Local Notes: Rhea May Murphy, The Neale, wins AIMS Best Youth Performance (Gilbert) Award.
Rhea May Murphy from The Neale pictured with her AIMS Best Youth Performance (Gilbert) award at the 2026 AIMS Awards Weekend at the INEC Gleneagle in Killarney, County Kerry. Rhea May played Young Anna in Ballinrobe Musical Society's production of Frozen: The Musical. Also pictured (left) are AIMS National Vice President Séamus Power and (right) AIMS National President Gerry Sweeney. Photo: Darragh Carroll.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club held their annual youth awards presentation evening in Ballinrobe Community School, on Friday, June 19. The award winners were as follows: U13 Boys Player of the Season Scott Glynn, Most Improved Player Thomas Mellett; U14 Boys Player of the Season Tom Kerrigan, Most Improved Player Billy Wilson; U15 Boys Player of the Season Thomas Jennings-Mellet, Most Improved Player Ethan Fahy; U16 Boys Player of the Season Isaac Flannery, Most Improved Player Barry Joyce; U17 Boys Player of the Season Cian Watson, Most Improved Player Adam Tyburski; U18.5 Boys Player of the Season Maidhc Staunton, Most Improved Player Conor Lynch; U14 Girls Player of the Year Olivia Burke; Most Improved Player Lily O’Malley; U16 Girls Player of the Year Eabha Mae Murphy; Most Improved Player Caelin Costello.
A new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) summer course will be commencing soon for those aged 12 to 18 and living in Ballinrobe or surrounding areas. The course is being run in conjunction with the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe. Those taking part in the three-week course will learn about STEM activities, creativity, and innovation alongside industry experts. For those wishing to register for this course or who need further details and information, contact Paula on 087 2430695.
Ballinrobe Town U15 girls team recorded a superb 6-3 victory over Claremorris in the U15 cup final, played at a sun-drenched United Park Westport, on Saturday week last.
The star of the show for the Robesiders was undoubtedly Ellen Masterson who scored an incredible six goals over the course of the tie. This victory makes it back-to-back U15 girls cup titles for Ballinrobe and is a remarkable success for the players and the club. The game began in a lightening fashion and Ballinrobe took an early lead through an exquisite strike from Ellen Masterson, with Kali Walsh the supplier of the pass. On six minutes, Masterson added her second goal of the joust, much to the delight of the red and white supporters. Soon after, the deadly Masterson completed her astonishing early hat-trick and Claremorris were left with a mountain to climb.
However, a doughty Claremorris refused to wilt, and they netted two quick-fire goals to leave just the bare minimum separating the sides at the interval (3-2). The Robesiders were eager to bridge further distance between the sides during the second half, and Masterson added her fourth, before adding a sublime fifth which flew into the top of the net. Towards the end of the game, Masterson netted her amazing sixth goal of the contest to help round off a polished display by the Robesiders. Claremorris managed to net a late consolation effort which displayed their battling qualities and superb team work. Overall, this was a fantastic team performance by Ballinrobe, and the players, management and supporters celebrated a famous and cherished victory at the full-time whistle.
Bernie Heneghan was the winner of €145 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre. Tickets for the weekly draw are available to purchase in the 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.
A new weekly social game of pickleball takes place in the Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre on Tuesday (tonight) from 7 to 9pm. No experience is required, and this game is suitable for all levels of fitness. There will be singles, group and doubles matches taking place on the night, and free paddles will be provided. The cost to take part is €2 for gym members and €5 for non-members. All are welcome.
There was no winner of the €10,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, June 22. The numbers drawn were 4, 12, 32 and 35. The match three winner of €200 was Michael Kneafsey.
Ballinrobe GAA Club is currently hosting the ever-popular Kellogg’s Cúl Camps at Flanagan Park. Week one will conclude on July 3, whilst week two takes place from July 6 to 10. Parents wishing to register their children for week two are asked to visit www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie or ask any Ballinrobe GAA Club committee member.
The Ballinrobe GAA Club U15 Féile panel recently received their Féile training gear including training jersey, 1/4 zip training top and shorts generously sponsored by Freedom Mobility, Ballinrobe, as the team prepared for the Féile competition which was due to take place in Derry on Saturday, June 27.
The players, management team, and everyone at the club would like to extend their sincere thanks to all at Freedom Mobility for their valued support. Freedom Mobility’s generosity and commitment are greatly appreciated by everyone at Ballinrobe GAA Club.
Ballinrobe Town AFC will hold an FAI Summer Camp for children aged 6-14. The camp will take place from July 13 to July 17 at The Green and is from 10am to 1pm daily. Parents wishing to register their children are asked to visit www.fai.ie.
Congratulations to Mary Gill, Scardaune, who was the lucky winner of the €13,700 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, June 21. The winning numbers drawn were 5, 9, 13 and 22. The €50 winners were Clive O’Toole, The Heath, Michelle Ryan, Loughrea, and Will Judge, Caherlistrane.
The jackpot was reset to €5,000 and that draw took place on Sunday, June 28.
*****************.
The numbers drawn for the lotto on Tuesday, June 23 were 2, 4, 10 and 17. There was no jackpot winner, and the €30 winners were Bina Jennings, Brendan Mannion, Majella Gibbons and T Deacy. This weeks draw will be held today, Tuesday, June 30, with a jackpot of €19,700.
Why not go along on Thursday mornings and join the Mayo Abbey Walking Group at the Community Centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, walk as little or as much as you like and 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 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.
*****************.
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.
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. Calendar of events with details to follow in the coming weeks.
Meeting with all clubs to plan for the Community Council 50th Anniversary took place yesterday Monday, June 29, in the Community Centre, and the next anniversary meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at 8pm in St. Aidan’s. All are welcome.
There was no winner of the last Islandeady GAA lotto draw on Sunday, June 21, in the Halfway, which had a jackpot of €12,650. Underage football training continues each Saturday morning from 9.30 to 10.30am in the GAA pitch. This is a fantastic opportunity for young players to get involved and play football with their local club. It’s also fun exercise and a great way to make new friends.
Islandeady GAA Cúl Camp is now open for registration and will take place from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31. You can book/register at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
The Islandeady Walks continue on Monday evenings for 2026. It was a fabulous evening last Monday when the group walked the Drimneen Loop which was 3km. They enjoyed the lovely countryside views as they walked and especially talked. On Monday, June 29, the group met at the Key West and walked through Graffymore. This is approx 5km with one slight gradient. All walkers are encouraged to come out on Monday evenings and join in for even part of the walk and enjoy the scenic views of Islandeady while getting a few steps in.
In your prayers you are kindly asked to remember John McLoughlin, Derrycoosh, who died recently. May he rest in peace.
Cemetery Masses will be celebrated in Glenisland Cemetery on Saturday, August 1, and Sunday, August 2, in Islandeady Cemetery. These 2 Masses will be celebrated for all the departed and for those who mourn and grieve. There will be no individual intentions announced. The Masses will be celebrated irrespective of weather conditions. Families are asked to tidy graves and take away any litter. Inform any neighbours and family away from home. All are welcome as loved ones are remembered.
