Local Notes: Ballintubber NS take part in Mayo Sports Partnership's Splash and Dash Tri Heroes event

Pupils from Ballintubber National School at the Mayo Sports Partnership's Splash & Dash Tri Heroes Event at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. Picture: Alison Laredo
Alma Gallagher urges all qualifying groups within Mayo to apply for the CLÁR 2024 Programme, which is set to finance numerous ventures aimed at revitalising regions across the country. Gallagher said, “The CLÁR Programme has earmarked almost €8.7 million for 2024, dedicated to elevating community and sports facilities across Ireland, with a spotlight on rejuvenating demographically challenged areas,” “With a strategic focus on enhancing community facilities and outdoor projects, the programme aims to empower local visions and potentials, making communities in Mayo more vibrant places to inhabit and visit.
“Eligible projects in Mayo can receive grants up to €50,000, facilitating a wide range of developments including community centres, parish halls, GAA clubhouses, youth facilities, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking paths, and more.
“Since 2016, the CLÁR programme has significantly impacted rural development, supporting over 2400 projects with more than €70 million in funding.
“An exciting update for 2024, introduced by Minister Heather Humphreys, is the inclusion of funding for Meals on Wheels vehicle purchases, alongside ongoing support for Cancer Care Transport, Community First Responders, and island communities.
“This funding is instrumental in realising high-quality community and sports projects, greatly contributing to the vibrancy of towns and villages across Mayo I strongly encourage eligible organisations to explore this funding opportunity at www.gov.ie/drcd,” Alma Gallagher concluded.
Balla Vintage and Classic Motor Show and Auto jumble will be held on Sunday, May 12, in Balla Mart. There will be food vans, kid’s attractions and fun and games for all on the day. Vintage, classic and modified cars, tractors, trucks and motorbikes all accepted. Admission is €10 and Exhibitors and Kids go free. The gates are open at 7am for exhibitors and 11am for the general public. Call Liam at 087 8171479 or Peter at 087 2661512 for further details.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €5,900 for the latest draw on Thursday, April 11, in The Rendezvous. The numbers drawn the previous week on April 4, in The Shebeen were 17, 19, 27 and 34. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Dean Kenny (online), Conall Lafferty (online) and Liam Ralph (cash sale). Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto. Congratulations to Kate Ralph and Orlaith Mongan who won Connaught final U11 handball doubles last week beating Galway in the final. Congrats to talented boxers, Ethan Duffy who won gold in the All Irelands 72kg, Mike Mullaney also gold in the 56kg and Ryan Nolan silver 52kg.
Congratulations are extended to Philip Griffith (Claremorris AC) who won the Boys U12 600m title in a championship record time of 1:40.03 at the recent All Ireland indoor National Juvenile Championships finals at the TUS International Arena in Athlone. Philip broke the national record to win gold in the 600 meters U12 and he also won silver in the long jump and silver in the 60 meters on Saturday at the national finals. What an outstanding achievement. He is wished ongoing success in his athletic career.
Manulla FC jackpot stood at €13,800 for the draw on April 7. 9, 21, 28 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner on the night. The consolation prize winners were: Tom Healy, Balla, Bernie Hughes, Drimasloyan, Manulla and Rodger Clarke. The weekend jackpot stood at €13,900. The club are deeply grateful to their weekly patrons. Play online: https://manullafc.ie/lotto/.
Congrats to Manulla U17 boys who had a great 6-3 win over Westport United FC in the league last week and also the Manulla FC U17 girls who came away from Claremorris with a hard earned merited 1-0 victory.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. There is €12,000+ in the prize fund with great prizes on the night, 50/50 winners in house and online, free book give away on the night. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays. Balla bingo volunteers are required from 7 to 10pm every six weeks to help sell books, count money or record winners. Those who feel they can help should contact 094 9365846.
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Spring festival takes place on April 27. The itinerary is as follows; 8.15 assemble at Murrisk Carpark for bus transport back to Aughagower. The walk will commence at 9.30 with lunch at Brackloon National School and finish at Murrisk. All proceeds from the walk go to croi.ie. Registration is €25 @croi.ie/croaghpatrick. Please support and it is guaranteed an enjoyable day.
Balla Christian Community has welcomed its newest member, Elsie Faye McGing, who was recently baptised in St Cronan’s, Balla. Congratulations to her parents and family.
The sewing circle takes place every Monday morning between 10.30 and 12.30. Phone Josie at 087 2944995. Artful minds and yoga also take place. ‘Move it or lose it’ sessions take place every Tuesday from 10am to 11am. Women’s healing circle runs from 6 to 9pm. Wednesdays - 10.30am until 12.30pm Parent and Toddlers, 7 to 10pm Bridge Club, Thursday, Children’s Drama and Knitwits.
The Balla Active Retirement Group activities are on Fridays from 2 to 5pm, and the Foróige Club meet on Friday also from 7.30pm to 9pm. Saturday, Seannós dancing and card game takes place.
Balla Community Centre main function room is the ideal setting for meetings, presentation nights, drama events and social occasions. Those who wish to book a meeting room, the kitchen or the hall for your organisation, club or private event, get in touch on 094 9365846.
Are you looking for a secure and reliable digital workspace? Balla Community Centre provides a connected hubs service with 24/7 access, high-speed broadband, dedicated and flexible desks, light and heating and fob access. Make contact directly on 094 9365846 or book through: https://connectedhubs.ie/hubs/profile/240#memberships.
A Seán Keane Concert will be held on Friday, May 31, in Balla Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at the centre and in local shops. All proceeds are in aid of The Sensory Garden and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
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.
******************************

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.
The next card game is held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, April 18, at 9pm.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, April 9, were 01, 19, 26, and 28. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were Pauline Wilson, Ballinlough; Mary Kirrane, Knockroe (online ticket); Bina Jennings, Ballinlough, (online ticket); and Declan Duggan, Cullentragh (annual ticket). The jackpot for draw to be held tonight, Tuesday, April 16, will be €8,200.