Delvin Fun Day draws the crowds

The people of Delvin were warned in advance to come dressed for the weather, but as it turned out, t-shirts were the order of the day at the Delvin Sports and Leisure Centre grounds at Ballyhealy on Sunday last, as a beautiful day ensured a large turnout at the DSLC/Niall Mellon Township Trust Fun Day.On August 10, the Fun Day was due to take place, but it was postponed due to inclement weather conditions.But thankfully, the weather held out, and a large crowd of people, young and old, turned out for an unforgettable day of fun and games.Visitors to Ballyhealy took part in the egg/spoon race, three legged race, sack race, mice race, pony rides, long puck, cake sale, sheaf throw, weight, bonny baby, face painting, dipping tub, skittles, welly throwing, tug o" war, guess a lamb"s weight, guess the amount of pennies in the jar, dog competition/show, Feis/Irish dancing, sumo suit wrestling, "Aunt Sally", "Double Your Money" and "Cow Path".Those in attendance were treated to a marquee and barbecue in the evening, with music provided local artist, Ronan Leonard and other musicians.Enniskillen day trip this SaturdayOn Saturday, October 4, a day trip from Delvin to Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh has been organised, with tour-goers expected to head for the border from Delvin at 9am that morning, after which they can enjoy a day of sightseeing, leisure or whatever activity they choose.Anyone wishing to book a seat on the coach can contact Michael Leonard on 044-9664484. The fare for the trip is €15 (paid in advance), and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.Council condition for Clonmellon mast droppedA condition set by Westmeath County Council forcing Vodafone Ireland Ltd. to independently monitor radiation levels at the site of its Clonmellon mast has been dropped by An Bord Pleanála.Following a recent meeting of the Bord, it was said that such a condition was a matter for the communications regulator, ComReg.Vodafone Ireland was granted planning permission to retain the existing 24 metre high telecommunications support structure on February 19, subject to six conditions. The mast supplies GSM and 3G broadband connectivity to residents of Clonmellon.But on February 28, Vodafone appealed to An Bord Pleanála to have the condition for radiation monitoring removed, and the appeal was successful when the Bord made their decision on September 18.If the condition had remained, the full cost of monitoring radiation levels at the Clonmellon mast site would have fallen on Vodafone.Walk and Cake Sale in aid of Irish Heart FoundationDelvin woman Margaret Bray is organising a cake sale and a fundraising walk in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation. The cake sale will take place on Saturday afternoon, October 4 between 2 and 5pm in the Blue Hackle Inn, Delvin.On the following day, Margaret will walk a distance of eight kilometres from the door of Carmel Gaffney"s Bar and Lounge to mark World Heart Day, starting at 2.30pm.All funds raised from the cake sale and walk will go towards the Irish Heart Foundation, and Margaret would welcome your donations. She may be contacted on (087) 2142811.Unislim classesPeople in the Delvin, Clonmellon and Killallon areas hoping to improve their fitness during the winter months are reminded that classes continue in Clonmellon Community Centre at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, and at 7.30pm on Mondays in Kildalkey Hall.The late James Drumm: an appreciationOn April 2 of this year, the death of James Drumm, Kilpatrick, Collinstown and formerly of Gigginstown took place.James, the eldest of the Drumm family of Clonmaskill, Delvin, married Peggie Nugent in 1959, and they had a family of eight: Thomas, Fiona, Julie, Olive, Paul, Carmella, Raymond and Amelia.Jimmy was a farmer, and was very highly thought of in the farming community. He approached farming with a futuristic mindset, and was best known for maintaining a model farm. He also loved politics, and ran as a candidate for the local elections on the Fine Gael ticket.In his earlier days, he was a member of the Delvin branch of the Legion of Mary. He was a great GAA man, and played hurling with Delvin for several years during the 1950s.As the years passed by, he took an interest in bridge, and spent many evenings in Castlepollard and Delvin playing the popular card game. He was a great storyteller, and travelled to storytelling clubs in Dublin and Belfast on many occasions. Jimmy"s stories are dearly missed by his family.He was an enthusiastic singer and dancer, and was a member of the Killulagh Choir in Delvin for many years. He never lost this love, and right up to the end, he was able to sing with gusto. He is survived by his family, grandchildren and many friends.