Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph - 29th May 2002
By Neasa McGarrigle
May 30, 2002, 21:25

Ballindine artwork to form focal point for new park
The twenty-six foot sculpture called "the Player" situated in Ballindine is to be moved forty metres west of its current position. The public opinion of the sculpture has been mixed but the County Council won't be getting rid of it. Instead the sculpture will become the focal point to the town's entrance which is also one of the main entrances to County Mayo. The sculpture was created by Cathal McCarthy and is a bright and colourful piece. The sculpture will be moved as soon as possible and a small park will be created at the base of the sculpture.

Walking Festival set for a glorious return
Castlebar International Four Days Walks are set to return this year after their absence last year because of foot and mouth disease. The 35th annual walks will start on Wednesday the 3rd of July and end on Sunday the 7th. Unfortunately, this year there will be no children's walks. This decision was not an easy one but the organisers had no choice because of several reasons, one of which was insurance costs. 1,500 walkers are expected to take part in the walks this year from all over the world. It is estimated that the cancellation of the event last year cost Castlebar's tourist industry about £500,000.

Hands off Lough Lannagh
At a meeting tonight (Thursday) members of Castlebar Town Council will debate the development of the area surrounding Lough Lannagh. Residents of Blackfort, Garryduff and Orlagh Grove have lodged objections to the proposed rezoning of the lands around Lough Lannagh to residential. They say that if the lands around the lake are built on it would destroy the beauty of the area for the people of Castlebar who appreciate and use the walks around the lake.

© Copyright 2003 by www.castlebar.ie and the author