Tarmon and Clondra locals look back on the year that was

Acclaimed for its scenic beauty, the neighbouring villages of Clondra and Tarmonbarry have become a somewhat of a tourist’s paradise for many of Co Longford’s domestic and overseas visitors in recent years.

The past year was no different, a fact which was well illustrated in early February when international boat hire company Locaboat handpicked Clondra as a base from which to operate from.

Soon after, and in March, Tarmonbarry Independent Roscommon Co Cllr Tom Crosby expressed his own fears over the proposed closure of the village’s local garda station. It came amid heightened fears Justice Minister Alan Shatter was planning to shut up to 100 stations across the country due to budgetary constraints.

Those concerns, despite being well founded, were eclipsed in June when Clondra introduced its Heritage Festival over the Bank Holiday weekend in association with Waterways Ireland. Everything from a wheelbarrow race, zorbing and face painting took place in what was a weekend to bask in for locals and the wider community.

In nearby Tarmon, there were celebrations also when local Cllr Tom Crosby was installed as the new mayor of Roscommon Co Council.

July was just as noted for the 200 water enthusiasts who descended on Clondra for the 2012 Irish Canoe Polo Championships in what was the second year the event was held at Richmond Harbour.

August, on the contrary, saw the Leader catch up with local priest Fr Jimmy McDonnell as he returned home from his missionary outpost on the Carribbean island of Grenada.

And with the spectre of Christmas just around the corner, both villages have been busily putting the finishing touches to the festive holiday season.

A Christmas fair and flower show have already taken pride of place in Tarmon while next Monday (December 17), Clondra National School will wow audiences when its students take to the stage for their annual Christmas show.