Local notes from Ballinrobe: Honouring Sr Francis McMyler and U13 girls make final
The Ballinrobe U13 team which defeated Claremorris in the semi-final of the Mayo LGFA B Championship.
A special appreciation night of music and song will honour a woman whose remarkable work over many years helped to build the town’s renowned musical tradition.
The celebration on Friday, November 17, will recognise the enormous contribution of Sr Francis McMyler whose enthusiasm for promoting the arts enhanced the lives of countless individuals over the years after her arrival in Ballinrobe in the 1970s.
The event in St Mary’s Church, beginning at 7pm, promises to be an unforgettable experience of music and song to showcase the deep appreciation the community holds for Sr Francis, who hails from west Mayo. The event will feature an array of exceptional guest performers, including Sean Costello, Dave Langan, the School Band, the Children’s Choir, the Adult Choir, Bernadine O’Grady, John Lane, and many more locals whose talents were developed by Sr Francis.
She has left an indelible mark on Ballinrobe’s musical heritage. Through her tireless dedication, she introduced music to the hearts of local residents, nurturing talent through school operatic and musical productions, forming the school band, and forming and leading the adult and children’s choirs, reviving St Mary’s Choral Society (now Ballinrobe Musical Society), among other extraordinary contributions. Her impact is deeply felt, and her legacy is intertwined with the town’s vibrant musical tradition.
‘One of Sr Francis’ most enduring legacies is her ability to inspire young talent. She provided a platform for young children to step onto the stage and guided them with unwavering support. She not only instilled the love for music in them but also gave them the confidence and skills they needed to excel. She was the steady hand that settled their nerves and the guiding light who made them believe in their own abilities,’ said a spokesperson for the committee that has come together to stage this tribute night.
‘This celebration night is an opportunity for those who have benefited from her love of music, whether as performers or as enthralled audiences, to come together and express their gratitude.’ Sr Francis was also instrumental in establishing Ballinrobe’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in the 1970s.
For more information about the Sr. Francis Appreciation Night, visit the official Facebook page, where you can find updates, testimonials and connect with others who share in the appreciation for Sr Francis, who currently resides in Castlebar.
MC for the event will be Liam Horan. It will be live streamed on the Ballinrobe parish Facebook page.
In a rain-soaked clash at Mayo Abbey, Ballinrobe emerged victorious against Islandeady in the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship semi-final. The final score of 3-10 to 1-6 marked a convincing win for Ballinrobe, largely attributed to three early goals scored by Diarmuid Duffy (2) and Kevin Quinn, providing them with a firm grip on the game, which they never let slip.
The performance showcased Ballinrobe’s steady improvement throughout the campaign.
With this well-deserved victory under their belts, Ballinrobe now set their sights on the next challenge ahead. They face Castlebar Mitchels B in the semi-final on Sunday next in Tourmakeady at 3.30pm.
Ballinrobe: L Jennings, E Reaney, E O’Malley, O O’Malley; S Flannery, P Butler, A McDonnell; J Murphy, E O’Brien; L Burke, E Duffy, D Duffy; C O’Connell, D McDonnell, K Quinn. Subs: D McDonnell, J Burke, G Jennings, C O’Brien, O Corcoran, J Marrey, J Butler, C Keane, O Joyce, S Boyle, A Flannery, S Biggins, D Murphy, F Reilly, P Finnerty.
Management: P Ford (manager), C Jennings, J Gilrane, D McDonnell, D Walsh, B Burke, E Gannon (selectors).
On the previous day, the junior women’s team travelled to Belmullet and came away with a win over the home side on a scoreline of 3-8 to 2-1.
The club has also announced the revival of the dinner dance after a lapse of several years. It will take place in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, on Saturday, November 25. Further details will be publicised soon.
St Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe, won the regional Cumann na mBunscol Mini 7s girls title in Kilmaine last week. The team members were Lorna Burke, Holly McElarney, Leah O’Malley, Leigh Grimes, Enya McGarrihy, Mia Durcan, Katie Grimes, Mia Lavin and Caitlin Cummins Coaches: Lorraine Grimes and Mairead Seoighe.
The boys’ team also competed vigorously without claiming ultimate success -Patrick Duffy, Fionn Jennings, Dylan Murphy, Ben Naughton, Jamie O’Toole, Alex Stan, Billy Wilson, Matthew Tierney, Sean Heaney and Felim O’ Connor. Coach Alan Plunkett.
A stunning art installation, depicting a horse and jockey, now graces Church Lane in Ballinrobe. The striking piece, a clear nod to Ballinrobe’s horse-racing tradition, was created by talented local artist Noreen Lydon, has been brought to life in collaboration with several local entities, including Ballinrobe Races, Ballinrobe Community Development Council, Tacú Family Resource Centre and Ballinrobe Tidy Towns.
This captivating artwork has found its home on the wall of Mike Ansbro and family, who generously permitted its use. The installation process was flawlessly executed, thanks to the efforts of Bridge Signs.
Residents and visitors alike can now enjoy this beautiful addition to Church Lane. This project exemplifies the power of local partnerships in enhancing the town’s visual appeal and cultural vibrancy.
Ballinrobe's U13 girls secured a victory over Claremorris, triumphing with a scoreline of 1-3 to 0-3 in the semi-final of the Mayo LGFA B Championship, at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe.
Despite challenging wet and windy conditions, both teams displayed high levels of skill and application. The decisive moment arrived in the final quarter when Hannah O'Connor scored the crucial goal that ultimately clinched the win for Ballinrobe.
Ballinrobe mourns the passing of Philip Brookes, known affectionately as Phil, whose connection to this area added a unique dimension to his life story. Originally hailing from Berkeley, Gloucestershire, UK, Phil relocated to Ballinrobe many years ago, where he forged lasting bonds within the local community.
A retired professor renowned worldwide for his expertise in soil science, Phil's enduring passion for angling led him to become a familiar presence on Lough Mask.
He passed away peacefully at University Hospital Galway. He was predeceased by his parents, Kathleen and Leonard, and is survived by his brothers Jeffrey and Lawrence, sisters-in-law Jill and Jayne, as well as nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Funeral ceremonies took place in St Joseph’s Funeral Home, Ballinrobe, and Shannon Crematorium.
Tributes have poured in from the far reaches of the globe, with anglers, fellow educators and former students all reflecting on the profound impact Phil had in their lives. His legacy in Ballinrobe will forever be intertwined with the beauty of Lough Mask, where he pursued his beloved pastime in a region that became his home.
Despite being short a number of regulars, Ballinrobe Town’s junior men’s side defeated Ballisodare United 2-1 in the round one of the FAI Junior Cup Round One, at Ballisodare. action on Sunday, September 24, when they faced a tricky away assignment against Ballisodare United. Ballinrobe opened the scoring during the first half in spectacular fashion, when the busy Shane Ryan teed up JP O’Gorman, who finished superbly. This gave Ballinrobe a 1-0 interval lead.
The Yeats county outfit began the second half in a determined fashion, but the Ballinrobe defence was watertight. However, on 80 minutes, United’s unrelenting pressure paid dividends and the host’s levelled matters, with extra-time seeming a real possibility at this late stage of the joust. But there was to be one final twist in this belter of a cup tie, when on 90 minutes Ballinrobe’s Shane Ryan netted what proved to be the winning strike, much to the delight of the away bench.
The second round of the FAI Junior Cup will see the Town welcome Westport United to the Green, on Sunday next in a mouth-watering all-Mayo cup tie.
Ballinrobe will also face another trip north in the Connacht Junior Cup Round One, when they face Sligo Premier League outfit Benbulben FC, on Sunday, October 22, at 2pm.
Having gained promotion to the top flight last season, Ballinrobe RFC junior men’s team commence their Connacht Junior One (A) League season with an away clash against Castlebar, next Saturday at 7.30pm. The first home league tie of the season will take place on Sunday, October 22, when Creggs visit the Green. A big crowd is anticipated for this fixture which will kick-off at 2.30pm. The eight-team Junior One (A) Division is expected to be extremely competitive and is made up of the following teams: Dunmore, Creggs, Castlebar, Ballinrobe, Westport, University of Galway, Connemara and Tuam.
Mayo Macra hold their monthly county meeting in the Parish Centre, Ballinrobe, on Thursday, October 12, at 8.30pm. All are welcome.
The numbers drawn in the Western Alzheimers lotto held on October 4, were 18, 29, 07 and 31. There was no winner of this week’s jackpot and the latest jackpot was €12,100. If anyone would like to play the lotto, phone 094 93 64900 or play on line www.westernalzheimers.ie.
