Local Notes: Ballinrobe to host one of Ireland's longest running Ladies Cycling Sportifs.
The ladies preparing for one of the country's longest running Ladies Cycling Sportifs which will be hosted by Ballinrobe on Saturday, September 14.
The picturesque town of Ballinrobe is set to host one of the country's longest running ladies cycling sportifs on Saturday, September 14, starting from Ballinrobe Race Course at 10am. This renowned event, organised by Western Lakes Cycling Club, will feature a spectacular 60km route around the stunning Lough Mask, offering participants an unforgettable cycling experience.
Since its inception, the Ladies Sportif has grown in popularity and stature, attracting women cyclists of all levels from across Ireland and beyond. The event is designed to promote fitness, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of cycling through some of the most beautiful countryside in Ireland. The route around Lough Mask offers a mix of flat stretches, gentle hills and one challenging climb providing the perfect balance for both novice and experienced cyclists.
“We are thrilled to once again host the Ladies Sportif in Ballinrobe,” said Western lakes Club Chairman, Noel Gibbons. “This event not only showcases the natural beauty of our region but also highlights the spirit and determination of women cyclists. It’s a fantastic opportunity for women to come together, challenge themselves, and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow cyclists.” Registration for the Ladies Sportif is now open, and participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot in this highly anticipated event. To register and find more information, visit https://eventmaster.ie/event/9oGpIw5HWJ or search for Western lakes Cycling Club on social media.
Contact John Walsh, PRO Western Lakes Cycling Club, 087 9424416 or rsvpjono@gmail.com.
Ballinrobe’s penchant for three-pointer proved decisive in this Minor (C) semi-final encounter played at Flanagan Park, on Tuesday evening last. Despite Carras making a bright start through a Thomas Moran point inside the first minute which was the first score of the game, Ballinrobe replied courtesy of two pointed frees by Rory Gilraine.
On six minutes, the hosts notched the first of their four goals of the evening. In what was a sweeping move, David Marrey and David Cameron combined to tee-up Rory Gilraine and the latter’s precise strike had too much purchase for the beaten Alastair Pilbrow.
However, on 15 minutes, Carras received a timely boost when Jack Nevin’s neat lay-off found the raiding Conor Flannery and the latter rustled the back of the net to level the tie at 1-3 apiece.
Seconds later, the visitors very nearly stunned the home supporters by adding a second major, however, the Ballinrobe ‘keeper Liam Lynch produced a top-drawer save to divert Cathal Tierney’s strike behind for a ‘45’.
The game was becoming a lively affair and on 17 minutes the Robesiders added their second three-pointer of the day. A raking delivery from Conor Jennings caused panic for the Carras rearguard, with the loitering Oisin May seeing his strike take a wicked deflection before creeping underneath the crossbar and nestling sweetly in the back of the net.
Carras enjoyed the lion’s share of possession during the final 10 minutes of the first half, but the visitors couldn’t show their dominance on the scoreboard and committed some poor shot selections, albeit under pressure from a tigerish Ballinrobe defence.
Six minutes before the half-time, the maroon and yellow pilfered their third goal of the clash, when David Cameron’s weaving and uninterrupted sally towards goal ended with the deadly corner-forward forcing the umpire to reach for the green flag, thus giving Ballinrobe a healthy 3-4 to 1-6 lead at the interval.
The embryonic stages of the new half were keenly contested; however, perhaps the seismic moment of this county semi-final occurred on 38 minutes, when Cameron struck home his second and his team-mates fourth goal of the day, much to the delight of the loyal home supporters.
Try as they might, there was no way back for a gallant Carras, although they could well have snatched a major on 44 minutes, were it not for the fine reflexes of Lynch as the custodian denied Flannery a second green-flagged effort.
Ballinrobe closed out the final 10 minutes of the game in impressive fashion and added further points courtesy of Jennings (free), Gilraine, two points (one free), Brian Lynagh (free), and a majestic long-range point from busy wing-back Cian May. The final score was Ballinrobe 4-15, Carras 1-11.
Ballinrobe can now look forward to a Minor (C) County Final against Swinford at MacHale Park, on Thursday, August 22, at 7.45pm.
No doubt a large cavalcade of Ballinrobe supporters will make the trip to Mayo GAA HQ and your support for this fixture would be appreciated.
Scorers: Ballinrobe- Rory Gilraine 1-6 (0-5f), David Cameron 2-1, Oisin May 1-1, Conor Jennings 0-3 (1f), Aaron Crowley 0-2, Cian May, Brian Lynagh 0-1 each.
Carras- Rory Barrett 0-4 (all frees), Conor Flannery 1-0, Thomas Moran 0-2 (1f), Stephen Colleran, Adam Gallagher, Luke Murphy, Theo Bellanger (f), Conor Monaghan 0-1 each.
Ballinrobe: Liam Lynch; Shane Mahon, Sequoyah Duffy, Darragh Crowley; Ben Donnelly, Rossa Burke, Cian May; David Marrey, Oisin May; Caolan Tansey, Conor Jennings, Niall Tierney; Aaron Crowley, Rory Gilraine, David Cameron. Subs used: Barry Langan, Caoimhín Donnelly, Callum O’Connor, Jack Tuffy, Brian Lynagh.
Carras: Alastair Pilbrow; Stephen Colleran, David McGrath, Nathan Gill; Adam Gallagher, Luke Murphy, Sean O’Brien; Eoin McGreal, Cathal Tierney; Theo Bellanger, Rory Barrett, Conor Flannery; Conor Monaghan, Jack Nevin, Thomas Moran. Subs used: Evan Gannon, Bobby Walsh, Josh McDonald, Shane Rodgers, Alexandre Kehoe. Referee: Garryowen McMahon.
There was no winner of the €24,300 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, August 12. The numbers drawn were 2, 16, 34 and 36. The €25 winners were Sinead Walsh and Joseph Burke.
Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings is a pre-school and afterschool service situated in the Convent of Mercy Building, Convent Road, Ballinrobe. After the summer break, Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings will resume its activities on Wednesday, August 28. People with any queries are asked to please email ballinrobebrightbeginnings@gmail.com.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw on Sunday, August 11, with Maeve Mellotte the winner of €370. Ballinrobe Rugby Club membership for the 2024/25 season is now open and those wishing to register are asked to visit the club’s Facebook page where they will find the link.
Ballinrobe Women’s rugby team are currently seeking new players to join their set-up ahead of the new 2024/25 season. No previous playing experience is required, with this team being a fun and sociable team and is a great way to stay active and keep-fit. Any age or ability is welcome and those interested are asked to come along to a pre-season training session and try it out. Those interested or who require further details and information, are asked to contact Jill O’Malley at 087 6446065.
Bingo takes place every Sunday night in the local community hall at 8pm with a guaranteed jackpot up for grabs on the night, raffle and neighbour prizes, and refreshments also served. Proceeds from the weekly game will go towards local community initiatives. Your support would be appreciated.
The XVAcademy Summer Camp will take place in The Green, Ballinrobe, and will run for four days from August 20 to August 23, and follows on from the hugely successful June Bank Holiday Monday camp held at the venue.
The daily camp involves three hours of high performance training each day, with a team of XVAcademy coaches. They operate a small group session model, with a great coach to player ratio.
If your son or daughter, born 2009 - 2018, wants to improve not only their skills, but their confidence on the ball - then this camp is suitable for them. Full details can be found by visiting the website www.xvacademy.ie/booking.
Ballinrobe Town’s Super League manager Xavi Vazquez is the founder and head coach of XVAcademy.
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As part of Heritage Week on Tuesday, August 20, there will be a Rambling House session from 8pm with singing, music and dancing at Jack’s Cottage and all is welcome to a great night of fun, music and laughter is guaranteed.
Phase 1of the new Islandeady Community Centre Development took place recently with the clearing of the site. If you would like to support us, the €5 per week direct debit option is still available. You can contact Robert on 087 614 5439 or email secretary.islandeadycc@gmail.com or contact Caroline McLoughlin 087 932 4646.
A new 6 week programme called Survive and Thrive that helps cancer survivors adapt to the ‘new normal’ will take place in the Mayo Cancer Support Centre on Tuesday, September 10, from 6.15pm – 9pm. It will be facilitated by a registered nurse and a peer cancer survivor. Places are limited so register your interest by calling Fiona Sullivan on 087 965 7144.
In your prayers you are asked to remember the following who died recently: Martin Laffey, Cloggernaugh; James McNieve, Knock, nephew of Mary Fahey, Greenhills; James Moran, Newport, uncle of Dr Tom O’Malley, Sheeaune. May they all rest in peace.
Islandeady Village Enhancement Group extend thanks to the contractors and the engineers with Mayo CoCo on the work undertaken recently in the Islandeady Village removing the 2 bends in the road to make it safer for motorists and pedestrians entering/exiting the Islandeady Village from the top side of the church. Thanks to the McDonagh Family, Derrycourane for giving permission for this work to be done which will go a long way to enhancing safety on the road at the entrance to the village.
