Mayo Community Clean-Up team has big plans in the pipeline
The Castlebar Community Clean-Up team is drawing up plans for another busy year in 2023.
The group has a number of new projects under consideration and members are hoping to undertake a suitable joint initiative with the local Tidy Towns volunteers for the betterment of the community.
In his address to the annual general meeting, Michael Brophy, secretary, reported that over the last 14 months members worked over 59 Saturdays and several midweek work programmes to get their many projects completed.
He elaborated: "Our projects have mainly been around Lough Lannagh.
"But we have also done brilliant work in areas like Rathbawn, Marion Row, St. Bridget’s Crescent, the Great Western Greenway, Westport Road, Marsh House, the Leo Shaughnessy Memorial Garden, the Old Cemetery, the old swimming pool, Brooklands and along the town river at TK Max /Tesco, not to mention to creation of the mystical walk and the erection of bird boxes at the lake.
"A very successful Easter egg hunt was held at Lough Lannagh, which proved very popular with local children.
"Paraic Horkan has been an outstanding help since he joined us and great credit must be given for his continued sponsorship and advice.
"Our Charlie Bird walk was a major success and raised much needed funding as part of a nationwide drive to help the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
"The transition year students from St. Gerald’s College linked up with us for a number of very successful projects and we are planning similar work this year.
"On a sad note, we organised a memorial candlelit vigil for Aisling Murphy. It was a sobering moment for all to witness at the diving board at Lough Lannagh.
"It was great to have Castlebar Scouts on board for a planting exercise and for their help with the bird boxes.
"Our group was discreetly involved in two seating projects at Lough Lannagh and I extend thanks to the people involved.
"We also acknowledge the contribution made by Jude Walsh of the Mayo Beekeepers in providing bulbs for a biodiversity project. It is also fitting to thank our sponsors Woodies, Archers, Icon Signs and Horkans Garden Centre.
"The help and assistance we have received from the Castlebar Municipal Authority has been outstanding. Sincere thanks goes to Iarla Moran, head of the Castlebar Municipal District, Joe Mangan, town foreman, and their staff.
"We are also indebted to our three elected councillors - Donna Sheridan, Michael Kilcoyne and Blackie Gavin - for their super support and continued financial backing. Thanks also to Brophy Excavation-Demolition Limited for its financial contribution.
"The imminent purchase of an enclosed trailer will be a great addition to us and we hope to launch it very shortly when the signage is complete. The provision of a steel container will also benefit us and thanks to Iarla Moran for his assistance in the matter,
"I also pay tribute to our officials and volunteers for their great work over the past 14 months and thanks to the Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre for hosting us at all times."