25th October, 2001
Well folks, Digsy is back again this week with
another excellent piece (page 7). The man behind the name is
Darragh McManus, originally from Tipperary, now writing from
Limerick. Darragh worked for me in the early days of the black
and white 'Weekly. Like every budding writer he would send his
articles to pop magazines, such as Hot Press, and do occasional
reviews of gigs in Cork. His great loves are hurling (Tipperary)
and soccer (Liverpool), and his weekly premiership articles were
always very truthful and funny. Then he moved on, as I knew he
would. He went to Dublin, got a job with the GAA magazine
'Highball' and shortly afterwards became editor. A few months ago
he rang me to tell me he had gone freelance, and that he was
writing for most of the national newspapers (and now also for the
Douglas Weekly). I'm proud of the fact that Darragh started his
career with us, so Digsy, keep on following your dream.
Speaking of writers, the writer of our pop column is none other
than another young, brilliant, gifted writer, Aoife Barry, from
Shamrock Lawn. Voted student of the year, this young lady (she's
only 18 years old) writes with a natural gift. I thought her
piece of the 'sex to sell pop videos' was truthful and accurate.
I foresee a bright future in journalism for Aoife, and like
Darragh, I know that she will make use of the special gift which
she has been blessed with. Gene and Mags, she's a rising star!
I met a reader last week who was pretty upset. The reason? She
nearly hit two paedestrains crossing the zebra crossing just past
Daily's off licence. This happened at night and it is not the
first time I have mentioned this dangerous crossing. It's even
worse if it's raining!! One cannot see people on the crossing at
night. I drove up to Grange to check the zebra crossing there and
there is a light shining on the crossing. I mentioned it to a
local councillor, and I trust that a light will be provided
before the clocks go back. A lot of elderly people use that
crossing and when evenings grow darker, they are at risk from
drivers who cannot see them. I know an electrician who will put
it up, and the 'Weekly will pay for the bulb!! If it's not in the
estimates for the year!!
Now we come to the subject of Donnybrook Hill. This hill brings
more anger, frustration and letters to our office than any other
subject. Traffic delays, speeding don the hill, approaching a
blind bend, which has two very buy commercial businesses at the
bottom of the hill, Donnybrook Commercial Centre, and across the
road is Breens shop and service station. Most of us drivers
strive to exit from a stop position in first gear, such as from
Breens, however, if some lunatic roars down the hill at 40-50
mph, they're on top of us before we have a chance to drive away.
And not forgetting the paedestrains trying to cross the road.
Perhaps ramps might be the answer, or a couple of speed traps. I
know somebody who was caught speeding down Maryborough Hill and
fined. You cannot use the excuse that the car picked up speed
going down the hill. There's a pedal between the accelerator and
the clutch, it's called a brake!! Use it!!
By now most of you will know that the Douglas Weekly has moved to
the heart and soul of Douglas, St. Patrick's Mills. It's
surprising how we take things for granted, for example, our limbs.
Everyday I park my van and walk through the main door and into
the 'Weekly office. Yesterday, I returned to the office and saw a
member of my staff with his head out of the window talking to one
of my advertising customers. She couldn't get into the office.
Why? Because she was confined to a wheelchair. So she sat in the
cold, discussing an advert, whilst I looked at a 5 inch hurdle
that kept her there. I never even noticed that there was a step
there, and I've gone in and out of the entrance hundreds of times.
This incident has stayed with me all week, so Mary, the next time
you hear from me, you're coming in for a cup of coffee, and
that's a promise. And yes, I will take a walk around Douglas with
you to view the obstacles which mean nothing to us, but
everything to you! A brave lady, Mary, keep your sense of humour!
Finally, enjoy the long weekend, there's some great music to be
heard in our area. Check the Douglas Weekly for the live gigs.
Drive carefully, belt up, and if you're drinking, walk or hire a
cab or taxi. I'll be doing the rounds of the music venues armed
with my camera. No rest for the wicked!!
Bye for now,
Michael O'Hanlon.
P.S. My deepest sympathy to Tony McDonald and his sons John,
Brian and Alan, of the loss of a loving wife and mother, Sheila.
Douglas will be a poorer place without the gentle smile of my
good friend Sheila. She will be missed by all who knew and loved
her. R.I.P.
