Local Notes: Joyce Country Truck Run 2025 cheque presentation.
The Joyce Country Truck Run 2025 organisers are pictured presenting €7,550, proceeds raised by the Truck Run to members of The Corrib Mask Search and Rescue, at Keanes of Maam:Left to right: Front:Michelle O'Hare,Paddy Rock(Joyce Country Truck Run), Fr Kieran Burke PP, Ray McHugh (Joyce Country Truck Run), Alan Daly. Back: Aidan McAleenan, Michael Gibbons (Chairman), Maeve McAleenan, Sean Burke and Shane Rogan. Pic:Trish Forde.
Rev up your engines all you bike lovers. Be prepared on April 19 for an exciting Motorbike Show and Run hosted by the West Coast Knights RC. Balla Centre will be open at 11am for the indoor Motorbike show followed by a run to Galway City. It promises to be a fantastic day filled with amazing bikes, great people, and an unbeatable atmosphere.
Even better all proceeds will go to support Station House Adult Residential Care, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, making this an event you won’t want to miss. Come along, show your support, and enjoy a brilliant day out. https://gofund.me/ea83559aa.
Balla Classic and Vintage Show 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 10, at Balla Mart Grounds, Balla, Co. Mayo. It will be a fantastic day celebrating classic, vintage, and modified vehicles. There will be cars, tractors, motorcycles, auto jumble, food stalls and family-friendly fun and entertainment. All proceeds go to local charities. It is an opportunity to support the community while enjoying a brilliant day out.
Manulla FC are delighted to be hosting the final race of the Mayo AC 5k series in Manulla FC as part of the 50th celebrations on Tuesday, June 9. This is always a fantastic few weeks of races and everyone is looking forward to welcoming all of the runners to Carramore.
The following are the five 5k races in the series which will begin on May 13, in Castlebar and will continue over five consecutive Tuesday evenings: Castlebar May 13, Westport May 20, Claremorris May 27, Ballinrobe June 2, and Manulla, June 9, to finish off the series.
There will be a complimentary t-shirt for the first 150 registered online. Registration details etc. will be published shortly.
For the first time ever, Balla Tidy Towns has been awarded a county bronze medal. This is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the dedication of the entire community. Even more impressively, Balla has been named the outright winner of the National Tree Award for the beautiful Woodlands Community Nature Park, a project that truly showcases vision, care, and pride of place. Well done to all.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, March 26, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €8,600.12, 22, 24 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were James Loftus (cash sale), Patrick Bourke (online) and Therese O'Malley (online). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, April 2, when the jackpot stood at €8,700. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla GAA and LGFA are immensely proud of three young ladies on making the Mayo LGFA U16 panel for 2026. Congrats to Amelia Duffy, Aoife Commons and Mia Jennings. Liam Glynn, the Balla full forward tapped over the winning point to send Balla through to the Kelly cup final as the visiting side scored a 1-10 to 1- 09 victory over Ballintubber in a hard fought game played in Clogher pitch last week.
Line dancing instructor Christopher Beirne kicked things off on a recent Saturday at 7pm in Balla centre. Get line dancing for great music, high energy, plenty of laughs, and a brilliant night out Whether you're a complete beginner or ready to jive the night away. The classes are dependent on numbers and ensure the floor is filled.
Please call 087-1850860 or 09493-65846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
Balla centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team. Just 3 hours of your time once every 6 weeks can make a real difference to the community. It’s a great way to meet new people, have a bit of fun. No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today 09493-65846 or 087-1850860.
Balla Centre schedule is filling up fast. It’s fantastic to see so much activity happening at Balla Community Centre. The weekly schedule is chuck full with classes, groups, events and community activities, a great sign of a vibrant and busy centre. From morning activities to evening classes, the centre is buzzing every single day with community spirit, learning, laughter and connection.
Whether you’re coming along to a class, hiring a room, joining a group, or popping in for a chat, there’s something happening every day of the week. If you are thinking of booking a space, organising a class, or starting something new, don’t leave it too late - get in touch with the centre to check availability. Contact the office for enquiries on 094 93 65846 or 087 1850860 or info@balla.ie.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €5,600 for last Sunday nights, April 5 draws. The club are deeply grateful to all who support the weekly lotto. Manulla FC are delighted to be hosting the first Mayo FC camp for two days in Manulla FC pitch on today April 7, and tomorrow April 8, and it will be run by current Mayo FC coaches and players.
Ruaile Buaile is coming to Manulla FC to headline the 50th celebrations on Saturday, May 2. Tickets are on sale now at €25 and they are selling fast. Get yours online today. Find the link to the Eventbrite below or in our bio! A night not to be missed - https://www.eventbrite.com/.../marquee-in-manulla-ruaile...
Balla Active Age Group meets on Fridays at 3pm in Balla Community Centre. New members are always made most welcome.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre on 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New 25 card players are always welcome.
Join Atlantic Care, a friendly supportive team providing exceptional care enhancing the lives of elderly people in their homes right across Mayo. Flexible hours to suit your lifestyle, QQ1 Care Skills and Care of the Older Person required but full training is provided. It is rewarding, meaningful work. If you would like to join the amazing team contact 094 9014028. You can also email nollag.mchale@atlanticcare.ie.
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Mayo Abbey Parish Housing Association CLG invite applications for two-bedroom house available for rent in Cnoc na nIúr, Mayo Abbey. Social housing guidelines apply with priority given to those over 60. For further details and application form contact 094 9365978 or e-mail: management@mayoabbey.ie. Closing date for application is April 10, 2026.
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme have vacancies in various areas. Call Craig or Serena at Mayo Abbey Centre on 094 9365987 to find out more or email craig@mayoabbey.ie. Department Social Protection eligibility criteria applies.
The numbers drawn for the lotto on Tuesday, March 31, were 4, 6, 7 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. €30 winners were Lisa Sammon, Teresa Joyce, Una Maughan Prendergast, and Wilson Family. Next week’s draw will be on Tuesday, April 7, with a jackpot of €18,500.
Why not go to the Community Coffee Morning every Thursday for 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. Mayo Abbey Community Services offer 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 is free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link 094 900 5150. Collection from your home may be possible – call the Centre to find out more on 094 93 65987.
Why not go along on Thursday mornings and join the walking group. Starting from the Community Centre at 10.30am, walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. All are welcome and for further information call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the Centre on 094 93 65987.
Circle of Security Parenting course will be held in Ballinrobe on Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am from April 16 to June 4. This is an 8 week (1.5 hours per week) Circle of Security Parenting course for parents of children aged 0 - 6 years. It will be held in the Maple Youth Centre, Ballinrobe. The course is a relationship-based parenting programme developed with a goal of improving secure attachment between caregivers and children.
Tickets for the Ballinrobe Musical Society's production of Frozen can be purchased online via their Facebook page or Instagram page or by phoning Tacú on 094 954 2907. The musical takes place in Ballinrobe Community School running until next Saturday, April 11.
The grounds of Turlough Park are home to lots of different habitats with woodland, gardens, lake and river areas. Throughout the biodiverse grounds, you can explore plants, trees, birds and animals, big and small. Some are native and some are not. Pick up the new ‘Woodland Explorer’ activity booklet from Museum reception to learn more on a self-guided nature trail through Turlough Park. Use your keen senses and skills to complete a series of fun nature challenges to finish the trail. No booking require and the nature trail has free admission.
