On Sunday 22 May the Parish Council of Rath and the Islands led by Fr Dónal Cottor braved the most inclement weather to attend a long planned council meeting on Oileán Chléire. Accompanied on the Dún an Óir by a bus load of ill prepared senior citizens it was more challenging than usual, but the group arrived in fine cheerful form, in some cases after administering corporal acts of mercy enroute to less fortunate passengers. The Mass scheduled for 12.30 was somewhat late in starting and following which, the Sun made a most welcome appearance and the group enjoyed a visit to the Islands Heritage Centre. Cape Clear Island has a very ancient and rich history and this is shown not only by the many interesting exhibits on view but also by what is not seen, the many records in the archives which will provide fascinating insights into our past for many years to come. The meeting took place in the recently built Irish College/Community Hall and it proved to be a most suitable and pleasant venue, especially when our guests partook of the very generous lunch provided in the attached Hall by Helen Uí Céadagáin assisted by Susie Ní Céadagáin and Treasa Ní Céadagáin and kindly sponsored by Fr Cottor himself. Many of our guests were hitherto fore unaware of this fine facility or that it is in on-going use throughout the year for all sorts of events. Together with the adjacent playing fields it offers all sorts of potential and we should like to make it more widely known, both in Baltimore and further afield that all sorts of groups are very welcome indeed to use the facility and need only contact the Comharchumann at 028-39119 to enquire about availability. We hope our guests found a “céad mile fáilte on Oileán Chléire” and say “Rath Dé ar an obair”. Séamus Ó Drisceoil, Cape Clear Island.