Local Notes: Ballinrobe girls inspired by Man United star Aoife Mannion
Ballinrobe Community School students on a recent trip to Old Trafford to watch Aoife Mannion and Manchester United.
Manchester United and Republic of Ireland women’s defender Aoife Mannion has strong family ties with the West of Ireland, as her father is from Galway and her mum is from Mayo, whilst her uncle is former Mayo footballer Pat Kelly.
Manchester United’s recent Women’s FA Cup Final success against Tottenham Hotspur saw a large number of supporters from Ballinrobe and members of the town’s Community School girls’ team make the trip to Wembley Stadium where there was an attendance of 76,000.
There was a large banner from Ballinrobe Community School inside the famous stadium and Aoife Mannion spotted the banner and the section where the Ballinrobe contingent were seated. It was indeed a memorable day for the students as they witnessed Aoife and her Manchester United team-mates record a convincing 4-0 victory.
Aoife has inspired the Ballinrobe Community School girls’ soccer squads to aim higher and continue to reach their potential, with their recent consecutive successes at Connacht schools under-17 and under-20 competitions examples of what can be achieved.
She has been a true inspiration to the Ballinrobe girls school teams, and whether she is playing in a league game at Old Trafford, or in a Euro 2025 qualifier at the Aviva Stadium - or even in an FA Cup Final at Wembley to crowds of over 70,000 - Aoife always takes time to meet with the girls and encourage their dedication to the game.
Credit must also go to Ballinrobe Community School teacher and coach Edel Mullin, who has done a Trojan amount of work in not only coaching the students, but has organised those memorable trips to Old Trafford and the Aviva.
The Ballinrobe girls’ school squads are looking forward to their next season, but the focus for the summer is on club games. The majority play with Ballinrobe Town AFC and Ballyglass FC; five are Mayo FC U17 players and one player is with Sligo Rovers Under-17s.
The girls will certainly be keeping up to date with Aoife and the Republic of Ireland Senior women’s team as the Girls in green continue their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
Sympathy
Sean Higgins of Muckrussaun, The Neale and formerly of Aughalard, Cong, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.
Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, brother Jimmy and sister Judy, Sean will be sadly missed by his loving wife Teresa, daughters Sinead (Costello) and Yvonne (Murphy) and son Paul; sons-in-law Damien Costello and James Murphy, daughter-in-law Karen; aadored grandchildren Kevin, Rachel, Aisling, Darragh, Sophie, Alan, Sean and Joey; brothers Michael (USA) and Patrick, sisters Mary Teresa McTigue and Bridie Biggins; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Burial took place on Friday, May 31st, in The Neale Cemetery.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Ballinrobe Agricultural Show recently held what was a well-attended annual general meeting.
Chairman Tomas Grimes welcomed all to the meeting and thanked everyone who made the 2023 Ballinrobe Show such a success, especially all the stewards and sponsors.
The following officers were elected: President, Paddy O'Malley; Chairman, Tomas Grimes; Vice-chairman, Linden McGrath; Secretary, Anne O'Malley; Assistant Secretary, Catherine O'Loughlin; PRO, John Bradley; Safety Officer, Patrick Finlay.
At the meeting, a minute's silence was observed in memory of PJ Timlin and any friends of the Ballinrobe Agricultural Show who sadly passed away over the last year.
The 2024 Agricultural Show will be held at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Sunday, September 1st.
Ballinrobe Agricultural Show will hold a fundraising auction and raffle on Friday, June 14th, in Fitzpatrick’s Bar, Ballinrobe, commencing at 9.30pm.
Your support for this event would be appreciated.
The results of a mixed scramble event held on Thursday, May 30th, and kindly sponsored by the Bowers Bar and Restaurant, are as follows: 1st, Niall Staunton, Cian Tuohy, Agnes O’Connor and Virginia Connolly; 2nd, Alan Sammon, Angela Murphy, Martin Vahey and Maria Hobson; 3rd, J.J. Higgins, Jim Sheridan, Ann Galvin and Ciara Galvin.
The mixed scramble competition takes place every Thursday evening, from 5 to 5.30pm.
New players are welcome.
Elaine Curtin was a recent winner of €90 in the 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe.
Last week’s winner was Jane McNally, who received a prize of €50.
The official launch of the Ballinrobe Community Futures Plan will be performed by Minister of State Alan Dillon next Saturday, June 15th, at 1pm in the Ballinrobe Library Grounds.
The Community Futures Plan is the compilation of the results of the Community Futures surveys, which were done last year, giving the community the opportunity to have their say on what facilities they would like for the future of Ballinrobe.
Light refreshments will be served, with traditional music provided by Ballinrobe Men’s Shed.
Also, children’s entertainment will take place on the day and will include bouncy castles and face-painting.
The monthly market will also take place on the aforementioned day in Church Lane, from 11am to 3pm.
A memorable and fun day is anticipated for people of all ages.
There was no winner of the €23,300 lotto jackpot draw which was held in John O’Hare’s Bar, on Monday, June 3rd. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 19 and 20.
The €25 winners were Eamon Keane, and Damien Crowe.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Fitzpatrick’s Bar on Sunday week last, with Pat Mullahy the lucky recipient of €383.
The Ballinrobe Golf Am-Am takes place on Saturday, June 22, in Ballinrobe Golf Club and teams of four cost €120. Booking for this event can be made by contacting Ballinrobe Golf Club at 094-9541118.
All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the Ballinrobe Rugby Club development fund. There will be prizes worth €2,500 up for grabs on the day.
Your support would be appreciated.
There was no winner of the €16,500 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, June 2. The numbers drawn were 13, 20, 27 and 35.
The €50 winners were Caolan Crowe, Garrymore; Peadar Higgins, Ballycushion; and Michael Mannix, Corracrow.
Kilmaine Ladies Gaelic Football Association would like to thank Joanne Hynes, Total Health Pharmacy, Ballinrobe, for kindly sponsoring first aid bags for the club.
The club would also like to thank John Burke (Cortoon Developments) who has kindly sponsored a new kit for the under-14 girls’ team.
The annual GAA seven-a-side football tournament for national schools will be held on Saturday, June 15th, at 1pm sharp in Kilmaine Community Grounds.
The John McHale Cup is for three-teacher schools and upwards. The Eileen Walsh Cup for girls is open to all schools. The Ernestine Walsh Shield is for one or two-teacher schools.
For more information, contact Patsy Shaughnessy on 087-7552170.
