Local Notes: Moytura Hurlers season opens
The Moytura hurlers pictured before their opening competitive game of the season against Tooreen
Moytura Hurling Club kicked off their Genfitt Mayo Senior League campaign with a challenging match against the formidable Tooreen senior team in Ballinrobe.
It was a tough start to the season for the home team. Despite a shaky first half, they found their rhythm in the second, though the prowess of the 2022 All-Ireland Intermediate runners-up proved difficult to overcome. Despite a late rally from Moytura, Tooreen emerged victorious by a margin of seven points.
Nonetheless, it was a promising start for Moytura, and they now look ahead to their next challenge against Ballyhaunis, the county senior runners-up from last year. This clash is scheduled for Saturday week, March 23.
On Saturday night last, Ballinrobe’s junior footballers were joined by supporters and friends to celebrate their achievements in 2023. The team captured the new Mayo Junior C Football title, a competition reserved for second teams, in a thrilling extra-time win over Garrymore in Cong. They also contested the South Mayo Junior final against the same opposition before losing by just a solitary point at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe.
Among other things, the team became synonymous with unfavourable weather conditions – the Cong final was played in a downpour, and the Flanagan Park showdown was shrouded in fog. Despite those challenges, both finals were excellent clashes that reflected exceptionally well on the junior grade.
Ballinrobe GAA club are delighted to have such an ambitious junior team and have paid tribute to the management team of Pat Duffy, Aidan Healy, David Colleran and John Flannelly, who guided the side’s fortunes throughout the season.
Michael Coyne, the club’s 2023 Hall of Fame recipient, presented the team members with their medals on Saturday night in the Bowers Bar and Restaurant, and he had the special thrill of presenting a medal to his grandson, Sean Coyne, a key member of the team. Michael commended the players on their exploits in 2023.
The junior team will soon be back in action for the 2024 season.
Water colour painting classes are starting at the Parish Centre, Ballinrobe, for a six-week run. For more details, contact 089 413 4418.
The weekly Golfstyle Open Friday competition has resumed at Ballinrobe Golf Club – a sure sign summer is just around the corner. Call the club on 094 94 41118 top book your spot. Qualifiers from the weekly events compete in the final at the end of the season.
JJ Burke Car Sales in Ballinrobe will this week celebrate 50 years in business. They will mark this milestone on Friday, March 22, with a full day of celebrations in their Ballinrobe dealership. Midwest Radio will be there from 11am to 1pm to get the party started. It will be the perfect opportunity for customers, friends and local businesses to call in and join the Burke family as they mark this special occasion.
Burke’s are generous sponsors of a wide range of local events and initiatives.
Ballinrobe Town and Claremorris clash in a mouth-watering south Mayo derby next weekend in the Mayo Super League. The game will be hosted by Claremorris at Concannon Park.
Ballinrobe Town (B) ventured to Umbro Park, Milebush, Castlebar, to take on Snugboro United in a clash that provided excitement from the get-go. The McDonnell Construction League Two encounter unfolded on the pristine 4G surface. Ballinrobe initially seemed poised to snatch victory when Sean Vahey found the net in the 78th minute.
Yet, Snugboro United refused to be outdone and just moments before the final whistle, Dylan Rice netted an equaliser. Despite the shared spoils, Ballinrobe Town emerged from the contest still leading the pack at the top of the league table. Manager Greg Keleghan’s side showed their mettle once again.
Looking ahead, Ballinrobe Town will aim to maintain their momentum as they host Ballyvary Blue Bombers in their next fixture, scheduled for this weekend.
Ballinrobe Town: U Shafiq, N McManus, J Cleary, D Kerr, S Boyle, O Hanlon, T Mallon, C Jennings, R Aquino, J Daly, S Vahey. Substitutes used C Keleghan, R Fitzgerald, P McTigue.
There has always been a strong tradition of handball in Ballinrobe, and last week three well-known members of the local club – John Coyne, Tom Sweeney and Seamus Hughes – competed in All-Ireland finals at Croke Park. John and Tom were defeated by Meath pairing of Tom Sheridan and Christy McGovern in the in the Emerald Masters A Doubles. Seamus, partnered by Ballina handballer Joe Cummins, lost in the Diamond Masters B showdown with Wexford players, James Mythen and Richie Culleton.
Recent results from Ballinrobe Bridge Club: 1, William Enright and Angela Murphy; 2, Paul Waldron and Marian O’Connor; 3, Irene Walkin and Emer Canny; 4, Carmel Costello and Ita Langan; 5, Mary Reilly and Maura McHugh; 6, Bob Craddock and Nancy Hughes.
Ballinrobe RFC will hold their 2024 End-of-Season Night in Flannery’s Bar and Restaurant on Saturday, April 13.
Ballinrobe’s senior ladies took on the seasoned Westport team for only the second time last weekend, in the Connacht Senior Cup. Westport emerged victorious but it was another important outing for a Ballinrobe team that is working to climb the women’s rugby ladder in the province.
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Clogher
Congratulations are extended to Sean Larkin, Clogher and Tracey Hall, who was married on last Saturday, March 16, in St Joseph’s Church, Keelogues. The long serving Ballintubber GAA Club servant and his Bride Tracey, who will be residing in Clogher are wished, health and happiness all the days of their lives.
Save the date folks - Clogher Half Marathon event returns on May 26, 2024. As one of the fastest Half Marathon courses in Connacht many athletes are expected to participate and you can join on the day. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Card results for the game played on Friday, March 1,1st Majella Corbett and Eileen Donnelly, 2nd Mary Kelly and Gay Conway, 3rd Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, last 10 Tom Fitzpatrick and Martin Moran. Card Results from Friday, March 8, were 1st Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, 2nd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, 3rd Tommy Lyons and Jimmy Connor and Seamus Jennings and Breege Blake, Last 10 Joe Thomas and Gay Conway. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm and everyone is made welcome.
The children of Holy Angels Primary School are having a bake sale in aid of Trócaire at the school from 1-2pm on Wednesday, March 20. Please come along and support the children and this worthy cause.
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. Walk commences at 9.30, lunch at Brackloon National School and finish at Murrisk. All proceeds from the walk go to croi.ie. Registration is €25 @croi.ie/croaghpatrick.
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Mayo Abbey.
A seafood fish demo with Ron will be held on March 22, starting at 10am in Mayo Abbey Training Centre. Tickets are available by contacting 094 9365987 or email training@mayoabbey.ie.
Brian Jennings will give an information talk on Tuesday, March 19, at 12noon in Ballyglass Community Centre on the importance of making a will, power of attorney and he will answer any other legal questions people may have. All are welcome to this free event.
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme have a number of vacancies available including late afternoons, evenings and Saturdays. DSP CE scheme criteria apply. Call Ger/Craig on 094 93 65987 for information, or email your C.V to support@mayoabbey.ie.
Mayo Abbey Centre Services Mayo Abbey Centre offer a number of services to the community including; Local Link bus regular service from our Parish Community to Castlebar departs daily from the Centre (Tuesday – Saturday); computers can be provided or users can bring their own; meals delivery service; weekly Tuesday lunch for active age at centre; boarding pass printouts; support provided for individuals looking to start their own business; compiling of local notes; wide range of training programmes provided; Thursday morning coffee and chat; free computer and phone support for beginners; hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connection available; facilities available to attend a virtual meeting or interview; printing, photocopying and laminating services and much more. Contact 094 936 5987 for further details or information.
The next card game is held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, March 21 at 9pm. All are welcome.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, March 12, were 16, 20, 26, and 35. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were Alan and Mary Brett, Lehanagh (annual ticket), Noel Quinn, Castlelucas (online ticket), Bernard Trench, Knockroe (annual ticket), Dermot Flaherty, Castlelucas (annual ticket).
Next week’s draw will be on Tuesday, March 19, with a jackpot of €7,800.
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