Marathon journey

Newport man drives the length of Britain – in vintage tractor

People and Places
Michael Commins

MAYO native Michael Clancy has just completed a marathon 13-day trip from John O’Groats at the top of Scotland to Land’s End at the foot of England. What made the journey rather special was the fact that it was undertaken on a vintage tractor!
The Newport man, who is based in Stafford, has pioneered a number of fund-raising tractor drives in support of various causes on both sides of the Irish Sea in recent years. He was the recipient of a Mayo Rehab Person of the Year award some time ago in recognition of his commitment to voluntary services.
Michael was joined by three other tractor aficionados for the long haul from north to south. He drove a restored David Brown Cropmaster which was manufactured in 1947 and which he purchased five years ago. Along the way, the team raised funds for the Prostate Cancer Charity and collected in the region of £10,000 sterling.
Kevin Bourke from Mayo Rehab said Michael Clancy has been a great supporter of good causes in England and Mayo. “He loves to take on a challenge and his interest in vintage tractors has given him an outlet to do good work while also enjoying the friendships made along the way.
“He was a worthy recipient of our exiles award and he is carrying on the tradition of the ‘meitheal’ spirit in an exemplary manner. He is a good Mayo man and well done to him and his team on their latest achievement.”

A salute to Fintan’s professionalism

MAYO returning officer Fintan Murphy runs one of the best operations in the country. The Castlebar man epitomises the spirit of help and cooperation and is a credit to the position that he holds with Mayo County Council.
The exemplary manner in which he conducts his duties on count days in Castlebar manifested itself again at the Referendum count. No matter what the query, Fintan was there to help and oblige. His guidance is always of the top order and his command of his brief is truly exceptional.
What is especially noteworthy about Fintan is his impartiality and his willingness to assist all sides in whatever way he can. He also has a very competent counting staff who are extremely helpful and courteous. Thank God that the manual voting system remains in place and that the proposed electronic system has been given the cold shoulder. Seeing the ballot papers being emptied from the boxes is always reassuring. There was never a demand for a change to this system. It is part of the great culture of ‘count’ day.
Again, may I salute Fintan Murphy and his staff and convey the thanks of those on all sides for a job done in such a professional and accommodating manner. Long may you reign, Fintan.

Full house for Ibiza Set launch

THERE was a full house in Mannion’s of Balla last week for the regular Tuesday night session and the launch of the Ibiza Set. The new set was devised by Mickey Kelly from Newport and Maureen Halpin from Westport and had its ‘premiere’ on the night.
Many of the regular dancers from Westport, Newport, Belcarra, Breaffy and Castlebar were present on the night. Tom Lyons and friends provided some excellent music while there was a good sing-song at the end of the night. May Lyons from near Balla and Sarah McCarthy (nee Cassidy) from Derryvohey sang some lovely old-style songs, very reflective of the style of the Keane sisters from Caherlistrane and also bearing major similarities to the style of singing found in the Appalachian region of the southern states of the USA. Mary O’Neill from Westport, Mike McDonnell from Balla and a number of others also rendered some lovely songs to round off the night.
Incredibly, this was also the 14th anniversary of the regular Tuesday night shows in Mannion’s and Chris and Patricia had a special cake in honour of the event. This is a great social outlet for so many people and is also hugely popular with visitors to the region during the summer months. Audience participation is at the heart of the success of the Tuesday night sessions in Mannion’s of Balla.