Local Notes: Studying the form at Castlebar Mitchels 'Nines Football Festival'.
Robert Coyne, Jack Coyne, Paul Breslin and Michael Kerrigan studying the form at the recent Castlebar Mitchels “Nines Football Festival” . Pic by Tom Quinn
Balla CRD is starting a vegetable growing course on May 20. Contact 087 1850860 for details. The highly active CRD are also organising a Drystone Walling Workshop on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. Contact 087 1850860 for further information.
Confirmation for pupils from Belcarra and Clogher will be held on Friday, May 10, at 12 noon. The sacrament will also be conferred on the pupils from Balla and Manulla on the same day at 2.30pm.
First Communion for children from Balla and Manulla is on Saturday, May 18, at 11am and First Communion for the children of Belcarra and Clogher will be on Saturday, May 25, at 11am.
Balla Vintage and Classic Motor Show and Auto jumble will be held on Sunday, May 12, in Balla Mart. There will be food vans, kid’s attractions and fun and games for all on the day. Vintage, classic and modified cars, tractors, trucks and motorbikes all accepted. Admission is €10 and exhibitors and kids go free. The gates are open at 7am for exhibitors and 11am for the general public. Call Liam at 087 8171479 or Peter at 087 2661512 for further details.
In a thrilling encounter Balla Secondary School demonstrated their superiority against Largy College, Clones, in an electrifying FAI Schools Minor 'B' Boys National Cup match. The action took place at Ray MacSharry Park in Sligo, where Balla Secondary School asserted their dominance with a decisive 4-1 win on Monday, April 22. Balla Secondary School now sets its sights on the ultimate prize, as they gear up to face Grange Community College, Donaghmede, in the All-Ireland final on Wednesday, May 1, at 1pm. Congratulations also to the Juvenile Boys football team on their recent win against Strokestown. They advance to the Connacht final on Thursday, May 2.
Balla Student Council and 5th Year LCVP students presented a cheque to the local branch of SVP as part of their recent fundraisers. The student council organised a ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ and the LCVP class ran a table quiz as part of their enterprise plan. Thanks to all who contributed - a total of €540 was raised. Sincere thanks have been extended to the students for their support of the worthy cause.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €6,100 for the latest draw on Thursday, April 25, in Flukies. The numbers drawn the previous week on April 18, were, 20, 33, 34 and 35. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Conall Laferty (online), Marian Heneghan (standing order), Tony O’Donnell (standing order). Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto. Special thanks have been extended to Heather Miller who gave a talk to the U14 ladies on the importance of Nutrition in Gaelic. She spoke about establishing a nutritional routine pre and post matches, planning meals, timing and recovery.
Manulla FC jackpot stood at €14,000 for the draw on April 21. 4, 10, 12 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner on the night. The consolation prize winners were Mary Gill, Carrowholly (online), Michael Mullaney, Carton (online), and Tara McDonnell, Station (online). The weekend jackpot stood at €14,100. A huge thank you has been extended to all the clubs new friends from the Ukrainian community and the IPAS residents in Breaffy and the N5 that attended the club’s inclusive open day. A great afternoon of sport, food and fun was had by all. Thanks have been extended to Ger Deere, Mayo County Councillor, Castlebar Municipal - Fine Gael for his support in organising the event.
Huge congratulations has been extended to Sophie O'Donnell and the Mayo U15 girls and their management, on a fantastic win over a strong Kerry side winning 4-1 in the All-Ireland Cup semi final at Umbro Park. They will now progress to the All-Ireland Cup Interleague Final in May. All in Manulla FC extend best wishes to Sophie and the team.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Karl Coffee, Carrowmore, Manulla on the recent death of her mother, Mary Coffee, Marino, Dublin. May she rest in peace.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online at 8pm. There is €12,000+ in the prize fund with great prizes on the night, 50/50 winners in house and online, free book give away on the night. Balla Bingo volunteers are required from 7 to 10pm every six weeks to help sell books, count money or record winners. Those who feel they can help should contact 094 9365846.
The Pioneer Region Summer Tour this year is a one day tour of Connemara. The itinerary is being finalised at the moment and the cost is €75 (depending on numbers). Persons interested in travelling are asked to contact their local Pioneer centre, Mayo Abbey Pioneer Centre, Mary Jo Barrett, Paddy Gibbons or Michael Fallon. It is necessary to know numbers participation in order to make final arrangements.
A Seán Keane concert will be held on Friday, May 31, in Balla Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at the centre and in local shops. All proceeds are in aid of The Sensory Garden and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
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Aiden is a top artist!
Congratulations and well done to Aiden Kilboyle age 8 from Newtown Clogher who received a special award in the prestigious 70th Texaco Art Competition. His self-portrait was entitled “Me” and was selected from thousands of entries from all over Ireland. Aiden attends Castlebar Art Club where her teacher is Aoife Ludden. He is also a second class student at Ballintubber Primary School. Aiden is invited to attend the awards ceremony at Johnstown Estate on May 29.
Clogher Card games results for Friday, April 19, 1st Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Sean Hopkins and Majella Corbett, 3rd Mary Kelly and Gay Conway, Last 10 Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick. The 25 games continue every Friday night at 9pm and all are welcome.
Sincere thanks have been extended to all who supported the recent Alzheimer’s Tea Day which was hosted by Clogher Active Age Group. Special thanks have been extended to the children, parents and teachers of Holy Angels Primary School for their support. Thanks also to all who helped with the organising and decorating and to those who donated cakes etc. Everything contributed to the enjoyment and success of the day and is greatly appreciated.
Clogher Half Marathon returns on May 26, this year. One of the fastest half marathon courses in Connacht it is expected to attract many athletes and you can register and join on the day. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
Clogher Community Employment Scheme currently has two vacancies. A Heritage Project Coordinator at Clogher Heritage Centre and a childcare practitioner at Ballyheane Buttercups Childcare. For further details and information see www.jobsireland.ie or contact Clogher Community Centre at 094 9360891.
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A musical extravaganza will be held in Facefield school with local artists and special guest Maria Walsh MEP. Doors open at 7.30pm, and the event is organised by Facefield Community Group.
The Castlebar Pioneer Region summer tour this year is a one day tour of Connemara. The cost is €75 depending on numbers. Anyone interested is asked to contact their local pioneer centre or one of the regional officers, Pat McDonnell, Mary Jo Barrett or Phyllis Neary. They need to know numbers to make final arrangements.
The death has taken place of Peter Mullahey, Leixlip and formerly of Brize and USA. Peter is fondly remembered by his brother Tom (USA), his nephew Brendan Mullahey (Brize), Brendans wife Mary and their daughter Catriona. Sympathy is extended to Peters family and friends.
Mayo Abbey Centre offer a variety of services to the community including meals delivery service, weekly Tuesday social lunch for Active Age, free computer / smartphone support for beginners, printing, photocopying and laminating services, hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connection, facilities available to attend a virtual meeting or interview, and a wide range of training programmes. Call staff at the centre for more information – 094 93 65987.
The next card game is held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, May 16, at 9pm.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, April 23, were 18, 19, 29, and 35. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were; Kathy Delaney, Mayo Abbey; Laura Burke, Gortaphuntaun (online ticket); Deirdre Heneghan, Weatherfort (online ticket); and Leeann Ryan, Ballyclogher, Balla (online ticket). The jackpot for the draw to be held today, Tuesday, April 30, will be €8,400.
Why not call to the centre on Thursday mornings and enjoy a cuppa and a chat - teas, coffees, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate and freshly baked scones available between 10am and 1pm. All are welcome.
