Local Notes: Balla Christmas Festival and Tractor Run
At the Kilkelly Kilmovee book launch in Ireland West Airport were from left; Mary Teresa Duffy, Jamie Hunt, Susan Regan and Grainne Duffy. Pic James Hunt Photography.
The annual Balla Christmas Festival and Tractor Run is always one of the highlights of the festive season in Mayo and the recent event was no different. The switching on of the lights in Balla followed by the children’s tractor run and fireworks and adults tractor run attracted huge crowds and was an extremely colourful event enjoyed by many. Thanks have been extended to all who participated, those who organised the tremendous event and the local people who turned out in large numbers.
Balla Community Centre hosted the South West Mayo Development Company's 20th anniversary celebrations at their venue in Balla on Friday, December 6. This event marked two decades of achievements and contributions from SWMDC, bringing together members and supporters to reflect on their journey and future goals. The anniversary featured various activities, including speeches and networking opportunities, highlighting the organisation’s impact over the years. It was a brilliant day of celebrations with close on 150 persons attending. Thanks have been extended to Niall and the team at Balla Community Centre for hosting the successful event.
The latest jackpot stood at a massive €17,400 on Sunday, December 15. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link below: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/. Congratulations to Manulla FC players, Lisa, Natalie, Amy, Stacey, Tracey and Hannah who have made the Mayo Women's League Premier Division Team of the Year. This is an unbelievable achievement to see six Manulla FC players get the recognition that they deserve and while others also deserve of this accolade this representation showcases the sheer talents of the team.
The ladies will be presented with their awards at the Mayo Women's Football League annual awards night on January 17, at The Western Hotel in Claremorris.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, Mass will be at 6pm in St Cronan's Church, Balla. On Christmas Day, December 25, Mass will be at 11am.
Decorating of St Cronan's Church Balla will take place this Tuesday evening, December 17, at 7pm. All volunteers most welcome.
The club jackpot on Thursday, December 5, stood at €9,300 in The Railway Tavern. The numbers drawn were 5, 10, 31 and 32. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 consolation winners were Tom Ansbro (cash sale), Mai O'Neill (online) and Gerry Costello (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, December 12, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €9,400. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Yoga at Balla centre commenced on Mondays, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. On Friday morning’s it commences at 9.30am. Booking is essential as places are limited for the 5 week course which is suitable for all ages. Call Ann at 087 0938777 to book you space.
Parents, toddlers and guardians can meet up for coffee and chat every Thursday from 10.30am until 12 noon in Balla Community Centre. All are welcome.
All monies placed in the candelabra while the crib is in place in St Cronin's will be donated to Sr Mary O’Malley to support her missionary work in Kenya. The annual generous contribution enables Sr Mary to help many needy people.
Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. Balla Bingo will run on Sundays in December 22 and 29. Come and join the Balla Bingo Bonanza €15,000 in prizes online or in the centre. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays. A great new service to enhance Balla Bingo has recently commenced. The bingo bus service has pickups at Brickens, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyglass and Mayo Abbey destined to be in Balla for Sunday Bingo at 7.40pm. Call 087 1850860 or 094 93 65846 to reserve your seat.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
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The next card game is held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, December 19, at 9pm. All are welcome to come along on the night.
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme have a vacancy for maintenance/garden personnel. The Department of Social Protection eligibility criteria apply. Call Craig at Mayo Abbey Centre 094 93 65987 to find out more or email craig@mayoabbey.ie.
Why not call to the centre on Thursday mornings and enjoy a cuppa and a chat - teas, coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate and freshly baked scones available between 10am and 1pm. All are welcome.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, December 10, were 3, 11, 12 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were; Eithel Walsh, Currykirwan, Helen Cosgrove, (online ticket), Michael, Katie, Lauren and Amy Vahey, Martin Durkan, Gortaphuill, (online ticket). The jackpot for draw which will be held tonight, Tuesday, December 17, will be €11,700.
Mayo Abbey Centre offer a variety of services to the community including meals delivery service, weekly Tuesday social lunch for Active Age, free computer / smartphone support for beginners, printing, photocopying and laminating services, hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connection, facilities available to attend a virtual meeting or interview, wide range of training programmes. Call staff at the centre for more information on 094 93 65987.
The Local Link bus departs from Mayo Abbey Centre daily from Tuesday to Saturday to go to Castlebar (Route 792). An additional bus goes to Claremorris every Thursday (Route 791), taking in Knocknakill, Drumady, Cappagh, Cullentragh, Currykirwan, Mayo Abbey, Monard, Brize, Facefield and Gurteenmore. Return services also available. These services are available to all to use and are free to bus pass holders. Call 094 900 5150 to book.
