Well I suppose with the weather dominating everything these days, Christmas and new year seemed to wane to insignificance and certainly, the holidays seemed to have come and gone in the blink of an eye. I think it goes without saying at this stage to ask our readers to look in on elderly neighbours at this time as it must be a nightmare for some young at heart members of our community to get out and about in this weather and indeed some may require fires lit or may need to get some shopping in or other essentials.

I had anticipated going to the usual haunts on Christmas day to get some pics at the annual charity swims but it seems that the weather led to the cancellation of many although there was a number of brave souls who took to the waters at Garryvoe in support of the R.N.L.I. and in particular Ballycotton Lifeboat.

I did get to the Marina on St. Stephen’s Day for the annual Lee Rowing Club’s ‘scatter’ on the river and with a shortened programme once more due to the weather, those who took part and supported availed of the hospitality in the clubhouse afterward, where mulled wine, sandwiches, cakes and beverages were aplenty. This year Lee Rowing will celebrate its 160th anniversary and there will be many events going on throughout the year to coincide with this important year in this distinguished club’s history.

Well done to the diehard Moto crossers of the Munster Motorcycle Club who also had their annual charity event on St. Stephen’s Day at Vernon Mount and indeed to all who participated in charity events in the extreme weather, over the Christmas period.

I would like on behalf of myself and all at The Douglas Post, to wish all our clients, contributors, distributors, readers and friends, a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Slán George Thompson – Editor.