Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Our premises were also commended, which is rather nice. I commend the committee. I will not mention names, but Keadue received 336 marks; Ballintubber, 327; and Clontuskert, 325. They all performed very well. Westport again scored very well, while Portrunny received an endeavour award medal. We should praise the dedication of the people involved. Roscommon town received 326 marks. Our colleague Councillor Kathleen Shanagher is chairperson of the committee. I say, "Well done," to the volunteers the length and breadth of the country for the enormous improvements achieved. Driving through the towns of Ireland one can see that the ones with active Tidy Towns committees look stunning.I also praise a fellow Roscommon man, Mr. J.P. McManus, who has dedicated €3.2 million to the GAA. That is €100,000 to every GAA county board in Ireland. It is an unprecedented and incredible gesture, and we should praise him for doing what he is doing in Adare. People can criticise him all they like but it is one of the most fantastic gestures of a successful Irishman, with whom we should all be delighted to be associated. I knew his uncle, Owen, who died in 2010, whom Mr. McManus used to visit regularly and bring around the Arignagh village valley in his lovely helicopter. He used to drop in a bottle of whiskey, and he also brought stone from Arignagh to his place. I compliment him, his wife Noreen and his family for a lovely gesture to all the GAA people in Ireland. I say "Well done" to Mr. McManus and may he have continued success.