Local Papers Commentary
The Mayo News 6 November 2002
By Declan Holmes
Nov 7, 2002, 11:32

Helping hand award for Damien
A 12-year-old Westport boy has been given a special award for the devotion, love, and attention which he affords his baby sister, by being chosen for the Down Syndrome Helping Hands Award for 2002. Damien Malone, the Fairgreen, Westport, was singled out for his eagerness and affection at the awards ceremony in Dublin, which coincided with the Down Syndrome’s annual fund-raising drive, Honey Days 2002.

Hospital to have external gazebo for smokers
An ‘external gazebo’ is to be provided at Mayo General Hospital to facilitate those wishing to indulge in the consumption of the dreaded weed. The decision was taken due to the fact that people were smoking in the hospital foyer or immediately outside the main door of the hospital. The new gazebo is to be provided within two weeks, but the Board is anxious to point out that, far from encouraging smoking, this facility is only being provided to eliminate patients smoking in the entrance to the hospital.

Over €350,000 NDP funds for Mayo childcare
Four childcare organisations in Mayo will benefit from over €354,066 of the €10,206,786 that has been approved in grants this week under the NDP funded Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme. The Castlebar Montessori & Creche, station road is to get €30,012 as well as childcare groups in Ballina, Ballyhanius and Clare Island.

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