Local Notes: Tom McGuire retires as manager of Aurivo Mart
Tom McGuire (left) pictured with Stephen Nolan (Fianna Fáil local election candidate, Ballyhaunis) and Cllr Damien Ryan (Ballinrobe) on the occasion of his recent retirement as manager of Aurivo Mart, Ballinrobe.
Popular Aurivo employee Tom McGuire has retired as the manager of Aurivo Mart in Ballinrobe - Ballinrobe Livestock Mart. In total, Tom has spent 47 years working in Aurivo Marts throughout the west of Ireland. He has been manager of Ballinrobe Mart since 2008.
In an effort to enhance community safety, An Garda Síochána, are in the process of compiling an Older Persons Register in the Mayo South region. Residents in the area are invited to request a visit or a phone call from a member of the local Gardaí, aimed at providing reassurance and support. For inclusion on the register or to address any inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact Sgt Gillian Carlos at Claremorris Garda Station by calling 094 93 72081.
Ballinrobe LGFA have thanked Cllr Michael Burke for a €750 funding allocation to the club.
Teenagers are invited to attend Fun French Fridays from 5.45-6.45pm every Friday in the Maple Youth Centre, Bowgate St, Ballinrobe. The purpose of the group is to allow teenagers practice their French language skills.
Ballinrobe Town AFC have called in several favours to secure Santa Claus for a few hours before Christmas. Accompanied by club members, he will visit local roads and estates during the trip, and Santa has confirmed that some friends from the North Pole will join him on the trip. Date and time to be confirmed. Security issues are of paramount concern, as you will appreciate.
Meanwhile, club player Ben Place has been included on the Mayo U18 Interleague squad for the 2023/’24 season.
In anticipation of the upcoming holiday season, Ballinrobe RFC has announced the availability of an extensive range of club merchandise through its online shop. With over 90 products on offer, the selection is touted as ideal for Christmas gifts.
Members and supporters are encouraged to make their purchases promptly to ensure timely delivery before Christmas. Visit the shop here: https://bit.ly/club-jersey.
Ballinrobe Community School’s junior LGFA team defeated St Joseph’s Secondary School, Foxford, by 2-8 to -17 last week. The team is undefeated in the group stages of the competition.
The annual general meeting of Ballinrobe Civic, Art and Amenity Centre (BCAAC) will be held on Wednesday, December 6, at 8pm in the Café room of the Town Hall. All are welcome to attend to learn about progress of the new Town Hall (formerly the Valkenburg).
Ballinrobe’s annual Christmas Lights Tractor Parade takes place on Sunday, December 3, at 5pm. The event will also feature a kiddies tractor parade.
Registration for both parades will open in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for updates on the Christmas Tractor Parade Facebook page and be sure to mark your calendars for this popular festive event.
The Ballinrobe GAA and LGFA dinner takes place on Saturday next, starting at 7pm, at the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. Tickets priced at €50, can be obtained through the Ballinrobe GAA app or by contacting Martin Murphy's, Padraic Costello, Declan Corcoran, Tina McCormack or Gerry Donnelly.
Meanwhile, the club’s junior team defeated Hollymount-Carramore by 1-16 to 1-7 in the semi-final of the St Colman’s Credit Union South Mayo Junior A Championship last week.
Ballinrobe Town Park hold their annual general meeting on Thursday, November 30, in the Parish Centre at 8pm. The Town Park – aka The Green – is an important local facility that hosts a variety of sports and activities.
Well-known local publican John Biggins celebrated his 60th birthday party last week.
Ballinrobe Kayak Club is holding a Come and Try session on Sunday next, November 26, at Cushlough Bay. Book your space by emailing ballinrobekayakclub@gmail.com. The session costs €10.
Santa Claus will visit the Roxboro area of Ballinrobe on the afternoon of Saturday, December 9, it has been confirmed. This is an annual visit by Santa Claus.
Locals have been urged by a spokesperson for North Pole Enterprise Ltd to cut back on the allocations of food and beverages provided to Santa Claus. Their outstanding generosity caused Santa some difficulties last year and he missed two days of the build-up to the busy Christmas period with an upset stomach.
It is rumoured that Mrs Claus will have several spies in the locality on the day to monitor Santa’s intake.
Results: 1, Michael McTigue and Nancy Hughes; 2, Lena Lowery and Maura McHugh; 3, Paul Waldron and Mar O’Connor; 4, Mary Feerick and Mary Cahalan; 5, Mary Kelly and Kathleen Nally; 6, Vincent Connell and John Mullin; 7, William Enright and Angela Murphy; 8, Irene Walkin and Emer Canny.
1, Paul Waldron and Marian O’Connor; 2, Angela Murphy and Patricia McDonagh; 3, Michael McTigue and Marian Sheridan; 4, Irene Walkin and Emer Canny; 5, Aneta O’Neill and Joan Tighe; 6, Mary O’Reilly and Maureen Donnelly; 7, Aileen Warde and Mary Dalton; 8, Mary Gallagher and Mary Keane.
The President’s Prize will take place on November 23 and 30.
The Ballinrobe junior men’s team will be in Connacht Junior One (A) league action on Saturday next when they face Tuam, at Tuam RFC, at 7.30pm.
Ballinrobe Musical Society has complimented all those involved with the organising of the recent tribute night to Sister Francis in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe.
The society were privileged to perform at the concert alongside several other talented local acts on what was a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.
A society spokesman said: “We, as a society, are tremendously proud to have performed in honour of Sister Francis, who was one of those who re-formed Ballinrobe Musical Society way back in 1973. She left a remarkable musical legacy in Ballinrobe, particularly in Ballinrobe Musical Society, where she served as our musical director for many years.” Ballinrobe Musical Society also extends its congratulations to its director Alan Greaney, who directed 9 Arch Claregalway Musical Society’s production of Kinky Boots in Galway’s Town Hall Theatre last week. Alan will direct his first Ballinrobe show when the society stages the legendary The Phantom of The Opera in Ballinrobe Community School on February 11-17, 2024.
The Friends of Tacú Christmas Party will take place on Thursday, November 23, at 1pm at the Pyramid in The Neale. There will be a 3 course dinner and entertainment. Contact 087 2347438 to book.
Low cost counselling for adults and young people is available. It is professional and confidential. Contact 087 2859973. If you or you know someone struggling with relationships, anxiety, grief, worries about school or just simply you want someone to listen to you -contact Mary 087 2859973 for more information. All calls are confidential.
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Kilmaine.
The numbers drawn on November 13, were 9, 12, 14 and 26. The jackpot was not won. Other prizes go to Peter Clarke, Dermot Kyne and Joe Wall. Enter locally or online at www.kilmainegaa.com/draws.
An Garda Siochana are compiling an Older Persons Register in South Mayo. Perhaps you would like a house visit or a phone call from local Gardai. It may provide some reassurance to persons living alone, feeling isolated or suffering from a medical condition. Please contact Sergeant Gillian Carlos in Claremorris Garda Station on 094 93 72081 for inclusion on the register or if you have any questions about it.
Shaskeen in concert in Kilmaine Community Centre on Saturday, December 2. Doors open 7.30pm and the concert starts at 8pm. Tickets cost €20 and are available in local shops or at the door on the night.
