History Made As Bracklin Way Opened And New Community Alert Scheme Launched
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Launching the Bracklin Community Alert were Supt. John Mollony, Julie Mealiffe, Noel McCarthy, Muintre na Tire; Mary Fox Mann, Sgt. Graham Kavanagh, Carmel Hamill, Johnny Mann.
LAST Saturday was a red letter day in the history of Bracklin as a Community Alert Scheme was launched and the Bracklin Way Restoration Project was officially opened.
Residents from Bracklin and surrounding areas attended the events which were centred on Mann's Farm
The Bracklin Way Restoration Project consists of a stone pier, gateway and stile at a crossroads that was in place over 100 years ago and linked up neighbouring houses and the bog road.
Before the age of modern telecommunication this crossroads was a place where people met to chat to each other and exchange the local news.
Paddy Finlay and Johnny Mann have painstakingly restored it to its former glory with some additions. Paddy, a keen historian, has unearthed some artefacts that were on display for the opening.
The Finlay family and Bracklin residents enjoyed the afternoon sunshine while Johnny Mann gave a brief history of this project. Fr. Paddy Byrne then bestowed a blessing on the project and praised the workmanship involved.
Bracklin residents now have a beautiful place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and meet with their neighbours to chat and continue some of the old traditional country ways.
Meanwhile the Bracklin residents in association with Muintir Na Tire and An Garda Siochana officially launched the Bracklin Community Alert on Saturday afternoon also.
The Vice-Chairman of Offaly Co. Council, Cllrr Danny Owens was also in attendance to help with the proceedings.
Noel McCarthy, Muintir na Tire Community Alert Development Officer gave a presentation on the origin of Community Alert and how it worked.
He stated that it is a crime prevention programme for rural communities that encourage the community to pro-actively participate in improving the quality of life and safety of the community in general.
The District Community Alert Sergeant Graham Kavanagh helped the Bracklin Residents to set up the Community Alert and stated that crime detection and prevention is easier when An Garda Siochana and the Community work together.
The Garda Liaison Officer for Bracklin is Ivan Cunnane and he will be visiting each resident in the area to develop relations.
Johnny Mann, Chairperson of the Bracklin Residents Committee, welcomed all in attendance and congratulated Superintendent John Maloney on his recent appointment.
Superintendent John Maloney addressed the gathering and stated the he is looking forward to working with the residents of Bracklin in dealing with any issues that may arise.
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