Showing pride in Mountshannon

MOUNTSHANNON people showed the huge interest they have in their own community when they made a presentation to Pride of Place judges, Blaise Treacy and Declan Nelson, on Tuesday.

The presentation took place in the Mountshannon Childcare Centre and involved various local groups and individuals explaining the particular role they play in the community.

Addressing Mr Treacy, a former county manager of Wicklow County Council; Mr Nelson, a former county manager of Monaghan County Council and Nicola Cullinan, staff officer for tourism and community development with Clare County Council, Mountshannon Community Council chairman, John Harvey started the proceedings.
Following a brief introduction, Mr Nelson explained the origin and function of the Pride of Place competition. Jim Collins, principal at Mountshannon National School, focused on the school’s sporting and cultural links in the area.

Meanwhile, artist Isabelle Gaborit continued with a presentation of her Generations in Action project, which was carried out last April and May. Pearse O’Sheil spoke about his work with the Camphill Community and their advance towards social inclusion.

The local representatives present included Veronica Bleach of the childcare centre; Davy Solon representing the GAA; Liam Waterstone and Noel Lyons representing angling and rivers; local artist Sam Gaine with his paintings; Fr Jones Jones; Maisie O’Rourke and Nellie Durack representing the Apostolic Society and Gina Sparling, Vera Jamieson and Margaret Witherley of the Church of Ireland community.

The judges were given a short tour of Woodpark Forest Park, the Church of Ireland graveyard and the historical part of the village, taking in the Aistear Park on the way, where a family fun day had been organised for the occasion.

The entertainment included GAA games, pony rides, music and dance and was provided with the assistance of the CES team, Whitegate GAA and local volunteers.

The tour finished with a boat trip to view Holy Island and Bushy Island, where the two white tailed sea eaglets are now learning to fly. Local historian Ger Madden and Dr Alan Mee of the Golden Eagle Trust provided information on their respective areas of interest onboard.

The two judges and Nicola Cullinan were presented with information packs on Mountshannon, produced especially for the occasion.