Local Notes: Ballinrobe Musical Society rehearsals are underway for production of 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'.
Ballinrobe Musical Society members (left to right) Annemarie Sinnott, Karina Jakubowksa, Fiona Burns, Gemma Gannona and Erika Flynn at their first rehearsal for their 2025 production The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Ballinrobe Musical Society have begun chorus rehearsals for their 2025 production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in Ballinrobe Parish Centre. The principal cast for the show is as follows: Niall Conway (Claude Frollo), Keith Hanley (Quasimodo), Sarah Corcoran (Esmerelda), Enda Mulchrone (Jehan Frollo), Clopin Trouillefou (Angela Staunton), Captain Phoebus de Martin (Edward Scott), Siobhán Campbell, Joff Manning, Eimear McGovern and Aoife Kilcullen (Gargoyles), Kate MacDonnell, Catherine Conway, Aisling Murphy and Emma Loscher (Narrators), John Morley (Lieutenant Frederic Charlus), Tom Carney (King Louis XI), Patrick Mulchrone (Official), Emma Daly (Madame). The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be staged in Ballinrobe Community School from February 16-22.
Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA have announced significant progress in their ongoing Clann Róba fundraising campaign, with €621,964 pledged to date. These funds will support the development of much-needed facilities at Flanagan Park, marking a major step forward for the club and the local community.
The Clann Róba Development Committee has expressed its appreciation to all who have contributed so far, noting the broad support from individuals and businesses locally and abroad. ‘We are grateful for the strong backing we have received. The funds raised will be carefully managed to deliver long-lasting facilities for Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA,’ said club chairperson John Sweeney.
Supporters who have pledged but not yet completed their payments are encouraged to do so as the campaign works towards its final goal. The committee also highlighted that the fundraising effort remains ongoing, with continued contributions critical to ensuring the successful delivery of the planned projects. The full payment process is available on https://www.ballinrobegaaclub.com/clann-roba-development/.
The first phase of development is set to begin shortly. Work on a new gym to support player athletic development is scheduled to start by the end of October, with the construction of a 45m x 35m enclosed astroturf facility beginning in early 2025. These additions will enhance the training capacity of the club and provide improved facilities for athletes.
In recognition of significant sponsorship support, the club's main pitch has been renamed the Tim Kelly Group Pitch, Flanagan Park. Other facilities will also carry the names of local businesses, The Cummins Pitch, Flanagan Park; and Treacy’s Pharmacy Astro Pitch, Flanagan Park. The Credit Union in Ballinrobe are also delighted to come on board as the title sponsors of the new gym.
Additionally, the club has successfully secured €166,106 in funding from the Sports Capital Programme, which will support the development of a second pitch at Flanagan Park. This grant is part of an effort to maximise available public funding to supplement the fundraising campaign. ‘We are looking forward to proceeding with the pitch development on finalisation of our grant award in the very near future,’ said John.
The committee emphasised the importance of ongoing support to ensure the project reaches its full potential. ‘While we are pleased with the progress made so far, continued engagement from the community is essential as we move forward with this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the club and our community,’ added John.
For further details on the campaign or to make a contribution, contact the Clann Róba Development Committee or visit the club’s website, www.BallinrobeGAAClub.com.
Clann Róba Development Committee: John Flannelly, Martin Murphy (joint chairpersons), Annette Conway, Gerry Donnelly, Sarah Gibbons, Denise Horan, Liam Horan, Des May, Paul McElarney, Elaine O’Brien, John Sweeney, Kevin Tuffy.
Former Ballinrobe Town underage goalkeeper Ajay Gormley Walsh produced an all-important penalty save in the 80th minute to help earn Mayo FC a deserved share of the spoils, in a 0-0 draw against Dundalk, in the EA Sports U15 League of Ireland on Saturday week last.
The penalty save helped ensure two cleans sheets in a row for the inaugural Mayo FC side, following on from their previous 2-0 victory against Longford Town.
There was no winner of the €5,200 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, October 6. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 32 and 33. The €50 winners were Martin Lynskey, Garrymore, Sarah Kelly, Ballyhaunis, and Anne Jordan, Thomastown.
The results of recent competitions sponsored by Arachas Corporate Brokers, are as follows: Ladies: 1st Mary Farragher (36); Cat 1 Antoinette O Connor (34); Cat 2 Carmel Maloney (31); Cat 3 Geraldine Sheridan (36); Front 9 Aine Melville (16); Back 9 Ciara Galvin (22).
Gents results: 1st Willie Rodgers (40); second Peter Staunton (39); Gross John Lydon (31); Cat 1 Michael McManamon (36); Cat 2 Brian Fallon (33); Cat 3 Sean O’Loughlin (39); Cat 4 James Keady( 37); Front 9 John Staunton (21); Back 9 Donal Forde (21).
There was no winner of the €24,900 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Biggins’ Bar, on Monday, October 7. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 7 and 12. The €25 winners were Liam McCormack, and Lillian Maye.
A GAA panel discussion for the Ballinrobe launch of the newly released book ‘Our Finest Hour’ by Edwin McGreal, will take place in the Coranna Restaurant, Ballinrobe Racecourse, on Thursday, October 17, at 7pm. Special guests on the evening will include; Mike Burke (Kilmaine); Mark Ronaldson (Shrule/Glencorrib); Sean Cosgrove (The Neale); Michael Flannery (Ballinrobe), and Mike Morris (Hollymount-Carramore). Admission is free.
The junior men’s team suffered defeat in their opening fixture of the Connacht Rugby Junior One (B) Division, on Saturday week last, as their hosts Westport won on a score-line of 30-22. Ballinrobe played with gusto during the early stages of this clash and a try from Iarla Jennings, coupled with a penalty by his team-mate Dylan Keane, shunted the visitors into an 8-0 lead, much to the delight of the away supporters.
However, as the half wore on, Westport upped the tempo and their first half endeavours ensured a commanding 27-8 lead for the local’s at the half-time whistle. Following the interval, Ballinrobe regrouped and the South Mayo guests played some sparkling rugby culminating in a try by Sean Mullin, and an inch perfect conversion by Dylan Keane. The Robesiders were now in a buoyant mood and when the energetic Killian McHugh crossed the whitewash, followed by Keane’s subsequent conversion, the once healthy Westport deficit was reduced to just five points (27-22).
It appeared that the Black and White were on the verge of a famous comeback victory, however, towards the end of the game those hopes were shelved when Westport managed to score what proved to be a crucial penalty.
Ballinrobe: Peter Finlay, Michael Walsh, Iarla Jennings, Stephen O’Connor, John Carter, Tom Lynagh, Killian McAleenan, Jamie Treacy, Killian McHugh, Dylan Keane, Harry Smith, Sean Mullin, Tom Staunton, Jarlath Mullin, Paul Keane. Replacements: Sean McTigue, Caoimhín Burke, Cyril Bekaert, Ronan Hughes, Eoghan Lynagh, Carrick Roberts, Daniel Ferriter.
Ballinrobe’s next Junior One (B) League fixture will take place on Sunday, October 20, at 2.30pm, when Ballinasloe visit The Green for a round two tie. This is Ballinrobe’s first home fixture of the new season and your support for the Black and White would be appreciated.
The U16 girls’ team train every Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 7pm, at The Green. The club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Art O’Neill’s Bar, on Sunday, October 6, with Craig Fitzpatrick the lucky recipient of €362.
Congratulations to Ballinrobe Town U12 girls captain Caitlin Cummins who has been called up to the Mayo U12 Interleague squad.
Santa’s grotto will take place in the Cong Court House on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, from 11am to 5pm daily. All proceeds from this event will go towards Cong National School. Tickets can be booked by visiting www.eventbrite.ie.
There was no winner of the €7,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Danagher’s Bar, Cong, on Tuesday, October 8. The numbers drawn were 8, 11, 19 and 26. The €30 winners were Denis O’Sullivan, and Mary and Hugh Hennelly. The €25 winners were Derek Murphy, and Teresa Higgins.
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Mayo School Leaver Information Fair will take place on Wednesday, October 16, in Breaffy House Hotel from 11.30am – 3pm. The event is to support young people with a disability and their family decide what they will do when they leave school.
The Islandeady Wednesday Get-together is looking for some additional volunteers to help out for approx 2 hours every 2nd Wednesday from 12.30pm – 2.30pm. If you are recently retired or have spare time on your hands, you will be very welcome as a volunteer. Contact Philomena on 087 962 6075 for details.
There was no winner of the last Islandeady GAA lotto draw. The most recent draw took place on Sunday, October 13, in the Key West. The jackpot was €10,550. Well done to all the Islandeady GAA players and their management team on their win over Kiltimagh in Cong in the Intermediate relegation play-off on Sunday, October 6.
In your prayers you are asked to remember Oliver Norris, Cogaula, whose funeral took place on Monday, October 7, in Islandeady. May he rest in peace, Amen.
Cemetery prayers will take place in both cemeteries irrespective of the weather: Islandeady on Sunday, November 3, at 12.15 and Glenisland on Sunday, November 10, at 12 noon. All welcome and invited to remember the dead.
‘Welcome to the Family’ exploring the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation is a series of talks on Monday evenings by Fr Eugene Duffy starting on Monday, October 7 to Monday, December 2, from 8 – 9.15pm in Knock Prayer Centre.
Mission Sunday this year takes place on Sunday, October 20. This special day fosters an awareness of mission and the need to help and serve others. What mission are you doing this year to help others, to help community, to serve God?
