Excitement builds in Roscommon as the county’s first Blockbuster video store set to open

Paul McRingo – Western Correspondent

The first ever Blockbuster video rental store in County Roscommon will open it’s doors tomorrow in the town of Ballinamore.

Hundreds of locals have been seen buying VCR’s in anticipation as the movie rental craze takes the whole county by storm. We spoke to Roscommon County Councillor Barney Fitzmaurice and he told us it’s a proud day.

“I haven’t seen this much excitement around here since Roscommon became the 1982 under 12 camogie division 4B runners up. It’s that crazy! You mark my words, if this video thing catches on I can see it spreading across the whole country. Maybe even in other countries too. Once again Roscommon leads the way.”

We asked councillor Fitzmaurice if he’s never downloaded movies via online rental or purchase websites or watched them on one of the many streaming services now available.

“I’ve no idea what the hell you just said but I’ve already bought my video player and I can’t wait to rent my first movie from our very own Blockbusters. I just hope I get to see some nudey women. I hear it’s full of that type of thing.”

All films in Roscommon’s new Blockbuster store are available to rent on betamax tapes only but management say they hope to move onto the more modern VHS format in a few years.