High seas disrupt Inishturk island's award celebrations

A WEST of Ireland island community's plans to celebrate the winning of a Mayo People of the Year award tomorrow (Saturday) night have been disrupted by high seas.

Inishturk Island (pop. 68) was scheduled to send a delegation of 14 to pick up the accolade at Breaffy House Resort.

But half of them were forced to abandon their weekend trip to the mainland due to the dangerous crossing conditions forecast for tomorrow in Clew Bay.

Instead, a group of seven representatives braved the ferry crossing to Roonagh Pier earlier today and will stay in Westport overnight before preparing for the awards ceremony hosted by Rehabcare, The Connaught Telegraph and Mayo County Council, at which 15 other awards will be presented.      

The Inishturk Island community was nominated for its courage, determination and persistence in overcoming the obstacles facing an off-shore community in developing the island as a tourist attraction and a better place for the local households in which to work and live.

The chairman of the award committee Tom Gillespie said it was unfortunate the entire Inishturk party could not attend the celebrations.

But he praised those who made the crossing today to ensure the island's attendance at the gala event.

'Inishturk islanders are a remarkable group of people,' he added.