Letter: In response to the criticism of Mayo's county town

Sir,

This week I read the letter to this newspaper from a worldly-wise teenager who had some choice words to say about our county town of Castlebar.

As someone who has spent the majority of my life here (and developed quite a different perspective on the place), I'd like to give my two cents.

There's been many a weekend when I've strolled into McHale Park to watch whichever Mayo or club game was on, popped into the T.F to see a world famous music or comedy gig, or stuck my head into the Linenhall Arts venue to see what exhibits they were showing.

With the big possibility of a Mayo FC team being instated in the League of Ireland set up in the coming years, a trip to Milebush Park will be added to this list in the near future also.

The above outings would always be followed by a few pints (or "meejums") in McHale's, Byrne's, The Cobweb, or any of the other pubs of character that the west of Ireland is renowned for (and that won't charge you a tenner a pint!).

The following morning to clear the head, I'd do a lap (kayak, canoe, or plain old walking) of Lough Lannagh, have a swim in Andy Moran's gym, head out for a round on the golf course, or take the bike down the Greenway (a luxury non-Castlebar residents would have given a limb for, especially during the lockdowns).

Depending on the week, I could even end up participating in the International Four Day Walk festival, or nip into the Blues Festival.

After my excursions, a coffee from Cafe Rua was a definite port of call would be a welcome treat.

The day would be finished by catching a movie on one of the 7 screens in Mayo Movie World, or maybe a round of bowling, or a go on the arcades.

Once home, I'd relax by reading the newspaper, and keep tabs on whichever keyboard warrior has decided to grace the "Letter" section this time.

The particular author to whom this letter is directed at has mentioned that him and 40 of his friends are planning on moving to Australia soon.

I wish them all the best in finding somewhere there that is as affordable as Castlebar to live.

I'll also be keeping an eye on the local Australian papers once they're there.

I wouldn't be surprised if his complaints about a few weeds on the footpaths of Castlebar were replaced with grievances of there being too much sand on the Sydney ones.

Assuming that he gets out from behind his screen and actually explores the place, that is.

Yours sincerely,

Ronan.

(Full name and address with editor)