LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Climate ChangeCommunity College
Dear Editor,
In view of the recent scary report on climate change if our two Green Party councillors are genuine about our environment they will demand that Westmeath County Council immediately remove the traffic lights at Pearse Street/Castle Street junction because of the buildup of carbon emissions from the traffic jams in Pearse Street, Mount Street and Oliver Plunkett Street arising from these intelligent traffic lights. The return of the roundabout would certainly help reduce the carbon footprint in Mullingar Town Centre.
Yours etc,
Des Walsh
Dear Sir/Madam
Some institutions that contribute greatly to the growth, health and development of a town are respected but largely taken for granted. One such is Mullingar Community College which was transformed under the leadership of John Maher and his colleagues,
When my brother and I started there in 1976 it had suffered from years of underinvestment, it was stuck in the 1940s. But luckily for us there was a generation of young, committed and well-trained teachers who wanted to break out of the straight jacket of the past, foremost amongst them was John Maher who became deputy head and then headmaster in a few short years.
These young teachers were committed to students at the "Tech" (as it was then) sitting honours subjects in both the inter and leaving certificates with the intention that 3rd level education should become the norm rather than the exception and they set about their task with the zeal of converts. A rising tide does lift all boats and standards in every aspect of school life improved.
My brother and I met John Maher by chance socially before Christmas and were able to thank him for all he had done for us, we also asked him to pass on our thanks to those brave young teachers who drove the reform programme, unfortunately there are just too many of them to name here but you guys know who you are.
Thank you for everything you have done for all the students and indeed the town, you were literally inspirational.
Peter and Robert McDermott
C/o Marlinstown House.
Marlinstown
Mullingar