RTE in the shape of the Ryan Tubridy show came to visit Achill Island today.They were rewarded with fantastic weather and a crowd of locals in the Beehive all happy to extol the virtues of life on Achill Island.There was talk of lobsters and reappearing beaches and an interview with Patrick O'Donovan, the minister of state  for tourism.The show was very positive mornings work for the island.

Listen to the full Podcast from the Beehive

Watch a short video of the mornings action from the Tubridy show on Achill Island.

(Video credit "What's on in Achill")

The joint chair of Coláiste Pobail Acla have called for the immediate reinstatment of DEIS status to the school. 

In a press release explaining the loss of status for the school, Greg Hannigan and Seamus Butler outline the events that led up to the eventual loss of status and call for the immediate reversal of the decision by the Department of Education.

Read the full press release here.

DEIS status:

Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, was launched in May 2005 and remains the Department of Education and Skills policy instrument to address educational disadvantage. The action plan focuses on addressing and prioritising the educational needs of children and young people from disadvantaged communities, from pre-school through second-level education (3 to 18 years).

DEIS provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP).

836 schools are included in the programme in the 2015/16 school year. These comprise 646 primary schools (330 urban/town schools and 316 rural primary schools) and 190 second level schools.

**Update Dec 30**

Since this issue has gone public, the Mayo News have followed the story with news that the parents plan to picket the Dail in 2016 to highlight the problem.

.

In a public briefing session being held today in Gieltys Bar and restaurant, Dooagh, Mayo County Council outlined the early stage plan for a Wild Atlantic Way Signature Discovery Point to be constructed by summer 2016 on Moiteóg Head in Keem Bay.

Did you know that Loveachill also produce commercial, industrial and promotional signage?

Our latest job is  for Gnó Mhaigh Eo and is a series of wooden signs branded with the slogan "Déanta i Maigh Eo" (made in Mayo) which will be distributed to makers and retailers that produce and sell products that are made in County Mayo.

Our totally unique range of T-shirts and Hoodies with original "Achill" motifs and designs are now available online, These would make a super Christmas gift for those at home or abroad.

Click Here for Shop

The Day "Surf Mama" Came to Achill Island

Wilma Johnson, Author, called into visit us at LoveAchill during the summer, and very kindly left a signed copy of her new book "Surf Mama" with us. The book tells the true account of Wilma making the brave decision that after years of being a surf widow she was going to don the wetsuit, grab a board and hit the waves. This decision was made at forty something years of age, and took a while to go from the wine bar and the art studio to the French waves. Wilma starts up a surf club with a few like minded friends and trades one of her paintings for a surf board and so it all begins. The book really is a great read and all they way through you are wanting Wilma to succeed because she comes across as someone you would love to have at a dinner party or even at a good session in a proper pub. Well done Wilma and keep surfing Mama..!

Commemorative Cycle

Achill Island Holidays is proud to present, 'The Great Western Greenway Cycle' which will take place on Saturday, 20th Sept at 10:00am from Westport.

This Commemorative Cycle was established to mark the anniversary date of the last passenger train to run from Westport to Achill on 20th September 1937 on the then Great Western Railway. The route is 62km long and estimated to take 4-5 hours for the casual cyclist.

Departing Westport at 10:00 am sharp on 20th September 2014. Starting point is Clew Bay Bike Hire Shop on Distillery Road, passing through Newport, Mullranny & Achill Sound.From there, turn left and follow the Atlantic Drive past Kildownet Cemetery & Grace O Malley Castle, taking in some of the most scenic views on the west coast of Ireland, arriving at Mickey's Bar in Dooega for medal presentation & refreshments.

Registration is required at a charge of €15 per person and can be completed on-line in less than 2 minutes at www.achillislandholidays.com This cycle can be joined at any point along the route, if you feel Westport/Achill may be a little too long, however registration will still apply as this is to cover medals & refreshments.

This is a fantastic opportunity to cycle the longest off road cycle track in Europe as well as learning about the history of the train line that went before. It is a fun cycle, NOT a race but you are free to note your own times. Trail Map & Information on the Greenway including Bicycle Hire, can be found at www.greenway.ie Bicycle Hire on Achill: Achill Bikes 087 243 7686. Achill Lodge Bike Hire 087 652 3120

"After Paul Henry" is a collaborative project by archaeologist and photographer Brian Mac Domhnaill and painters Gentian Lulanaj and Paul Mc Kenna. Paul Henry (1876-1958) is Ireland’s most celebrated landscape painter. His depictions of the west of the country in particular have become synonymous with a romantic view of Ireland: unspoiled and traditional. Apart from the universal appeal of the images there is also a real sense of an artist engaging with a landscape and delighting in its drama, textures and hues. The APH project was conceived out of a shared admiration for the work of the artist and a desire to seek inspiration within the spectacular landscapes of Achill Island and Connemara. The aim of the project is to follow in the footsteps of the artist and his wife and to engage with the people and the landscapes they encountered, taking stock of what has changed and what has remained the same. The resulting body of work (paintings, drawings and photographs) will feature a diverse series of interactions with both the work of Paul Henry and his subject matter. The original plan was that the project would span two years (2013-2015) but who knows….. Follow the project via the After Paul Henry blog and the Facebook page.

Loveachill.com, a comprehensive source of information about  Achill Island,  launched this evening. Providing information on all aspects of Achill Island for visitors and locals, as well as offering a platform to promote  local business, the website features the first high quality live streaming webcam of Achill Island.

What happens when two Packies meet ? Well we heard from the main Packie, that there was words behind that deceptive smile, and needless to say there is now only one Packie on the Island, we are still in safe hands, especially if you need a roofer!!