Fountain on the Mall should be reinstated

TRAVEL writer Paul Clements recently published a book about Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, a route that seems to be getting more popular with each passing year.

He began on the Inishowen Peninsula, then meandering ever southwards to end his western quest just outside Kinsale.

While passing through Mayo, Paul noted: “Mayo’s love affair with the bike is flourishing. A new section of track has recently opened between Castlebar and the Museum of Country Life with the aim being a 200-kilometre greenway covering a whole county.”

During his tour author Paul fitted in a visit to Castlebar where he especially enjoyed the tree-lined Mall with its 18th century buildings, including a 19th century courthouse in Classical style with a Greek Doric portico.

Then the writer turned his attention to the nearby bronze memorial, Manannán Mac Lir, which was presented to the town in the 1980s by the family of Ernie O’Malley, author and freedom fighter (1897-1957).

A passerby spoke to Paul Clements, telling him the statue originally spurted jets of water but the fountain had to be decommissioned because so many youngsters enjoyed putting shaving foam into it and turning the whole area into a terrible mess.

Yes indeed, the boyos with the shaving cream put the kibosh on the lovely fountain.

What a boon it would be for the Mall, especially in the recent sunshine, if some way could be found to restrain the yobbos, and the fountain reinstated.