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Old phonebox a jewel in Malin's crown 25.03.08

THE mobile phone jingle is rarely out of earshot these days but it's a graceful old phonebox that still calls the tune.
The old green-and-cream phone booth in Malin is a nostalgic reminder of days gone by. But if Inishowen Tourism had a coin for every time it was photographed by visitors, it would be a rich organisation indeed.
"Nearly every tourist who comes to Malin takes a photograph of the old phonebox because they're such an unusual sight in Irish towns these days. There are very few of them left," said Inishowen Tourism chairman, John Henry McLaughlin.
"Inside the box is an eircom cardphone and even though local people don't use it, it's a very important part of the tourism landscape here in Malin."
John Henry is also the chairman of the award-winning Malin Tidy Towns group and says the old phonebox is a feature that helps the village in the competition year after year. "We keep it painted
The old phone box in Malin Inishowen
and well maintained to make sure it looks its best and we make sure the wooden door is in good working order. It adds a certain tourism value to the village." With its distinctive shape and square panes of glass, the phonebox is located near another local historical landmark - the old Malin Courthouse.
"I just about remember the odd court day there when I was young but it hasn't been used as a courthouse for many, many years. It's still used by the Malin Card Club and like the phonebox, it is photographed very often as well."
Though not used by locals, visitors still use the old booth now and again to make calls. But lovers of antiquity will be happy to know that it's a quaint feature of Malin that's here to stay. "We love that phonebox and we'll make sure it's well kept and maintained for people to enjoy for many years to come," added John Henry.
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