31st August, 2000
Well I had a break and I'm back with my batteries
recharged. My wife and I decided to take a driving holiday around
Ireland, we covered 800 miles in 5 days. We visited counties
Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Longford, Tipperary, Laois,
Killkenny, Wexford and Waterford. What impressed us as we passed
through little towns and villages was the cleanliness, the
hanging baskets, tree lined streets, absence of litter. The
potholes in Doolin, Co. Clare were pretty bad for such a busy
holiday area, O'Connors bar and restaurant in Doolin was
excellent. A local bed & breakfast in the place was only
charging £12.50 a night. I found out why the next morning when
our teapot contained only one teabag, which I squeezed and
pressed with a spoon, but to no avail. The tea was like dirty
bath water, after that we stayed in hotels.
The Westport Woods Hotel in Westport is a fine hotel, the staff
are a credit to the trade. A four course evening meal, lovely
bedroom and a self-service breakfast, all one could eat, live
music in the lounge all for £150 for 2. I bought some drinks in
the bar and the bill came to £5.03 I gave the barman £10, he
gave me £5 change, nice touch. I'll be back.
On Sunday night we booked into the Rhu Glenn Country Club Hotel
in Slieverue Co.Killkenny. It is situated on the main road
between Wexford & Kilkenny. Receptionist Marie Bolger had a
smile and a welcome for us, and the fillet steak was a joy to
behold. Two evening meals, lovely bedroom, and a good hearty
breakfast all for £100, great value. I have no problem with B&B's,
but if one likes a drink, privacy, own T.V in the room, a chat
with people in the lounge, drinks in your room, it's hard to beat
a hotel. Now that's enough about my break.
Last week I mentioned that the roundabout at the entrance/exit to
Cork Airport was a circle of weeds. a disgraceful first view of
Cork, when a visitor exits Cork Airport. A reader tells me the
weed killer has been sprayed on the circle of weeds, so hopefully
things are beginning to happen with this eyesore.
Speaking of eyesores, I also mentioned last week the condition of
the two major roundabouts in Douglas, both situated outside the
entrances to the two major shopping centres. We rang the County
Council last week to tell them that a local businessman had
offered to sponsor one, that is, to pay for it's transformation
from a grotty eyesore to an attractive flower filled thing of
beauty. Today another company in Douglas rang us and offered the
same. They would also pay for everything to make Douglas look
nice. We rang the council and told them about the offer, their
reply was that the roundabout at the Douglas Village Shopping
Centre/Shell entrance might not be staying in it's present
position, and that they would come back to us on the other
roundabout at the entrance of Douglas Court. Two weeks ago
Deirdre Clune T.D suggested to me that I approach local
businesses in the Douglas area for sponsorship of the roundabouts.
I didn't have to, they read it in the weekly and responded, and I
thank them for that. Now T.D's, Councillors, the ball is in your
court, let us know what the plans are for the roundabouts, we
have the sponsors, they will pay to decorate the roundabouts.
What more do you need?
The manager of the Touchdown, Deborah, tells me that there will
be a race night held at the Touchdown next Thursday night Sept 7th.
The night is in aid of Cork Cancer Research Centre. Race nights
are becoming very popular fun nights and what a better way to
spend a night having a good time and raising funds for a worthy
cause. I'll be there, hope to see you there.
Good luck to Douglas girl Amanda O'Regan who has been picked for
the Cork Camogie team to play Limerick in the final on September
17th.
A few months ago Mary Harney told us that the Hugh O'Flaherty
controversy would be forgotten in a few months. Obviously the
European bankers didn't think so. What a disaster! 80% of the
population stated that it was a bad choice, but the arrogance of
the government left us in no doubt what they thought of people's
views. Now they know.
Next Monday all the primary schools will be reopening. The summer
wasn't long going, was it? Not to worry, Christmas is only around
the corner!
Bye for now,
Michael O’Hanlon.
P.S Big things are happening at Texaco, South Douglas Road. Watch
this space!
