Roundstone was graced with the presence of Gabriel Byrne who was attending the 65 anniversary of the opening of the Ballinahinch Castle with Bill Whelan, Peter Fallon, Dorothy Cross and broadcaster John Kelly etc. This event was a fundraiser for Cancer Care West. I think the last time Gabriel was here was during the last shots of the film “In to the West”.

Connemara Radio Walk:

This week end the annual two day Connemara community radio walk took place with 21 walkers with their sponsorship cards to raise €300 per person in aid of the annual cost of running the radio station. This year the first day i.e. the Saturday the walkers trekked from Clifden to Toombeola, to the bog road and turned off along the bog to Farrell’s road passed the show grounds and eventually ended up with me at Errisbeg House for a surprise reception arranged by myself and Ann for some refreshments, trust me tea was not on the agenda, anyway a couple of hours later trooped off into the village to stay the night in Eldon’s and St Josephs B/B and dinner in O’Dowd’s back to Eldon’s for some entertainment with Fahine Mitchell and family accompanied by Michael Connolly on his banjo. Then on the Sunday departed Roundstone in a bus to the Clifden Glen Hotel, from there with a very wet start they continued their walk back to letterfrack. A great effort and hope they were all able to reach their card target.

50/50 Draw:

This week’s draw of the 50/50 which was held in the Eldon’s Hotel was won by one of our visitors Dermot Moynhann of €580 and the attendance went to Michael Connolly. Next week the draw will be held in Mary Kings Bar. It has to be said from the Pony show committee that we would really like to express our thanks to Pat & Brian Mullen and Patrick McDonagh from the shamrock for their organisation & work of getting the 50/50 Draw started in aid of this all important all weather Equestrian arena for the new, up and coming young riders of Connemara which is to be built up on the show grounds at a later date. Congratulations to Marty Sullivan on second place for his five year old Mere at the Westport show yesterday and to Coillian Conneelly for the overall championship for his filly

Scrap Metal;

In relation to the scrap metal collection apart from Paddy the yanks number 095 which I gave out last week, there is another number for you to contact which is Pat Mullen’s mobile 0872265548. I gather this collection service is working quite well, so just to refresh your memories, ring either Pat Mullen, or Paddy the yank for collection of scrap metal, which by the way is free of Charge to have it taken away.

Local Lotto:

After all these months, yesterday evening in the shamrock there was a winner of the €12’500, and this was won by Josephine Mannion from Murvey, much to the delight of every body there, Josephine has been an incredible supporter right from the being of the Roundstone lotto, interestingly the numbers Josephine had was the dates of Lorraine’s birthday. Congratulations Josephine and so great it went to you. In fact there was four match three’s, the roll over went to John King of €150, so therefore the whole pay out for the night was €12’800. Next week the lotto will start again with €5’000 and will be held in the Roundstone House Hotel

Father Jarleth:

Just a reminder that next Sunday 19^th June Father Jarleth will be celebrating 25 year of his ordination, there fore there will be a mass at 6pm, then everybody in the parish are invited for some refreshments. The local ladies are getting together this week to plan the party, and as this is a community celebration it would be nice to see you there, and actually it’s a great opportunity for us all to get to now our PP better. While we are on the subject of the church etc, on the 26^th June we will have the Corpus Christi procession with benediction and the Exposition of the blessed sacrament through the village for the first time in a good few years after the 12 o’clock mass, Ann next week will give you more details on the route and we are hoping other parish’s will come and join us, so spread the word to make it a real occasion.

Children’s Graduation:

Another note for the Diary, Friday 17^th June graduation Day in the National School at 1/1.30pm of the 6^th class who will graduate, followed by Mass with Father Jarleth at the school.

In fact the graduates have been to Clifden School today for an introduction to their new school to start for them after the summer holidays. At the same time at the National School, to continue the celebrations the hoisting of the newly earned green flag which will be hoisted by Ann Conneelly at the school.

Tom Wood:

Our condolences to the immediate family on the passing of Tom Woods from Roundstone and Innishlaken he is survived by his wife Esther. Tom will be buried in Gurteen Commentary on Wednesday May he rest in peace.