THE VOLUNTARY input of a New Ross businessman into the work of a local pro-active group in the town has been acknowledged this week.
However, unjust criticism of the man has also caused anger and disappointment within the same organisation.
The Mary Street Action Group was formed around six months ago with the aim of revamping their area of the town. The group also hoped their work would kick-start an overall revamping of the downtown area of New Ross.
Commenting to the New Ross Echo on the work to-date the committee said a debt of gratitude was owed to all the people who supported fundraising initiatives and helped out with painting the exterior of buildings in Mary Street to enhance their aesthetic appeal.
One of the committee members, businessman Paddy Breen, was singled out for particular praise in view of the fact he has given countless hours of his time to painting the buildings. In addition to the painting work Mr. Breen, who runs a well-known hardware and plumbing supplies store on Mary Street, has also donated paint to the group to help it achieve its goal.
“Paddy has done a tremendous amount of work,” said the committee.
“He has donated paint and given his time voluntarily – especially on Sundays,” they added.
Bizarrely, Mr. Breen, who is doing all of the work for free, was targeted by negative social media comments in which he was accused of taking jobs from others by carrying out the work.
“We were disappointed to hear those comments because Paddy is doing all this work voluntarily and we couldn’t have done it without his help,” said the committee.
However, the group also expressed satisfaction over the fact that the negative comments towards Mr. Breen received scathing replies from other posters who universally praised him for his work.
The Mary Street Action Group is planning a novel fundraising initiative on August 25 when it will hold an Abba themed music night in Bolg Bui – which is located on the street just up from the New Ross Echo office.
“We hope to have it fancy dress and get people into the mood of it all,” said Tina Gaffney who runs Bolg Bui.
With regard to the future plans of the action group the committee said its work is “ongoing” and it would continue to enhance the area. It also said fundraising initiatives will continue. The group is also encouraging everyone in the community to support the Abba night which in addition to being for a good cause promises to be a night to remember.
