Range of events for 'The Leitrim Gathering' to take place
The initiative which aims to celebrate place, connection, and heritage with Leitrim people at home and around the world was officially launched in Carrick-on Shannon last night.
Leitrim County Council CEO Joseph Gilhooly said the gathering has received significant support from community groups.
Mr Gilhooly said he was "encouraging Leitrim people everywhere to be part of the celebrations either by attending an event or sharing in the fun via social media".
The launch of the Leitrim Gathering heard that the local authority hopes to engage with its diaspora to act as ambassadors around the globe for their native county.
Chairperson of the Leitrim Gathering Steering Group Cllr Enda Stenson told the launch of the impact immigration had on his own family. He spoke of the diaspora's connection with the county.
Carole Coleman, a member of the steering group, spoke of the importance of remembering those who have left the county in the past for a myriad of reasons and how they supported many people who remained at home.
Leitrim County Council is undertaking a survey seeking to establish where the county's diaspora resides across the globe. The Leitrim Gathering coincides with the UK Bank Holiday weekend.
Over the coming days, the county will host a diverse range of activities and events including Sessions at the Shannon, Leitrim Cycling Festival, Mohill Old Fair Day, Taste Leitrim, Kayaking on Lough Rynn, Leitrim Jamboree, Leitrim Women Through Time Exhibition and Genealogy workshops.
Census 2022 showed that the population of Leitrim was about 35,000 people - an increase of 10% from April 2016.
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Irish Times
a day ago
- Irish Times
‘I was delighted with the big, happy head on him': Stories of soundness restoring readers' faith in humanity
It's the summer time and it is a bank holiday so – for one day only – we are going to dispense with giving out and highlight some of the good and great customer-service stories we have heard of late. We are going to start with our friends in Ryanair as we know they think we are biased against them, something that could not be further from the truth. A reader called Emer mailed us at the start of July with a story she said was 'different to the norm as it is about two good news stories' rolled into one. Her good news begins in Bologna on July 4th with some very bad news indeed. READ MORE Emer admits that she is 'old school' and prints her boarding passes before travelling. This was something she, perhaps, had cause to regret on that particular Friday as both her and husband's passports and boarding passes were stolen. The theft happened at around midday on the day they were due to travel home and they had less than four hours to try to resolve the situation. Their first port of call was the authorities, Emer writes in her email. 'We immediately went to the police station to report the theft and contacted our son who was a travel rep some years ago and he contacted the consulate in Milan,' she continues. The couple knew the clock was ticking and – given that it was a Friday afternoon, things were looking bleak. 'The consulate contacted us and told us to go to their office in Milan on Monday as they were closing for the weekend and could not help us till then. We could not book a hotel anywhere as we had no identification,' she says. [ Where's the humanity? Customer experience report shows service in Ireland is getting worse Opens in new window ] 'With our police report of the theft we got a taxi to the airport on the very off-chance we would be allowed on the Ryanair flight with our Irish social welfare travel cards as an only means of identification,' she writes. 'We told our story to the girl on the luggage check-in desk and she talked to her supervisor, and then to Dublin, to see if they would let us through passport control and if we would be allowed on the flight.' Pricewatch would not have been holding out much hope at this stage, we have to say. 'Word eventually came from Dublin and we were on our way home. So a huge thank you to Ryanair and their check-in staff,' Emer writes. We can only assume the couple were able to make it through passport control without their passports – and Emer adds a second piece of good news which was that she and her husband applied for new passports on the Sunday after they arrived home and three days later their new passports came through the door. 'So thank you to the staff at Ryanair for your caring and compassionate response to our plight and thank you to the staff for your efficiency and speed in the passport office.' Next up is Phil from Navan who says he is 'always more fond of e-mailing about great customer service than bad'. He visited Decathlon in Dublin recently searching for what he describes as his 'very comfy socks, which I'd clicked and was collecting. I struggled to get from the car to the click and collect location because of my mobility disability. Meanwhile the security guard was eyeing me up the whole time.' 'The security guard sprang into action to slide me over a trolley and ensure I was staying upright safely.' Photograph: iStock Phil successfully collected his order and turned around and noted that the security guard 'still had my eyes and I beckoned over towards the trolleys and asked if he could please get me one – all this without speaking to him! 'Quick as a flash he sprang into action to slide me over a trolley and ensure I was staying upright safely. I followed my family around the shop, stopping by to pick up some more comfy socks,' he writes. 'I emailed the shop that evening telling them that I was delighted with the big, happy head on him.' Noeleen had a very positive experience with Petworld recently. 'I telephoned them on March 31st at about 11.30am asking about their delivery service. I told the helpful girl that I was rehoming a dog and needed a crate urgently.' Noeleen was told to place an order online, which she did at 11.55am. The Petworld staff member told her the order would be marked as urgent as soon as it showed up on their systems. 'The courier delivered the item at 12.14pm the following day, just two hours after the dog arrived.' Noeleen 'needed a crate urgently' to rehome a dog. Photograph: iStock Louise got in touch to praise David Cullen Jewellers in Clare Hall. 'I dropped in a chain for repair but it couldn't be repaired on site,' she says. 'I received a text when it was sent off and a phone call to confirm I was happy. I also got another text message with an estimated completion time and was updated daily and called when it was ready.' And, speaking of jewellery, we also heard from Sheelagh. She recently wrote to Newbridge Silverware in connection with a bracelet her sister had given her which had broken. She returned it to the company for repair and in her note said – in a by-the-way fashion – that her sister had bought five bracelets at the same time for herself and each of her sisters 'to mark a sisters weekend. Unfortunately my sister has lost her own bracket on the very day she gave them to us,' Sheelagh writes. To her surprise, she subsequently received not one but two bracelets from Newbridge, with an invitation to a factory tour at any point in the future. A reader called Caroline recently needed to have some building work done on her home. 'Unfortunately, the external structure needed a bigger job than I had envisioned and more unfortunate again was the builder I initially asked to do the work.' [ How to find the right builder: check the Construction Industry Register Opens in new window ] She says he went missing in action and she ended up dealing directly with the steel manufacturer. 'Here is where my faith in humanity was restored. From my very first call to Keystone Lintels in Cookstown, wherein I advised them of my situation, they were exceptional. Aimee in customer service was always efficient and patiently kind. Their technical engineer, Paul, hearing of my plight, contacted me directly asking how they could be a part of the solution. They have gone above and beyond in addressing a problem that was not their issue. A woman called Terry was in touch to say she had 'the most positive experience dealing with the VHI in sorting out my upcoming renewal. I was not at all happy with the new quote for my health plan and the lady I spoke to went to extraordinary lengths to help find a plan to suit my budget,' she writes. 'I explained that I couldn't understand the complex range of plans on offer, I just wanted a very basic plan. The lady spent almost three-quarters of an hour clearly and in simple language finding me that plan, and making sure I was happy. No add-ons, or trying to make a sale, just giving me what I needed. So patient, customer service at its best.' Three cheers for staff at Dublin Bus. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien Catherine got in touch to share 'a very positive experience I had with Dublin Bus staff'. She notes that the company 'often gets a bad press with the phenomenon of the 'disappearing buses' and frequent talk of unpunctuality etc. However, I wanted to highlight our really positive experience recently.' Catherine's teenage daughter was travelling on the Number 40 bus late on a Tuesday from Lesson Street to Drumcondra. 'Unfortunately she left her new iPhone and ID card on the bus when she left the bus in Drumcondra. Cue panic all round. She managed to get the number of the bus depot from another bus driver. She called next morning without much hope or expectation. A friendly voice said they had the phone and to 'come on out'. So, the mother and daughter drove to the Harristown bus depot 'and she was met by a number of staff in the lost property department who had all the details of her phone and who were all friendly and very helpful. 'After some quick ID verification she emerged completely thrilled with her iPhone, her ID Card and some money (notes) that she had tucked into the back of the phone. Who says the age of honesty is dead? Three cheers for the driver of the Number 40, the brilliant staff in Harriston bus depot and for the honest person who handed in the phone.' [ Ireland's best and worst customer service: Guess which list Aer Lingus and Facebook are in Opens in new window ] We also heard from Donal from Sligo who noted that Pricewatch occasionally 'offer bouquets instead of brickbats and today I would like to nominate a company for a bouquet. For the past number of years my wife and I have travelled frequently by ferry between Ireland and France and Ireland and the UK. We travel exclusively with Stena ferries because their booking system is easy to navigate and if there are particular needs to be addressed there is a phone number.' He also says the 'telephone is always answered promptly by a person' and he adds that the 'personnel on the end of the phone have always been friendly, helpful and efficient.' He suggests that the 'same staff culture is also evident on board their ferries and at the ports. It is so refreshing to receive such welcome customer service with no sign of a bot. I would emphasise that the only connection we have with Stena is as satisfied customers.' Declan's tank took a little less than the 1,000 litres of home heating oil he'd ordered. Photograph: iStock Declan from Dublin mailed about a brief encounter with good customer service 'by way on contrast with so many of the other kind which we hear about'. He says he recently ordered 1,000 litres of home heating oil from Capital Oil/Local Fuels and paid €838 by credit card. 'However, the tank took a little less than that, costing about €18 less. This was shown on the docket left on delivery. I meant to send an email but did not get around to it for about a week. 'Doing a routine check on my account, I found that the difference had been credited back to it by Capitol Oil without any intervention from me, in contrast with the dozens of complaints you get about how difficult it is to get valid refunds from so many companies. Good customer relations or what?' Then there was Damian, who got in touch after coming back from 10 days in Spain where he had hired a car through National in Malaga. He had the basic insurance cover as he had an excess policy with AIG. He says that, to cut a long story short, half way through his holiday he had parked outside a supermarket when 'some kind soul in the same make parked beside me using the side panel of my car as a guide to park his'. He says this caused four small one-inch scrapes in the paintwork. 'Goodbye to my €1,700 excess with National, I thought, but upon my return and when I pointed them out to the agent in full disclosure mode, his response was we don't worry about small scratches like that. Now that is a great end to a holiday.' We also have a good news story about Eir. On Tuesday June 10th Peter reported two manhole covers and surrounding paving in disrepair in his housing estate in Wicklow. A week later they had been replaced and repaired. 'Fair dues to Eir and their contractors for fast and efficient service.' And finally there is Diarmuid, who bought a hand-held vacuum cleaner last November from Lidl at a cost of €25. 'I only got round to using it three weeks ago and found that it would not charge so I contacted Lidl . I also had lost the receipt. Today I received a new replacement model from the manufacturer in Germany.' As we were reading through all of these stories something struck us. They are all linked by a single thread. Soundness. Sometimes customer service is not that complicated and if businesses just made the decision to be sound or to empower their staff to be sound, then we would have a lot less to be giving out about on this page and our world would be a much better place.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
People warned to check in on vulnerable neighbours as Storm Floris arrives
Tents and temporary structures could be flying across the country on Monday morning as a Storm Floris will bring unseasonably heavy gusts. Met Éireann is warning those heading out on the bank holiday Monday, especially near the coast, to be cautious. Local county councils are also asking people to check on their vulnerable neighbours in advance of the storm. Eight counties have been placed under a yellow wind warning by the national forecaster. For Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo the advisory is in place from 2am until 1pm on Monday. The gusty weather is set to last longer for more northern counties Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim. These counties are under a yellow wind warning from 4am until 4pm. Ireland is set be hit by strong gusts on Bank Holiday Monday (Image: Stephen Collins/Collins Photo Agency) Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo have also been issued a yellow rain warning from 2am until 10am on Monday. Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone have also been given a yellow wind warning from 6am until midnight by the UK Met Office. Met Éireann forecaster Aoife Kealy said Storm Floris will be impactful for these counties. Possible impacts include dangerous travelling conditions, structural damage, fallen trees and debris, power outages and wave overtopping. It could also cause havoc for outdoors events. Those attending festivals such as All Together Now in Waterford could see their tents flying. Ms Kealy said: 'Storm Floris is going to track up across the north west and north coast, so the worst of the effects will be in Scotland but for ourselves it's just clipping us. It is going to bring some unseasonably wet and windy weather across particularly northern and western counties. "We are going to see some very strong southwesterly winds and some heavy rain in places too.' The forecaster said while the warnings won't go beyond a yellow status, as it's a bank holiday people need to be more vigilant. She continued: 'On a bank holiday Monday people are more likely to be out and about at coasts and so on. So there is probably more exposure than there would be otherwise. We are not looking at anything stronger than a yellow weather warning, it's more the timing of the event, it's unseasonal. 'It's not that we haven't gotten storms in August before but usually it's a bit better weather. It's likely just to bring a bit of disruption. There could be possible damage to temporary structures and tents and so on. 'So, be aware and take care if you are out on coasts.' Some parks will be closed across the country on Monday to avoid any injuries from potential falling branches or debris. A Status Yellow wind warning has been issued for eight counties Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said all forests, country parks and trails will be 'closed to cars and pedestrians' for the day. It also advised the public not to visit and play parks or outdoor recreational areas alongside the coast. Cavan County Council has advised people to stay indoors where possible, to charge all devices and battery packs and have torches and candles to hand. Householders should also ensure large items such as lawn furniture or trampolines are secured. In a statement, the council added: 'People are asked to check in on isolated and vulnerable neighbours in advance of the oncoming severe weather and again after the worst of the event has passed.' The Road Safety Authority said drivers should consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary before getting on the road. Drivers are being urged to slow down and allow a greater braking distance between themselves and the vehicle in front in wet weather conditions. If a road ahead is flooded, drivers are told to choose another route and never attempt to drive through it. The RSA added: 'Flooded roads that appear shallow could be deeper than you think. The verge may have subsided and there may also be trees or branches that have fallen that may not be visible. 'After going through water, drive slowly with your foot on the brake pedal for a short distance - this helps to dry the brakes.' Control of a vehicle can also be affected by strong winds, with high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists being particularly vulnerable. While it's set to be a windy and wet start on Monday morning in the east, this is forecast to clear fairly early on in the day. Rain should clear by the afternoon and while it might remain quite breezy, sunshine will break through with temperatures remaining mild. Ms Kealy said by the evening most of the country will have 'a kind of nice day'. She continued: 'We will see a good bit of improvement on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday there will be a few showers around but there should be some sunny spells as well and plenty of dry weather. 'Wednesday is not a bad day, you should have some sunny spells but later on Wednesday there might be a bit of rain moving in over the western half of the country and that will spread eastwards on Wednesday night. But nothing overly impactful.' For more of the latest breaking news from the Irish Mirror check out our homepage by clicking here
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Storm Floris live warnings and tracker as Met Eireann names 'danger zones'
Ireland is bracing for a turbulent Bank Holiday weekend as Storm Floris approaches, with Met Eireann issuing weather advisories and warning that official alerts may be upgraded as conditions worsen. The storm system, currently forming south of Nova Scotia, is being propelled toward Ireland by an unusually strong jet stream. It's expected to deepen rapidly - dropping 20hPa in just 24 hours - before hitting the northwest of the country late Sunday into Monday. Met Eireann says Storm Floris could bring very strong winds, heavy rain and widespread disruption, especially in western and northwestern counties. So-called "danger zones" may face fallen trees, power outages, structural damage and localised flooding. The timing is especially disruptive, with outdoor events, festivals and camping trips planned nationwide. Temporary structures like tents could be hit by strong gusts and flying debris, forecasters have warned. Met Eireann forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said the storm will bring "wet and unseasonably windy weather" and that many people may be at increased risk due to exposure outdoors. Wave overtopping is also possible in coastal areas, despite low neap tides. The public is advised to monitor updates, adjust plans accordingly and follow guidance from local authorities as Storm Floris nears. Follow live updates below or check out the latest breaking news on our homepage. 08:57 Anita McSorley You can check exactly when Storm Floris will hit your area using Windy's live trackers below. Wind tracker Rain tracker 08:55 Anita McSorley Met Eireann forecaster Andrew Doran-Sherlock said: "Storm Floris will bring a spell of wet and unseasonably windy weather, particularly for northwestern areas, through Sunday night and into Monday. However, there is still some uncertainty in the details so the full impacts of the system cannot yet be determined. By Saturday though, the event will be within the range of our high-resolution DINI forecasting model and warnings will be issued. "However, as this is a Public Holiday Weekend with a large number of outdoor events and with many people going camping, etc, and with an increased usage of temporary structures such as tents, more people will be at a greater risk of exposure than would normally be the case. And while we are in a period of neap tides, with lowest tidal ranges of this cycle expected on Sunday and Monday, strong onshore winds and high waves may cause wave overtopping in low-lying coastal areas in the northwest and west. "Our advice would be to pay attention to the weather forecasts and warnings issued over the weekend and take them into consideration with any plans you have. And as always, please heed the advice of local authorities." 08:54 KEY EVENT 2am to 1pm Monday - Status Yellow Wind Warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo and Sligo Storm Floris: Very strong and blustery southwest winds veering westerly, with some damaging gusts Possible Impacts: Dangerous travelling conditions Outdoor events may be impacted Structural damage Fallen trees, debris and loose objects Power outages Wave overtopping 2am Monday to 10am Monday - Status Yellow Rain Warning for Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo and Sligo Storm Floris: Spells of heavy rain, with a chance of thunder. Possible Impacts: Difficult travelling conditions Lightning damage Localised flooding 4am to 4pm Monday - Status Yellow Wind Warning for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan and Leitrim Storm Floris: Very strong and blustery southwest winds veering westerly, with some damaging gusts. Possible Impacts: Dangerous travelling conditions Outdoor events may be impacted Structural damage Fallen trees, debris and loose objects Power outages Wave overtopping 6pm Monday to 6am Tuesday - Status Yellow Wind Warning for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry Storm Floris is likely to bring a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds to northern UK on Monday into early Tuesday.
