Fog

Castlebar, Ireland

11°C

Fog

Humidity: 96%

Wind: W at 18 mph

Health cuts should be made with thought and compassion

Oliver Kellegher

Health cutsHealth cutsOUR health services are still in a very unhealthy state despite the fact that the Minister for Health is a doctor and should be an expert on health, health issues and what a proper health service should be about.

This year over 550 health care beds will close across the country with savings of €700 million. In reality, will we have €700 million to spend in other areas of health care or will it just disappear down another black hole? Statistics over the past 10 years show any government department savings incurred never seem to show up as a positive move in any accounts.

Some 550 beds go in one year. So what’s the plan to accommodate 550 people especially old and infirm individuals who will have nowhere to go? The Minister of State with responsibility for disability, mental health and older people said the plan did not look as bleak as it did before Christmas, which is less than 30 days ago.

Read more... Add new comment

Let’s show our true colours

Opinion Extra

mayo_flagmayo_flagVISITORS to Mayo might not be aware that the county is 70 minutes away from an All-Ireland final appearance.

It is time now to get out the flags and the bunting and business people in particular should adorn their premises with the green and red of Mayo and add to the atmosphere as we prepare to take on the mighty Kingdom on Sunday, August 21, in the All-Ireland football semi-final.


Read more... Add new comment

Names

Bystander

Baptismal FontBaptismal FontMANY years ago I was carried to the church in swaddling clothes. I was carried there against my will and baptised at the font. I do not know if I wailed or not and those who might have a memory of that are all gone or have forgotten about the matter.

I was introduced to an organisation to which I have been faithful despite its bad history, its scandals, and glorious times. It has had its glorious times and that is well recorded in the litany of the saints.

Sometimes my confidence in the organisation has been weak, sometimes strong and sometimes normal. Like Thomas the apostle I have had my doubts. Theology is not an exact science like mathematics. Scandal never shocks me and goodness surprises me. I like the simple saints like the Cure d’Ars.


Read more... Add new comment

Tommy Murray’s ‘miracle’ escape on Main Street

Auld Stock

scaffoldingscaffoldingIT has often been said that it is better to be born lucky than rich. This was certainly true in the case of young Tommy Murray from Lucan Street, Castlebar, who many years ago fell from a height of 40 feet from T.J. Mullaghy’s business premises on Main Street, Castlebar.

Tommy was son of John Murray, building contractor, a man with a great head for heights, described by many as the ‘spiderman’ of his day. He could scale the highest building without any bother.


Read more... Comments (1)

More Articles...

Banner

Your Comments

Telegraph Headlines