Roundstone News 28 th February 2005

There is not a lot of news this week, hopefully it's just the calm before the storm, as we are slowly approaching St Patrick's Day and of course the Easter period, this is truly the time when Roundstone really wakes up with abundant of news, but having said that un expected events do happen, of which I am going to take abit of time in giving a small tribute in my own words to

Michael and Catherine Ferron

At 4'clock this afternoon Ferron's shop was invaded by members of the community armed with a few bottles of champagne, and a painting by Rosie McGurran of the shop was presented to the familly, the event was arranged I might add from our own Martin and Bridie Conneely to celebrate Michael and Catherine's retirement, ( See some of the photos on the photo events page ) celebrate may not be the right word to use, but members of the community just wanted to show their appreciation of their high regard to the Ferrons, and to let them know they are very much loved and appreciated within the community, and wanted to show their appreciation for years of service they have both given to Roundstone through the shop, in fact I was told Michael was imitated into the family business at the age of fourteen, under the watchful eye of his mother, and then bringing in Catherine his wife, it is the end of a country shop and an era where you could buy your nuts and bolts, the Ferrons had everything and if it was not there within a day or two low and behold it was there by the end of the week.

You could see from their faces today that it is an emotional time in their lives as well for Kate their daughter who has spent a good few hours in the shop. Tomorrow Michael and Catherine retire, and in ways its rather sad, but a door closes another opens, for as long as I can remember the Ferrons and their family have been part of my life in so many ways, as well as many others in the village, I personally will miss them, but they are not leaving the village nor is old friend Betty Creane, who's good humour was always refreshing, Betty in fact said this evening and I quote I have never worked for nicer people, she said this with a slight tear in her eye.

The time has come for the Ferron family formally to hand over the reins, I am assuming on a lease to Michael Reynolds who is going to concentrate solely on the groceries side, on a par of super Value but with prices on the whole sale of Musgraves. The hard ware side of the business will no longer be there for the time being. If I now Michael some thing will come of this, any way you guys trust me we will keep you busy one way or another. The petrol pumps will remain in place for the moment, the only concern that there is the possibility of losing the ATM machine, the Bank of Ireland have decided to put a rent on the said machine, (The proposed rental will be €100 per week) which may not be feasible to pay this ridiculous rent, however the bank will be reviewing this rent within the next six months. It took RDC with the help of Michael Ferron over the years to have the machine put in place in Roundstone, trust me when I tell you we will not let this important item to our village go that easily, I mean it! We have to wish Michael Reynolds all the luck in the world for his new venture and to carry on with a village tradition, even if it is on a different path and to give all our best for the future to Michael and Catherine and tell them to "go and have some fun now, you have certainly earned it", and we thank you for your contribution to community life.

Cloths Collection:
Eighty-six bags were collected on Friday for the African mission, that's the biggest amount of bags to date.

Broadband:
Just an update on Broadband, last week I mentioned that a few of us went to Clare Galway to a County and Group Broadband meeting, a lot of information was passed on to us, but without going into too much detail the bottom line, we will have to have an co odinator to come down to see the area, and it was also felt that Roundstone could not go alone to find forty subscribers but could possibly have to work with Cashel and Ballyconneelly as a group scheme. To date a map of the general outline of the Roundstone area has been drawn up and those that took part in the petition have been highlighted on the said map which will be subsequently passed on to Digi web for an assessment on the viability of the area for Broadband

Gone to the Dogs
Galway Greyhound track was the destination for 13 Roundstonians on Saturday night last. The night out, organised by Maurice Ryan and Johnny Sheehen, was great fun. It cost €70 per person and this included transport to and from Galway, a Four course meal at the restaurant and two free drinks. Although the two syndicates that pooled their money had not much luck, some individuals had a great night with their own private bets. That wily old dog Joe Creane, who always had a good eye for a greyhound, had five winners out of the eleven races and biggest win of the night went to Melissa who won €125 on a €5 bet. The journey home was a long one, involving stops at McSwiggans in Woodquay and Peacock's of Maam Cross before the group finally arrived in a peaceful and sleeping village at about 4am Sunday morning. Well done to Paddy Folan, despite being in his eighties lasted the night extremely well, it was a historic occasion for Paddy as he used to keep and train greyhounds in Inishnee and race them at the Galway track at weekends. All in the entire group had a great night out and would highly recommend it to anyone else. Well done to Maurice and Johnny for putting it to-gether.

Birthday Wish:
To end off on a nice note, to wish Mary king from kings bar a very happy birthday, one never asks a lady her age you just use your imagination, you are looking good Mary, and I gather that Mary's immediate family got together for a present of a ticket to the showing of River Dance in Dublin on the 11 th June, nice one, sorry Mary can not sing for the life of me, I will leave that to the others. I would also like to wish a very Happy Birthday to Marion McDonagh, who is the only daughter of Mary McDonagh; her brothers are Patrick, David, Brian, Ian, Fergal and Michael. Marion is also a youth Club member and will be 17 0n the 4 th March, Happy birthday to you!!!

Mauve Vaughan:
I have just heard hot off the press, that Marty Vaughn's sister Maeve came second in the step dancing in the mini Connachts competition And just to refresh your memory, Marty is a national champion dancer from Clifden, and I gather is going for the world championships, so it looks as if his sister is in hot pursuit, well done Maeve, and it has to be said the parents play a huge part in bringing the young ones on to a win win situation for you all.

Mock Exams:
Finally this week is the start of the mocks, for the junior and the leaving certs, so just to wish all those that are taking part in these exams all the luck in the world. Richard de Stacpoole