Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballinrobe

Joyce Country Challenge; Badminton Camp; STEM summer course
Local Notes: All the latest news from Ballinrobe

Members of the Gibbons family from Shrule at Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Races last month. Picture: Trish Forde

Joyce Country Challenge

The Joyce Country Challenge will take place on Saturday, July 18, in Finney. The day provides four grades of walks to suit all abilities, including a road walk of approximately 5km. All proceeds raised will go towards Hospice. 

Further details and information are available by visiting www.lakedistricthwc.com or contacting Patsy at 086-2269234 or Edward at 087-2177869.

Tacú Centre 50/50 draw

Mary Gibbons was the winner of €140 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre.

Ballinrobe Town AFC

Ballinrobe Town's U18 boys team made a winning start to their Division One campaign on Monday week last, as they recorded a 4-0 victory at home to Conn Rangers. The hosts were dangerous on the counterattack, and this played a part in the red and white taking the lead just before the interval through Sam Place. Place was in fine fettle, and he went on to complete a hat-trick, with Johnny Cleary also chipping in with a well-taken goal.

STEM Summer course 

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, you are asked to contact Paula at 087-2430695.

Gardening Club

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.

Pickleball

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.

Ballinrobe GAA Club

There was no winner of the €10,200 lotto jackpot draw which was held by Ballinrobe GAA Club on Monday, July 6.

There was no match three winner. The numbers drawn were 5, 18, 19 and 27.

Garrymore GAA Lotto

There was no winner of the €5,100 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Sunday, July 5. The numbers drawn were 11, 21, 26 and 34. The €50 winners were John Farragher, Gardenfield; Alisha McWalter (online winner); and Jimmy Heffernan, Rathgranagher.

Badminton Camp

The Lakeside Sport and Fitness Centre is delighted to announce that a three-day badminton camp for children will take place in the venue from August 18 to 20, running daily from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The camp is open to primary and secondary school girls and boys, and will include inclusive coaching, fun games and leagues. The cost to take part is €50 for members and €70 for non-members. 

For bookings or for further details and information, you are asked to contact Michael at 085-1369098.

Dancing at the Crossroads

Dancing at the Crossroads is a weekly social dancing event organised by Marilyn and Paddy McTigue and held every Friday night in the Crossroads Community Centre, Cong (F31 PY97). 

Next Friday, July 17, award-winning Country and Western musician Stacey Breen will be providing the music. Doors open at 8.30pm and the admission is €10. Refreshments will be served.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels are hot meals delivered to individuals at home (either on a temporary or long-term basis) which can make your life easier. This service covers Ballinrobe and the Lake District area. 

Deliveries take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and consist of soup, main meal and dessert. People can also avail of two meals on Mondays and Thursdays. Those interested or who require further details and information, are asked to contact the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe, at 094-9542908 or 087-2347438.

Food Parcels

Food parcels are available for collection every Tuesday and Thursday at the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street.

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Mayo Abbey

Mayo Gaels lotto

The numbers drawn in the Mayo Gaels lotto which was held on Tuesday, July 7, were 1, 5, 29 and 34. 

There was no jackpot winner, and the €30 winners were Veronica Nevin, Catriona Carroll, Siobhan Judge, and the Quinn Lads. 

The jackpot in the draw to be held today, Tuesday, July 14, is €19,900.

Community Coffee Morning

Fancy a cappuccino, latte, americano or a regular tea or coffee with freshly baked scones? Why not go along to the Community Coffee Morning each Thursday at Mayo Abbey Centre.

Community Services

A social dinner takes place every Tuesday but must be booked in advance. The Mayo Abbey Centre offer free computer/smartphone support for beginners, hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews. 

It is the pick-up and drop off point for Local Link Bus Service which goes to Castlebar from Tuesday to Saturday and Claremorris every Thursday. This service is available to all and free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link on 094 900 5150. Collection from your home may be possible so call the Centre to find out more on 094-9365987.

Walking Group

Why not go along on Thursday mornings and join the Mayo Abbey Walking Group which starts from the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome to come along and walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086-6057568 or call the centre on 094-9365987 for more information.

Free container gardening workshop

Join the fully funded workshop to learn how to grow your own vegetables, herbs and fruit – even in the smallest spaces. September dates to be confirmed. Call Mayo Abbey Centre on 094-9365987 to register your interest.

Community Centre fundraiser

Mayo Abbey Community Centre are holding its first fundraising draw in 20 years with prizes of €5,000. 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 at idonate for 'Mayo Abbey 5000'.

Community Employment vacancies

Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme has vacancies in the following positions; meals delivery driver and dining room assistant. 

Call Craig or Serena at Mayo Abbey Centre on 094-9365987 to find out more details or email craig@mayoabbey.ie. 

Department Social Protection eligibility criteria apply.

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Islandeady

Walks Group

The Islandeady Walks continue on Monday evenings at 7pm. Last week’s walk had two optional loops from Jack’s Cottage. Loop Option 1 was 5.5km and Option 2 was 5.6km. A group of eighteen participants enjoyed the walk which returned by the Likeen Road. 

Sincere thanks to Joe and Irene who provided some refreshments on return. Yesterday evening, Monday, July 13, the walkers took in the scenic views of Islandeady while getting a few steps in.

Pole Walking Group

A free six-week course in pole walking continues on Friday mornings at 10am, meeting at the GAA pitch. No booking is required and all are welcome.

Celebrating 50 years

Islandeady Community Council is celebrating 50 years this year (1976 to 2026) and it is planned to hold a number of local events within the community for the month of September 2026. A calendar of events with details will follow in the coming weeks.

‘Start your own business’ course

Islandeady Community Council plans to run a “Start your own business” course in October/November 2026 on Thursday evenings for a six-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 are 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.

Fun Run/Walk

The annual Islandeady Fun Run/Walk takes place on Saturday, August 1, at 10am from Jack’s Cottage. This event is open to everyone of all ages and abilities to participate. There is a 5k and 10k option available. The fee to enter is €20, and early bird registration will be €15. Children U16 are free. All money raised will be donated to Islandeady Community Council and Islandeady GAA/LGFA. To book please register at www.eventmaster.ie.

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