Achill anger over undermining of traditional St. John's Eve celebrations on island

An elected member of Mayo County Council has hit out at the authority for 'severely interfering' in St. John's Eve (Bonfire's Night) celebrations in Achill.

Local Councillor Paul McNamara elaborated: "Tonight, the 23rd of June, marks the celebration of St. John.

"It's a tradition which dates back years here in Achill, where grandparents, parents and children would come together and spend weeks gathering rubbish and whin bushes to prepare for this momentous occasion, which is filled with tradition and fond memories.

"One of the most vivid memories I have from this night is my own grandmother gathering coal from the bonfire and throwing it across the fields to bring a fertile growing season ahead.

"This year, however, the tradition has been severely interfered with by Mayo County Council.

"Mayo County Council have invested thousands in hiring private environmental officers to destroy these traditions.

"I would ask the people in Mayo County Council responsible for these ludicrous actions to use some common sense."

In his social media statement, Councillor McNamara cited the condition of a bottle bank at Keel on the island which he labelled 'an absolute disgrace'

"I am demanding that Mayo County Council attend to this issue immediately rather than waste funds on destroying local traditions as this is an urgent problem which has a major effect on our island," he added.