Geoff's Rants

Wednesday 19th of August.
Last Friday I decided to visit one of my old stomping grounds in Tarmonbarry. It was my intention to fish below Tarmon Lock, a place in years gone by of many magnificent catches. Indeed I fell in love with Tarmonbarry over 30 years ago. Then, it was a very beautiful village with around 18 houses and 4 public houses. I intended to fish a spot I had fished on a regular basis to see how the place fished now. I got out of my van to be met by the violest of stenches. The smell was so bad that I almost threw up. It was obvious that it was coming from the 'new' treatment plant which now serves the 'new' housing estate which is situated adjacent to the 'new' private marina. Taking stock of what the place has now become beggars belief. Hundreds of houses now sprawl across what was once open fields and bog land. The 'new' marina which if I recall correctly was vaunted as for the benefit of all when planning permission was being sought sports a big red notice saying 'private, keep out.' The road leading down to the lock which was once a public thoroughfare is now blocked off by bollards which have been placed adjacent to the main road.
Recently during our local elections we were given glowing reports of how this village, once the attraction of hundreds of tourists from all over the world had been massively improved. If this is what some eminent folk call improvement I think the human race must have gone stark raving bonkers. I think the only thing that has improved is the amount of cash in some peoples pockets. In a later rant I will tell you all about the destruction of Tarmonbarry weir. The weir was built during the famine and should have been left, not only as a monument to the folk that built it but also as a well known draw for tourists who not only visited the weir but also put cash into the much needed coffers of the local community.