Local Notes: Provincial honour for Ballinrobe Golf Club.
Pictured at the presentation for the Best Parkland Course in Connacht award are (left to right) Cormack Devlin TD; outgoing Lady Captain Mary Nalty; incoming Lady Captain Antoinette O’Connor, and Paddy McCarthy from the Golfers Guide to Ireland.
Ballinrobe Golf Club has claimed the prestigious title of Best Parkland Course in Connacht for 2025. The accolade was awarded at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards ceremony at Ballymascanlon Hotel and Golf Resort.
This achievement underscores the club’s commitment to excellence, with special recognition given to the greenkeeping team: Aled, Mike, Cathal, Seamus, Oliver, Alan, and Cian. Their dedication ensures that the course consistently meets the highest standards. The recognition further cements Ballinrobe Golf Club’s reputation as a top-tier golfing destination.
Last week, transition year students of Ballinrobe Community School brought the classic tale of Cinderella to life on stage, delighting large audiences in the school auditorium.
The production, a much-loved annual highlight in the community’s cultural calendar, received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from those who attended. The on-stage performers and the behind-the-scenes crew delivered an exceptional performance.
St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe, has expressed its gratitude to Robe Cinema for hosting fifth class students for a special screening of Petit Nicolas at Ballinrobe Library.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to enjoy a cultural and educational experience in a unique setting and highlighted the strong ties between the school and the local community.
There was much local sadness at the passing of Philomena Hennelly (née Cusack), late of 6 Rathkelly Close, Creagh Road, who passed away peacefully on December 10, at Mayo University Hospital. Philomena will be remembered for her warmth and her enduring kindness to all who knew her.
She was predeceased by her husband Paddy, her parents Peter and Bridie, and her brothers Eamon and Ollie. A devoted mother and grandmother, she leaves behind her sons Patrick, Joseph (Enniscorthy), and Oliver (Cork), her daughters Teresa (Galway) and Maura (Dublin), her sister Theresa, and her seven adoring grandchildren. She will also be fondly remembered by her nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, and wide circle of friends.
Philomena’s remains reposed at Cummins Funeral Home, Ballinrobe, on Thursday evening, December 12, where family, friends, and neighbours gathered to pay their respects. On Friday morning, December 13, her Funeral Mass was held in St. Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, and she was laid to rest in the New Cemetery.
The third annual Roxboro Community Walk, organised by the local defibrillator committee, will take place on Sunday, December 29, at 1pm, convening at Roxboro National School. This follows the weather-enforced cancellation of the original walk planned for September.
Ballinrobe Fire Brigade will be at the school from 12.15pm onwards to show children their firefighting equipment, and to explain the work that they do. Children will get an opportunity to try on some fire gear and learn about what it’s like to be a fire officer.
Those who wish to walk should register from 12.45pm onwards. The event aims to bring the community together and raise funds for the ongoing maintenance of the defibrillator through donations on the day. It is suitable for people of all ages. The full walk is 5km, but you can do less than that if you wish. You are requested to wear high-visibility clothing.
Registration is €10 per individual, or €20 per family. Refreshments will be served afterwards. For further details, contact any member of the committee: Chairperson, Cathy Lydon; Vice-do, Veronica Feerick; Secretary, Noreen Gilligan; Joint Treasurers, Dympna Malone and Marie Burke; PRO, Liam Horan.
The death has occurred of Finbar Heneghan, Collier's Lane, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, and formerly of Bowgate Street, Ballinrobe. Finbar passed away peacefully on the morning of December 10, in the comforting care of Kilminchy Lodge Nursing Home, Portlaoise, with his loving family by his side. He was predeceased by his parents Ellen and Jack, as well as his brothers Fintan and Noel.
Finbar’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of his sisters Anne and Grace (Dublin), his brothers Joe (Spain), Gerry (Australia), and Enda (Donegal), his sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and his extended family.
Finbar was fondly remembered by all who gathered to celebrate his life. His Funeral Mass took place at St. Peter and Paul Church, Portlaoise, on Friday, December 13, where family and friends came together to honour his memory.
Ballinrobe Town’s Sean Hughes, Ben Place, Theo Bellanger, and coaches Pat O'Sullivan and Chris McGauley, contributed to Mayo U18s’ dramatic Connacht title win at Eamon Deacy Park, Galway, last week.
After securing a commanding 3-0 victory in the first leg at Umbro Park, Mayo faced a fierce comeback from Galway in the second leg. The game ended in a nail-biting 4-1 loss, bringing the aggregate score to 4-4. With no further goals in extra time, the match was decided by a tense penalty shootout. Mayo triumphed 5-3.
Sean, Ben, and Theo were instrumental in the team’s performance, while Pat and Chris provided guidance from the sidelines.
Ballinrobe native and former Ballinrobe player, Sinéad (Costello) Stagg, has been elected Chairperson of the Mayo LGFA County Board. A multiple All-Ireland winning player with Ballinrobe Community School and the Mayo senior team, Sinead, who is now affiliated to the Hollymount club, managed the Mayo U14 girls’ team to All-Ireland success in 2023. The Costello family has long been involved in Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA Club.
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The monthly meeting took place on Monday, December 9, and many items were discussed and re-capped for 2024. The council have reviewed all the fundraising for the new community facilities building and remind people that while all the direct debits are continuing, the second yearly payments are due and can be given to your local representative when they call over the next few weeks or can be paid to the contact details given below. The Community Council really appreciate all the support given so far and emphasise how important that this support continues. The facilities fundraising group have applied for several community grants, however which if successful, will only be allocated on a Match Funding basis..so local fundraising is still a very urgent and difficult task.
You can still support the €5 per week DD for the new community centre, call Robert on 087 614 5439/email secretary.islandeadycc@gmail.com or Caroline 087 932 4646.
Islandeady Cycling Club charity Christmas Jumper Cycle will take place on December 28. This is a nice easy route to suit all abilities. All funds raised on the day will be presented to two local and very worthy charities namely Rock Rose House, Castlebar and Westport Community First Responders. Spot prizes on the day for the best jumper (male and female) and best Christmas bike. Registration €20 on the morning from 8.30am – 9.45am. Cycle begins at 10am.
Are you interested in taking up cycling or getting back on the saddle? The annual Club House Open day will be held on January 19 from 12 noon – 2pm at Jack’s Old Cottage, Islandeady. Why not come along and find out more and view what is on offer at the cycling club and even have a cuppa.
Islandeady Tractor Run will take place on Saturday, January 4, starting at Sandy Geraghty’s yard. Registration from 11am – 12:30pm and starting at 1pm. Raffle, spot prizes and refreshments. Fee is €20 per vehicle. All money raised is for the Cancer Fund for Children and Little Blue Hero’s.
