Local Notes: Ballinrobe Vocational School 40 year reunion.
Enjoying the 40-year reunion of Ballinrobe Vocational School (1985 to 2025) which was held in Breaffy House Hotel, Claremorris, recently were, from left: Gerry Sheridan, Denis Sheridan, Delia Maloney, Breege Walsh, John Feerick, Mary Middleton, Peggy Durcan and Des Walsh. Picture: Trish Forde
Ballinrobe Town are seeking interest from women footballers who would like to play U19 winter football at the Astroturf at The Green. This is just for a sociable and keep-fit purpose, and if there is sufficient interest this weekly game will commence soon. Those interested are asked to visit the club’s Facebook page and complete a short survey.
No previous playing experience is required, and all levels are welcome. This is open to both members and non-members of the club.
There was no winner of the €10,700 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, November 24. The numbers drawn were 5, 6, 17 and 28. The match three winners (€100) were John Biggins, Evan Heraty, Linda Stafford, Fiona Murphy, and Denise Horan.
Congratulations to Carmel Costello who was the winner of €560 in the weekly 50/50 draw conducted by Ballinrobe Rugby Club. The draw was held on Sunday, November 23.
Tickets are available to purchase in Martin Murphy’s Newsagent, and Murphy’s Centra.
Ballinrobe face a stern test next Sunday, December 7, when they face Ballyhaunis away from home in a crucial Junior One (B) round six fixture.
The Ballinrobe Tidy Towns Group is currently looking for volunteers. Those interested are asked to email ballinrobett@gamil.com.
The Men’s Shed group meets every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 10am to 12.30pm, in the building adjacent to the Water Towers, Kilmaine Road, (Eircode F31 XK09). This group is open to men aged 18 and over, with new members welcome. A range of activities take place including: music, woodwork, pottery, gardening, and is also open to men who just want to call in for a chat and a cup of tea/coffee. For further details and information contact Monica on 087 4111343.
The Ballinrobe Women’s Shed Group meets every Monday from 11 to 1pm, in the building adjacent to the Water Towers, Kilmaine Road, (Eircode F31 XK09). The group is open to women aged 18 and over. Those taking part can share their skills and talents, have a chat, and a cup of tea/coffee. New members are welcome. For further details and information you are asked to contact Monica on 087 4111343.
Meals on Wheels are hot meals delivered to individuals at home, either on a temporary or long term basis. Meals on Wheels can make your life easier. This service covers Ballinrobe and the Lake District area. Deliveries take place on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s and consist of soup, main meal and dessert. People can also avail of two meals on Monday’s and Thursday’s.
Those interested or who require further details and information, are asked to contact the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe, on 094 9542908 or 087 2347438.
Bingo, also via-Zoom, takes place in the Parish Centre, Ballinrobe, on Tuesday (tonight) at 8.30pm. For those wishing to play via-Zoom or who require further details and information, contact Monica on 087 4111343. Books are also available to purchase in the Tacú Centre.
Low cost counselling is available in the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe. Contact 087 2859973 to talk confidentially and/or to make an appointment. Each call to the low-cost counselling service is dealt with promptly and the caller is matched with a suitable counsellor. This is an extremely confidential service.
Youth Counselling is available by contacting the Tacú Family Resource Centre. Two counsellors are available for young people aged 16-25, who are struggling with relationships, anxiety, worries, or who just simply wants someone to listen to them. Further details and information are available by contacting Mary at 087 2859973.
The Sing Song Social is a pop-up choir from Ballinrobe, who meet up on a regular basis and just sing for fun. These pop-up singing events are very relaxed and sociable, and you get a great sense of achievement from singing the finished product. There is also no commitment to the group and you can join in the singing as little or as often as you like, and each event is new to everyone. The groups next sing song will take place on December 11, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings, in the church in the old Convent, Covent Road, Ballinrobe. A link for tickets for this upcoming event is available on the Sing Song Social’s Facebook page. There will be festive treats available on the night along with tea/coffee. New members are welcome.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation’s annual Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, December 7, to help raise funds for vital palliative care services in both Mayo and Roscommon. The Foundation’s Memorial Walk will precede the ceremony and will begin at the Plaza in Knock at 4pm. The Shine a Light Tree Lighting Ceremony will begin at 5pm with music the Rejoice Gospel Choir Ballina.
People are invited to remember a loved one, living or deceased and share in the Shine A Light ceremony. During the ceremony, loved ones who have passed away or indeed those who have been going through a challenging time will be remembered. Prayers and music will be offered for those being remembered. Refreshments will also be served.
Register for the Memorial Walk at hospice.ie/christmas/memorial-walk-2025/ or purchase a special light online ahead of the ceremony at hospice.ie/christmas/sponsor-a-light-this-christmas/ or by calling 094 9388666. Christmas cards are available to purchase online and hospice mugs are available to purchase in local Hospice Shops, with all proceeds supporting palliative care services.
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Mayo Abbey.
The numbers drawn for the lotto which was held on Tuesday, November 25 were 2, 5, 10, and 29. There was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Leanne Ryan, Ballyclogher (online ticket), Anne Byrne, Ballymackeogh (annual ticket), Shane Adams, Ballinrobe (online ticket), Alan Prendergast, Newbrook (annual ticket). The jackpot for the draw to be held tonight Tuesday, December 2, is €16,700.
Mayo Abbey National School is launching a new fundraising lotto with one line costing €2.50 or three lines for €5. Visit www.ourfundraiser.ie/org/mayoabbeyns for further information.
Why not call to the Mayo Abbey Community Coffee Morning which is held every Thursday and have a cuppa, a chat and some freshly baked scones. No booking necessary. The social dinner takes place every Tuesday and must be booked in advance.
Other facilities offered are; free computer/smartphone support for beginners; hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews; pick up and drop off point for Local Link Bus Service which goes to Castlebar daily Tuesday to Saturday and Claremorris every Thursday. This service is available to all, and free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link 094 900 5150. Collection from your home may be possible by calling the Centre to find out more on 094 93 65987.
Why not come along on Thursday mornings and join the walking group. The group start from the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome to walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the Centre 094 93 65987 for information.
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Islandeady.
The Islandeady Community Council new community centre fundraiser launched recently called “Win 26k for 2026” with acash prize of €26,000 is on offer. Tickets are €20 each, €50 for 3 or €100 for 7 and will be sold online and at numerous shops up until February 14, 2026. All support for this fundraiser is appreciated. Tickets can also be purchased from any member of the community council. If people have a spare hour or two on a Friday or Saturday and would like to help out, you can text or call Caroline on 087 932 4646 or Robert on 087 614 5439.
The Wednesday Get-Together are having their coffee morning/cake sale fundraiser on Sunday, December 7, in St. Aidan’s immediately after 11am Mass. The organisers thank all those who supported them so generously last year and in particular those whose quality baking couldn’t be resisted, they look forward to seeing you all on December 7.
There was no winner of the last Islandeady GAA lotto draw which was held on Sunday, November 23, in the Halfway. The jackpot was €11,900. Islandeady GAA Club AGM took place on Thursday, November 27, in St. Aidan’s Room at 7.30pm. The club are looking forward to another positive season for Islandeady club in 2026.
Results of the card game which was held on Monday, November 24; 1st prize won by Vinnie Lawless, 2nd prize won by Thomas Conroy: 3rd prize shared by John Walsh, Paddy Carney, Sean Carney, Vera Feeney, Sean Canny and Maureen Nevin. Raffle winners were Brendan Gibbons, Kathleen Clarke, Vinnie Lawless and Theresa Sammon. The game continues every Monday night in Islandeady Community Centre at 8.30pm.
Christmas schedule in Islandeady/Glenisland Parish for 2025; Monday, December 15, Christmas Confessions at 7pm in Glenisland and 8pm in Islandeady; Tuesday, December 23, at 6pm Christmas Family Mass for Children and their parents in Islandeady; Wednesday, December 24 Glenisland Christmas Eve Vigil Mass at 7pm and at 9pm in Islandeady: Thursday, December 25, Christmas Morning Mass at 10am in Glenisland and at 11am in Islandeady.
For the season leading up to Christmas there will be Advent Lay Led Services in both parish churches. Everyone is welcome to attend the Lay Led Service for Advent season.
A visit from Santa and Mrs Claus will take place in Cogaula School on Monday, December 8, from 5- 7pm when they are lighting the Christmas tree, bake sale, arts and crafts, carol singing, face painting, cookie decorating and refreshments. Meet the staff and explore the school. This is a free event and everybody is welcome.
