Local Notes: Launch of Liam Horan's award winning novel 'On the Way Out' in Ballinrobe Library.
At the launch of Liam Horan’s award-winning debut novel On The Way Out in Ballinrobe Library were (L to R), Declan Varley, who officially launched the book; MC Colm Burtchaell; Noreen Gilligan, wife of the author; author Liam Horan and Dominic Taylor of the Limerick Writers’ Centre, who published the book under Savoy Editions imprint. Pic: Patrick Joseph Howard.
More than 170 people packed Ballinrobe Library for the launch of ‘On The Way Out’ the award-winning debut novel by local writer Liam Horan. The venue, set within the beautifully converted former Church of Ireland church, added a spectacular sense of place to the evening.
The launch was performed by fellow Ballinrobe writer Declan Varley in a warm, lively atmosphere. Varley, author of ‘Kittyland and The Confession of Peadar Gibbons’, delivered a wide-ranging speech praising Horan’s capacity to observe the nuances and human details of small-town life with freshness, precision and emotional depth.
These qualities reflect the assessment of the Gerald Griffin Award for First Original Adult Fiction 2025 judges, who commended the novel for navigating ordinary lives “with tenderness, wit, and acuity” in naming it the overall winner in September.
“Every sentence is crafted and is dripping with meaning, every nuance is maximised, and not a word is wasted, not a single word, and I applaud him for that,” said Declan.
Master of Ceremonies Colm Burtchaell guided the evening and led an engaging Q&A session with the author, discussing the novel’s themes, the writing process and Horan’s return to education in his mid 50s to complete a Master’s in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick.
Publisher Dominic Taylor of the Limerick Writers’ Centre, whose Savoy Editions imprint published the novel as part of Horan’s prize for winning the Gerald Griffin Award, spoke about the significance of Horan’s win and the ethos behind the imprint’s support for emerging literary voices.
Taylor highlighted that Horan’s book embodies the competition’s mission to champion new Irish writing rooted in character, community and craft.
“With writers like Liam, we hope to continue publishing books that challenge, move and stay with readers long after the final page. Books written by people who have something to say, not just something to sell,” said Dominic.
The launch included readings by Saoirse Courtney (6), Jean Horan (7), and adult poet Brian Joyce from a local writing group, which meets every Saturday in The Bowers Bar and Restaurant, Ballinrobe. Their contributions added an intimate, community-driven element to the evening.
Liam emphasised the cultural, social and economic importance of the proposed redevelopment of the local Valkenburg complex as Ballinrobe Town Hall. He described it as essential infrastructure for the arts and local life and would prove a sustainable enterprise thanks to the extensive bedroom capacity available in the venue. He expressed deep gratitude to Mayo County Library staff Austin Vaughan, Mary Farragher, and Charlie Leeder for hosting the event in such a fitting venue.
He paid special tribute to his editor Aisling Moroney for the careful guidance she offered throughout the writing process.
‘On The Way Out’ follows Louise, fighting to save her shop, and Matt, a widower clinging to the past, as a community project ignites controversy in the small town of Rathfin. Their stories explore loss, loyalty and second chances, set against the vivid backdrop of rural Ireland. Rathfin’s gossip, silences, familiar faces and unspoken rules, create the atmosphere that drives the story forward.
The book is available in book shops throughout Mayo and Galway, and online by visiting www.liamhoran.info/shop.
The annual general meeting of Ballinrobe Civic Arts and Amenity Company CLG (Ballinrobe Town Hall) took place on Monday night, drawing the largest attendance in many years.
The proposed new town hall, to be developed in the former Valkenburg building, will provide a modern multi-purpose venue including a 300-seater theatre and events hall, sub-dividable spaces, meeting rooms, changing facilities, accommodation, a kitchen suitable for caterers catering for events in the venue, nine bedrooms for short-stay accommodation and accessible and inclusive design features throughout.
Chairperson Michael Sweeney opened the meeting by outlining the extensive work undertaken during 2025, much of it behind the scenes. He paid particular tribute to South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) for leading the application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and acknowledged the roles of CEO Sabina Trench, CFO Patricia Joyce and the wider professional team.
Mr Sweeney also thanked Mayo County Council and local Councillors Damien Ryan, Michael Burke and Patsy O’Brien for their support. Mr Sweeney emphasised that while outward progress may have appeared slow during 2025, weekly issues required attention throughout the year.
The chairperson reported that the project now faces increased financial pressure due to inflation and enhanced building regulations, resulting in higher construction costs. The company is seeking an uplift in Government funding and a reduction in local match-funding from 20 per cent to 10 per cent.
This position is fully supported by the detailed business case submitted by SWMDC said Mr Sweeney. With meetings expected shortly with officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, he stressed that political support will now be critical in securing the necessary funding.
A number of design modifications were outlined, notably the incorporation of two universal-access bedrooms on the ground floor, which will allow the town hall to provide modern, accessible accommodation for visitors with disabilities.
Treasurer Seán O’Connell reported that the board had explored various income-generating options and agreed that additional accommodation met the needs of Ballinrobe more effectively than a café, given the presence of similar businesses in close proximity to the hall. The accommodation model will also support the long-term sustainability of the building.
Secretary Siobhán O’Malley delivered a detailed account of the year’s work, including design-team progress to tender stage, ongoing liaison with the Department regarding increased costs, building inspections, planning applications for roof elevation and change of use and the sale of surplus items after the building was closed to all public use.
She highlighted the voluntary commitment of board members, including travel to Dublin, door-to-door correspondence delivery and continuous engagement with professional partners.
PRO Liam Horan presented his annual report, noting that 2025 had been primarily a year of technical and preparatory work. Mr Sweeney authorised Mr Horan to prepare a PR plan for the next phase of the campaign.
During general discussion, attendees expressed strong consensus that Ballinrobe needs this Town Hall and that every possible effort must be made to secure the project. The high attendance reflected widespread community interest in progress and ‘next steps’.
Ballinrobe Town Hall opened in 1886 and had served as a central hub for musicals, plays, concerts, meetings, dances and a wide variety of community events until its closure in 1996, after it had fallen into significant disrepair.
It was demolished in 1999 for unavoidable safety and legal reasons as debris from the failing roof had begun to fall, creating a serious hazard to the public. Insurers were no longer willing to cover the building and the board at the time did not have the funds required to replace the roof. In these circumstances, demolition was deemed to be the only responsible option.
Mr Sweeney concluded by emphasising that securing additional Government funding is essential to the future of the project, noting that failure to do so would be a huge blow to the town and could delay any future attempt for many years. He stressed that Ballinrobe is not seeking a hand-out but a hand-up, and that the redevelopment of the Valkenburg represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regenerate the centre of a rural town that is grappling with vacancy and dereliction.
He urged a united approach as the organisation works with SWMDC and local representatives to secure the required support. If the extra funding is not secured, he said, it will inevitably be allocated elsewhere, and the clear implication would be that Ballinrobe is not considered deserving of this vital investment. He said that this would be a very disappointing outcome, given the scale of community commitment and the transformative potential of the project.
The following are the directors and officers for the coming year: Chairperson, Michael Sweeney; vice-chairperson, Michael Burke; secretary, Siobhan O’Malley; treasurer, Sean O’Connell; PRO, Liam Horan. Directors: Des May, Margot O’Shea, Sheena Duddy.
The Lakes Gift Card could be an ideal Christmas present, with prices ranging from €5 to €500. The gift card is all about shopping local, and supporting local businesses in the run up to Christmas. The recipient of the gift card does not have to redeem the full value in one transaction. The Lakes Gift Card can be purchased by visiting www.lakesgiftcard.ie and it is also available to purchase in Martin Murphy’s Newsagent, Main Street.
The annual general meeting of Roxboro Community Defibrillator group will take place on Tuesday, December 16, in the Parish Office, at 8pm. All residents of Roxboro, and adjacent townlands, are invited to attend.
Bridie Feerick was the winner of €130 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre.
The Christmas game of bingo will take place in the Parish Centre on Tuesday, December 16, at 8.30pm. There will be lots of festive cheer on the night and some great prizes on offer.
There was no winner of the €10,800 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, December 1. The numbers drawn were 2, 12, 13 and 35. There were no match three winners. The draw took place in O’Malley’s Bar.
There was no winner of the €30,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, December 1. The numbers drawn were 8, 24, 37 and 38. The €25 winners were Mary Jo Burke, Lisa Doyle, Anne O’Connell, and Josephine Finnerty.
The club held its weekly 50/50 draw in Fitzpatrick’s Bar (Inch’s) on Sunday, November 30, with Sean Walsh the winner of €425.
There was no winner of the €11,000 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore on Sunday, November 30. The numbers drawn were 8, 16, 21 and 33. The €50 winners were John McHugh, Garrymore; Geraldine Varley, Roundfort, and Conor and Rian Gaynard, Churchquarter.
