Local Notes: Launch of inaugural National Re-turn Awards in St Joseph's NS, Ballinrobe.
Minister Alan Dillon and Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn and primary school students pictured at the launch of the inaugural National Re-turn Awards in St. Joseph’s NS, Ballinrobe recently.
The organisers of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballinrobe are seeking volunteers to help out on what is always one of the highlights of the year in the town. Volunteers are needed for roles such as parade stewards (1 to 2 hours), help lining up the floats (1 to 2 hours), social media and promotion help, and those who would like to help with setting up gazebo’s, cones, and bollards.
Those who would like to volunteer for any of the roles are asked to contact the Believe in Ballinrobe Facebook page, or the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street.
The committee of Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Company Ltd posted the following update on the Ballinrobe Town Hall Facebook Page last week. “The committee of Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Company Ltd continues to engage constructively with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to advance the plans for the redevelopment of Ballinrobe Town Hall. Discussions remain ongoing as part of a detailed and positive process, and an upcoming meeting with Department officials will form part of this continuing engagement. We are working in close partnership with South West Mayo Development Company, whose leadership and expertise continue to be invaluable as the project progresses through its various stages. We are also grateful to local elected representatives who continue to offer strong support to the project.
Our shared ambition remains clear: to deliver a multi-purpose venue that will serve as a vibrant cultural, social and economic hub for the people of Ballinrobe and the wider region. We will provide a further update as soon as more detailed information becomes available.”
The Dementia Cafe continues on the first Tuesday of every month in the Tacú Family Resource Centre, with the next scheduled meeting to take place on Tuesday (today), March 3, from 11.30am to 1pm. A representative from the Order of Malta, Ballinrobe, will attend today’s meeting and will deliver first aid demonstrations. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn valuable skills in a warm and supportive setting. Further details and information are available by contacting Marie at 087 1708706 or by emailing marie.philbin@alzheimer.ie.
The café provides a warm welcoming place for people to meet others also living with dementia/cognitive impairment, and their carers and health and social care professionals. Further details and information are also available by visiting www.alzheimer.ie All are welcome to attend, and refreshments will be served.
The Mayo County Ploughing Championships are set to take place this year on Sunday, April 19. The ever-popular championships have been predominantly held in south Mayo since the competition was revived back in 1981, when it took place in Ballinafad. This year’s event will take place near Foxhall. The committee thank everyone who expressed an interest in staging this year’s championships. As well as ploughing, the competition hosts sheep dog trials, and a display of machinery. Overall, there is something for all of the family on what is always a memorable occasion.
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark are now calling for expressions of interest for this comprehensive training programme to support new business development in the Geopark's communities. The training (subject to funding approval) is planned for 10 two-hour sessions, likely split between spring and autumn 2026. Applicants should email info@jcwlgeopark.ie for an Expression of Interest form, which needs to be returned by 5pm, on Friday, March 6. Requests for clarification prior to the deadline can be sent to the same email address.
International Women’s Day will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, and the Tacú Family Resource Centre will host various events on the day: Mindfulness with Denise, 11.15am to 11.35am; lunchtime dance with Joe Gray from Galway Ceilí Club, 1.10pm to 1.30pm and 1.40pm to 2pm; chair yoga with Eilis Wall Wellness, 2.15pm to 2.45pm.
Lunch will also be provided to those attending. There will be raffle on the day with some fabulous prizes on offer. Further details and information are available by contacting the Tacú Centre at 094 9542908.
Michelle O’Mahoney was the winner of €160 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre.
There was no winner of the €11,900 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, February 23. The numbers drawn were 4, 19, 27 and 30.
Ballinrobe Rugby Club will hold a fundraising table quiz in O’Malley’s Bar, on Friday, March 20, at 9pm. The format is tables of four, and there will be loads of prizes on offer. Your support would be appreciated.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw on Sunday week last, with Blathin Costello the winner of €470.
Ballinrobe GAA Club is delighted to announce that Connor Ryan is the newly appointed Club Development Officer (CDO). Conor will be visiting the local primary schools: St. Joseph’s, Roxboro and Cloonliffen, coaching football sessions with the pupils. Connor will also be helping with coaching the underage teams at Ballinrobe GAA Club. Connor is wished every success in his new role. The CDO initiative is delivered in partnership with Connacht GAA.
There was no winner of the €30,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, February 23. The numbers drawn were 4, 5, 7 and 25. The €25 winners were Brendan O’Halloran, Chloe Walsh, Tony Mullin, and Una Carney.
There was no winner of the €12,100 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore, on Sunday, February 22. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 11 and 24. The €50 winners were Brendan McHugh, Kesh; Ashling Cambell, c/o Country Club, Hollybrook, and Rosie Flynn, Cornfield.
Visit a new exhibition of art celebrating stories, symbols and Celtic myth on display in the Courtyard Gallery, Turlough Park. The exhibition has been developed by the Luisne Art Project - a nationally recognised and highly successful arts initiative for people with disabilities, based in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo. Established in December 2005, the project is supported by Mayo County Council Arts Office and Western Care, with administrative support provided by Tacú, Ballinrobe Family Resource Centre.
The project’s mission is to offer a long-term, high-quality art programme that is responsive to the individual talents and needs of participants at the Crann Mór Centre. At its core, Luisne recognises the profound role that art and creativity play in fostering expression and building community. In 2025, the Luisne artists collaborated with art facilitator Noreen Lydon and guest mentors Michael Gannon and Ruby Staunton, exploring the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology. Drawing inspiration from ancient folklore and symbolic imagery, the artists worked with acrylics, watercolour, and gold leaf to create a body of work that is vibrant, and evocative. The result is Celtic Tales by Warrior’s Hand - a compelling collection that celebrates imagination and heritage. Each piece is a story, a symbol, a personal interpretation of Celtic myth rendered through the unique lens of the Luisne artists. Admission free.
A unique selection of antique veterinary objects is currently on display at the National Museum of Ireland in Turlough Park. In the early 2000s, the National Museum of Ireland and the Veterinary Department of Mayo County Council formed a partnership to establish a collection of veterinary objects in the Irish Folklife Collection. Cathal Walsh was Veterinary Officer with the council, from 1991 until his retirement in 2005. During his time working in Mayo, Cathal, and his colleagues in the Veterinary Department, Cathy Waddell and Cathy Gallagher, established a collection of antique objects dealing with animal husbandry and veterinary science. Those objects were donated to the National Museum, and a selection is now on display. The display provides visitors with a closer look at the work of vets in Ireland in the past. The display is on Level B of the exhibition galleries. Admission is free and no booking is required.
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Mayo Abbey National School are currently accepting enrolments for the next school year 2026/2027. If you wish to enrol your child, find all the details on the website www.mayoabbeyns.com, contact the school by phone on 094 9365644 or email office@mayoabbeyns.com.
The numbers drawn for the lotto on Tuesday, February 24 were 1, 2, 12 and 23. There was no jackpot winner, and the €30 winners were Aine Prenty, PC Curley, Tina Hughes, and Aoife Joyce. Next week’s draw will be on Tuesday, March 3, with a jackpot of €18,000.
Why not call to the Community Coffee Morning which is held 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.
The centre 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 from 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.
The Thursday Morning walking group start from the community centre at 10.30am. All are welcome and walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-viz. Call Ann on 086 605 7568 or call the Centre 094 93 65987 for information.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be having their next meeting on March 19, at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. It is open to all who either have a stoma or care for them. If you would like to book a place, text 087 6275766.
