Local Papers Commentary
The Connaught Telegraph -12th June 2002
By Neasa McGarrigle
Jun 13, 2002, 20:40

Senate Thriller
The battle in Mayo for seats in Seanad Eireann has begun. Fianna Fáil candidates, Dr. Moffatt, Senator Frank Chambers and Castlebar Town Council Member Aiden Crowley will be in the running alongside Fianna Gael candidates Jim Higgins, Paddy Burke and Ernie Caffrey. Fianna Fáil's Director of elections, John O'Dwyer, has said that it is the most competitive fight for seats he has seen in Mayo.

Mayo author wins merit awards at Bisto Book of the Year
A Mayo author from Claremorris has won a merit award at the Bisto Book Awards. Colman O'Raghallaigh wrote the book, "An Sclabhai in the Ark" in the Irish language. He received 800 euro and a framed certificate. The overall Book of the Year Award was given to Kate Thompson for "Beguilers". She received a Perpetual Trophy and 3000 euro. The Awards are given to Irish Authors in the field of children's literature.

An Taisce demand legal action over the destruction of Convent
An Taisce have said that the demolition of the Old Convent was an "act of Contempt" against Castlebar and they demanded that legal action should be taken against the Donegal Owners of the convent by the Town Council. They said that the owners must face financial penalty. An Taisce also asked the Council what action it had taken over the past year to secure the maintenance of the building under the Planning Acts and Derelict Sites Acts.

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