Beach wheelchair takes a dip at Spanish Point

AN innovative all-terrain wheelchair will now be available free to the general public at Spanish Point beach.
The Hippocampe got its first taste of saltwater this week when Maureen O’Leary of Shyan, Kilmihil gave it a trial run, accompanied by Mister Miltown, Martin Quinn and a number of people from the locality.
The specialised wheelchair, which will make a visit to the beach a far more enjoyable experience for the elderly or people with disabilities, was purchased from the proceeds of the Mister Miltown competition held in December. It has cost €2,000, which includes the provision of signage.
Also known as the Mobi Chair, the wheelchair has been donated to the Brothers of Charity and it will be stored year-round in The Armada Hotel.
“They are the correct people for the job as Pat Lillis and his crew brought the first wheelchair of its type in Ireland to Kilkee,” said Marie Killeen, a member of the Mister Miltown organising committee.
“Through consultation with the Brothers of Charity and also Enable Ireland, it was decided to invest in a slightly different version from the Kilkee wheelchair.”
Marie explained how an unprecedented crowd showed up in December to witness the hotly contested race for the Mister Miltown title.
“It was hell for leather as people scrambled to get in a few final votes for their favourite candidate. By 9pm, all paths led to the Westbridge. Shortly afterwards 12 smartly dressed individuals casually entered the building.”
Patrick Roche set the tone for a brilliant night as he launched into his first few songs. The party atmosphere was tangible as Willie Healy took to the stage and summoned the attention of the crowd. Each contestant made his own dramatic entrance to a song chosen by himself.
Eoin Haugh was first up on the red carpet to be interviewed by Willie Healy. He was followed by Micheal Malone, Jonathon Wilson, David Cleary, Liam Carroll, Michael Mondo O’Neill, Kieran Shannon, Michael Walsh, Ciaran Fox, Kevin Flynn, Martin Quinn and Vincent Walsh. Rachel Downes and Tara Torpey made for glamorous usherettes.
Shortly after midnight, the votes had been counted and recounted. Liam Carroll had secured third place, while Ciaran Fox finished as first runner-up.
To thunderous applause the worthy winner was announced. Martin Quinn had sealed the victory through tireless campaigning. He accepted the trophy and acknowledged his campaign managers, John Joe Scallan, Ted Sullivan, Michael Kenneally, Pat Neylon and many other supporters.
The result of the night was a fantastic  €7,600 for local charities.  Outside of buying the beach wheelchair, the additional money raised by Mister Miltown has been distributed as follows: €2,000 to Miltown Malbay Graveyard Committee; €1,500 to Spraoi Childcare, Miltown; €1,000 to local St Vincent de Paul and €1,000 to Oidhreacht an Chlair, Miltown.