Local Notes: Storytelling night in Ballyglass Centre
Jackie Coyne, Master Angler, Poet, Singer, Raconteur and Entertainer from Mullinagloss, Lettergesh, Connemara pictured with his sister Mena Mahon, Parks at the recent Storytelling night in Ballyglass Centre.
Balla Tractor Lights and Fireworks Display 2023 will take place on Saturday evening, December 9. It will start with the kiddies tractor lights parade followed by the main tractor parade, the switching on of the Christmas Lights in the town and finishing up with the massive fireworks display. Kiddies’ parade starts at 6pm from the medical centre, registration for kiddies at 5.30pm at the medical centre. Contact Anna Marie for details 087 780 8638.
Main tractors must register before the event by calling or texting the following numbers, each driver will be added to a WhatsApp group for updates - Liam on 087 8171479 or Peter at 087 2661512. Tractors must be decorated with Christmas lights, tractors with only flashing beacons will not be allowed enter. Absolutely no passengers are allowed in tractors unless a proper passenger seat is fitted. No exception. There will be prizes for the top 3 entries and a draw for all the main tractor drivers and perhaps Santa will appear.
The annual bereavement Mass for the Balla/Belcarra Church areas will be held on Saturday, November 25, at 11am in St Cronan’s Church Balla followed by refreshments in the community rooms. All families who have had bereavements in the past 12 months are invited to attend and also those parishioners who have lost a loved one outside the parish. Please let the parish office know by Monday, November 20, for catering purposes. Phone 094 9365025 or email ballaparish@gmail.com.
Manulla FC lotto jackpot draw took place on November 5, and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 12, 14, 29 and 31. The 3 winners of the €25 consolation prizes were Tara McDonnell, Manulla; Ciara Freyne, Manulla and Tracey O’Boyle, Claremorris. The latest draw was on November 12, when the jackpot stood at a highly attractive sum of €11,800.
After the recent great victory in the FAI Junior Cup Manulla FC Junior men will welcome Malahide United on the weekend of November 26. Congratulations are extended to Riona Corrigan who has been selected on the Mayo U12 squad for the 2023/24 Inter League campaign.
Tai-Chi classes for beginners are held every Wednesday night in Manulla centre from 7.30 to 9pm. For further details call Michael on 087 6320642.
On Tuesday, November 28, Balla Community Centre will host an information evening on solar panels for home owners and businesses which will be presented by SEAI Energy and Mayo County Council as part of a county-wide energy series.
Balla GAA lotto jackpot prize stood at €3, 600 for the draw on Thursday, November 2nd in The Railway Tavern. 14, 19, 20 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 Winners were Orna Friel (Cash Sale), Paul Groarke (Online) and Alan Costello (Online). The most recent draw was held on Thursday November 9th in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €3,700. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla Community Alert System will hold a meeting at Balla Community Centre on this Wednesday, November 15, at 7.30pm. Houses in the wider area have recently been broken into in the early evening between 6-7pm. It is suspected that a vehicle drops off one person and parks away from the intended home. Please be vigilant, report any suspected vehicles to the Gardaí and check on your elderly neighbours. All are welcome to attend.
Chair Yoga will be starting on Monday, November 20, at 6pm in Balla Community Centre. Chair Yoga is a gentle practise which increases strength, flexibility and circulation. It also helps to reduce stress while improving overall health.
A clothes sale will take place at Balla Community centre on Saturday, November 25, between 11am and 4pm. Phone 087 3528953 for more details. Proceeds will go to Balla Sensory Garden.
Balla CRD has extended thanks to Cllr Donna Sheridan for her generous contribution towards Balla Christmas Lights.
The annual ceremony of turning on the Christmas Lights in Balla will take place on Saturday, December 9, at 7pm. An indoor market will also be held on the same day from 10am to 4pm. Contact Phil at Balla CRD on 087 3528953 for details or on how to book a table.
To acknowledge 'Standup Week' Balla Secondary School student council presented a Pride Flag to Balla Tidy Towns and Balla CRD. Thank you to both community groups for collaborating with the school on this inclusive initiative. Balla Secondary School enjoyed a 0-18 to 2-08 win over Our Lady's College, Belmullet recently.
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A table quiz and raffle in aid of the Clogher Community will be held in the Drum Inn on Saturday, November 18, at 8pm. Admission €40 per table of 4. There will be a great selection of raffle prizes on the night, including 2 tickets for the Tumbling Paddies in December sponsored by the Royal Theatre, Castlebar. A fun night out is guaranteed. Everybody will be made welcome.
The results from the game played on Friday, November 3, are as follows: 1st Majella Corbett and Joe Thomas, 2nd Martin Moran and Tom Fitzpatrick, 3rd Martin and Shauna Hallinan. The last 10 winners were, Michael Giblin and Breege Blake. The 25 card game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Members of the Active Age Group enjoyed a shopping trip and lunch at Horkan’s Garden Centre and the Bay Leaf Restaurant in Turlough last week. Sincere thanks are extended to the staff at the Bay Leaf, at the shops in the centre and to Dermot a most courteous bus driver. Clogher Active Age Group meets up every Wednesday morning at 11am in the Clogher Community Centre. All senior citizens across the region are very welcome to attend the enjoyable weekly sessions.
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail walk from Balla to Clogher took place on Saturday, November 4, and it was a resounding success. The day started with fresh scones and tea in the community centre in Balla. In the region of 40 walkers took part in the 11 kilometre walk and enjoyed immensely the scenery and heritage along the route.
In Clogher the walkers were given a welcome cup of tea and had a chance to compare notes on the walk and make connections and links for further walks. Thanks to the organisers, communities and the people who helped with the catering and most of all thanks to the walkers. It couldn’t have happened without their participation.
Santa Claus will be coming to Clogher Heritage Complex on Sunday, December 17. Further details may be published later.
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2023 Christmas cookery demonstration in Mayo Abbey Cookery School on Wednesday, December 6, from 7.30 – 9.30pm. Mulled wine, food tasting, and recipe booklet for everyone. Tickets €30 places are limited booking essential. For further information contact 094-9365987 or email: training@mayoabbey.ie.
CLAR ICH will give a talk at Mayo Abbey Community Centre on Thursday, November 16, at 10.30am about the Warmer Homes Scheme. The scheme aims to insulate homes, making them warmer and reducing the cost of heating. The scheme is available to homes which meet specific criteria. Information about the eligibility criteria can be got by calling Mayo Abbey Centre on 094 93 65987.
Race night in Malachy Byrne's Mayo Abbey on Saturday night, November 25 at 9.30pm in aid of Mayo-Gaels senior team. Cards can be purchased from member of senior team or on the night.
