Local Notes: Mayo student awarded prestigious business scholarship worth €20,000.
Ballinrobe Community School past pupil Ailbhe O'Loughlin was presented with The Fidelis Partnership scholarship at an event held in University of Limerick recently by Robert Kelly, CEO of Fidelis. Ailbhe is currently studying International Business at University of Limerick. Pic Arthur Ellis
Outstanding Ballinrobe student, Ailbhe O’Loughlin, has been presented with The Fidelis Partnership scholarship at an event held in University of Limerick recently. Ailbhe, who is a past pupil of Ballinrobe Community School, is currently studying International Business in University of Limerick. The unique feature of this scholarship is that along with the financial contribution, Fidelis will also be provided ongoing personal and professional support throughout Ailbhe’s university life.
Ailbhe, who plays Gaelic football with Ballinrobe GAA LGFA Club, is also a member of the Fresher’s team in University of Limerick.
The results of a competition held on Thursday, November 28, are as follows: 1st, William Enright and Angela Murphy; 2nd, Carmel Costello and Ita Langan; 3rd, Sean O'Neil and Emer Canny; 4th, Kathleen Nally and Mary Kelly; 5th, Maureen Gallagher and Mary Connaughton; 6th, Vera Bray and Kitty Farrell.
The Christmas prizes competition will take place on Thursday, December 12. Members unable to take part on any night of a bridge competition must notify the secretary by contacting 087 2045488.
Ballinrobe Musical Society extends its deepest sympathies to its members Richard Crumlish and Geraldine Bailey on the recent passing of Geraldine's husband Clive and Richard's mother Máire. May their gentle souls rest in peace.
Glór na Róba will hold its annual Christmas Concert in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, next Sunday, December 15, at 7pm. Those attending can look forward to contemporary festive hits and Christmas classics, with this year’s proceeds in aid of Mayo Cancer Support.
A special Christmas Bingo will take place in the Parish Centre, Ballinrobe, on Tuesday, December 17, at 8.30pm. There will be plenty of festive cheer and great prizes on the night. Bingo will return after the festive period on Tuesday, January 7.
Ballinrobe Golf Club has been once again awarded the Best Parkland Golf Course in Connacht for 2025. The prize giving event took place on Monday, December 2, at the Golfers Guide to Ireland Awards event, which was held in Ballymascanlon Hotel and Golf Resort.
Ballinrobe will be in for a festive treat on Saturday, December 14, when the ‘Santa Truck’ will visit Abbey Street, Ballinrobe. This will certainly be a special occasion for all the family.
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.
Members of the public are invited to attend a Lily ceremony to remember women who have died through domestic violence. The ceremony will take place at The Bowers River, on Tuesday (today), December 10, at 9.30am. Light refreshments will be available afterwards in the Tacú Family Resource Centre.
Ballinrobe Musical Society sends its best wishes to Ballinrobe Community School on their upcoming production of Cinderella, which takes place in their school gymnasium from Wednesday, December 11, to Friday, December 13. The show takes place each night at 8pm.
The Sing Song Social is a recently formed pop up choir, from Ballinrobe, who meet up on a regular basis and just sing for fun. These pop up singing events are very relaxed and sociable, and you get a great sense of achievement from singing the finished product. There is also no commitment to the group and you can join in the singing as little or as often as you like, and each event is new to everyone.
The group is delighted to announce that they will hold a Sing Song Social Christmas Special on Wednesday (tomorrow), December 11, at 7pm at Ballinrobe Bright Beginnings, in the church in the Old Convent, Covent Road, Ballinrobe. This will be a night of festive cheer, chat, laughs and singing. Those attending can also look forward to some mulled wine and festive treats.
Chairman Michael Sweeney told last week’s annual general meeting of Ballinrobe Town Hall that major strides were made on redevelopment efforts during the year, most notably the appointment of Tom McNamara as Quantity Surveyor, Taylor-McCarney as the design team, and KSN Project Management to oversee the project.
It is hoped that the extensive preparatory stages will be completed in time to allow for a construction start date of mid-2025.
Michael acknowledged Sabina Trench and Norita Clesham, South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC), for their leadership and enthusiasm over the past year. SWMDC are the lead partners in the redevelopment project. He also thanked Mayo Co. Co. for the final instalment of their financial support of the project. He congratulated board member Sheena Duddy on her election to the board of SWMDC.
Michael paid tribute to all board members for their work over the past twelve months, and Aidrienne Gleeson for her outstanding support on tracking donations to the Town Hall.
“Use of the various facilities of the Town Hall has continued to be good in 2024 with the White Room and the Café Room being available for use by community organisations. Activities included Irish dancing, yoga, training courses, club meetings, rehearsal space and local community initiatives such as the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and Ballinrobe Christmas Market,” reported Secretary Siobhan O’Malley.
“Again, Monica Horan and the RSS team have been very helpful in preparing the rooms for the different bookings and deserve our gratitude. The chair also deserves particular mention because amongst his many roles, he opens up and closes a lot of evenings in the week.” Treasurer Sean O’Connell presented a detailed rundown on the organisation’s accounts.
The following are the directors and officers for the coming year: Chairperson, Michael Sweeney; Vice-chair, Michael Burke; Secretary, Siobhan O’Malley; Treasurer, Sean O’Connell; PRO, Liam Horan. Directors: Des May, Margot O’Shea, Sheena Duddy.
A run event entitled ‘Hollymount Turkey Run’ will take place on St. Stephen’s Day, in Hollymount, (Eircode F12HD42), at 12 noon. This event is a 5k run and will give participants a chance to meet up and socialise. There will be prizes for the first three ladies and gents past the finish line, with festive treats for all those taking part. Those wishing to take part can do so by visiting https://in.njuko.com/hollymount-turkey-run1729691397663.
This event is being run in conjunction with the organisers of the annual Hollymount International Road Race.
The Ballinrobe junior men’s team recorded a crucial 28-7 league victory against Sligo Second XV, at The Green, on Sunday, December 1. Ballinrobe enjoyed a commanding 21-0 lead at the half-time interval. The victory, which was Ballinrobe’s fourth league win on the bounce, saw the black and white move up to third place in the Junior One (B) league table.
In the recently held Connacht Junior Cup draw, Ballinrobe were pitted to face a difficult away assignment against Westport. This tie is scheduled to take place on the week-ending January 11/12.
