Local Notes: Ballintubber's Cillian O'Connor in action against Monaghan in national league encounter
Scenting danger! Almost the entire Monaghan defence converge on Cillian O’Connor as he gets the pass away in the recent national league encounter with Monaghan. Pic Tom Quinn
The death has occurred of Martin Fadden (Snr), RIP, of Carrabawn, Westport and late of Roslahan, Manulla, Castlebar and London and Manchester. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Mary, brother Austin, sisters Kathleen and Maureen, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Patricia, sons Martyn (Jnr) and Robert, Robert’s partner Nia, grandson Cian, brothers Tommy (London) and Jimmy (Roslahan), sisters Moira (London), Margaret Rowland (Crossmolina), Delia O’Malley (Castlebar), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
His Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Westport, yesterday, Monday, April 1, at 12.30pm with the funeral proceeding to Aughavale Cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €5,600 for the draw on Thursday, March 28, in Flukies. The numbers drawn were 12, 18, 21 and 34. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Joanne Byrne (online), Jean Walsh (online) and Marie Biggins c/o Flukies (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, March 28, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €5,700. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla GAA is currently recruiting for their live commentary team for the upcoming season. No prior experience required, training will be provided. Anyone interested in getting involved in any capacity and learning a new skill should contact Dean Kenny at 087 4138 037.
Manulla FC jackpot stood at €13,600 on Sunday, March 31. Recent consolation prizewinners were; Oliver, King, Blackfort Manor; Tom and Mary Ansboro, Knockmore and Rodney, Lyons, Balla. The club are deeply grateful to their weekly patrons. Play online at; https://manullafc.ie/lotto/.
Online registration is now open for both new and returning members.
Click the link https://reg.sportlomo.com/club/fai/mayo/manulla, or scan the QR code to go to the club website.
Best wishes for success to Manulla FC ladies team who meet Corrib Celtic in the final on April 7. Congratulations and best wishes to all involved.
A Willow Workshop will take place on next Sunday April 7th at Balla Community Centre running from 10am to 4pm. There are limited places - phone 085 1850860 too book a spot.
Balla Christian Community have welcomed its newest member, Sienna Kearns, who was baptised recently in St Cronan’s, Church, Balla. Congratulations to her parents and family.
Balla Bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. There is €12,000+ in the prize fund; with great prizes on the night, 50/50 winners in house and online, free book give away on the night. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail Spring Festival takes place on April 27. The itinerary is as follows 8.15 assemble at Murrisk Carpark for bus transport back to Aughagower. The walk will commence at 9.30 with lunch at Brackloon National School and finish at Murrisk. All proceeds from the walk go to croi.ie. Registration is €25 at croi.ie/croaghpatrick. Please support and it is guaranteed an enjoyable day.
The Sewing Circle takes place every Monday morning between 10.30 and 12.30. Phone Josie at 087 2944995. "Move it or lose it" sessions take place every Tuesday from 10 to 11am. Women’s healing circle runs from 6 to 9pm. Wednesday 10.30am until 12.30pm Parent and Toddlers, 7 to 10pm Bridge Club. The Balla Active Retirement Group activities are on Fridays from 2 to 5pm. Knitwits, Friday, 7.30pm to 9pm, Foróige Club.
Balla Community Centre main function room is the ideal setting for meetings, presentation nights, drama events and social occasions.
Should you wish to book a meeting room, the kitchen or the hall for your organisation, club or private event, get in touch on 094 9365846. Are you looking for a secure and reliable digital workspace? Balla Community Centre provides a connected hubs service with 24/7 access, high-speed broadband, dedicated and flexible desks, light and heating and fob access. Make contact directly on 094 9365846 or book through: https://connectedhubs.ie/hubs/profile/240#memberships.
A Seán Keane Concert will be held on Friday, May 31, in Balla Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at the centre and in local shops. All proceeds are in aid of The Sensory Garden and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
A 4-week programme on ‘Understanding Grief, a journey towards healing’ will be held in St John’s Welcome Centre from April 4 to 30th at 8pm. It will be presented by Monica Morley. Admission is free but booking is essential. Call 094 9375320.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
Enable Ireland Mayo Services require volunteers in all areas of County Mayo to work with children with a disability. Volunteers usually work one-to-one with a child within their home but also within their community or at the centre in Castlebar. Training is provided. If interested, contact Fiona at 087 6808350 or email fscully@enableireland.ie for more information.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will hold a meeting on Thursday, April 11, at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. All are welcome. If you are attending contact 087 6275766 with your name and number of people attending.
*****************************
Congrats to Carra U16 chess team who are county champions and now go onto the Connaught finals of Chess Competition in April. Everyone associated with Carra Community Games are so delighted and pleased for this team as they put in the hard work and had a fantastic time.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Tara Nally, Thomastown, on the untimely passing of her brother, Ger Brady, RIP, Claremorris. May he rest in peace.
The winners of the card game held on Friday, March, 22, were 1st, Michael Giblin and Bridie McDermott, 2nd Paddy McDonagh and Eileen Moran, and Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. The last 10 winners were Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons and Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Congratulations to the students and staff of Holy Angels Primary School who held a very successful cake sale in aid of Trócaire last week. There was a great variety of home-made cakes, scones and buns on sale and great praise is due to everyone involved as a large amount of money was raised for this very worthwhile cause.
Spring is well on the way and for anyone interested in gardening there is still a plant swap/takeaway available at the Clogher Heritage Complex. Everyone is welcome to give or take away a plant. At the present time there is a selection of shrubs and strawberry plants available to take away.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service have a commendable grant open for applications. The goal of this grant is to support and encourage the current network of naturalists recording in Ireland and to develop the next generation of specialist recorders.
Grants are aimed at volunteer, unpaid recorders, or groups, societies and associations of recorders who have limited/no access to financial supports for their work. The application deadline: 5pm on April 8. Find all the details on the NPWS website: https://www.npws.ie/.../npws-grants-small-recording.
Knock Youth Ministry are now accepting applications for VAKS (Volunteer at Knock Shrine). This programme offers an opportunity for young people in TY, 5th and 6th year to come to Knock to volunteer for a weekend in either July or August. This is a great way to meet new friends, serve others, express your faith and have fun. It is a particularly exciting opportunity this year as we launch our new state of the art Youth Village this summer. For further information check out the website www.knockshrine.ie/vaks-volunteer-at-knock-shrine or you can contact 094 9375321 or youthministry@knockshrine.ie.
Knock Drama Group presents ’Paige Fright’ An Ode to Joy at Aghamore Community Centre (F35 AT21) on Friday, April 5 and Saturday 6, at 8pm. It is a hilarious comedy written and directed by Stephen Flatley. Strictly over 18’s. Tickets €12.50 plus booking fee are available online at Eventbrite. Limited tickets available on the night at the door. Enquiries: Leonie 086 8486924 or Joe 086 2938216.
Foster Carers are urgently needed in Co Mayo to open their hearts and homes to children in foster care. If you are interested and would like more information, visit the website www.orchardfostering.ie or call 01 6275713.
Paul Stafford the Volunteer Support Officer for ALONE is urgently looking for volunteers in Mayo and its surrounding areas for older people who need befriending for up to one hour per week and/or telephone support for up to 2 hours per week. Their befriending program is designed to help older people combat loneliness and isolation. They now need your help more than ever. If this is something that interests you, then please contact Paul on 086 0135043 or email paul.stafford@alone.ie.
The Knock Shrine Bereavement Support group meet every Wednesday at 11am at the Family Centre, Knock. Following a family bereavement you can feel very lonely. Sometimes spending time with others who know the experience can be helpful, All are welcome. Further information from Monica Morley 094 9375320.


