Claremorris Crib Hit By Vandals
Claremorris' Christmas Crib in the town square was maliciously vandalised early last Sunday morning. The five statues were damaged; among these was a statue of the baby Jesus which was one hundred years old. The crib was protected by iron bars so it would have taken much time and effort on the vandal's behalf. Nobody was reported to have seen anything so far. The cost of replacing these statues is not known yet and there has been a call for a camera in the square to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Lethal Section of Road Left Without Money
Deputy Enda Kenny has raised serious complaints with Mayo County Council and the NRA about the dangerous section of road from Saleen through Aughadrinagh on the N84. Mayo County Council confirmed that they have applied to the NRA for grant approval for this section of road. Deputy Kenny says that having followed this up with the NRA he is of the opinion that no money will be made available by the NRA in 2002 for this lethal section of road. Deputy Kenny says that the Minister for the Environment Mr Noel Dempsey has completely abdicated his responsibility in the matter and that it also demonstrates complete neglect of the West of Ireland by the NRA.

Mayo's Money Out In Force
Mayo retailers had a bumper Christmas. There was an abundance of cash in evidence and profits are up across the board. The trend continued after Christmas and right into January. There was an upsurge in sales of expensive top-of-the-range equipment. Some retailers report seeing some very old money at the cash registers - 'mattress money' - some of it smelling very musty.