Local Notes: Carnacon U13 girls win cup final in Bekan
Michael, Rhea and Carmel Summerville pictured after Rhea starred for Carnacon in the recent U-13 Cup Final in Bekan. Picture: Tom Quinn
Congrats to Alan Dillion TD who has been elected as the new chairperson of the Fine Gael party in his first term as a TD.
This is a considerable honour and achievement by Alan.
Deputy Dillion, from Ballyheane, was elected by Fine Gael parliamentary party members at a meeting held last Wednesday week. The former Ballintubber and Mayo footballer has served as the party's secretary for the past three and a half years.
Welcoming the election of Alan Dillon TD as chairperson of the party, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “Deputy Alan Dillon has proven himself and achieved a lot after only four years in the Dáil having held Enda Kenny’s seat in the 2020 election. He is an impressive public representative recognised for his diligence and work ethic.
“I look forward to working with him as we complete the Programme for Government and prepare for the forthcoming cycle of elections.”
Belcarra Community Council’s latest Lotto Draw featured an attractive jackpot of €3,700 on October 29. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 8 and 31. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot.
The Lucky Dip winners of €30 were Caroline Cunningham (Online); Riona Lawless, Ballydavock; Enda Cunningham, Belcarra and J-Marc Neyret (Online).
The weekend jackpot was €3,800 on November 5 for the latest draw. Tickets are currently on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's, Corley's and Flukies and online at www.clubforce.com.
A special thank you is extended to all supporters of Belcarra Lotto in which profits go to support worthy community developments.
Congratulations to Hannah Walsh and Ronan Fitzpatrick who celebrated the Sacrament in St Anne's Church, Belcarra recently. The newly-wed couple are wished a long and happy life together.
Belcarra Handball Club's Roche Cup Annual 60x30 Tournament 2023 was won by doubles partners Ollie Cassidy (Swinford) and John Ronan (Tuar Mhic Éadaigh). It was John's second time to win the Roche Cup.
Breaffy GAA Club's Lotto draw took place on Tuesday, October 31, and featured a jackpot of €15,400. The numbers drawn were 2, 16 and 27 and the bonus number was 2.
There was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners. Congrats to the Lucky Dip winners.
The jackpot stands at €15,600 for the draw today (Tuesday).
The new weekly lotto offers players a higher chance of winning and significant prizes for matching three numbers. You can play online at www.lottoraiser.ie. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
On next Saturday, November 11, 14 members of the Mayo Ambulance Service will take part in the Sea2Summit challenge in Westport to support two great causes, Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Cancer Fund for Children.
Running, cycling and mountain climbing over 30km, they hope to raise funds for those two great charities. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Go to www.idonate.ie for more.
There will be a clothes collection running from Monday to Friday, November 13 to 17, at Errew National School.
Clear out your unwanted clothes during Midterm and bring them to the school. The side door will be open from 9.15 to 10am every day that week for clothes to be put straight into the old senior (GP) room. Bags can also be left before 9.15am on the bench in the shelter.
The school secretary can be contacted to organise alternative drop-off times if necessary, just email secretary@errewns.com.
Clothes should be clean, dry and reusable, including paired shoes, trainers (tied), handbags and belts. Items not accepted include toys, soiled clothes, duvets and pillows. Many thanks and please support.
'Chip' is an Irish therapy dog and together with his owner Angela, they volunteer to visit the patients in the inpatient unit at the Mayo Hospice in Castlebar for one to two hours every week.
There will be a fundraiser walk on Sunday, November 19, to raise funds and awareness for the Mayo Hospice and Irish Therapy Dogs. People are asked to consider supporting these two great charities through the link on the Facebook page. Thanks very much in advance for your support.
The upcoming talk on Grainne Uaile, which will be delivered by author and biographer Anne Chambers, will examine the personal details relating to the remarkable life of Ireland's Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley, within the context of the traumatic historical background of 16th-century Ireland and its effects on her and her family. The talk will be at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 15, at ATU or formerly GMIT, Castlebar.
Beidh fáilte roimh gach einne.
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The death took place recently of Michael Joe McGreal, College Woods, Balla and late of Fisher Hill, Breaffy.
Michael Joe passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar on October 28, surrounded by his family after a short illness.
In his mid-70s, he served as a Fianna Fail county councillor from 1974 to 1985 and also contested the 1975 by-election for the seat of the late Henry Kenny. He operated a successful furniture business in Balla for many years, and in more recent times, operated a financial services business specialising in debt management and insolvency.
Many tributes have been paid to Michael Joe for his helpful assistance rendered to many customers and clients over the decades.
Predeceased by his parents Eamon and Bridget, sister Ann Moran and granddaughter Lena Sweeney-McGreal, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Margo, sons Robert and Eamon, daughters Michelle and Louise, partners Ann McGreal, Patrick Sweeney, Ronan MacDonald and Kate Langley, grandchildren Aoibhe and Odhrán MacDonald, Sean, Niall, Peggy and Martha Mc Greal, brothers Ned (Breaffy), Timmy (Belcarra), Máirtín (Ballyheane) and Noel (Breaffy), sisters Frankie Staunton (Westport), Olivia Mannion (Breaffy), Roma Schultz (Germany), Mary Tomasi (Italy) and Margaret (Fisherhill House, Breaffy), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and his large circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a large attendance present as Micheal Joe’s remains reposed at his home, 12 College Woods, Balla, on Monday evening, October 30. His remains arrived at St Cronan’s Church, Balla, last Tuesday morning, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral ceremonies for Micheal Joe took place afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nAinm.
Balla Tractor Lights and Fireworks Display 2023 will take place on Saturday evening, December 9.
It will start with the kiddies tractor lights parade followed by the main tractor parade, the switching on of the Christmas Lights in the town and finishing with the massive fireworks display.
Kiddies’ parade starts at 6pm sharp from the medical centre, with registration for children at 5.30pm at the medical centre.
Contact Anna Marie for details at 087-7808638.
Main tractors must register before the event by calling or texting the following numbers, each driver will be added to a WhatsApp group for updates - Liam on 087-8171479 or Peter at 087-2661512. Tractors must be decorated with Christmas lights and tractors with only flashing beacons will not be allowed to enter. Absolutely no passengers are allowed in tractors unless a proper passenger seat is fitted. No exception. There will be prizes for the top three entries and a draw for all the main tractor drivers and perhaps Santa will appear!
Manulla FC Lotto jackpot draw took place on October 29 and there was no Jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 6, 12, 22 and 26.
The three winners of the €25 consolation prizes were Patrick Brampton, Balla; Michelle Cunningham, Belcarra and Josephine Hall, Ballyvary.
The latest draw was on November 5 when the jackpot stood at a highly attractive sum of €11,700.
Manulla FC is deeply grateful to all their weekly patrons.
Solar panel information
On Tuesday, November 28, Balla Community Centre will host an information evening on solar panels for homeowners and businesses which will be presented by SEAI Energy and Mayo County Council as part of a county-wide energy series.
All will be welcome to attend.
Balla GAA Lotto jackpot prize stood at €3,500 for the draw on Thursday, October 26, in The Shebeen.
The numbers drawn were 4, 16, 18 and 27 and there was no winner of the jackpot.
The €30 winners were Declan Sweeney (cash sale), Therese O'Malley (online) and Sean Kearns (online).
The most recent draw was held on Thursday, November 2, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €3,600.
Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
Art Classes take place on Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm with local artist Áine Perez at Balla Community Centre. Phone Phil to book your place on 087-3528953.
Bingo runs every Sunday at Balla Community Centre or online at 8pm sharp.
There are great prizes every Sunday night, and there are generous prizes every weekend with a €12,000 prize fund, 50/50 winners in-house and online, and a free book giveaway on the night.
Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
After the huge success of the last clothes sale, another one is pencilled in for next month. Don't miss the great bargains.
A clothes sale will take place at Balla Community Centre on Saturday, November 25, between 11am and 4pm. Phone 087-3528953 for more details.
Proceeds will go to Balla Sensory Garden.
A 25 card drive is held 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.
The annual ceremony of turning on the Christmas Lights in Balla will take place on Saturday, December 9, at 7pm. An indoor market will also be held on the same day from 10am to 4pm. Contact Phil at Balla CRD on 087-3528953 for details or on how to book a table.
The Parent and Toddler Group meet up in the local community centre on Wednesdays from 10am to 12 noon. The get-together is open to all parents with babies and toddlers.
Sewing classes are held on Mondays from 10.30 to 12.30 in Balla Community Centre. For further details, please call Phil at 087-3528953.
Balla Active Retirement Group meets up on Fridays at 3pm. New members are always welcome.
The Local Link bus service is available on Fridays to Balla Community Centre. Call Mary Jo on 087-1268420 for further details.
