DVD celebrates the history of Bellacorick Power Station

On sunday 19th November in the Pontoon Bridge Hotel, a DVD on the history and times of Bellacorick Power Station was launched. The DVD was an inhouse ESB production compiled by ESB Archives Staff with the full co-operation of the Bellacorick Closure Committee. It was introduced by Noel Greally, the last serving manager of the station.

The DVD features interviews with a representative selection of management and staff who worked in the station, and it also includes footage from the celebration dinner in the Breaffy House Hotel to mark the Station's closure held on the 19th November 2005. The DVD also presents a montage of archival photographs from the construction of the station until the station was formally closed.

Noelle Gallagher, representing the Bellacorick Closure Committee, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening and explained that the DVD was being put on sale with the full support of all staff and former staff in an effort to raise funds for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

The evening began when Pat O'Doherty, Executive Director, Power Generation, presented a cheque of €1000 on behalf of ESB to Ms Cynthia Clampett, Manager of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation, as a start-up contribution towards this fundraising project.

Speaking at the launch, Pat Doherty, Executive Director, Networks, said, "By our presence here this evening and indeed by our support for this project, we are acknowledging the very important role the Mayo/Roscommon Foundation plays in our lives and in our community. We are using this unique project to acknowledge and support the work of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation.

"Many of us here tonight have first-hand appreciation of the need for and the benefits of having palliative care and support, not only for patients but also for their families during times of great distress brought about by lifethreatening illnesses. As well as paying tribute to the great dedication and commitment of the Management and Staff in the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation, I would also like to thank all those associated with the production of this DVD, which will be a key component of the rich history of ESB. There is absolutely no doubt that it will enhance our already substantial archive and in so doing it will ensure that the memory of Bellacorick Power Station and its people will be preserved."

Ms Cynthia Clampett, Manager of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation, thanked ESB and also the staff in Bellacorick, saying, "Firstly I want to congratulate all concerned on producing this wonderful DVD. It's an excellent production, which tells, in a very interesting and entertaining way, the story of the power station and the staff who worked in it. Needless to say we are delighted that the proceeds from the sale of the DVD will benefit our Hospice service." She explained that palliative care is the continuing active care of patients and their families at a time when the medical expectation is no longer cure. The aim is to maintain the best possible quality of life for patient and family.

The service responds to the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of the patient and family. Where necessary, it also extends to support in grief and bereavement. The service is provided free of charge. She concluded her remarks by saying, "Events or projects like this are the lifeblood of the service. The service would not exist without men like Tommy McKinley and PJ Hughes to do the organising locally and companies like ESB supporting local initiatives and of course you, being here tonight giving your time and your money.

"I wish to sincerely thank the ESB and in particular, the staff of Bellacorick Station, for their loyal support and say a special thank you on behalf of over 5,500 patients and families who have been cared for by the teams over the years. I thank you sincerely for your great kindness and generosity and wish each one of you and your extended families every good wish over Christmas and into the future." EM