Local Papers Commentary
The Mayo News - 30 January 2002
By Neasa McGarrigle
Feb 2, 2002, 11:15

Johnny Mee is Mayo Person of the Year 2002
The Mayo Association in Dublin has awarded the Mayo Person of the Year title to Cllr Johnny Mee, Castlebar in recognition of his service to the community over the years. Johnny Mee was one of the pioneers of Western Care providing facilities for the less fortunate. The judges present a warm citation outlining Cllr. Mee's long career from messenger boy to linotype operator at the Connaught Telegraph. As well as being a founder member of Western Care he is a distinguished local historian and regular contributor to CRCFM. He is a member of the board of the Linenhall Arts Centre and campaigned for the RTC/GMIT and siting of the National Museum of Country Life at Turlough Park.

Gardaí Reject Public Criticism in Wake of Castlebar Attacks
At a conference on Crime in Mayo, Chief Supt. John Carey has rejected claims that Gardaí are sitting at their desks instead of combating the recent increase in street violence. He said that the Gardaí are doing everything they can to stop these attacks but they cannot stop every assault. He also said that the Gardaí in Mayo are using all the resources available but the resources are not only needed in Castlebar, there are crimes in other parts of his division and "every part of the Division is as important as Main Street in Castlebar."

Farewell to Castlebar U.D.C
Castlebar Urban District Council, or U.D.C is no longer. The Urban District Councils are now Town Councils. The Town Councils will have basically the same duties and new members will be elected to represent Castlebar on the Castlebar Town Council. The U.D.C in Ballina and Westport and in other towns around the country will also cease to exist and will now be known as Town Councils. Another change in Mayo County Council is that the Assistant County Manager, Mr. Alex Flemming will be moving to Clare County Council as County Manager.

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