3 things we didn’t like this week…
THAT election…
We didn’t really like the Presidential election, because while we congratulate Michael D Higgins on a very decisive win, the election was rather anti-climatic, featuring a very low turnout and some poor showings by candidates. Businessman Peter Casey may have been a controversial candidate, but at least he sparked some momentum into the campaign, polling sensationally (23%) on the day and giving a smug political establishment much to think about.
On and on it goes…
Reports that the trolley crisis in our hospitals is set to reach record levels did not go down well with us. According to top doctors, hospitals will “run out of beds” for more than 1,000 patients this winter.
Seriously ill/elderly patients will endure “days of misery” on trolleys, we are told. What a disgrace!
Successive Health Ministers have talked the talk over countless years, promising they will resolve this seemingly never-ending problem. Yet, despite all the money spent in ‘health’, all the plans (new and revamped) and all the ministerial pledges, our trolley crisis is as bad as ever – in fact it’s getting worse. What an indictment of the HSE and our political establishment.
Loving the Labour man…
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael trying to take some credit for/associate themselves with Michael D Higgins’ romp to Presidential success those two parties should have had the courage of their convictions and put up their own candidates!
3 things we did like this week…
Uplifting Gospel Concert
The Gospel Concert held in St. Patrick’s Church in Knockcroghery was, as expected, a highlight of a very successful South Roscommon Singers Festival.
While the stand-out performance was by international star Rhiannon Guiddens, all the other performers contributed to a very enjoyable concert. They included pupils from Knockcroghery NS. And we were well impressed with Ukephoric, a group of all-ukulele-playing, all-singing locals!
Halloween fun…
Halloween has certainly become very commercialised in Ireland in recent years, but we have to say that we like the colour and fun that the celebrations bring.
In particular, it has become noticeable how many people are now very creatively decorating their houses (inside and outside) and gardens in suitably ‘scary’ style.
Halloween is now becoming a big celebration and it’s all good fun, particulary for children. We just hope the tradition of kids’ calling to houses ‘trick-or-treating’ can be maintained (‘the Wren’ tradition at Christmas is certainly in serious decline).
It was a good week for our friends in Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club who unveiled super new facilities at the weekend. There was a big, appreciative crowd, the weather was great, and there was a well merited air of celebrations. Congratulations to all concerned and continued success to this famous and proud GAA club.
Archie does it again!
Archie Naughton completed the Dublin City Marathon (again), with the help of members of Team Archie. Archie even featured on the RTE News!
Good Week
It was a good week for our friends in Castlerea St. Kevin’s GAA Club who unveiled super new facilities at the weekend. There was a big, appreciative crowd, the weather was great, and there was a well merited air of celebrations. Congratulations to all concerned and continued success to this famous and proud GAA club.
Bad Week
It was a bad week for four of the six Presidential candidates who performed poorly as the lacklustre campaign came to an end. Better luck in their next endeavours to Sean Gallagher, Liadh Ní Riada, Joan Freeman and Gavin Duffy.
Our Person of the Week
Our Person of the Week is Sergeant Maurice McCabe, who retired from An Garda Siochana this week, after thirty years’ service. The most high profile whistleblower in the State, he was recently (entirely predictably) fully vindicated by the Disclosures Tribunal. Suffice to say that this man has done the State some service.
Quote of the Week
“Words matter. Words can hurt. Words can heal. Words can empower. Words can divide”
– President Michael D Higgins, during his acclaimed acceptance speech on Saturday (after he had romped to victory in the Irish Presidential election)
