GARDA ROUND-UP

Community lunch in Ballymote

Gardai in Ballymote and Gurteen are organising a Christmas Community Lunch at the Coach House Hotel in Ballymote on Tuesday next, Decembert 6 (12-5pm). This is a free event with a meal, music and raffle on the day. We are aiming to bring the elderly, vulnerable people, people living on their own or people who just need a day out to this event. Transport can be provided for anyone in the area and booking is essential to confirm your spot – please call into Ballymote Garda Station to include your name for this fantastic day or call 071 9197818 to book.

Be mindful of driving conditions

The mornings and evenings are very dark now and we urge all walkers and cyclists to please wear a hi vis jacket while on the road. If you do not have a hi vis jacket please call into your local Garda Station and the Gardai will help you, alternatively log onto the RSA website to order one. Please also be mindful of frost and fog – as these play a dangerous hazard for drivers this time of year – please slow down and please keep a safe distance from the car in front.

Mandatory intoxicant testing

Gardai in Ballymote District continue to carry out MIT (Mandatory Intoxicant Testing) checkpoints on a daily basis. Please be mindful of drinking alcohol and driving the following morning – never ever drink and drive.

Look out for your neighbours

Gardai would also like to ask communities to be mindful of people living alone this time of year – to check in with these people who may need their shopping done or just a friendly chat.

Community Alert meetings

There are numerous Community Alert meetings in the coming weeks in different townlands – Gardai will be in attendance at these meetings and any queries should be raised on the night.

As we prepare our District Policing Plan for 2023 we are keen to continue to strengthen connections with communities in which we serve. We are interested in hearing your views and needs regarding policing and so welcome any input you have to offer on how we could work together to proactively deal with issues that affect our community. Recommendations or suggestions may be forwarded by email to Ballymote.districtoffice@garda.ie

TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Sean Forde, a well-known volunteer. Sean passed away suddenly on Friday, November 25, in Galway.

He was a dedicated volunteer, giving his time to the Samaritans for more than 30 years and was a trustee with Sligo Volunteer Centre for more than a decade before retiring last year.

Paying tribute to the late Sean, Sligo Volunteer Centre said: “We are all very saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Sean Forde. Sean was a Trustee of Sligo Volunteer Centre for 13 years, only retiring in 2021.

“Sean contributed so much to the centre, always willing to help out on a publicity stand, or represent us at meetings and events.

“He had a quiet, calming way with him and even after his retirement from our board, would call in to see us for a chat and a cuppa.

“He represented the voice of the volunteer very well as a long-standing, dedicated volunteer in Sligo Samaritans.” Sean was pre-deceased by his infant son, Darren. He is survived by his wife Patricia and children Lorraine (France), Caroline (Sligo) and Barry (Galway), brother Michael (Bermuda), sister Marian Landers (Waterford), daughter-in-law Ann, cherished grandchildren Seán and Ava, Lorraine’s fiancé Claud, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law,

The late Sean Forde.

nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Tuesday at St Anne’s Church, Cranmore.

Private cremation followed.

IFA National Poultry chairman Nigel Sweetnam has commended farmers, industry and the National Disease Control Centre for their tremendous efforts during this difficult season where HPAI is a massive threat to the sector.

A second case in a turkey flock was confirmed earlier this week. “The massive effort and commitment shown by farmers and industry alike in maintaining the highest levels of biosecurity in an effort to stop the spread of Avian

Influenza must be commended,” he said.

“It’s an extremely difficult and stressful time for all involved and we are cognisant of the mental pressures on farmers and those in the industry. We would appeal to retailers to act responsibly in their pricing policy of poultry.” “I want to emphasise again that the risk of infections to humans is very low and there is no risk to humans associated with consumption of poultry meat or eggs,” he concluded.