Local Notes: Ballinrobe Musical Society at annual AIMS Awards.
Members of Ballinrobe Musical Society pictured at the annual AIMS Awards at the INEC Gleneagle in Killarney, County Kerry. Front row (left to right): Joanne Heskin, Erika Flynn, Ethan McNea (AIMS nominee for Best Comedian), Lorna Dennehy (AIMS nominee for Best Actress). Second row: Niall Conway, Úna Loughran, Emma Loscher, Aoife Kilcullen, Eimear McGovern, Sinéad Clarke. Third row: Jamie Callanan, Ruth O’Neill, Ruadhán Gormally, Catriona Geraghty, Karina Jakubowksa, Tara Duffy. Back row: Enda Mulchrone, Bernie Maye. Pic: Darragh Carroll
Well done to the Ballinrobe Town U15 girls team who have secured their spot in the Mayo U15 cup final after they edged a titanic battle against Kilmurry, on Thursday week last at The Green. The sides were level at 1-1 after a tense period of extra-time, however, the Robesiders won the subsequent penalty shoot-out 4-1.
The first half of normal time was keenly contested, with Kilmurry finding the back of the net only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, whilst Ballinrobe’s Hannah McKenzie was most unlucky not to find the target during the opening half. The red and white busily searched for the lead goal during the second half, with Annabel Weber almost fashioning the lead for the south Mayo girls but her effort was just slightly off target. The sides were scoreless at the full-time whistle, and both sets of management teams had to prepare their respective sides for extra-time.
Kilmurry played with plenty of vim and vigour during the first 10 minutes of extra-time and the north Mayo side held a deserved lead at the interval.
The Robesiders regrouped at the interval, and they levelled matters during the second period of extra-time thanks to a superb strike from Ellen Masterson. Neither side could manufacture a winner which meant that a penalty shoot-out was required to see who would meet Claremorris in the final. Ballinrobe’s goal-scorers during the shoot-out were Ellen Masterson, Laoise Heneghan, Mia Killeen, and Anabel Weber, with Mia Kileen also producing heroics in the goal as she made a superb save during the shootout.
At the time of writing no date had been confirmed for the all-south Mayo final against Claremorris. Details will be available on the Ballinrobe Town AFC Facebook nearer the final.
Michael Sweeney was the winner of €160 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre.
A gardening club organised by the Tacú Family Resource Centre, meets every Wednesday at 11am, in the Ballinrobe Community Garden. New members are welcome. Further details and information are available by contacting 087 4111343.
The Sing Song Social is a pop-up choir from Ballinrobe, who meet up on a regular basis and just sing for fun. These pop-up singing events are very relaxed and sociable, and you get a great sense of achievement from singing the finished product. There is also no commitment to the group, and you can join in the singing as little or as often as you like, and each event is new to everyone. The group meets at Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings, in the church in the old Convent, Convent Road, Ballinrobe. Those interested in joining are asked to visit the Sing Social’s Facebook page. New members are welcome.
Meals on Wheels are hot meals delivered to individuals at home (either on a temporary or long term basis). Meals on wheels can make your life easier. This service covers Ballinrobe and the Lake District area. Deliveries take place on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s and consist of soup, main meal and dessert. People can also avail of two meals on Monday’s and Thursday’s.
Shine Sheer Support Groups are for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, and individuals supporting people living with mental health challenges. A regular support group meets in Ballinrobe, and further details and information are available by contacting 086 0407701 or by emailing support@shine.ie.
Incoming first year students who are interested in joining Ballinrobe Foróige are asked to email ballinrobeforoige1@gmail.com.
Eileen Grimes was the winner of the €13,500 lotto jackpot draw which took place in Biggins’ Bar, on Monday, June 15. The winning numbers drawn were 1, 15, 22 and 26. There was no match three winner.
There was no winner of the €6,500 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Tuesday, June 16. The numbers drawn were 8, 18, 30 and 31. The €30 winners were PJ Fahy and Miko Gibbons. The €25 winners were Claire McHugh and Clive Casey.
There was no winner of the €13,700 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Sunday, June 14. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 12 and 18. The €50 winners were Fintan Forde, Seefin, Tom and Brendan Murphy, Gortskehy, and Amy Shally, Belmont.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will host a blood donation clinic in Roundfort Community Centre (Eircode F12 VK57) on Tuesday, June 23, from 3.50pm to 8.10pm. You can check your eligibility at www.giveblood.ie or by calling 1800 222 111.
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Mayo Abbey.
The numbers drawn for the lotto on Tuesday, June 16, were 10, 15, 22 and 32. There was no jackpot winner, and the €30 winners were Adam Gallagher, Declan McGurrin, Mary J Dempsey and Neil Parkinson. Next week’s draw will be on Tuesday, June 23, with a jackpot of €19,600.
A Community Coffee Morning is held every Thursday where people enoy a cuppa, a chat and some freshly baked scones. No booking necessary. The social dinner takes place every Tuesday but must be booked in advance. The Mayo Abbey Community Centre also offer free computer/smartphone support for beginners; hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews; it is a pick up and drop off point for Local Link Bus Service which goes to Castlebar daily Tuesday to Saturday and Claremorris every Thursday. This service is available to all and free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link on 094 900 5150. Collection from your home may be possible by calling the centre to find out more on 094 93 65987.
Why not go along on Thursday mornings and join the Mayo Abbey Walking Group. The starting point is the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, and walk as little or as much as you like and don’t forget to bring a hi-viz. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the centre on 094 93 65987 for information.
Join the fully funded workshop to grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruit – even in the smallest spaces. September dates are yet to be confirmed. Call Mayo Abbey Centre on 094 93 65987 to register your interest.
Mayo Abbey Community Centre are holding its first fundraising draw in 20 years with prizes of €5000. All proceeds go to the maintenance and development of the community centre and its associated projects. Your support is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the community centre or online by searching – idonate Mayo Abbey 5000.
Mid Summer Ramble night The Mid Summer Ramble night in Balla Community Centre takes place on Friday, June 26, in Balla Community Centre with doors open at 7.30pm and admission is €10. The performance will commence from 8 to 10pm. Guests on the night will include the Murphy sisters, Ann Jordan (tin whistle), The Folk Cafe, Eilish and Mike, Mary McNicholas (singer), Carmel Killgallon, the Straw Boys and special guest John Cosgrove (World champion dancer). There will be a tribute to John Blehin. There will also be refreshments and a raffle and your support will be appreciated.
Proceeds on the night are in aid of Mayo Branch O.N.E. Veterans.
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme has a vacancy as a meals delivery. Call Craig or Serena at Mayo Abbey Centre on 094 9365987 to find out more or email craig@mayoabbey.ie. Department Social Protection eligibility criteria apply.
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Islandeady.
Islandeady Community Council is celebrating 50 years this year (1976 – 2026) and it is planned to hold a number of local events within the community for the month of September 2026. A calendar of events with details to follow soon.
Islandeady Community Council plans to run a “Start your own business” course in October/November 2026 on Thursday evenings for a 6 week period which will be supported by the Local Enterprise Office. This practical course will provide guidance, knowledge and support for anyone considering self-employment or developing a business idea. If you’re at the idea stage or ready to take the next step, this course could be for you. Places will be limited so to register your interest, contact community council member Maura O’Sullivan on 087 668 8121.
The Islandeady Walks continue on Monday evenings for 2026. The walk on June 15, was the Kilfea Loop which was 4.5km. It was a lovely evening to enjoy the spectacular views of Bilberry lakes and Croagh Patrick from Kilfea Hill. Yesterday, Monday, June 22, the group walked to Drimneen at 7pm and walked towards Westport, turning right for Drimneen. This walk was approx 3km of relatively flat terrain. All are welcome to join at any stage of the walk, enjoy the exercise and especially some friendly company. Please wear a hi-vis jacket.
There was no winner of the last Islandeady GAA lotto draw on Sunday, June 21, in the Halfway. The jackpot was €12,650. Underage training for boys and girls continues every Saturday morning at 9.30am in the GAA pitch. This is a great opportiunity to get your children involved in local GAA and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise and activity while developing more friendships. Well done to all the trainers, mentors and managers who volunteer their time to facilitate this very important community activity.
Islandeady GAA Cúl Camp is now open for registration and will take place from Monday, July 27, to Friday 31. You can book/register at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
