Tubbercurry
BASTA CLOSURE
The end of an era has hit Tubbercurry as it was announced on Thursday last that a Liquidator was appointed to wind up Basta.
Basta has been part of the Tubbercurry economy since 1955 when Jim Gallagher and his family opened it to manufacture locks for doors and windows as well as various components for the door and window business. Following the opening of Basta, a fledgling industry Tool and Gauge opened in 1956 to compliment the works of Basta. At its height, Basta employed over 200 staff, and Basta locks for doors and windows were going into every door and window manufactured in Ireland. Basta also exported to England and Europe, and the name Basta was an international brand.
Tubbercurry was a booming town in the 1960s and early ‘70’s as the wages earned by Basta employees was in local circulation on a daily and weekly basis. The recessions of the early 1980s hit Basta badly and every recession that followed in the following decades caused further damage to the profitability of Basta. Competition from China and other cheaper manufacturing economies were the biggest competitors of Basta over the last 20 years. Basta was bought over by new owners a few years ago, and this brought fresh hope of turning the fortunes of the factory around, but unfortunately this turn around failed to materialise.
Over the last few years there were approximately 40 employees still on the books, some on part-time, as they tried to work through financial difficulties, but all efforts failed to reverse the slide in profitability. An examiner was appointed a few months ago to examine the viability of the business, and the bad news everybody dreaded was announced in the last few days. Some of the employees losing their jobs over the last few weeks have been there over 40 years, while in some cases there have been two or even three generations of families employed there.
This closure of Basta is seen as the latest nail in the coffin of manufacturing in Tubbercurry. It is ironic that Tool and Gauge which opened shortly after Basta is going from strength to strength as are other Tool making factories in the locality owned by former workers of Tool and Gauge.
The loss of 40 jobs in Basta on top of 70 jobs relocating from the Aurivo head offices, and 110 Civil Service jobs in Government offices, adds to a total of 220 jobs lost out of Tubbercurry over the last five years. Sad times for Tubbercurry.
PHOENIX PLAYERS
A Get – Together meeting for everyone involved in the Sound of music – cast, chorus, backstage crew – will be held in St Brigid’s Hall on Wednesday, November 7, at 8 p.m. in order to distribute scripts, rehearsal schedules, performance dates and membership registration forms. As this meeting will provide an opportunity for all involved to ‘meet and greet’ one another it is important that everybody attends.
Rehearsals are now well under way for ‘Moll’, a comedy by John B Keane which will be presented in St Brigid’s Hall on Thursday, December 6, Sunday, December 9, with two repeat performances on Thursday, December 13, and Sunday, December 16. The production is directed by Eamon Gallagher with an all-star cast whose identities have to remain anonymous due to Phoenix Players Data Protection Policy. After long and protracted negotiations between the Phoenix Players and Tubbercurry GAA Club an Exit deal has been hammered out allowing GAA Great Pat Gilmartin to make a dramatic entrance as the Bishop in the forthcoming production of Moll.
ACTIVE RETIREMENT
The local Active Retirement Association has had a busy start to our autumn/winter programme – highlights being our very enjoyable visit to ‘historic Dublin’, our outing to Castlebar Bowling Centre and our six-week course of weekly Vital
Danza classes involving inspirational music and movement. Our Hallowe’en Party raised funds for a local charity and thoughts are already turning towards the celebration of our Silver Jubilee in 2019, which will hopefully include the production of another book in our ‘The Way That It Was’ series.
Our Tuesday meetings will, for the winter months, be held at 3 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. in the local Health Centre. Exercise classes will take place in teach Laighne on Thursday afternoons at 2 p.m. and, for all who would enjoy brushing up their their Irish, a Social Hour, tre Gaeilge, will be held on Thursdays at 3.30 p.m. from November 8 All interested are welcome to any of these events.
BRIDGET JOHNSTON R.I.P.
The recent peaceful death occurred of Bridget Johnston (née Stenson), late of Muckelty, Achonry. In her 91st year, Bridget was pre-deceased by her late husband Michael and her son Mick. Bridget was always bright and cheerful, always had a smile on her face, and was a regular visitor to Tubbercurry over the years till her health presented challenges.
A lover of Irish music, she enjoyed traditional sessions with her sister Marian and late brother Paddy, and as her grandchildren came along showing great promise, she was extremely proud of them and loved to listen to their playing.
She was always very supportive of local activities in the Achonry/Mullinabreena area, and was active member of the local ICA group for many years.
Her remains reposed at her house where many family friends called to say goodbye. Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Mullinabreena, and burial took place in Achonry Cemetery.
Bridget is survived by her daughter, Ann Marie, sons, Séamus, Kevin, Tom and Noel, sister Marian, brother Matt, in- laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends, all to whom sympathy is extended. May she rest in peace.
SÉAMUS DURKIN R.I.P.
The recent peaceful death occurred at his home of Séamus Durkin, Carrentubber. In his late 60’s, Séamus was a well known and respected man in the community, both through his work and social activities. He worked for many years in Basta, and also had a side business servicing Oil Boilers for many houses throughout South Sligo. He was also a very talented welder and regularly made gates and railings for clients from his workshop at home. It was often said of Séamus that ‘if he could not get it, he would make it’.
Socially, he enjoyed shooting, and was a regular with his shooting colleagues on fox shoots during the winter months. He was also an excellent darts player as was his wife Stella, and many a turkey or hamper was won over the years against equally talented opponents. Prior to his wife Stella becoming ill, she was an excellent gardener, and Séamus was always on hand to help with the heavy work. They worked well as a team.
His remains reposed at the Morahan Funeral Home where many friends and old work colleagues called to pay their respects.
Séamus is survived by his loving wife Stella, daughter Christina, son-in-law Paul, grandchildren, brother Patsy, sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and many friends, all to whom sympathy is extended. May he rest in peace.
GREENWAY MEETING
Sligo County Council is holding a series of two public consultation meetings in relation to the development of a Greenway in South County Sligo. The proposed route of the Greenway is on the Old Sligo – Limerick Railway Line and the section for present proposal runs from Collooney to Bellaghy/Charlestown. This route runs through the most beautiful part of South Sligo with views of Knocknashee and the Ox Mountains from most of the route. The first meeting takes place 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Wednesday the 31sth October in An Chroi Enterprise Centre, Ballina Road, Tubbercurry. The second meeting takes place Wednesday 14TH November, also at An Chroi 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
It is absolutely essential a good attendance make the effort to attend and show support for the project. These projects will not be funded unless it is seen they have universal support.
The time is fast approaching for a decision to be made on whether or not the project gets the green light. Please attend the first meeting on this coming Wednesday night at An Chroi.
FOREST WALK EXTENSION
The recently developed extension to the Forest Walk behind Rathscanlon Creamery has been welcomed by all who have had the pleasure so far of walking around it. There are different options of loops available with nearly 5km in total of pathways. It is ideal for young and old and family groups as much of it is wheelchair and buggy friendly. The project was developed by Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and Community Association with the co-operation of land owners including Aurivo, Coillte and various bog users and owners on Rathscanlon and Rhue bogs. A local contribution needs to be raised by the community and raffle tickets are presently on sale locally, €20 each or a book of three tickets for €50. We ask families and households do their best to contribute to this wonderful facility which will be there for visitors and locals. Many people are now doing a few miles daily on it – wonderful to see.
TABLE QUIZ
A fundraising table quiz will be held in Brennan’s Bar, Cloonacool on Saturday, November 10, at 8.30 p.m. Proceeds in aid of St George’s Church Funds.
DANCE CLASS
Tubbercurry Dance Class on Sligo Road Why not join our class Wednesday nights from 8 p.m. Class for beginners – improvers, learn new steps or practice your dancing, and a brilliant way to exercise. Slow Waltz, Waltz Foxtrot, Quickstep and more. For more information contact 087 6674561.
NCBI TUBBERCURRY
Donations of good quality women’s, men’s, children’s clothing welcome. Also jewellery and bric-à-brac. All sales help to allow people with sight problems enjoy a better quality of life.
Regardless of condition we take old clothing, shoes, bags and belts (not including pillows/duets) for recycling. We need shopping/carrier bags. Shop open Monday to Saturday 9.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Wolfe Tone Sq. Tubbercurry.
25 CARD GAMES
25 Card Games single hands takes place in Tubbercurry in St Brigid’s Hall at 8.30 p.m. every Sunday night. All welcome to attend.
TUBBERCURRY FRC
Parent and Toddler Group – This group meets every Monday from 10.30 a.m. All parents/ guardians/grandparent babies and toddlers are welcome. There are plenty of activities for the little one and the all-important cup of tea for the adults. Inquiries welcome to 071 9186926.
Counselling Service – Tubbercurry Family Resource Centre provides an adult bereavement and relationship Counselling service. This service is open to the public and you do not need a referral. We have a fully qualified and accredited therapist available for appointments. At times a waiting list applies but we try to keep this as short as possible. If you would like to find out more please contact 071 9186926.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
CBD Complex Charlestown are now taking bookings for their Christmas market on November 25 For bookings contact 086 1757719.
CORRESPONDENT
Email Roger McCarrick – tubbercurrynotes@eircom.net.