Local Notes: Tree planting at official opening of Balla Sensory Park.
Pat Boyle Balla Tidy Towns and Minister Dara Calleary planting a tree at the official opening of the Balla Sensory Park. Photo: Kathy Lyons
The death has taken place of Karyn Lavelle, Moneen, Castlebar and formerly of Bohomore, Balla. Karyn passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital after a short illness. Predeceased by her mother Bridie, Karyn will be deeply regretted by her partner Gerard Martin, her father Peter, brothers Peter, Thomas and Jason, sisters-in-law Dee and Mary, brother-in-law Padraic, niece Caitlyn, Gerard’s sons David and Alan, as well as her aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, friends, and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on last Tuesday, September 17, from 5 until 6.30pm. Her Funeral Mass took place in St. Cronan's Church, Balla, on last Wednesday at 12 noon followed by cremation ceremonies in Shannon. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The jackpot on Thursday,September 12, in Flukies stood at €8,100. 6, 13, 16 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to John O'Connor (cash sale), Paul Galvin (online) and Niall Nestor (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, September 19, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €8,200. Thanks to all those who support Balla GAA lotto. Balla senior men retained their senior status for 2025 through the means of a fine victory over neighbours Mayo Gaels GAA on the scorline 3-12 to 0-11.
Parents, toddlers and guardians can meet up for coffee and chat every Thursday from 10.30am until 12 noon in the centre. The event will commence on this Thursday, November 26. All are welcome.
Congratulations are extended to Sarah Dempsey and Richie Crinnigan who were recently married in St Cronan’s Church, Balla. The couple are wished great joy and fulfilment in their married lives.
Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome.
Applications for Built Heritage grants are open now until Friday, September 27. Up to €50,000 is available for works to conserve properties. Contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in your local authority for more information or visit: https://bit.ly/3Sj83sz #BHIS2025.
Mary Bourke is conducting a part-time childcare course: Child Development L5 QQI /Early Education and Play L5 QQI in Balla Community Centre. Forward queries to geraldineohaire@msletb.ie 087 1360694.
Ten Mayo sports clubs are eligible to apply for funding to install new EV chargers on their grounds. The eligible clubs will be able to draw down funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging in their club grounds. This is a great step towards increasing our public EV chargers in local communities and offers the potential for clubs to generate income from commercially attractive sites. Among the clubs listed are Breaffy GAA, Ballintubber GAA and Manulla FC.
The latest Manulla FC lotto draw was held on Sunday, September 22, for a massive jackpot of €16,200. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons.
Tickets are available at the link below: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/. Congratulations to the senior women's team who secured the Premier division this with a recent 2 -0 win over Swinford. Congrats also to the newly crowned U14D team divisional champions. They played 10 league games winning nine and drawing one. A super achievement and a fantastic season overall. They finished off their league campaign with a very impressive victory at home to Claremorris.
Congratulations to Manulla FC's Kate Guilfoyle on her selection to the U17 Premier League Team of the Year for 2024.
Zumba classes with Pascal take place every week in Manulla centre on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
Mindspace Mayo offers a free support service to young people (12-25yrs) in Co. Mayo, presenting with anything from common concerns, eg. dealing with break-up, exam stress, bullying) to emerging mental health difficulties like mild depression and anxiety. Mindspace is located in Market Square, Castlebar and anyone can make a referral. Visit www.mindspacemayo.ie or call 094 9067001.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. Balla Bingo usually features a generous €12,000 prize fund. 50/50 winners in house and online, free book give away on the night. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
Balla Community Centre have the following classes coming on stream in September: Sewing 10am every Monday, Women's Healing Group, 7pm every Monday, Tai Chi (free) provided by SWMDC, Art for Children every Monday at 4pm; Tuesday - Moms and Me, 10am, Move it or lose it 10am; Wednesday - Tai Chi 10.30am, Bridge 7pm and SNA 9pm; Thursday - English classes Ukrainian, 11am, Children’s Drama, 3.30pm; Friday, Yoga - 9.30am, Active Age 3pm. Please contact info@balla.ie or phone 087 1850860 or 094 9365846 for further information.
Also Hot Desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact infoballa.ie or 097 1850860 for further details.
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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Mary and Mary T Brett are hosting a coffee evening in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. It is on this Thursday, September 26, in Mayo Abbey Training Centre from 4 to 8pm. All funds raised are going to the Hospice. Your support would be much appreciated. As you know Mayo Roscommon Hospice do great work for those in need of care and comforting support to their families. It is your support and donations that keep this vital service going.
The death took place after a short illness of Lil Commons, Derrowel, Balla. Sympathy is extended to her sons, Ger and Noel, her daughter Anne Henry, her sister-in-law Mary Gannon, Facefield. The death also took place in Manchester of Jimmy McGurrin, (late of Weatherfort, Ballyglass). Sympathy is extended to his sister-in-law, Ann McGurrin (Weatherfort), nephews Michael (Weatherfort), John (Mayo Abbey), Declan (Weatherfort).
4km Fun Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 5.30pm. Entry fee is €10. All proceeds go to Mayo Gaels Bord na nÓg and the Mayo Abbey LGFA . So, get your running shoes on and bring a friend.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, September 17, were 12, 22, 23 and 34. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were; Adrian Doherty, Kilmaine, Keith Walsh, Ardcorkey (annual ticket), Emer Corcoran, Rathnacreeva (online ticket), Shane Adams (online ticket). The jackpot for draw Tuesday, September 24, will be €10,500.
