Big anniversary celebrations on Inishturk

CELEBRATIONS will take place on Inishturk this weekend to mark the 25th anniversary of the official opening by President Mary Robinson of the island's £50,000 community club, writes Tom Gillespie.

Just five years ago the premises was extensively renovated and modernised at a cost of €300,000. The funding was provided through Leader and the local community.

As part of this refurbishment, Caher View Restaurant was added and offers the most spectacular scenery, with stunning views of Croagh Patrick, Mweelrea and Clew Bay.

The restaurant specialises in local produce, including freshly caught lobster, pollock and mackerel.

Public toilets, showers, a fully equipped kitchen and shop were also part of the development, as was a community hall.

The celebrations will commence on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the community club where there will be a buffet, music, song and dance.

Prior to the official opening of the club on May 23, 1993, there was no licenced premises on the island.

Since then the club has been used extensively by the 62 locals and visitors to the island.

President Robinson and her husband Nick helicoptered onto the island but were unable to land beside the club, touching down instead at the harbour from where they were taken in a Lada to the club.

It was the first island she visited when canvassing for the presidential election and it was the first island she visited after taking up office.

An open invitation is extended to the public to attend the 25th celebrations and those interested in attending can get the 10.45 a.m. ferry on Saturday from Roonagh pier and return on the evening sailing at 5.15 p.m.

The occasion will be filmed by Henry McGlade of iMayo TV (formerly The Irish at Home and Abroad) and will be screened on SKY Channel 192 and Freesat 161 on Thursday, June 21, at 7 p.m. and repeated on Saturday, June 23, at 8 p.m.