Longford Eye Issue 39 (28th May 2017)

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 1
TOM CROSBY PAT HOARE CARL SULLIVAN
The Second Oldest
Profession
and the team at
LCFE
At Your
Service
Introducing
the Very
Talented
Spotlight on …
CROSSANS
PAGE 9 PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 6
PLUS …
• I MEAN BUSINESS –
ANNETTE’S BARBER SHOP
• SEAN AND MYRA KELLY'S
TRUCK RUN FUNDRAISER
• HERE'S TO HEALTH AND
HAPPINESS – WITH
STEPHEN OLWELL OPTICIAN
• AND MUCH MORE!
28th May 2017 – Issue 38
Becoming Longford’s
A Wednesday night in May was once again a terror night
for some Longford Town residents.
The Grian Ard Estate became victim for the second
time in a few days and numerous times over the last
couple of weeks!
The burning of rubbish and electrical items led to the
fire service being called for and this illegal activity is
not only reckless and dangerous but can divert
resources away from genuine emergencies.
The anti-social behaviour problem, which also
includes underage drinking and littering is becoming
more prevalent and it is extremely important that
people understand the potential consequences of this
dangerous behaviour.
Fires not only put lives at risk but they can devastate
homes, affect businesses and damage the local environ -
ment.
There was widespread outrage and anger amongst
the decent and law abiding residents of the Greater
Ardnacassa area of Longford on the Ballinalee road
following the latest spate of fires criminally lit in the
area. This rage was shared by all the people of
Longford who are now demanding that significant
action be taken to bring those to blame to swift
and meaningful justice.
The Longford Eye was inundated by contacts
from residents on the deplorable situation people
live in on a daily basis and now made worse by
this barbarous behaviour. These escalating acts
come after the JCP (Joint Policing Committee)
agreed to take a tougher stance against this type
of activity in the area. One of the most active
members of the local Council, Cllr. Christy
Warnock, also on the JPC, was incensed at the
latest outrages and has vowed to redouble his
efforts to bring this area under control.
The Longford Eye has been informed that a
hardened criminal element, many from outside
the area, have motives for their activity. Firstly,
they run an illicit rubbish collection service
Islamic Terrorism in Longford?
“IT’S HERE” MINISTER FOR JUSTICE FRANCIS FITZGERALD
Following the arrest of two men earlier this month,
an Algerian and a Moroccan, in Dublin for terrorist
related offences, the threat of ISIS and extremism
Islamic activity has come into sharp focus.
Although the two arrested in Dublin by the Counter
Terrorism International Unit are not known to have any
direct links to Longford, it is believed that indirectly
they may well could have. This is because Longford is
considered fourth on the list in the Republic for most
active Islamic extremism. After Dublin, the south east
and the north west, the Midlands and Longford in
particular is believed to be a subtle hotbed for this
type of terrorism. Longford, for its size, has a high
proportion of potential islamists radicals and the
Minister also pointed out the threat from people
returning from foreign parts having been radicalised
as suspected in other European countries. Other
Ghetto?
factors which have put Longford on the watchlist is its
geographical position both in Ireland and proximity to
N.Ireland and easy access to the U.K. Its thought that
both British and U.S. security services are interested
in this area. Although no immediate violent threat is
feared, a logistical network and communications
system for extremism activity is considered.The Garda
Special Detective Unit (SDU) are carrying out a number
of surveillance operations on over 20 people they
believe to be a potential threat to Ireland, some may
have strong support links with Longford. Some are
suspected of laundering money through a number of
legitimate looking businesses. Some would be UK
citizens or those with EU passports.
It's believed at least 30 men who lived in Ireland
have left this country to fight for ISIS, the most
infamous being Ardagh resident, Khalid Kelly.
The plume of smoke from a
dangerous fire in broad daylight
in what many are calling
“like Ballymun in the 70s”
including old bulky electrical goods and then use
underage juveniles to stack and start the fires.
Then the effects are intended as part of a wider
intimidatory function to demean the area as a
whole an effectivly make it their territorial
domain. There has also been several incidents of
beatings taken place of decent residents who
have refused to sell their homes to certain
interests and/or have been intimidated for
speaking out against these thugs. The Longford
Eye counted at least 12 houses boarded up and
in a bad state of disrepair with huge mounds of
rubbish dumped on their property. Regular street
parties also take place with individuals who are
intoxicated, blocking traffic, use abusive
language and commit lewd acts at any time of
day and night.
The latest fires are thought to have caused
some damage to peoples property from scorching
and smoke damage with some people reporting
health problems due to the smoke which filled
the area.
The residents of the area are awaiting the
response of the authorities before the situation
in this area deteriorates even more and the risk
of a backlash from residents becomes a further
complication of this deplorable situation.
FACT 1 — THE LONGFORD EYE IS READ BY 6,000 PEOPLE
IN THE LONGFORD URBAN AREA … THAT’S MORE THAN
ANY OTHER PUBLICATION AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
FACT 2 — THE LONGFORD EYE ON FACEBOOK
HAS AN AVERAGE OF 24,000 ‘HITS’ PER
MONTH (WOW! AN INCREASE OF 26%)

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 2
2
A light hearted glimpse,
no insult or humiliation
intended – just a bit of craic
The recent good weather brought the
usual characters out sunbathing on
various public house windowsills.
Almost as dazzling as the sun itself
was Johnny ‘the Yank’ Kelly in his
sunny ensemble of the rainbow. Now
one of the elder gentlemen of the
town, Noel Heslin was looking as
debonaire as ever as he greeted
some old friends with that charming
smile that sold many a quality shirt
in days gone by, nice to him in town
again. Has Eugene Magee taken up
shoemaking? He was seen entering a
local tradesmans shop credited with
that skill and remaining there for a
very lengthy time. Tom McNally
seems to be eyeing up a new
investment judging by his frequent
visits to a well known quality outlet,
no doubt his intention is to celebrate
a deal soon. Was that a rucksack or
parachute on Eamon Burke’s back
while he was maneuvering skillfully
through heavy traffic on Main street
recently, he was doing all the hand
gestures of a free fall. Clive
McCormack, always one to
enlighten his mind, spotted pulled in
at the side of the Longford–Athlone
road for a break and reading a book
on family dynasties in the cut and
thrust world of business deals.
Maeve Gormley must have passed
the baby buggy driving test with
flying colours, she showed great skill
navigating the snazzy double buggy
around Tesco’s to accommodate the
newly arrived twins. No more flash
cars for husband Noel for awhile!
SEE YA!
EATING ICE CREAM AT THE BONFIRE
THINKING POLITICS!
It had been a hot few days when dirty Micky, Green Eye and Fish Reilly sat down on a Mall
bench to review matters. “jaysis, all we need here now is vincent Browne to chair the meeting”
said the humourous Fish settling into his ‘week in politics’ pose. “Where do we start, I suppose
first things first. Would you all agree with the findings that the best cone in town is pulled by
Paddy, next to God’s house? Green Eye, who hadn’t a good tooth left in her head from a lifetime
of conducting such tests into such things spoke with experience “No doubt about it, sure it’s
a family tradition started by his Mother who used milk straight from the cow, that’s the secret
recipe that makes it a winner, and Paddy has spent a lifetime perfecting it”.
dirty Micky was not a big ice cream lover so switching his thoughts to an experience he
had the night before he commented “I never thought I’d see the day when a housing estate
in Longford would resemble Bagdad, those fires and smoke and carry on, it just beggars
belief and then the piles of rubbish stacked all over the place, horrible! horrible! I couldn’t
wait to get out. It wouldn’t be allowed to happen 40 years ago by the council” The Fish was
in form and reassured with tongue in cheek “Ah you don’t know the story? Well the story
from some of our esteemed hard working officials, is that the bonfires are a cultural thing
encouraged to keep traditions alive and the rubbish is only waiting by agreement to be
collected for recycling”
The three looked at each other with agreed contempt on the ongoing situation. “I suppose
our best hope is if we get back a Td to Longford” suggested dirty Micky.
“I see where Leo vladcare is promising to return a Td to Longford” enthused Green Eye.
The fish responded almost immediately “But the question is where will he return from,
Mullingar or Athlone? Then how long at a time will he spend in Longford? Green Eye
pondered on that a moment “ sure if he were to pick up the award winning cone from Paddy
and wander out to see the bonfires and the waste recycling scheme, wouldn’t they get a
feel for Longford?
The two lads looking at Green Eye realised things were even more serious than feared.
They suggested the three take a walk around the Mall (while the maintenance lads are still
working there making it such a pleasant place to enjoy)
As they walked in silence, there furtive minds were already thinking of other matters
worth discussing, but that’s for another day!
LONGFORD TOWN’S
DEARLY DEPARTED
MAY 2017
Stephanie KIERNAN
Oakvale and formerly of Great Water St., Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Friday, 28th April 2017.
Buried: Ballymacormack Cemetery.
Kathleen MURPHY (née Carrigy)
Chapel Street, Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Saturday, 29th April 2017.
Buried: Ballymacormack Cemetery.
Kathleen KEEGAN (née Moran)
Teffia Park, Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Sunday, 30th April 2017.
Buried: Ballymacormack Cemetery.
Rita (Margaret) BUNCE (née Sullivan)
Battery View, Battery Rd., Longford Town, Longford / Ballinrobe, Mayo.
Date of Death: Sunday, 30th April 2017.
Buried: Ballymacormack Cemetery.
James Hugh FLYNN
20 Lakelands Close, Kilmacud, Dublin / Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Sunday, 7th May 2017.
Buried: Forgney Cemetery, Co. Longford.
Patsy McMANUS
Aughadegnan, Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Friday, 19th May 2017.
Buried: Ballymacormack Cemetery.
“All associated with The Longford Eye would like to
express their sincere sympathy to all those “affected by
the passing of those named dearly departed” named here.
Toni Louise HARTE
Cartron Breac, Longford Town, Longford.
Date of Death: Monday, 22nd May 2017.
Cremated: Lakelands Crematorium Cavan.
BEREAVEMENT EDUCATION &
RESOURCE CENTRE
THE IRIsH HOsPICE FOUNdATION
MORRIsON CHAMBERs (4th FLOOR)
32 NAssAU sTREET
dUBLIN 2
T: (01) 679 3188
F: (01) 673 0040
E: INFO@BEREAvEd.IE
THE JURY IS OUT
n by PAUL MOYLAN n
IS THE CITIZENS INFORMATION CENTRE IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE?
The Longford Citizens Information Centre is a virtuous idea and service and for many a
lifeline to rights and entitlements which every citizen are eligible.
The staff in Longford are second to none in both their professionalism and manner. The
problem seems to be that they are swamped almost continually with high numbers of people
asking about a variety of matters. However, unlike the name suggests, the majority are not
citizens, many can not even speak good english apparently, but nevertheless keep coming
back for more information. This service, as the name implies, was meant as a privilege for
the ‘citizen’ but yet Irish citizens have to wait for long periods or come back another day to
obtain the information they need.
Many would argue where is the benefit of ‘citizenship’ if there are no privileges attached?
Why call it The Citizens Information Centre when a large percentage of people catered
for are not nor never may be citizens? In any other EU country irish citizens have certain
privileges as part of reciprocal arrangements. However, in many of these peoples own
countries Irish citizens have no privileges.
It’s accepted some of the non Irish and Non EU citizens are in vulnerable situations, but
surely this only strengthens the argument for a separate and relevant source of assistance
for non Irish/EU citizens. Is citizens information centres and places of assistance for
vulnerable non citizens not two distinct information highway destinations but presently
causing daily crashes?
The Jury is out!

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 3
MAY 2017 3
AT YOUR SERVICE
LEARNING, IT’S WORTH IT
Melody James interviews
Pat Hoare
Longford College of Further Education
If you’ve just done your leaving certificate and haven’t achieved enough points to
get into the right course or if you’re simply looking to up skill and are wondering
what direction to take then the right choice may be right in front of you at
Longford’s College of Further Education which offers a wide array of impressive
PLC courses designed to keep you on the right track and guide you towards your
next option.
Pat Hoare, who teaches in the IT department of the spacious college, which is based
in Longford’s old army barracks, says that though the focus in the premises is primarily
based at post leaving cert students, staff there welcome anyone intending to up skill
or return to college and there is no limit on age when it comes to applications.
speaking to the Longford Eye this month, he said, “We are part of Temple Michael
College and over the past year, have really grown to the point where we currently have
over three hundred students but we are looking to increase that number in the next
few years to a thousand. If we reach that we will then get a purpose built building and
the market is definitely there,” he continues. “There are three big schools in this town
and two in Ballymahon and we are now getting students from Carrick on shannon as
well as schools in County Longford and our reputation is growing with people coming
in - we have very good facilities here.”
For many Pat believes, a PLC course, could be the best choice. “For a student,
making the choice about what college course they want to do is a big big decision and
we can stand as a mid point between the two. We have a huge amount of students
who take up that option. Here, they’re going from a very structured environment –
being told what to do, to a more student centred approach…we do help our students
and we get to know them very well. They have to do assignments and get them done
on time and work to deadlines and that’s all great for seventeen or eighteen year olds.
We do written exams and monthly exams but it’s a college environment but with smaller
groups and we do look after our students very well.
Also, if you go directly from doing the Leaving Certificate into a massive big lecture
hall you can get swamped very easily so this way they are much better prepared,”
continues Pat, “while the other advantage is that if you don’t get enough points in
your leaving cert you can use the points with your PLC to work towards your chosen
college course. This is an alternative to repeating your leaving certificate or for adults
returning to work who have never done the leaving cert this is a way back into college
– we get a lot of people in their late twenties and early thirties who didn’t finish school
for whatever reason and they are restarting their lives essentially now – this year I
Some of the Tutors at LCFE, Mike Slowey, Maura Casey, Pat Hoare, Yvonne Williams.
have one student approaching seven years of age who just wanted to keep up with his
grandchildren!” says Pat, so don’t be dismayed.
The facilities are in no doubt as the centrally located building is both bright and
impressive with potential students spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding what
course to undertake, with a vast array of interesting and challenging avenues on offer.
There are five main departments – Business, IT, Childcare and Nursing, Beauty and
Hairdressing and Motor Technology and Pat himself teaches in the IT sector which he
says is very popular and has advanced significantly over the years.
“In the IT department we have software development and game design and that’s
our main course. We have been running it for five years. The games industry globally
is now worth more than the music and fashion industry put together in Ireland alone
and has really taken off. We would assume that at the start our students are able to
turn on a computer and send an email and then we would introduce them to java
programming and the design of programming and build a few games which are new
to a lot of students. Obviously many of them have been playing games for many years
but coding them is totally different. so we give them a brief on the assignment (for
instance this year one of the assignments was to build a three dimensional game with
a ball going through a maze) and what they then do with that assignment is totally
up to them.”
“We also do a lot of animation, photo shop and video editing and students will get
a good insight into how photos are prepared for are prepared for magazines and in
how to touch up old photos and how to do brochures.”
Also, increasingly popular for incoming students are the beauty therapy and
hairdressing courses. “These are taking off in a big way,” confirms Pat who says that
many people undertake the courses with the aim of owing their own business some
day. “Hairdressing will never go out of fashion while we also do a Child Care and
Education Level 5 and 6 courses. Crèches are always looking for staff and we do Beauty
Therapy Year 1 and 2.
Anyone attending the College can avail of a Mechanic Level 5 course under the Motor
Technology department. “If you’re interested in becoming a mechanic and want to get
in with the bigger companies such as Nissan or Opel its very difficult but if you do
level 5 it gives you a very good introduction in how to strip down an engine as well as
learning about the electronics of a car,” explains Pat, “and most of the students here
would go on to become apprentice technicians. We also organise work experience for
all students.”
Other courses to choose from include:
• Clerical & Payroll QQI LEvEL 5 and Payroll Business and IT
• Advanced Cert in Business
• Tourism with Business Level 5 • Tourism with Business Level 6
• software and Game design
• Film and Television Production
• social and digital Marketing
• Motor and Car Mechanics
• Mobile Technology and App design
• Graphic design
• Nursing studies • Health Care support • special Needs Assistant
With regard to the business department, if students
complete Level 6 of the course it will count as the first year
pf the business course in Athlone IT which is a significant
financial saving for students as the PLC course in Longford
is noticeably cheaper than the course in Athlone. Business
tutor Yvonne Williams who teaches level 3 Business says
there is “a huge variety of choice for student coming into
us and it’s very affordable in comparison to other colleges.
We don’t expect our students to buy books, we use emails
instead and it’s great for people who want to get back to
studying or just wanting to up skill.”
With approximately twenty qualified tutors in the College
spread across the building in Longford and further hopes
for expansion it’s a busy campus and Pat Hoare and his
colleagues work under the guidance of PLC co coordinator
Maura Casey. “We treat all students as adults,” he says
“and there are no application fees.”
Longford’s College of Further Education courses are all
QQI certified and are very affordable at just 140 euro per
course in contrast to the fees in Athlone which cost in the
region of 3000 euro.
There is something for every one of all ages at this
impressive facility and it is easy to apply if you are
interested in undertaking a course. students can apply for
a grant through sUsI as you would for any third level course,
susi. You can apply for a course online at longfordcfe.com
or call (043) 33 45455 for more information.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 4
4
Deeper than a Headline
n by MELODY JAMES n
KEEP OFF THE GRASS IF YOU’RE SICK
AND NEED IT – ENJOY IT IF YOU’RE
COMMITTING A CRIMINAL OFFENCE!
When you see a survey carried our by the Health Research Board confirming that
cannabis use among young people in County Longford has increased significantly in
the past six years, with the number of people who were treated for ‘problem drug use’
in the Longford region rising by 50 per cent between 2009 and 2015 – while a mother
from Cork is arrested at Dublin Airport “for attempting to bring medicinal cannabis
into the country” to treat her sick child you could be forgiven for thinking that the
world has gone a little mad.
dr suzi Lyons, the author of the report, reveals that the number of those people
seeking treatment for cannabis use in Ireland rose by 72 per cent in the last six years.
These are prescription medications used to treat mental health issues such as
depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. dr Lyons notes they are beneficial if used
correctly. However I believe it’s a sad state of affairs when a clearly emotionally and
physically exhausted young mother who has watched her seven year old daughter suffer
recurrent and dehabilitating epileptic seizures daily had to take the drastic step to
walk from her native Cork to dublin in a bid to meet with the Health Minister simon
Harris to beg for the appropriate medical treatment for her daughter, having discovered
that cannabis oil has succeeded in lessening her seizures. Twomey has been leading
an ongoing campaign to allow her daughter Ava to receive medicinal cannabis products
to help with her condition as the child suffers from a severe form of epilepsy called
dravet syndrome, and can suffer from several seizures a day but her mother says that
medicinal marijuana in liquid form has the potential to save her daughter’s life, as it
reduces the frequency of her episodes. vera has been campaigning for months now
for the stronger THC-based medication, which she says will help Ava, – but she may
be fighting a losing battle because the law is clear in Ireland. Cannabis products are
controlled by the Misuse of drugs Acts. Cannabis is included in schedule 1, which
prohibits its medical and non-medical use.
• It is therefore illegal to grow, produce, supply or possess any of the drugs, except
in accordance with a licence from the Minister for Health for research or analysis.
It is also an offence to allow premises to be used for cultivating, supplying or
smoking cannabis.
vera recently travelled to the Kalapa Clinic in Barcelona with dublin Td Gino Kenny
and Independent MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan to meet with a consultant where she was
prescribed the drug for Ava. The Kalapa Clinic is a European medical consultancy that
develops alternative health therapies using cannabinoids (for example, THC).
However she was stopped by customs on her return to dublin Airport where the drug
was subsequently confiscated. Medicinal cannabis can be legally prescribed in spain
as well as several other European countries.
speaking at the time she said, “We met with a consultant and he determined that
Eva was a candidate [for the medication] and that it would be necessary for seizure
control that she would have THC alongside CBd,” We feel very strongly that we did
nothing wrong and that this medication is necessary to save the lives of children like
my daughter,” “I am doing nothing wrong. I’m doing everything I can for my daughter.
If I was living in Barcelona this would not be an issue. It’s incredibly important that
[Minister for Health] simon Harris takes it serious that a woman with four children under
the age of seven has to go to another country to get access to medication for her child.”
Evidently vera had the support of MEP Luke Flanagan who accompanied her on her
difficult journey. “Arrest her and deny her child the medicine she needs, or let her
through and collapse this farce.”
vera has a somewhat factitious relationship with Minister simon Harris who has
explained that he can only grant a licence for access to cannabis for medical purposes
A Moment from the Past …
Jude McGrath in his referee
days when he wasn’t afraid
to send of an offending
player or put away a half
pound of sausages at one
sitting. This photo we think
is from the 70s at one of
Longford’s basic pitches of
the day but neverthe less
produced great football.
The photo is attributed to
Bernard Docherty (‘Doc’).
MAY 2017
in individual cases when an application is endorsed by a consultant “who is
responsible for the management of the patient”.
Billy Caldwell’s mother Charlotte knows just how vera Twomey is feeling. she and
her 11-year-old son Billy, from Castlederg, are living in Los Angeles so he can be treated
for a severe form of epilepsy.
she claims that cannabis oil has reduced his life-threatening seizures from up to
nine a week to four a month. However The County Tyrone woman has hit a significant
snag – she is unable to return to Ireland with her son – because the treatment is illegal
here.
Billy is taking cannabis oil containing Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive
component of cannabis, to reduce the frequency and severity of his seizures while he
awaits surgery and Ms Caldwell said they are unable to travel back to Ireland because
of the situation and she “does not want to be criminalised”. “We’re in a horrendous
situation,” she has said. “We’re isolated from friends and family here. We’re like
refugees.”
Ms Caldwell says the costs in Los Angeles are huge – including a $4,000 a month
to rent a house, $50 a day for cannabis oil and up to $27,000 a day for hospital
procedures.
Meanwhile a leading Us entrepreneur Jesse stanley in the business says that Ireland
could raise hundreds of millions of euro in much-needed tax revenues by legalising
the drug. stanley, who along with his four brothers, has built a $30 million (€28 million)
medical cannabis business in just a few years and claims the pharmaceutical industry
has a “vested interest” in ensuring cannabis is not legalised. The stanley brothers are
based in Colorado, which has legalised the drug for medical and recreational use.
Their products containing CBd, a non-hallucinogenic component of cannabis, are used
by a number of Irish families to treat children with epilepsy and other conditions. sales
of CBd oil last year exceeded $550 million and the overall cannabis business is forecast
to be a $20 billion industry within a few years.
Mr stanley believes cannabis has been “demonised” because of a history of
“prohibition, lies and mis-education” but that legalisation here is inevitable. He
contrasted the drug’s treatment in law with that of alcohol: “Alcohol and cannabis:
one of these kills how many people a year; the other, no one has ever overdosed on in
the history of mankind.
“If Ireland doesn’t address [this] issue responsibly, people will go abroad to get
what they want,” he says.
speaking recently on a visit to dublin, Mr stanley said the Government had created
a black market and forsaken tax revenues by making cannabis illegal. “I’m pretty sure
Ireland could use $200 million in revenues after experiencing its bailout. They owe it
to future generations. Elderly people and mothers with sick children deserve a place
to go, not a dark alley, to get safe access to medical cannabis.”
so while a number of people in Longford continue to get high freely on this drug, I
wonder, have the state failed the likes of vera Twomey and her daughter?
I think so
A Moment from the Past …
The ‘Doc’ Doherty, aka
Bernard Doherty, in front
of a camera for a change
in younger days from the
80s in McKeon Park.
Apart from an avid
interest and talent in
photography, he has had
a lifelong involve ment in
the sport of boxing, from
both inside the ring as a
boxer to outside the ring
as a trainer.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 5
MAY 2017 5
A THORN IN THEIR SIDE
LAZY POLITICS IS BAD BUSINESS FOR
LONGFORD TOWN AND COUNTY
Cynical voters state after an election you
will never see a TD unless its a funeral, but
during the campaign you can never
escape them, and there is a lot of truth in
that, as Longford in this Dáil term has no
county based TD, with all incumbents
having their voter base in Westmeath.
Traveling through the county, the only
Td’s office I have seen is Kevin Boxer Morans
in Ballymahon, which while Longford
County, is barely in it, and is certainly a long
way from the town itself and the North of
the county.
With parties like FF and FG such power
houses politically, we wonder do they take
their voters for granted? do they think that
they will get the voters regardless of how
the county is left to rot, the county town a
classic example?
Empty shops, buildings falling to
dereliction, sectors of the town empty of a
spirit either residential, commercial or
industrial, Longford town is a ghost of what
n by TOM CARTY n
The nearest Longford town has to a
constituency office – Ballymahon and
independent TD Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran. Is it
proof of the contempt the large political
parties hold the people of Longford?
it has the potential to be, and the lack of political leadership is palpable.
Talk of candidates coming through like Carrigy of Ballinalee that spout the populist
mantra of immigration, crime and “the county is not what it used to be” will not solve
the problem, these issues are issues in their own right, but Longford has always been
a county of immigration, with French, dutch and German / Hungarian settlers in the
county in the wake of the 1690 war and the 1798 rebellion. Immigration today is the
first large scale settlement of a peaceful nature in local history.
But it makes an easy cry, aimed as Yeats said “at the commonest ear”, and as long
as the parties take the voters for granted by pushing this agenda of easy votes forward
the county will never progress.
We are scared of Britext, and what it will do for Longford. Real leaders would be
looking to what is can benefit us. A real businessman will plan for the bad times, and
enjoy the good, so if the bad come they can cope.
But lazy politics and a passive party membership is what is making Longford the
sick man of Ireland countywise, the town itself a classic example, but a shadow of
what it could and should be.
PROFIT AND LOSS
ANYONE FOR BRADERIE?
n by NICOLE RICE n
What is ‘Braderie’ I hear you ask, well
there is method in my madness of using a
question and a word that few will know the
answer to. To stir up the curiosity and get
you furrowing is a large part of it. A good
friend of mine recently returned from a
very quiet fortnight in a small French town
and while there she discovered ‘Braderie’.
The word comes from an old dutch street
meaning for an outdoor market, where on
certain days goods and produce are sold for a fraction of their usual price on the
shelves while in the shops. It takes place 3-4 times a year and has a festive mood
lasting two or three days with sideshows and attractions similar to a festival. A big
attraction which draws huge crowds from near and far is that one of the participating
businesses, chosen by a short straw, at each Braderie will, for one day, sell their goods
at cost price or 1% above. The volume of sales over the period still makes it worth
even their while as they’ll make up for it over the following days. Business for those
participating increases on average 50% and the volume makes it profit certain, and
on stock which is going out of date and depreciating fast in any case. The extra
business to the town itself as a whole over the period goes up by 75%–80%. Everybody
who comes to the town get great bargains-everybody wins!
The only problem for Longford to hold a traditional Braderie is the unpredictable
and inclement weather. That said, roofs and indoor heating has been invented and
there is no shortage of massive empty buildings around the town.
so, what’s stopping the retailers of Longford? There is no doubt of its benefits to all
and with minimal effort. As Barak said, “Is Feidir Linn” but will we? Are we so
entrenched in caution and insecurity to make that small effort? Is the language of
entrepreneurship in Longford as faint as the meaning of Braderie may have been at
the start of this article – I hope not.
INTRODUCING
THE VERY
TALENTED …
CARL
SULLIVAN
– Talking the Big Picture
In an Interview with The Longford Eye
n Photo by LALIN SWARIS n
They say a picture paints a thousands words – if that is the case then photographer
Carl Sullivan has many a tale to tell and is eager to chat when we meet in his Grafton
Court premises in Longford town. “Well, I first got into photograph as a hobby while
in school … then I undertook courses in Dublin before opening up my own business
in Longford where I’ve been for over twenty-seven years now,” he says in his
interview with the Longford Eye.
Carl, who previously operated from his Earl street premises, enjoys dealing with
people and says he has seen many changes down though the years in the world of
photography but that despite the onset of social media, the demand for printing has
not suffered –and thankfully neither has business! “Well,” he muses, “obviously
camera sales have gone down as we originally sold cameras to get people to print their
photographs but thank God people are still printing. They’re not printing at home as
it’s just too expensive but they are doing two things – they’re uploading photographs
onto face book and social media and they are printing. Film has obviously declined
but printing has gone up hugely because people still take a huge amount of
photographs and the reason for that is that they have a picture capturing device with
them twenty four seven and at the end of the day they still want to hold a picture in
their hand.”
despite the advances of technology at times however Carl admits he finds himself
a little nostalgic at times for the old days and for what be calls “the element of
surprise”. “Well obviously film was massive in the eighties and I miss that from a
photography point of view because that’s what I grew up with but digital is better as
you can see what you’re going to print and you don’t end up printing rubbish. Older
people in particular would miss buying film and developing it and wondering what
you’re going to see when you get the photographs done – that surprise, that ‘eureka’
moment! I know that definitely a lot of people would say that but if you talk to anyone
under the age of twenty now they wouldn’t even know what film is!” he laughs.
However, companies are making a move to mix the old with the new in a way says
Carl, with the recent introduction of a range of new “groovy” instamatic cameras now
available in an array of vibrant colours aimed at the younger generation. “Polaroid
instant photographs are now back,” says Carl, “you just point and shoot and your
image will appear in a few seconds so the old days are coming back in a way” he says,
with a wry smile.
Carl Sullivan Photography offer a wide range of services from portrait photography
for confirmations, communions and other special occasions to instant printing (100
prints available for €20 at all times) as well as framing, mounting, passport
photographs and novel gift ideas. You can contact Carl on (043) 334 6540.
In his photographic studio and supplies store on Grafton Court, Carl not only produces his own
highly recognised photographic artwork but will supply and advise you on creating your own.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 6
6
CROSSANS
– Longford’s power in new
media built on a past with pride
An Interview with Melody James
LONGFORD U17 HURLERS
SHOW THEIR DETERMINATION
MAY 2017
SPORTING
COMMENT
n by NIALL WARD n
Since the last issue, the most prominent happening in Longford underage hurling
has been the recommencement of the U17 Celtic Challenge.
n Photo by LALIN SWARIS n
Berney Crossan’s Electrical Store in Main Street was something of an institution in
Longford town for over four decades and the first port of call for both wholesalers
and retailers looking for fridges, televisions, microwaves or just a friendly piece
of advice when something went wrong with your wiring – and when proprietor
Berney sadly passed away three years ago, two of his sons decided to carry on the
mantle of his good work in various forms. “It was,” explains son Seán, “a tough,
but the right decision.” “It was a difficult decision at the time,” admits Seán,
“because we had been open forty-two years at that stage and there was a lot of
history there but we had to make the decision to close the main store for financial
reasons.”
seán subsequently opened up his own premises to the rear of the main store which
supplies “everything needed to wire houses, switches, sockets and all things electrical”
with the majority of his clients being industrial, agricultural and nearby factories. “The
nature of retailing has changed a lot in Longford over the years but things have picked
up a lot in the past eighteen months and it is a nice tribute to my father to keep the
business going in some sense,” continues seán who was literally brought up in the
family trade from an early age. “My father was from Ballinalee and there were seven
boys and two girls in the family and I started working in the business when I was young
before starting an apprenticeship with an electrical contractors. I would do call outs
a bit but where I am at the moment I am based here in town and most of our customers
would be the same people down through the years.”
Crossans are ideally located in Ardrum Business Park, Main Street, Longford close
to all amenities and are open six days a week, a half day on saturdays and you can
contact them on 043 33 46109.
Keeping it in the family is brother Brían who runs CableComm, adjacent to seán’s
business, which prides itself on serving the people of Longford with a wide range of
services relating to all your television and broadband needs, featuring attractive and
easy to afford packages such as cable television deals starting at just €16 a month,
broadband and cable Tv packages beginning at €41 per month, and telephone
packages on the way. Their easy to navigate website is user friendly and takes you
through all you need to know about how to get connected before taking the final step
and you are guaranteed a great deal while helping to support local business and keep
the Crossan name in town by calling CableComm on 043 33 93222.
This innovative competition debuted last year with the express aim of increasing
hurling participation levels nationally at an age which is synonymous with dropout
from sporting activity. As Longford currently have just two clubs fielding underage
teams, this can put additional strain on the dedicated few who are already doing their
best to keep their own clubs afloat. When the nation draws its collective breath after
the feast we were treated to on the opening day of the Munster Hurling Championship
between Cork and Tipperary, in this region we go right back to viewing the game locally
with ambivalence. That can be terribly frustrating for the hurling devotees here because
there's no tangible knock-on gain to be had from something that elsewhere would be
seen as better than any clever marketing campaign.
despite a good start against Meaths Royals, our U17s lost their way and
consequently the match in the first round. In the second round against Leitrim, the
boys scored a laudable 16 points but still managed to come a cropper due to the
concession of a number of facile goals at the other end. The team finally delivered on
its potential in round three and ran riot in the first half against Monaghan. The win
was badly needed and gives the squad a big lift ahead of their next fixture against
Louth.
Iomáint an Longfoirt Abú!
ESCORT AGENCY DOING ITS BIT TO PROMOTE LONGFORD … It has emerged that an advertisement
in a prominent Irish magazine for an Escorts Agency was traced back to Longford. The catchphrase
in the advertisement reads “experience it together” listing many Irish landmarks and areas including
Longford.
The ad caught the eye of an ex Longfordian who emigrated to south Africa 30 years ago and was
recently attending a business meeting in dublin when he thought he would avail of the service. He
was surprised to learn that the girl who turned up was the daughter of an ex neighbour while he
lived in Longford. The girl was not aware of the Longford connection. It transpired that the Escort
Agency has been operating for some years alongside its sister business which caters for the fairer
sex offering a wide range of goods and services. A registered company is believed to be associated
with the lucrative business and at one time a member of the legal profession was heavily engaged
to give advice. However, following a dispute with a leading female participant, its thought that he
parted from the arrangement and subsequently left town. The business in its advertisement offers
‘one to one’ service and refers to potential customers as ‘squares if you do not avail of the charming
company’ It’s understood dublin is the busiest area for the local agency. some of the Escorts are
employed part time in various other businesses around Longford.
The advertisement states that both male and female clients are catered for.
Seán Crossan proudly stands beside the name at the entrance to Crossans on Main Street.
A name which guarantees satisfaction in every transaction.
SURVEY RESULTS
In issue 38 of THE LONGFORD EYE we asked this question …
IS LONGFORD TOURIST FRIENDLY?
20 people were interviewed on Saturday May 20th at one location.
All lived in the Longford area and were between 20 and 60 age group.
Overall there was a very poor reflection among those interviewed with the following
numbers answering the main question on a scale of 1-10:
— seven said 1; four said 2; four said 3; four said 4; and the highest was one person
gave a score of 5 on a scale of 1-10.
(THATS AN AVERAGE OF JUST 2.4 ON A 1-10 SCALE)
When asked which town amenities should be developed, the following were mentioned;
The canal walkway. Connolly Barracks as a county museum. The Cathedral promoted.
A history/nature trail developed around Connolly Barracks and the Battery Road.
However, a negative indication was that 12 people could not think of anything to develop.
A big consensus among the 20 interviewed was the idea of seasonal festivals such
as ‘Dead of Night’ at Halloween, Christmas Market, The Summer Festival, The Cruthu
Arts Festival, and similar.
A full breakdown of our survey will appear on our Longford Eye fb page over the coming weeks.
The Longford Eye would like to thank all those who generously gave their time and
thoughts to our survey taker and many thanks to our survey taker also.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 7
MAY 2017 7
Swaris
Lalin
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPRESSIONS
Mr. Lalin Swaris and his wife Debra.
We've had some beautiful sunny days during the month of May. Many around Longford took advantage
and got out and about to enjoy and top up their golden tan. One of those was The Longford Eye's roving
Ace Photographer, Lalin Swaris, who managed to capture some lovely faces which would bring sunshine
to the gloomiest days of winter. He has captured the 'joy of living' through the lens of his camera which
will last long after the sunny days of summer have faded to our happy memories.
TOP LEFT —
Ann Potter and son Ryan
beaming off each others
loving presence.
TOP RIGHT —
Sinead Heaney and Ralph
(cheekily sticking his
tongue out) Cheek to
cheek and True
friendship through life.
LEFT —
Mr & Mrs Michael Murphy
with children Rebecca,
Ryan and Davina. The
togetherness that makes
it all worthwhile.
MIDDLE RIGHT —
Sharena Swaris gazing at
the camera reminiscent
to the beautiful Mona
Lisa.
BOTTOM RIGHT —
Catriona Doherty. 'The
Eyes are the window to
the soul' and Catriona
certainly has soul.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 8
8
MAY 2017
CONVOY OF REMEMBRANCE FOR
SEÁN KELLY Jr.
In aid of LONGFORD SUB AQUA CLUB
n Photos by LALIN SWARIS n
the Ballinalee Road and come through the town to the parish of Killoe where we are
from and pause at the cemetery where sean Junior is buried. Registration will take
place on the day when those wishing to participate can gather at Longford’s Sub
Aqua Club at 5pm with the run itself to begin once the formalities are dispensed with.
The long awaited event will finish with a function and music that Saturday night
in The Old Forge in Killoe where seán Junior will be remembered with a smile and
says his father, “we’re hoping to get a good response”. “We really should appreciate
how good these people are, how they give of their time and manage to do their jobs as
well.”
Seán and Myra Kelly who organised the truck run in memory of their son Seán Jr.
“A brother of mine lost his son some years ago but I never thought it would come
to my door.”
sean and Myra Kelly lost their only son sean Junior eight years ago when a stag
party he was attending with a group of friends went tragically wrong and he lost his
life in a drowning accident.
Heavily involved with lorries and trucks all his life, just like his father sean, who
has been a truck driver all his life, sean Junior was the only brother to four sisters and
“never wanted to be in college.” “We did our best to keep him in college but he wanted
to work with lorries just like I did all my life and worked his way up,” says sean senior.
“He got his licence at a very early age and went on to work with the Protrans family.”
Following the accident sean’s family say they formed a strong bond with a number
of those working in the transport industry mainly in the truck and lorries sector,
especially after he himself was forced to take time off work after becoming ill. “Protrans
were very good to us as were search and Rescue and all the good work they do.”
during the sad incident sean Junior lost a number of personal belongings including
his watch, which his family resigned themselves to never seeing again – but at this
point Longford sub Aqua Club kindly stepped in and offered to help – and sean can’t
speak highly enough of them in this regard. “Well, they made contact with the family
and came down with us on a saturday and we couldn’t believe what happened,” he
says. “It was never really going to change anything but we just could not believe that
in just three hours all his belongings were found. We really don’t appreciate all the
good things that people do – so the connection was made and we decided to fundraise
for them.”
sean and Moira are set to host the third annual truck run in aid of Longford sub
Aqua Club on saturday July 8th, fittingly, on sean Junior’s birthday. “This year we are
hoping to have up to 100 or 120 trucks taking place in the convoy which will start on
Family photos of Seán Jr. as a young man and when younger with his four sisters.
Annette Reilly outside her beautiful and colourful barbershop premises on Main Street. The real
beauty takes place inside after Annette sets to work while enchanting with her lovely personality.
ANNETTE’S BARBER SHOP
– WHERE PERSONALITY AND SKILL
COMBINE TO STYLE
n by NESSA DELANEY n
n Photo by LALIN SWARIS n
Annette Reilly is an attractive and infectiously positive and friendly girl. As soon as
you enter her recently opened Barber shop on Main street Longford, you not only
get a warm cozy feeling from the predominantly red coloured interior themed decor,
but Annette’s friendly greeting and smiling face convinces you’ve come to a
welcomed place. By the time you leave you’ll know you’ve made the perfect choice
for your hairdresser too.
Annette has lived in Longford town all her life and is proud of it. she has a strong
loyalty to the town and its people and wouldn’t consider living or working anyplace
else. At sixteen years of age she began her passion for hairdressing on New street in
the popular ‘The Edge’ which was a women’s quality hairdressing salon. The
experiences here filled her full of passion for her now chosen career. she continued her
apprenticeship in the Market square under Colette Reynolds. Annette was so
determined to pursue her dream that she attended the world famous L’Oreal workshops
and trained very hard to complete the very intensive course. Annette told me that she
spent thirteen years in a Longford Barbershop where her particular love of cutting hair
made this a very fulfilling time.
The next big thing for Annette was to consider setting up her own business in the
town she loves. Annette tells me “After a long think I took the big step to open my own
Barbershop on the 5th september 2016, and I love it”. Her decision was quickly
vindicated when she saw the fantastic support she received from local people who
have supported her from the start and the numbers continue to grow with an 100%
returning satisfied customer base. “I’m getting so much local support it’s great and
I’m loving it. I’m so busy I thank the people of Longford, each one of them, for
supporting one of their own”
Annette looks forward to continuing her dream in the town she loves for a long time
to come. she exceeds in meeting and greeting people with that very special friendly
personality and displaying a skill in her chosen career which is just as special.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 9
MAY 2017 9
AN EXCLUSIVE LONGFORD EYE INTERVIEW WITH
Tom Crosby
— A BORDERLESS
POLITICIAN WHEN IT
COMES TO DOING GOOD
FOR LONGFORD
“I may be a Roscommon man but I was
heavily involved in Longford over the
years” says former County Councillor
Tom Crosby with more than a hint of pride
for the midlands town he obviously still
has great affection for. Currently resident
in the picturesque village of Tarmonbarry
Tom Crosby, service, integrity and
competence is his legacy.
on the border of both counties, the former publican, politician and long standing
businessman is well respected within the region and held many reputable posts on
various committees over the decades during his tenure in the area.
“Well I was always very much associated with County Longford living in Tarmonbarry as I
do,” he tells the Eye “and I served two three year periods as President of the Longford Chamber
of Commerce in the late eighties along with many familiar faces such as John Browne, Pat
stenson and Pat Lynch – in fact I was responsible for purchasing the first chamber building
in the town down by the harbour. There was a lot of development in the town in those years;
we actually operated as a tourist office and a chamber at the same time at one point.”
Tom was also a member of the Longford vintner’s Association for twenty years and served
on a number of other groups and associations and as such is well acquainted with the
town and county and its people and believes they are, as a community, both resilient and
positive. However he has his own – some might say controversial – views on the region, in
particular with regard to the “white elephant” that is the unopened shopping centre
situated at the top of the town close to the cinema.
“Well, to be honest about it, from day one I really didn’t see the sense in it because we’re
really looking at a rural town with a population of ten to twelve thousand people and in my
view there are enough shopping facilities in the town as it is. I believe that we need to
bring the shopping activity back into the core of the main streets but opening that shopping
centre is not the answer because all the focus would be on that and not on the rest of the
town and that would be a pity because in all my years here, I always believed and still do,
that Longford was and is a great town and in fact one of the best towns in the midlands.
“Unfortunately with recession and so on, we were hit a few bad blows such as the closure
of Atlantic Mills for instance,” says Tom who himself employed six people to run the canteen
in that establishment for a long number of years.
“That was a big loss while we also had the closure of Lyons which employed a lot of
workers back then and to a great extent I think Longford has been a bit forgotten and there
has been very little done at government level to support this town.”
Looking back on a political career that has spanned over three decades, he is a little
tentative when asked his views on Longford’s current political representatives but
nevertheless admirably unrepentant in his honesty. “Well to be honest I wouldn’t be flying
the flag or be very much in support of any political leader when it comes to Longford. I really
feel that the town has so much to offer and it has really been neglected. some time ago I
raised the issue of the potential closure of Connolly barracks when I initially became aware
of the issue and I remember going on local and national radio to highlight it and recall two
politicians in particular came on the radio to discuss it and basically said that I was talking
rubbish but unfortunately it did happen and the loss of that barracks was a huge blow to
this town and to the many families of the people who worked there and I don’t think that
that should have happened. I believe that there were many other affluent areas that could
have been targeted and Longford could certainly have been left with its barracks because
Longford really is the centre of Ireland to a great extent and strategically well placed.”
On a more positive note the former Councillor believes that the imminent arrival of the long
awaited Center Parcs will be an invaluable asset to the area. “I think, yes, if it’s handled right
and properly marketed and the proper infrastructure is put in place the development will help
put Longford on the map and will be excellent for the whole county. I believe that we have to
focus on our good points such as the fact that Longford is beside the river shannon which is a
huge asset to the locality – we need to capture the whole county and region,” says Tom who
adds that his own home place of Tarmonbarry should not be forgotten when it comes to
investment and has developed significantly over the years. “We really need to focus on the
positives and capture the imagination of the whole county and the entire region and Tarmonbarry
and Rooskey would also be a part of Longford down over the years, given their proximity to the
area and remembering that Longford’s own Albert Reynolds was born in Rooskey.”
Life has changed somewhat for Tom Crosby in the past two years since the last election
saw him lose his seat in the Roscommon Galway constituency and he reflects on the time
candidly. “Well, I lost my seat on the council after thirty years having previously topped the
poll at every county council election and unfortunately this time around they divided the
constituency which meant removing a large proportion of my area and I subsequently lost
60 – 70% of my popular vote but despite all that the count went on for two days and I just
missed out by a handful of votes but that’s life,” he says philosophically “and once that
happened I focused on my business interests.”
As a businessman he has been very much involved in the development of what he once
called “the sleepy village of Tarmonbarry” which is situated just a short distance from the
town of Longford and was once home to just 600 people. Today there are in excess of 1000
people living there and it is vibrant and bustling. “When I went in as county councillor in
Tarmonbarry there was no infrastructure there, no public water, no public sewer, no public
lighting but the people asked me to stand and I did so on a Fianna Fail ticket and made a
commitment to get the infrastructure -against a lot of resistance I might add! I build a
marina there that now houses 100 berths and purchased the land from a very popular
Longford man who sadly just passed away recently, Mickey Joe devine, but it’s a huge asset
to Tarmonbarry and I’m very proud of that.”
If Tom Crosby has left any legacy from his time in Longford he can be proud of one of
his last motions put forward to Longford County Council which led to a major initiative in
Ireland. “One of the last projects that I initiated as a county councillor was the final motion
I put forward from my time in office. It dates back to 2013 when I had a break in in a
number of properties that I had in the harbour in Tarmonbarry. At the time I was Chairman
of the Joint Policing Committee and I called the superintendent and asked her to take a
sample of blood that had been left behind by the perpetrators and send it to the dNA
database but I was shocked to discover that not only were we the only country in Europe
not to have a dNA database but the only country in the Western world and I just thought
there were 166 Td’s in the dail and this is one of the most important aspects of security
for our people – a very significant number of crimes are solved by dNA and we had no
database! so I decided to put a notice in motion calling for the establishment of one and
brought it to the county council and I got support from everyone except one individual who
I won’t name and I packaged it up and sent it to Alan shatter. I also sent it to all other
local authorities throughout the country to garner support.”
Tom’s persistence paid off and within a couple of few short months a dNA database for
Ireland was indeed established and he considers this to be one of his proudest
achievements while in office, not just for County Longford but for all of Ireland. It was, he
says, not just a bonus “but a necessity”. “We all know how important it is in terms of crime
– if someone leaves behind a piece of skin or hair or blood at the scene of an offence it is
essential to immediately record it and I read recently that already eighteen serious crimes,
including three murders, have been solved as a result of the initiation of that database so
I see that as a great asset to the people of the country.”
Having worked with and dealt with Longfordians practically all his life Tom has nothing
but praise for them as a people but feels they have been dealt a hard blow yet remain resilient
in the face of adversity. “Longford people I believe are great community people and that
shows in every aspect ..they’ve been winners in the tidy towns, great performers in cultural
events and great committed people and it’s really sad to see in many respects that the town
has slipped. Unfortunately it’s very noticeable and there are certain issues that would be
associated with the slippage such as an increase in crime – in many ways Longford has
made the headlines for all the wrong reasons and that’s something that disappoints us all.”
“However I strongly believe that this town has great potential and with the right political
leadership, in the words of donald Trump, Longford could become great again!”
A Moment from the Past …
Two ladies from the past,
Mrs Steele and Mrs
Forde. Both residents of
Park road, Mrs Steele
ran the very popular
corner shop at the
entrance to Teffia Park.
A native of Co. Mayo,
her corner shop served as an amicable nightly meeting
place for the housewives of the area to engage in the main
activity of the day – a good chat. This photo is from the
early 70s.
SEE YOU IN COURT
n by PAUL MOYLAN n
CROSSING THE TEE’S AND DOTTING THE EYE’S
As my Geography Teacher used to say “There’s only one right way to do anything”.
Obviously, defusing a bomb comes to mind, but there are so many other things in
life that must equally be done right or the consequences may just be as devastating.
One of these is the manner in which a person is subjected to the legal system.
All matters before the courts or review MUsT follow due process and fair procedures.
These are not funny duddy rules or loopholes for the guilty. These are the basis on
which your enemies, fanatics or over zealous opportunists, whether part of the
prosecuting services or not, should be prevented from dragging you from bed,
subjecting you to a rigged trial and locking you up illegally. The noble safeguards built
into any civilised law are there for no less a reason than to protect you and your loved
ones. The Irish constitution enshrines certain rights aimed at ensuring abuses do not
happen or at least are minimised. The correct scrutiny of these laws and rules and
being fully adhered to can make life for the individual or society in general, either a
just or unjust place to live. It is often referred to as the ‘invisible white line’ beyond
the ‘the thin blue line’ guaranteeing our rights, safety and liberty.
That is why every ‘T’ and every ‘I’ spell it out – JUsTICE

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 10
10
HERE’S TO HEALTH AND HAPPINESS
NEVER CLOSE YOUR EYES
TO EYE HEALTH n by NESSA DELANEY
n Eye Care Advice by STEPHEN OLWELL FAOI n
n Photo by LALIN SWARIS n
Stephen Olwell is originally from Cavan and worked in Dublin for a number of years.
In 2009, Supersavers Opticians was established in Grafton Court, Main Street,
Longford and was headed up by Stephen Olwell FAOI.
In 2012 stephen successfully became the owner and aptly renamed the practice
‘stephen Olwell Opticians’.
Both he and his team, including Anthony and Marie, specialise in a wide range of
optical fields and with years of experience in various aspects of eyecare, you know your
eyes are in safe and capable hands. The very amicable stephen and friendly staff make
your call all the more reassuring and a pleasant experience.
Three of the winning team at Stephen Olwell Opticians, Stephen Olwell, Marie and Anthony.
stephen has an honour in Optometry and a
certificate in Pediatric care among his array of
impressive qualifications. Only the most high-tech
equipment is used at his opticians including —
• visual field screening – an eye examination that
can detect dysfunction in central and peripheral
vision which may be caused by various medical
conditions such as glaucoma, stroke, pituitary
disease, brain tumours or other neurological
deficits.
• digital Retinal Cameras or digital Fundus
Cameras are used to capture images of the
interior surface of the eye.
• Corneal topography, also known as
photokeratoscopy or videokeratography, is a
non-invasive medical imaging technique for
mapping the surface curvature of the cornea,
the outer structure of the eye.
Child eyecare is very important and the test that
stephen and team carries out is designed to be
friendly and fun for kids aged 3 and over. stephen
also offers free eye tests for secondary school
pupils. All frame ranges are available from
inexpensive to your designer brands. stephen gets
his products from ZEIss which is an internationally leading technology enterprise of
the optical and optoelectronic industry.
stephen considers the most common eye problem with people in Longford is
Cataracts.
A cataract is a painless, cloudy area in the lens of the eye that blocks the passage
of light to the retina. The retina is the nerve layer at the back of the eye. The nerve
cells in the retina detect light entering the eye and send nerve signals to the brain
about what the eye sees. Aging and exposure to sunlight can cause cataracts. They
can also occur following an eye injury, as a result of eye disease, after you use certain
medicines, or as a result of health problems such as diabetes. Although affecting
mainly the more elderly, Cataracts can strike younger people also, so never dismiss
the possibility across the age spectrum.
There are a number of things you can do that may help you manage your vision
problems. Many people get along very well with the help of eyeglasses, contacts, or
other vision aids. You may be able to avoid or delay surgery. For most adults, surgery
is only needed when vision loss caused by a cataract affects their quality of life and
is the most widely performed surgery.
Care and attention to your eye health is vital, make regular visits to a qualified and
eye care specialist like stephen Olwell to maintain your healthy view of life – Their
focus is your vision!
Stephen Olwell Opticians – Opening Hours Mon–sat 9am – 5.30pm. 043 3342653
info@longfordopticians.com
MAY 2017
TWO BACK TO BACK LOCAL THEATRICAL GEMS –
THE BASEMENT
& TILL THE PETALS FALL
exclusive article given to THE LONGFORD EYE
Local author and playwright Kitty Rodgers confesses to being both “excited and
nervous” about the imminent staging of her first ever full act play while Gráinne
Milner says her current experience of directing the production entitled “The
Basement’ is “strange, exciting and very scary!” So what drew the two local ladies
together in this novel project which is set to hit Longford’s Backstage Theatre on
Friday 26th and Saturday 27th of May? “Well,” says Gráinne, “It’s all a learning
experience but I’ve known Kitty through her writing for a long time and I’d never
quite understood tongue in cheek humour until I read her play and was drawn to it
immediately,” – “and” quips Kitty, “she had no choice!”
The rapport between both women is obvious and this is no surprise given that they
both work in Longford County Library in various different roles and they are clearly
excited about their upcoming collaboration and eager to present it to the local
community. This is Kitty’s second foray into playwriting after an impressive run in
fiction writing. so why the change and how is she finding this particular medium of
literature? “Well it’s very difficult to get published commercially these days and play
writing is totally different to writing fiction,” she explains. “It took me about four or
five months to complete this project, taking in different drafts,” she says, of this
production which follows her successful staging of a flash play in the dock in Carrick
on shannon earlier this year.
The Basement is situated in an office and is primarily focused on main character
Rita who is, says Kitty, “sidetracked for every possible promotion!” she is joined on
stage by sharon, Toby and Mr. Burke in this comedy which is sure to get the audience
laughing and is a coup for the Backstage Theatre Group, displaying the wealth of local
talent there is the town and county, with Jodie Lane Flynn, Riona Lynch, seamus Morris
and Pat Ryan set to tread the boards on both evenings.
Also showing on the same night is the thought provoking production Till the Petals
Fall by Harry Glass which will be directed by Pat Joe McLoughlin. speaking to the Eye
this month Pat, who has been involved in the Backstage for over forty years, both on
stage and more recently, behind the scenes, explains that the play was chosen carefully
and deals with a very emotive – but important, social issue. “Well, I’m always looking
for ideas to work with and my daughter who is in Galway, found me this play online.
The story is set in a centre for women victims of domestic violence and focus on five
women – but there’s a bit of a twist halfway through which adds some suspense to
the production. It’s a serious social issue and it’s not always talked about. Most of it
is not reported,” he adds.
Again the local community can celebrate the wealth of local talent Longford has to
offer with Christine Treacy, Mary McLoughlin, Eileen McKenna, Aine Brady and Amy
Oates taking to the stage on both nights for the Harry Glass production.
You can purchase your tickets for the one act plays now online at www.backstage.ie
or by calling 04333 47888 or you can buy them at Farrell and Coy in Longford town
and the good news is that your ticket permits you access to both local productions on
the night.
The Basement and Till the Petals Fall will be staged on Friday 26th & saturday 27th
of May at 8pm in Longford’s Backstage Theatre. Tickets are price €12/€10.
Please go along and support Longford’s Backstage Theatre Group and you can be
guaranteed a great night’s entertainment at the same time.
Theatrical stalwart Pat Joe McLoughlin and Playwrights Kitty Rogers and Grainne Milner.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 11
MAY 2017 11
nn by TOM CARTY nn
ECHOES OF TIMES
AND MEMORIES
nn Photo by LALIN SWARIS nn
Longford Harbour – An Invisible
Asset to be Uncovered …
On the 21st of January in 1830, the Harbour in Longford
opened up, and the spur to the Royal Canal commenced
business, bringing goods from the then prosperous towns
industries to the country, and to England, Europe and the
Empire as it was then, via Dublin Port.
As mentioned in other articles, firms like Fee's had
multiple business industries that were interlinked and along
with the wide range of agricultural produce from the area,
there was a good traffic for the canal in its opening years.
Horse drawn barges brought the goods to Dublin, and brought
goods from Dublin to the provincial town.
Then the famine happened, and the advent of rail, which
wrought havoc on the canal network as a viable business,
with Fee's being one of the last firms to use the network as
a route of transportation.
A little known tragedy was a drowning on the canal, when
six passengers lost their lives in an accident when a barge
overturned, who were emigrating and heading to Dublin to
get a ship for abroad. A large party was in full swing, and a
WITH MELODY JAMES
‘YESTERYEARS’ – A JOYFUL NOSTALGIC
JOURNEY DOWN LONGFORD’S MEMORY LANE
The last month saw the release and launch of the
colourful and quaint publication ‘‘Yesteryears’’ –
a Longford Leader pro duction which invites the
people of Longford, town and county, to travel
back in time on a joyous photographic trip down
memory lane. The novel book, which features
many famous – and infamous – faces, includes
over three hundred photo graphs and celebrates
the personalities, groups and landscapes that
have shaped the region over the decades,
making it a collector’s item for many years to
come.
Featuring people, towns and villages through -
out County Longford as they were yesteryear; this
is a nostalgic and valuable piece of history and a
stark reminder of how the midlands have changed
dramatically over time.
Launched in Longford Library by Joe Flaherty on
Thursday, 30th March, this attractive and glossy
production, includes many special photographic
gems – from the ordination of Larry Cunning ham’s
wedding day, the cut and thrust of politics to the
covering of major sporting events of times past.
There is hardly a Longfordian who will not have
a family member, friend or neighbour who does not feature. The collection covers all
walks of life from all sections of our community. From the vast array of once familiar
faces, many of which are no longer with us, to the backdrops etched in our collective
memories, ‘Yesteryears’ brings them all back.
‘Yesteryears’ costs just €10 and is the ideal gift for Longfordians living a home or
for those living abroad with a link to the county, it is available in local outlets now
and if you would like to purchase any of the images in this publication you can contact
the Longford Leader on 043 3345241 or email newsroom@longfordleader.ie quoting
the caption.
The contrast over time
between the days when
Longford had a harbour
and now when Longford
has a car park.
lot were very inebriated, and some sort of activity caused
the boat to destabilize and over turn. The Captain, according
to the local press, was on deck when it happened, and they
commended a lot of the local RIC who helped including a
Constable Valentine – possibly a relative of the family of that
name still in the town. The local press rebuked the Dublin
Evening Packet and the Freemans Journal for erroneous
account which blamed the constables for overturning it by
jumping in to settle a disturbance.
What's the truth we will never know, it may be as the local
papers said, or maybe they printed that to stay on the right
side of the powers that be.
There was little forward vision in the Ireland of the 1950s,
and in the blind policies continued right up to the 1980's to
close down all transport links bar the road network, the
harbour was filled in, in October 1958. Today, the casual
walker would never know that this was the heart of a once
industrious town, but that is about to change with the
activities of a few local groups since 2010, who have
The front cover of the ‘Yesteryears’
photographic record of faces and
places associated with Longford
through many decades.
PHOTO: LALIN SWARIS
succeeded so far in reopening the canal to Clondra and are
currently in a campaign to have the harbour itself reopened.
The area now is rather industrial, and if we are to have
holidaymakers coming in barges, landscaping in the canal
area would be a top priority. We can have shops and factories
all over the place, its the design and the finish of them that
make or break a welcome into the town. How the access
would be sorted to the harbour for boats will be an issue, with
the rail bridge needing replacement or a lock being built to
allow boast to pass under, and at such a cost it will need EU
funding to become a reality at all...
THE FARMERS’ FIELD
n by FRANK COONEY n
GO GREEN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
AND FOR PROFIT
The Green Party has called upon the Minister
for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael
Creed, to re-open the Organic Farming
Scheme (OFS). Many younger Farmers from
the Longford area have expressed an interest
in this high profit sector.
The OFs has been closed since 2015; this is
despite the fact that demand for organic produce in the EU has doubled in the past
10 years, as well as the fact that there has been a 30% increase in the Irish market
for organic food in the past four years, the Green party said. A recent decision not to
re-open the OFs has been described as “counter-intuitive” by the Green Party
spokesperson on Agriculture, Pippa Hackett.
Eurostat data indicates that the EU average for agricultural land in organic
production is 6%, with Austria topping the table at 20%, and Ireland stagnating second
from last at less than 2%. The demand for organic produce has increased significantly
in recent years, on the back of consumers becoming “increasingly conscious” about
where their food comes from and how it is produced. At a recent meeting of the Joint
Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, it was reported that the
demand for organic produce in Ireland is currently outweighing supply.
A Moment from the Past …
The Annaly hotel on Main street
taken in the 1960's. A formidable
hotel in its day and the rival to
the Longford Arms. It was
owned by a local business
conglomerate at one point
which included local tycoon,
John Doris. Well known faces in
the management end were Jack
Shanley and Mary Duignan.

LONGFORD EYE_Issue 39_05-2017.qxp 29/05/2017 01:03 Page 12
12
THE
FINAL
WORD
THE MAIN (street) PROBLEM
As most of us know, when we travel to another
town or city, we instinctively search out the Main
street or considered heart of wherever we are. To
a large extent it is the deciding factor of what we
bring away as the image of that place. In recent
years Ireland has made great improvements in the
appearance of its urban areas, by and large.
Longford, to some peoples surprise, recently won
the tidy towns competition. A few, too few,
dedicated group who painstakingly in all weathers
clean our streets, were to a large degree the reason
for this accolade, well done!
However, the Main Problem is the overall
appearance of the Main street. It is one of a few
towns in Ireland without any Greenery adorning
the pathways, look up and then down the street
and its like a power station with the amount of
ugly cables and electrical wires in freefall. The
number of poles dotted all along both sides
resemble the beaches of Normandy to prevent a
tank landing. Are those in the Council asleep or
lazy or stupid or just don't give a damn?
Get to work on our Main street, its cold looking,
abstract and heartless, everything the people of
Longford are not but are made to feel. Our
visitors leave with that impression.
Just for
today
Readers’
Submission
Just for today I will try to live through this day only,
and not tackle all my problems at once.
I can do something for twelve hours that would appall me
if I felt that I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
Just for today I will be happy.
This assumes to be true what Abraham Lincoln said,
that “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
sUBMITTEd BY:
Talia Quinn, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Due to the fantastic demand for the Longford Eye, many
people have contacted us unable to obtain a copy. We
are responding in the short term to this by supplying
extra copies to our town hub outlet and will make
available more copies in the near future. If you still have
difficulty please email us.
MAY 2017
THE EDITOR
CCTV SYSTEM … MORE PATROLS MORE EFFECTIVE
Dear Longford Eye,
I refer to your section The Jury Is Out regarding CCTV and
the potential funding that has been set aside for it! For a CCTV
system to be very effective, trained staff should monitor the
systems round the clock.
All too often Counsellors and Gardaí are spending investing
in CCTV cameras, rather than more frontline presence on the
streets. The images provided by the cameras are not always good
enough to be used in court and although occasionally, provide
evidence, the quality of film is frequently so poor as to be
worthless. In the streets and public places of our town here in
Longford, it is a Garda presence which is required and not more
insufficient cameras whose suppliers are receiving a big fat
cheque for a very limited return. More patrols! More Patrols!
And only monitored cameras to nab the criminal instead of
playing rewind and catch up after the deed.
Sincerely,
MY COUSIN RACHEL
Release Date: TBA
Directors: Roger Mitchell
Genre: drama, Mystery, Romance
Writers: daphne du Maurier (novel)
Roger Michell (adaptation)
Actors: sam Claflin | Rachel Weisz
Holliday Grainger | Iain Glen
SYNOPSIS — A young Englishman plots revenge
against his mysterious, beautiful cousin, believing
that she murdered his guardian. But his feelings
become complicated as he finds himself falling
under the beguiling spell of her charms.
Lorraine Brennan,
Deerpark View, Longford Town.
‘COMING SOON’ – to a cinema near you
LONGFORD CINEPLEX, BRIDGE STREET, LONGFORD
Phone: +353 43 334 5177. Email: longford@omniplex.ie
LIKE A JOB?
Vacancy exist with us for a survey taker /
researcher. Please email us, or message us on our
fb page, or call our telephone number (leave a
message if unattended). Good rates and positive
work environment. Must be based locally. No previous experience necessary.
Do you believe Longford
has adequate medical
facilities?
ISSUE DATE: 30th JUNE 2017
CONTACT DETAILS
THE LONGFORd EYE ON FACEBOOK THE LONGFORD EYE
We look forward to engaging discussions and open comment on any issue, serious or not so serious, on topics which matter to Longford and its people.
THE LONGFORD EYE • (086) 8930911 • longfordi@hotmail.com • longfordeye@hotmail.com