Here is a few photos from the archives

Crutches and zimmer-frames, essential in aiding our mobility following an accident or illness, have for years now, found long-term retirement homes in attics across the length and breadth of the country. The HSE’s no-returns policy when it comes to crutches and zimmer frames has meant that once patients were finished with such items, they had no further use – until now that is.

Recently, the Jack and Jill Foundation have been retained by the HSE to collect all these abandoned, old, dust-catching crutches and zimmer frames to be recycled to the benefit of the Jack & Jill Foundation

There could be one million crutches out there in Irish homes just taking up space; environmental hazard, waste of money. These old crutches will help support Jack & Jill families up and down the country. So this is win win for everyone and good opportunity to remind people to keep sending in their old mobiles too

On 5th July 1977, the 21st Dail met for the first time. 35 years ago this week. The say a week is a long time in politics, well 35 years have passed since I first walked through the gates of Leinster house as an elected representative. I was asked this week of my memories of the day - I remember it as if it was only last week. Its interesting
* An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and myself are the only 2 remaining TDs elected in 1977 that are elected members of the current Oireachtas
* It was 54 years since Roscommon had elected a Roscommon Town Fianna Fail TD to Leinster House

 About this election:  

My first general election campaign. The Irish general election of 1977 was held on 16 June 1977 and is regarded as a pivotal point in twentieth century Irish politics. 
Quota = 8,892
Name                     1st Pref  Share of Vote 
 Joan T Burke (FG) 7,862    0.22 
Terry Leyden (FF) 6,563    0.18 
 Sean Doherty (FF) 5,968    0.17 

Senator Terry Leyden:     Members opposite will recall that a Deputy left the Fine Gael Party last year over the closure of accident and emergency services at Roscommon County Hospital, as did two of the party’s councillors. I am appealing to the Taoiseach to ensure this matter is resolved before the referendum takes place. The accident and emergency unit at Roscommon County Hospital should be reopened, in accordance with the undertaking given

An Cathaoirleach:     That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames:     What does it have to do with the referendum?

Senator Terry Leyden:     I will tell the Cathaoirleach why it is relevant.

An Cathaoirleach:     The Senator is over time.

Senator Terry Leyden:     I would like to have a debate on Roscommon County Hospital, given the original undertaking given by the Taoiseach that he would not allow the accident and emergency unit to close. I am trying to help the Government in this regard, as it will require every vote it can get in the upcoming referendum.

An Cathaoirleach:     The Senator is way over time. I call Jimmy Senator Harte.

Senator Terry Leyden:     I predict that the people of Roscommon will be reluctant to support the proposal unless the accident and emergency unit is reopened.