Local Notes: Geologist Benjamin Thebaudeau in full explanation mode with Ballinrobe locals at Joyce Country and Western Lakes Roadshow.
Geologist Benjamin Thébaudeau in full explanation mode with some of the Ballinrobe locals at Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark’s ‘road show’ which was held in SuperValu carpark in the town, during Heritage Week August 2024.
An impressive display by Ballinrobe resulted in the Maroon and Yellow capturing the silverware at a balmy MacHale Park, on Friday night, September 6. Ballinrobe may have made the brighter start through points from Stephen Gibbons and Cian May inside the opening couple of minutes, however, the Robesiders conceded a three-pointer after just three minutes, when Ballaghaderreen’s Ryan O’Sullivan rattled the back of the net to nudge his team-mates in front.
Ballinrobe replied courtesy of points from Caoimhín Donnelly (an audacious long-range effort) and Kyle Burke on six and 14 minutes respectively, with the white and green going very close to snatching a second three-pointer on eight minutes, only for Declan Duffy’s effort to trickle narrowly wide.
Ballaghaderreen’s Sean Buckley then fired over a magnificent long-range point to level proceedings, before the Robesiders hit a purple patch. During that period, points from Kyle Burke, Cian May (two points) and Jack Tuffy, helped muster a four point cushion for the Flanagan Park outfit. Everything appeared to be going to plan for the south Mayo boys, but Lady Luck was to favour Ballagh’ on 23 minutes, as Ryan O’Sullivan’s ‘45’ dropped short and bizarrely ended up in the back of Arthur Vaitekunas’ net. Ballinrobe didn’t panic and singles by Burke (free) and a brilliant solo effort from May, helped steady the ship somewhat.
A gutsy Ballaghaderreen bounced back once again though, and points from the industrious Ryan O’Sullivan, and Oran Frain (free), left just two points separating the sides as the 29th minute drew to a close. Just before the break, Ballinrobe’s Stephen Gibbons slotted over a fine point and the maroon and yellow enjoyed a 0-12 to 2-3 lead during the half-time interval.
Ballinrobe made a blistering start to the second half and plundered a goal inside the first minute, as Caoimhín Donnelly guided home a smashing effort past Noel Regan after the former collected a precise pass from team-mate, Stephen Gibbons. The pendulum took a decisive swing in Ballinrobe’s favour on 41 minutes, when Barry Langan’s hit and hope ball was seized upon by David Stan and the latter rammed home a cracking goal from close-range, thus giving his team-mates a commanding 2-14 to 2-4 advantage.
Indeed, Ballinrobe’s midfield partnership of Barry Langan and Cian May had excellent outings, with both players winning oodles of possession and playing a central role in many of the Robesiders attacking forays. Ballagh’ tried their level best to get back into the tie, with the hard-working Oran Frain tagging on a brace of points on 45 and 48 minutes. However, Ballinrobe refused to step off the gas and the Robesiders continued to rattle off scores as Langan (two points) and Burke (free), kept the umpires busy. Despite trailing 2-17 to 2-6, a plucky Ballaghaderreen busily sought consolation scores and the white and green managed to pull a goal back on 58 minutes, when the poaching Declan Duffy bundled the ball over the goalline after Frain’s long-range free dropped short.
However, the night belonged to Ballinrobe and the soon to be crowned champions put the icing on a very sweet cake courtesy of Jack Tuffy’s smashing late goal. The players to impress for Ballinrobe on the night were Shay Philbin, Caoimhín Donnelly, Barry Langan, Cian May and Kyle Burke. The final score was Ballinrobe 3-17, Ballaghaderreen 3-8.
Culture Night will take place in the Ballinrobe Community School next Friday, September 20, from 7 to 9pm. The organisers would love to see all cultures participating and this could be with food, music or dance. Those interested in participating in ‘Culture Night’ or who require further details and information, are asked to call in to the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe, or call the centre at 094 9542908. All are welcome.
A Culture Night event in Ballinrobe is set to be a major celebration of creativity, with 48 confirmed participants for a ground-breaking exhibition that explores the dynamic relationship between words and images. This event is celebrating creativity -when words meet art -and is sure to be an intriguing part of Culture Night 2024.
This collaborative project will showcase the talents of 24 visual artists and 24 writers, coming together to create something truly original. The event will take place in Ballinrobe Community School next Friday, September 20, from 7 to 9pm, in a room adjacent to the school’s main auditorium, where the town’s annual Culture Night celebration of music, song, dance, and food will also be held. Admission is free.
The concept is simple yet powerful: each visual artist provided a piece of work to a writer, who then responded through their writing. This dialogue between different forms of expression lies at the heart of the experiment. The exhibition will feature each piece of art alongside its written response.
This initiative aims to tap into the rich vein of emerging talent in Ballinrobe and the surrounding region. Organisers Paul Malone and Liam Horan are delighted by the enthusiastic response from the community, with professional and amateur artists and writers joining forces for this special event. For further information, please contact: Paul Malone (BallinrobeCommunityArts@gmail.com) or Liam Horan (liam@liamhoran.info) / 087 9185 867).
Ballinrobe Musical Society thank everyone who auditioned for their upcoming production of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, which takes place in Ballinrobe Community School from February 16-22. The show's principal cast and information on chorus rehearsals will be announced soon on social media.
The results of a mixed scramble competition held on Thursday, September 5, and which was kindly sponsored by the Bowers Bar and Restaurant, are as follows: 1st, Aiden Foley, Colette Hughes, MaryAnn Mullin, and Noel Galvin (29.1); 2nd, Joe Cradock, Antoinette O’Connor, Phyllis Lee, and Willie Connolly (29.3); 3rd, Adrien Dervin, Ann Marie Conroy, Brendan Loftus, and Evan Moran (29.5); 4th, Padraic O Connor, Mary Cradock, Jean Folan, and John Biggins (29.7). Forty-eight competitors took part in the event.
Heartiest congratulations to Lola Tiernan, Rachel Gallagher and Ursula Shaughnessy on being named in the Mayo Women’s League U17 Division One Team of the Year for 2024. The Ballinrobe Town U17 girls’ team had a great season and it's fantastic to see three of the players acknowledged for their excellent efforts over the course of the season.
The Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre, Ballinrobe, is pleased to announce that the Lakeside Badminton Club will commence its activities on Wednesday, September 25, in the centre. Registration began on Monday (yesterday), September 16, however, there are still places available for these training sessions. Parents wishing to register their children are asked to contact 094 9541364. Players must have their own badminton rackets and a water bottle for each session.
The age groups and times for every Wednesday are as follows: Primary school children, 4.30 to 5.30pm; Secondary school children, 5.45 to 6.50pm. Beginners are welcome.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club’s newly formed underage mini rugby club ‘Ballinrobe Bears’ will have their first training session ahead of the new season, next Saturday morning, September 21, at 10am in The Green, Ballinrobe. Then, the following Saturday, September 28 and also at 10am in The Green, the official launch of the Ballinrobe Bears club will take place. This is a new venture for the club and it aims to give their mini teams a unique sense of identity.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Art O’Neill’s Bar, on Sunday, September 8, with Eimear O’Malley the lucky winner of €320.
********************.
Well done to Islandeady GAA U14’s who beat Aughamore GAA Club last Monday in McHale Park in the U14 D Championship county final. Hard luck to the Islandeady LGFA minors who were defeated in their semi-final game against Carnacon recently. Onwards and upwards! Oilean Eadai Abu. Well done to Islandeady U16’s who beat Kilmeena in their shield final.
Islandeady Cycling club are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the clubs’ formation. The club was founded in 2014 by a small group of like-minded people following a cycling event and since then has grown into a very successful club which is based at Jack’s Cottage Islandeady. To mark this special occasion there will be a celebratory night held in the Marquee at Marty’s Halfway House on September 27, with music by Tony and the Ramblers. This is a community event and an opportunity for friends and neighbours to get together to celebrate what is good in the parish. Tickets cost €15 and are available locally or from any cycling club committee member.
Yoga for Beginners will take place in Islandeady Community Centre every Wednesday from 7pm – 8.15pm. This 6 week course starts on Wednesday, September 18 and costs €72. Contact Trish on 087 363 5781 to book your place.
The enthusiastic Islandeady Community Council group have commenced planning for the year ahead. The need for continuous fundraising was the main topic, to cover the costs of the present community centre, while also raising funds for the new community facilities building. The council acknowledged and thanked all those involved in the ‘Fun Run’ from Jacks’ cottage, Joe, the organisers, stewards, caterers and especially all those who participated to make it such a successful event.
The weekly card games are due to resume on Monday, October 14. The Wednesday get-together resumed on September 11. This group are appealing for more volunteers to help, whatever Wednesdays they may be available. The hours are just from 9.30 to 3pm approx., and it is a very enjoyable and rewarding morning for everyone involved. Contact any member of the C.C , who will put you in contact with the present volunteers.
A fund-raising quiz night is planned for Friday, October 18, The Foroige club is hoping to return soon, and are looking for other parents/volunteers to come along and help out on a Wednesday or Friday night while their children are participating.
