To have the ATM machine in Roundstone (the next machine to be found is in Ballyconneelly, some miles away) is a vital service to me and the community. I really do think that the bank of Ireland has to get its house in order, and be a little bit more flexible and stop these bulling tactics, and give this small business in a small village like ours a chance. Roundstone - Connemara is not responsible for the mess that the banks are in.
District Nurse: Aonghus Flavin has just informed me that he understands there is a nurse from an existing PHN staff who is willing to take the position for 3 days a week. It is looking good that the position will be filled. Brian Walsh TD had emailed Yvonne Keane and confirmed that the position will be filled. I have spoken to some people in the HSE and it is looking good, but I am not 100% certain yet. Well that’s some thing going in the right direction 3 days is better than no nurse. We will keep you updated, as this dilemma unfolds.
Events and tidy towns meeting: The committee of the tidy towns and the events Team are meeting again on the Thursday of the 16th February 7.30, and the tidy town’s committee same night at 8.30 pm to keep the momentum going in the village in preparation for the forth coming season, I only mention this that if there are people who are not on the committee, they are more than welcome to attend for your idea’s.
Septic Tank: I am sure that most know by now that on the 29th February there will be a delegation from Connemara going to Dublin to protest the septic tank saga. We are encouraged that the various area’s arrange for the own bus, so having said that if any body from Roundstone would like to go to protest on behalf of Rural Ireland, let me know 086 8215153 or Jim McEleney 087 1226357 and pending on numbers we will try to Hire a bus, but of course each person will have to have some shillings ready, I gather that Michael nee charged €15 a head there and back, so that’s a guide line
Valentines Dinner Dance: This was a fund raiser for the Tidy Towns which raised some where in the region of €350 profit. It was a very successful night hosted by Carol Reynolds in the Eldon’s Hotel, I was unable to attend, but getting feed back it was a huge success, great food, music with Fehin Mitchell and Michael Connolly, they are a great team these two, singing with Olive who hales from Dundalk and Philip and Kathleen from Donegal, which reminds me on Ann’s program tonight after the news Ann is playing some of their music, that was heard in Eldon’s on Friday last. Well done to Barbara McEleney and Ann in putting this event together, and to all those that helped in one way or another. I happen to know that the work that went into it was quite some thing.
Condolences: Condolences and our prayers from Roundstone as well as from me personally to Raymond Conneely, from Errisslannen on the sudden death of Raymond’s wife Bridie, they are both great supporters of Roundstone as well as supporters of Connemara pony show and lots more. Raymond we are so sorry on your loss. May Bridie rest in peace.
Walkers: Two different groups of walkers were walking in Roundstone yesterday a Galway group and the Carna group and this time the venue was from Ida park along by the shore line all the way to Dogs Bay a walk that needs more people to know about and it does not Infringe on any ones property as there is a right away all along this route. Walkers certainly brought a crowd into Roundstone yesterday; it just shows you what we have on our door step, out of season and this is exactly what we are trying to promote not just for Roundstone but Connemara as a whole.
Mary and Tom O’Donnell:
I have just heard from Tom O’Donnell, he and Mary have been married as from to day for 56 years, wow I think its their emerald, your next target you two is your diamond, naturally all congratulations come from your family and very personally from me as well Tom & Mary, one would say make the most of your anniversary, I think you have already. R
