Local Notes: A Spinning Tyre brings together work of young writers from Ballina, Gaza and Cairo.
Ballinrobe Community School contributors to A Spinning Tyre, a collection of poems, short stories, novel extracts and meditations written by 16 creative writers from Ballinrobe and the Hands Up Project, Gaza and Cairo. Back row, l to r: Nathan Loughrey, Stephen John Feerick, Dominic Brennan, Ben Egan, Donal Lenihan, Liam Horan, editor/facilitator. Front row, l to r: Ms Lisa Connaughton, teacher, Caoimhe Macken, Jessica McMurray, Ms Julie Anne Collins, Principal.
Sixteen young writers from Ballinrobe, Gaza and Cairo have come together to launch ‘A Spinning Tyre’, an anthology of work celebrating youth voices, international connection and the power of creative expression. The book emerged from a series of online and in-person writing workshops led by Liam Horan as part of the University of Limerick’s Creative Writers in the Community (CWIC) programme. Developed in partnership with the Hands Up Project – a UK-based charity that promotes connection through storytelling between young people worldwide and those in Palestine – the project sparked a collaboration across three communities.
The featured writers are: Ben Egan, Caoimhe Macken, Dominic Brennan, Donal Lenihan, Jessica McMurray, Nathan Loughrey, Stephen John Feerick (Ballinrobe, Ireland); Alaa Kamal, Hala Aqel, Islam Kamal, Jaber Hammam Basal, Lama Ehab Sadi Kuhail, Leen Ehab Sadi Kuhail, Malak Basal, Marah Kamel Abu Shamla and Wadee Nasser Ahmed Shabat (Gaza and Cairo).
Writing in both English and Arabic, the students explore themes such as war, identity, resilience, loss and belonging. Their words are raw and imaginative, reflecting their individual experiences and cultural contexts. The bilingual format underscores the project’s ethos of empathy and shared understanding.
‘A Spinning Tyre’ is available for €10 at Martin Murphy’s Newsagents, Ballinrobe. The initiative was supported by Mayo Mental Health Association, whose advocacy for youth wellbeing and artistic expression made the project possible.
“This book is more than a collection of poems and stories. It’s a testimony to the imagination, courage and emotional intelligence of our students – and a reminder of the power of creative writing to break down borders,” said Ms Lisa Connaughton, the coordinating teacher at Ballinrobe Community School.
“This project proves that even in the most difficult of circumstances, young people have powerful stories to tell. It’s been a privilege to help bring these voices together through creativity and compassion,” said Nick Bilbrough, the Hands Up Project.
“The students worked hard to shape their ideas into strong, honest writing. What they’ve created is an anthology that explores a wide range of topics,” said Liam Horan.
A Spinning Tyre production team: editor / facilitator: Liam Horan; Coordinators: Ms Lisa Connaughton (Ballinrobe Community School), Nick Bilbrough, Donna Campbell and Sulaiman Ewaida (all the Hands Up Project); copy editor: Aisling Moroney; cover design: Carolina Batista (Unmute Marketing).
The results of a competition which was sponsored by the Daly and O’Lochlainn families’ are as follows: Gents: 1st, Brian Finnerty (40); 2nd, Willie Rodgers (39); Gross, Tom Treacy (28); Gpts Cat 1, Sean Frehan (35), Cat 2, Frank Burke (37); Cat 3, Padraic Costello (38); Cat 4, Ronan Higgins (33); Front 9, Dean Hacker (28); Back 9, Dave Fleming (23). Ladies: 1st, Geraldine Ryan (43), Cat 1, Ann Galvin (34); Cat 2, Ailish Gleeson (42); Cat 3, Nollaig Keady (36); Front 9, Carmel Maloney (19); Back 9, Geraldine Evans (20).
The Golfstyle open results from Friday, May 23, are as follows: Gents: 1st, Declan Costello (40); Gross Tom Treacy (28 Gpts). Ladies: 1st, Mary Daly (42); Qualifier, Eileen Byrne. The results of the mixed nine-hole competition held on May 22 and which was sponsored by the Bowers Bar and Restaurant, are as follows: 1st, Niall Staunton, Phyllis Loftus, Vincent Dornan, and Jarlath King; 2nd, Iarla Reilly, Brendan Martin, David Slattery, and Jim McGovern.
Ballinrobe Golf Club proudly marked the launch of its 130th anniversary celebrations with a special event held on Thursday, May 22, at Cloonacastle, the club’s historic grounds. The occasion brought together members, local dignitaries, community supporters, and golf enthusiasts to commemorate over a century of golfing tradition and community spirit. The highlight of the event was the ceremonial ribbon-cutting by Michael Ring, former Minister for Rural and Community Development, who was also honoured with an honorary life membership in recognition of his longstanding support for the club and local community.
Ballinrobe Golf Club commenced their anniversary celebrations yesterday (Monday) with a wide range of events taking place at the venue including a team scramble, prizes, barbeque, music, and exhibits.
Ballinrobe Gents captain for 2025 Alan Salmon said that the club has developed greatly since its move to Cloonacastle 30 years ago. “Ballinrobe Golf Club has come on leaps on bounds over the years and it is all driven by the members. We are so proud of this facility and it is a credit to everybody who has been involved at the venue over the last 30 years. Hopefully, over the years our membership will continue to grow”.
Current ladies captain Antoinette O’Connor said that tourists enjoy playing a round of golf at the award-winning venue. “Tourists really enjoy playing at the venue and they are impressed with the golf course. We also hope to see more junior golfers join the club over the years and that they can go on and achieve success on the golf course. We currently have programmes for people who would like to get involved in golf and we are a very inclusive club”.
Ballinrobe has some excellent facilities, including the racecourse. Ballinrobe Racecourse chairman Kenneth Murphy said that both the racecourse and golf club play a key role for tourism in the town. “Tourists visiting Ballinrobe can play golf and they can also attend one of our 10 race meetings which take place throughout the year. A lot of our committee members in the racecourse are also committee members in the golf club as well” he concluded.
Ballinrobe Golf Club has been a cornerstone of golfing excellence in County Mayo for over 130 years, it has been known for its championship parkland course and welcoming atmosphere, the club continues to foster a love of golf across generations. Well done to all involved.
A Dementia Café for people living with dementia and family carers, will take place on Tuesday (today), June 3, from 11am to 12.30pm in the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe. The guest speakers will be the Dementia Advisor and the Home Care Coordinator from Western Alzheimer’s. The café provides a warm welcoming place for people to meet others living with dementia/cognitive impairments, their carers and health and social care professionals. Further details and information are available by calling into the centre or by contacting Marie at 087 1708706.
Bingo takes place every Tuesday night at 8.30 p.m. in the Parish Centre (also via-Zoom), Ballinrobe. Books are available to purchase during the week in the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe. Those interested in playing via-Zoom and who wish to obtain the link are asked to contact 087 4111343. Your support for this local game of bingo would be appreciated.
Ballinrobe Town’s next outing in the Super League will take place next weekend when the Robesiders host Ballyhaunis Town at The Green. See the Game On section for confirmation of the date and kick-off time. Your support for the red and white in this fixture would be appreciated.
There was no winner of the €27,100 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, May 26. The numbers drawn were 3, 12, 24 and 25. The match three winners (€100) were Fiona Cahill, Emma Jennings, Fiona Butler, Mike Ansbro, Bernadette Fitzgerald, Brid and John Heanue.
Ballinrobe return to Senior One (A) League action next Saturday, June 7, when they face Belmullet away from home, with this fixture scheduled to throw-in at 7pm.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club will hold its AGM in the rugby clubhouse at The Green, on Tuesday, June 10, at 7pm. All members are invited to attend. Ann O’Hara was the winner of €505 in the weekly 50/50 draw conducted by Ballinrobe Rugby Club. The draw took place in Fitzpatrick’s Bar, on Sunday, May 25.
There was no winner of the €8,400 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, May 25. The numbers drawn were 1, 12, 15 and 21. The €50 winners were Bernard Dolan, Pulbawn; Caroline Thomas, Castlebar, and Willie Crushell, Ballyglass.
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Islandeady GAA U6, 8, U10 and U12 football training takes place every Saturday morning from 9.30am to10.30am. Contact 087 4533 818 for further details. There was no winner of the Islandeady GAA lotto draw which was held on Sunday, May 25 in the Key West, for a jackpot of €11,250 and the lucky dip prize winners were Marion Faherty and Mairead Gannon.
Prior to the walks group commencing their weekly walk, on Monday, May 26 last, the group welcomed Leanne McManamon from Mayo Mental Health Services to present her with their voluntary donation of €540 from their Darkness into Light support walk on May 10. Leanne explained to the group about the support and services the MMH provide across the county to clients and their families. The group then proceeded to walk the ‘Three Bridges loop’ , 5.5km in total and mostly flat terrain, which started and finished in Jack’s Cottage, with some refreshments and a catch up and discussion on the next week.
On Monday, June 2, the group met at Leitir School and walked towards Leitir Village, turned left and returned to the school again. It was approx 5km. The group invite anyone to take part or join along the way, for a fun and healthy way to discover our scenic community.
The next Mayo Stoma Support Group will meet in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar on June 12, from 7-9pm. WhatsApp086) 2444 376 to book your place.
The annual cemetery Mass will be held in Islandeady, on Sunday, August 3.
