Local Notes: Ballinrobe RFC U18s women's rugby team currently competing in the Connacht league and cup competition
The Ballinrobe RFC U18 women’s rugby team currently competing in Connacht league and cup competitions.
Ballinrobe held a highly successful St Patrick’s Day Parade, a jubilant affair that captured the spirit of the community. Under the benevolent gaze of clear skies, crowds gathered along the parade route, adorning the town’s streets with an infectious energy.
The parade was led by Grand Marshal David Mellett, a proud member of Ballinrobe ARCH Club which is in its 40th anniversary. The ARCH Club is a social club for people of all ages with additional needs. Among the special guests were the triumphant Ballinrobe Community School junior ladies football team, fresh from their recent All-Ireland C title win, hailed by an enthusiastic crowd.
The parade, which traversed the heart of Ballinrobe, saw Cornmarket transformed into a vibrant hub of activity. Among the attendance was Amy Geraghty, the reigning Queen of the Lakes, accompanied by princesses from the Queen of the Lakes pageant.
The consensus was that the parade was a testament to the creativity and community spirit that thrives in Ballinrobe.
Judging the floats were Cllrs Michael Burke, Patsy O’Brien, and Damien Ryan, alongside Fr Denis Carney, Parish Priest of Ballinrobe, who was officiating at his first parade since taking up his role some months ago.
Winner, Best Float (€500), was Ballinrobe ARCH Club; Runner-up, Best Float (€250), Ballinrobe Tidy Towns; Best Sports Club (€200), Ballinrobe Community School Junior ladies football team; Best Youth Float (€200), St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe; Most Colourful Child (€50), Michael Dingley; Most Colourful Adult (€50), Margaret O’Malley.
The organising committee from Tacú Family Resource Centre, particularly Helen O’Shea, Monica Horan and Mary Jackson, was roundly praised for pulling together a memorable parade. Music was supplied throughout the afternoon by Chloe, Shane and colleagues from the Chloe Feeney School of Music.
Ballinrobe ARCH Club will hold a 40th anniversary lunch in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, on Sunday, April 28.
U6: 1, Weronika Kowska, St Joseph’s Primary School 2, Gabrielle Zogrecaite, St Joseph’s Primary School; 3, Ava Kelly, Kilmaine NS; U8: 1, Lilian Ochman, Cross NS; 2, Zulekha Suddiyne, Cloonliffen NS; 3, Juliette Rogan, Cross NS; U13, 1: Daria Halmanchenko, Cloonliffen NS; Joint 2, Fraya Nash Brett, Gortjordan NS, and Holly Golden, Kilmaine NS; 3, Jamie Farragher, Cross NS.
Recent results from Ballinrobe Golf Club, where activity for the year is now cranking up: 2-ball Betterball versus Par, sponsored by P&D Lydon: 1, Monty Heneghan and Barry Biggins, 8up; 2, Michael McManamon and Kevin Finnegan, 7up (back nine); Gerard Sheridan and Kieran Hughes, 7up (back nine); Front Nine, Seamus Langan and Richard Langan, 5up; Back Nine, Ger Fahy and Tommy Fahy, 4up (back six).
GolfStyle Open Friday:1, Padraic Costello, 38pts; Gross, Alan Jennings, 28gpts.
Oisín Joyce, Lake District Athletic Club, was honoured with the Matt McGrath Trophy for throws at the Athletic Association of Ireland awards ceremony.
Ballinrobe Town AFC has announced details of its upcoming I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here! inspired jungle challenge fundraiser. With 25 daring contestants set to tackle the jungle-themed obstacles, the event promises an exhilarating experience for participants and spectators alike.
The launch event, held at Fitzpatrick’s Bar, Main Street, Ballinrobe, drew a large crowd, with even a Burmese python making an appearance. The enthusiasm was palpable as attendees got a taste of what’s to come at the fundraiser scheduled for Friday, May 31, at the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris.
The challenges awaiting the contestants are designed to test their mettle, all in support of Ballinrobe Town AFC. The club will use the funds raised to enhance its playing facilities, catering to its growing membership base.
The passing of Raymond Matkin of Lough Mask Road, Ballinrobe, Mayo, occasioned great sadness among all who knew him.
Raymond, pre-deceased by his wife Patsy Matkin (nee Harness) and daughter Suzy Matkin, leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories. Survived by his daughter Kerry, son Lee, grandchildren Jessica, Rosie, and Jack, as well as his brother Reg Flegg, nieces, nephews, and extended members of the Matkin and Harness families, his absence will be keenly felt.
Raymond’s wish to contribute to medical education through the University of Galway’s donor programme reflects his generous spirit and dedication to helping others. He was known to all as a gentleman.
The weekend before last was a red letter one for the local GAA community, with Aaron McDonnell and Kevin Quinn both playing for Mayo in the Allianz National Football League for the first time, and Joe Burke scoring a crucial goal for Mayo hurlers versus Sligo in the Allianz NHL.
Aaron started the clash with Derry at Hastings Insurance Brokers MacHale Park. He contributed a point from his corner-back in an accomplished display. Kevin came on in the forwardline as Mayo chased victory in a thrilling comeback.
Joe’s goal helped Mayo hurlers to steady the ship in a nerve-jangling encounter. All three are members of Ballinrobe GAA Club’s intermediate football team.
Joe’s hurling exploits take place under the banner of Moytura Hurling Club, which has been revived to good effect in recent seasons. Joe came on as a substitute before making his mark in the game.
Ballinrobe RFC will hold their 2024 End-of-Season night in Flannery’s Bar and Restaurant on Saturday, April 13. There will be individual club awards and player awards for the senior men’s and women’s teams. “This is always a great night for the club, and we look forward to another brilliant night in Flannery's Bar and Restaurant in a couple of weeks. Tickets can be bought through our App and cost €25. Get yours tickets early,” said a club spokesperson. Music will be by Rofi James.
Aileen Ward and Mary Dalton won the PTSB Cup at Ballinrobe Bridge Club last week. The other results were as follows: 2, Sean O’Neill and Breege Connolly; 3, John and Mo Mullin; 4, Teresa Eagleton and Maura McHugh; 5, Joan Tighe and Anieta O’Neill; 6, William Enright and Angela Murphy.
*************************
The death has taken place of Delia (Della) Fallon, Renmore, Galway, formerly of Facefield. Sympathy is extended to her nephews and nieces; sympathy is extended to Monica Sloyan, Coolmeen, Mayo Abbey, on the death of her mother, Celia Feehan, Kilmeena; to Catherine Gibbons, Kilbride, Mayo Abbey on the death of her niece Mary Ryan, Manchester, formerly Mary Geraghty, Furrigal, Killsallagh; and to Anne McGurrin, Weatherfort, on the death of her sister Betty O’Connor, Tullamore.
The 25th National Pioneer Ball takes place in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar on Saturday, April 6, starting with Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King at 6pm. Tickets cost €40. There is a weekend of events starting Friday evening at 6.30pm and finishing with lunch on Sunday at 1pm. For information and tickets contact Daisy 087 6544626 or Dermot 085 7201646 or your local centre.
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme have a number of vacancies available including late afternoons, evenings and Saturdays. DSP CE scheme criteria apply. Call Ger/Craig on 094 93 65987 for information, or email your C.V to support@mayoabbey.ie.
The next card game will be held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, April 18, at 9pm.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday, March 19, were 20, 21, 24, and 30. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were Teresa Walsh, Shinganagh, (annual ticket), Mike Oats, Knockroe, (online ticket), Helen Cosgrove, c/o Mayo Abbey Centre, (online ticket), Rita Kelly, Claremorris, (annual ticket). Next week’s draw will be on Tuesday, March 26, with a jackpot of €7,900.
Be sure to schedule in a visit to the National Museum of Ireland, Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, this March to see The Murmur of Bees - a new exhibition exploring the captivating influence of Irish bees on our culture and environment. It features objects from the Natural History and Irish Folklife collections, dating from the 18th century to the present day. Celebrate the magic of Ireland’s bees, their vital role in nature, and the special bond they share with us. Admission is free and no booking is required. See www.museum.ie for further information and to plan your visit.
The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, is hosting a Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland Roadshow from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, April 13. The Virtual Record Treasury is a research programme working to digitally reconstruct several centuries of archives which were lost in June 1922, when the Public Record Office of Ireland was destroyed in the battle of the Four Courts - the opening engagement of the Civil War. The Roadshow will explore the history of Mayo and its people through the lens of this exciting project. This is a free event, suitable for adults and children aged 14 years plus. Booking is required. Email BookingsCountryLife@museum.ie or telephone the bookings office on 094 90 31751.
