As the count-down to World Fiddle Day enters its final decade of days there is an intense focus on the village of Scartaglin and its appearance.
Last week we got a notification from Tom Fleming TD and proof of representations he has made to Kerry County Council on behalf of his native village and his neighbours therein.
This week another Scart native in a position of influence, Killarney area Mayor, Cllr. John Joe Culloty (FF) threw his weight behind the drive to have the village looking its best for its big day.
“At a recent Killarney Municipal District Meeting, I tabled a Notice of Motion for substantial works to be carried out in the vicinity of Scartaglin Village. As I was not satisfied with the response I received, I subsequently took this request to the full council meeting in Tralee last week. The following is my Notice of Motion,” said Mayor Culloty.
“As World Fiddle Day is taking place in Scartaglin on Saturday, 16th May, I again call on this Council to undertake essential works in the vicinity of the village, such as improving road surface, repairing footpaths etc. It is imperative that this long overdue work is carried out as soon as possible, to allow the organisers adequate time to prepare for the huge influx of visitors to this event.”
I got assurances that Kerry County Council workers will begin work in the village on Tuesday, May 5th.
They will carry out repairs to the road, footpaths, kerbings, and will do a general clean up. I hope these overdue improvements will be to the satisfaction of the people of Scartaglin, and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all involved in ‘World Fiddle Day’ every success, and I look forward to seeing you all on the day.”
Just listening to The Rolling Wave there and presenter, Peter Browne expressed his delight that the programme is back on RTÉ Radio One on Sunday night after its month-long absence – and in a slot only an hour earlier than its previous time of 10pm to 11pm. The revised times mean that Philip King’s South Wind Blows has moved to the Saturday night slot occupied for years by the recently retired Donncha O Dulaing and his Fáilte Isteach.
On tonight’s programme Peter Browne gave a near full run-down on the World Fiddle Day programme of events and voiced the fact that he was impressed by the list. The Rolling Wave is repeated on Lyric FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8pm.
There is a tide of goodwill working with the WFD event and the good it will bring to the area in the middle of May. To paraphrase the prayer to St. Martin – often uttered by the late and wonderful Sr. Agnes from the local Presentation Convent: Dear Kerry County Council, You can’t say you can’t. You won’t say you won’t.
The list of events on World Fiddle Day can be checked out with a click on the link here: http://www.mainevalleypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/poster.jpg
