Local Notes: Sponsorship of jerseys, shorts and socks for St Brendan's College, Belmullet.
St Brendan’s College thanks Alan Coyle (Gerry Coyle presenting) for sponsorship of a set of jerseys for the ladies football side and also to Linda Togher for sponsorship of a set of shorts and socks.
Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club fundraising table quiz will be held on Good Friday, March 29, at 7.30pm in the Erris Coast Hotel in aid of Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club. To enter teams text 087 6333940.
Dust off the dancing shoes, for an Easter Social Dancing weekend, in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet, from March 29-31, with bands every afternoon and night. Contact 086 3083976.
International landscape designer, TV presenter and founder of the global environmental movement ‘We are the ARK’, Mary Reynolds, will give a talk in Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, on Monday, March 18, at 7pm. Mary was the youngest winner of a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show and has written the bestselling book ‘The Garden Awakening’. As part of Belmullet town’s bicentenary celebrations, Áras Inis Gluaire (Erris Arts Centre) and Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead (Belmullet Tidy Towns) are thrilled to be co-hosting this unique event, during which Mary will kindly launch a charming new bilingual children’s book called ‘An Bhumbóg Mór Bhuí ar Strae’ - written and illustrated by local people. Tickets to this exclusive talk and book launch cost €10, and are available from Áras Inis Gluaire box office.
The draw was held on March 3, and the numbers drawn were 1, 5, 21 and 25 for a jackpot €12,300 with no winner. The house prize of €100 winners was Derek, Charlie and Heidi Healy, Newport and the €30 offline winners were Tony Deane, Glenamoy and Martin Ginnelly, Gorthmellia. The €30 online winners were Martin McManamon, Glenturk and Sharon Healy, Galway. Next week’s jackpot is €12,400. This week’s draw will take place in Connolly’s Stonefield.
Ireland Lights Up Walks every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6.15pm starting at Cill Chomain Astro Pyhsio led pilates in Cill Chomain Clubhouse upstairs: Class 1 – Over 55 Wednesday at 5.30pm; Class 2 – Ladies Wednesday at 6.30pm; Class 3- Ladies Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Ciorcal Comhra gach Deardaoin ag 7.30. Failte roimh cach. Irish conversational classes every Thursday at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome; exercise classes with Justin - ladies every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm, men every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm.
In Erris and along the Mayo coast, fishing has been a vital source of income for generations. The Erris Inshore Fishermen's Association held a public meeting recently in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel.
Over 90 fishermen attended and chairman Eamon Dixon explained the crisis facing these fishermen as a result of decades of under-representation and sweetheart deals between FF and FG and large vessel owners. 98% of the Irish quota goes to 50 large fishing vessels, while the remaining 2% goes to all the smaller inshore fishermen in Ireland.
In light of the government's failure to protect the fisheries and seafood industry, Rose Conway Walsh TD and Padraig McLaughlin TD, spokesperson for marine and fisheries, are fighting for a fair and equitable deal, fair quota distribution, and real investments in the marine and fishing industry. Rosaleen Lally (SF canadate in local elections) talked to Padraig McLochlainn about this issue recently and he said ‘Sinn Féin has made a firm commitment to fighting for a fair share of the fish in our waters (the richest in the EU) so that we can allocate sustainable fishing opportunities to our fishermen in order to sustain and grow our rural, coastal communities. Our commitment includes fair quota distribution and a designated minister for marine and fisheries affairs’.
Ballyglass RNLI recently held their AGM and there was a full house of volunteers and area branch manager Brian Wilson.
The Chairman’s address was one of gratitude and thanks to the massive support received locally and beyond from the various contributors to the service. He thanked the team of volunteers who give so much of their free time to Ballyglass RNLI and continue to work for the service in the area.
Michael Cosgrove and John Gaughan were returned as chairperson and vice chairperson. Stephanie Gallagher was returned as secretary with Nora McGrath stepping away as vice secretary. Kathleen Keane was elected vice secretary. Mary Carolan and Mary Barrett were returned as treasurer and vice treasurer.
The committee outlined upcoming events for the year ahead like Mayo Day on May 4, where they will celebrate all things Mayo and is being held in Belmullet this year as part of Belmullet 200, which also coincides with 200 years of the RNLI being in existence!
The chairman closed the meeting echoing his gratitude to all who help with RNLI services in Erris and paid thanks to the crews who are always ready to launch and who support the fundraisers throughout the year.
Condolences were recorded to the Shevlin family on the passing of the late Bernie Shevlin from Barrack Street; to Tony Hiney (former crew and area branch manager) and the Hiney family on the sudden passing of his brother Donal in Australia.
Mary Barrett passed on thanks from the family of the late Sean Creane who thanked the RNLI for their walkthrough at Sean’s wake. Sean was a former fundraiser and a great character that will be fondly remembered.
Members of the Maloney family recently make a presentation to Ballyglass RNLI after a very successful Eileen Maloney darts tournament which was held recently in The Valley Inn Bar in Pullathomas. Ballyglass RNLI were honoured to accept the presentation from Aiden, Marie and family. The Maloney family have been very generous to Ballyglass RNLI and other local charities. Huge thanks to all who took part to make the event a great success; to Mixie McGuire and staff who go above and beyond to host the event and make it the success it has become.
Successful Erris Company Shevlin Engineering is taking a significant step towards sustainability by going green with the installation of 115 kW of solar power, thanks to our supplier Alternative Energy Ireland- AEI! At Shevlin Engineering, they understand the importance of environmental responsibility and are proud to invest in renewable energy sources like solar power. This installation not only aligns with the company's values but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the community and the planet.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €11,700 with the two €50 winners being The Murphy family, Cloontakilla and Maureen Barrett, Geesala while Martin Mangan, Bangor and Brendan McDonagh, Geesala both won €25. The two online winners were Bernie Shevlin, Ballina €50 and Sean Gaughan €25.
The Binghamstown Parade begins at 1.30pm. This year’s theme is Disney and prizes include the Martin Diamond Award for overall best float and the Lawrence Reilly award for funniest float. There will also be awards for best costume senior and junior, best current topic, best dance act, and lots more prizes. There is live music all day, burger and chip van, Irish dancers and sweets and treats for all the kid.s Float entries can get in touch via Cairde Facebook page or by phone to Teresa 086 8105647 and Holly 086 2024838.
The Belmullet Parade will begin at 2pm with traditional Irish music and Irish dancing to celebrate the heritage of 200 years of Belmullet Town. This will be followed by parade at 3pm, with music and Irish dancing continuing afterwards.
Belmullet 200 also presents the inaugural ‘Patrick’s Paddle Parade’, taking ‘parade floats’ literally. It is an event to celebrate the maritime community; the fishermen, rescue services, boat operators and leisure seekers at 12 noon, Sunday, March 17, at the Docks, Belmullet.
If you would like to enter your boat, or your club or group wish to take part in the on-water flotilla parade through Belmullet Canal, get in touch via email; Belmullet200@gmail.com.
Paráid Lá Fhéile Pádraig, Eachléim, begins at 12 noon. Floats will gather at Tarmon Car Park from 11.30am. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Halla Naomh Bhreandáin, and will allow time for floats to join other parades.Those interested contact 086 0713097.
The Bangor Erris Parade begins at 12.30 from Kiltane Complex with prizes for the best floats on the day with cash prizes for the most creative junior and senior floats. To enter call Ollie on 087 2475002 or Kevin at 086 3626094.
There will be a 25 Card Drive in Halla Naomh Bhreandáin, Eachléim, on Thursday, March 14, at 8.30pm. Tickets are €10. There will be a raffle on the night. All proceeds going towards setting up Club Rámhaíocht, An Fhóid Dhuibh 'Blacksod Rowing Club'.
This year Daffodil Day is on Friday, March 22. Can you help in anyway this year in the fund raising efforts in the Belmullet area and if you can contact Mary 087 1343365, or Lynda, 086 0564544. They will arrange a time slot that suits you, 9am-11am, 11am-1pm, 1pm-3pm & 3pm-5pm.
A fundraising Tractor Run in memory of Tommy Murphy of Highbury London and Cartron, Clogher, will be held on April 13, with all donations going to Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Registration is at 12 noon at Una’s Bar in Blacksod with the Tractor Run departing at 2pm, followed by entertainment with the Sweeney Mac’s.
The Paddy Monaghan Memorial Darts competition will be held next Saturday evening, March 16, in Una’s, Blacksod, and there will be a double event also.
Erris community based Family Support Service have an open door, drop-in every Wednesday morning from 9.30am - 1pm. Parents can drop-in without appointment to see the Family Support Worker, Leah Owens in confidence. This service is suitable for families who may be experiencing challenges and need some information, advice or support. Appointments can be made for other days and times also. The Family Support Service is located at Irish Wheelchair Association, Logmore, Belmullet. Email: l.owens@mayofamilysupport.ie. Tel: 087 7059705.
