Local Notes: Town Hall committee issue progress update
Some of the vast attendance at last week's race meeting in Ballinrobe. Picture: Trish Forde
Work continues behind the scenes to progress the Ballinrobe Town Hall project with ongoing engagement involving the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, South West Mayo Development Company and Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Company Ltd (Ballinrobe Town Hall).
As part of that process, Department officials recently visited Ballinrobe. This provided them with a valuable opportunity to see the project at first hand and to continue discussions on the work required to bring it forward. The visit followed members of the town hall committee’s meeting with department officials in Dublin earlier this year and represents another important part of the ongoing process.
There is still work to be done and discussions are continuing, but all involved remain actively engaged in seeking a way forward for this important project.
Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Company Ltd continue to work very closely with South West Mayo Development Company, whose support and expertise remain central to the project. Ballinrobe Civic, Arts and Amenity Ltd also appreciate the ongoing support of the local elected representatives.
The town hall committee’s objective remains unchanged: to deliver a sustainable, multi-purpose town hall and community facility for Ballinrobe and the wider area. Further updates will be proved as the process progresses.
The Swim Ireland Pop-Up Ballinrobe swimming pool is officially open. The pool is located on the Convent Road, Ballinrobe (Eircode F31 T667). The heated pool is 12 metres long and three meters wide and has a depth of 1.2 metres. Facilities include changing rooms, toilet, hoist, and wheelchair ramp. The staff are qualified Swim Ireland swimming teachers, and lifeguards.
Swim Ireland's Pop-Up Pool has been situated on Convent Road, Ballinrobe, since April 2025 and is now open Monday to Saturday to the public. The Pop-Up Pool is supported by Mayo Local Sports Partnership and Mayo County Council.
Swim Ireland work closely with Mayo Local Sports Partnership on delivering various community-based programmes. The programmes are aimed at everyone from children, teens, older adults, and people with disabilities, to minority groups and private sessions for events such as birthday parties and company team-building exercises. The facility will also provide swimming lessons for schools, at both primary and secondary level. Some of the swim classes available are Levels 1-5 learn to swim; autism friendly learn to swim, and adult learn to swim.
For more information on minority-group projects, disability-specific swims, school bookings, and private hire, email popuppool@swimireland.ie. Further information is also available by visiting www.swimireland.ie.
The results of a mixed scramble competition held at Ballinrobe Golf Club on Thursday, August 6, were as follows: 1st Mick Cunningham, Evan Moran, Damien Martin, and Mary Farragher; 2nd Angela Murphy, Iarla Reilly, Herbert Burke, and Joe Grimes.
There was no winner of the €5,200 lotto jackpot draw which was held on Monday, August 10. The numbers drawn were 6, 15, 20 and 36. The match three winner of €200 was Noreen Jennings.
Next Friday evening in Cong, The Neale will host Ballinrobe in the penultimate game in Group 2 of the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship. Both sides suffered defeats in their opening round fixtures, with Ballinrobe losing 1-15 to 1-8 at home to Ballyhaunis, whilst Castlebar Mitchels 'B' defeated The Neale on a score-line of 0-13 to 1-6.
Next Friday’s South Mayo ‘El Clasico’ is sure to draw a bumper attendance to Cong. The game is set to throw-in at 6.30pm. The other fixture in Group 2 next weekend will see Ballyhaunis host Castlebar Mitchels 'B' on Sunday at 2pm.
The Ballinrobe Town U18 boys team recorded a marvellous 5-4 victory away to Killala in a top-of-the-table Division One clash, which was played on Monday, August 10.
Killala were fired up for this fixture and the hosts raced into a 2-0 lead after 23 minutes.
Ballinrobe’s in-form striker Nathan Dooley reduced the arrears on 27 minutes, before his team-mate Sam Place restored parity on 38 minutes. However, the hosts would have the final say of the half, and Killala regained the lead just before the interval.
The second half was a real rollercoaster period of the game, and Johnny Cleary scored a fine goal for the visitors on 64 minutes, yet a doughty Killala edged 4-3 in front on 65 minutes.
The red and white bombarded the home goal towards the end of the tie and Dooley netted the equaliser with just five minutes of normal time left to play.
A draw seemed to be a fair result, nevertheless a resilient Ballinrobe upped the tempo and pace and bagged a dramatic late winner for the south Mayo boys, much to the delight of the away bench.
The victory gave the Robesiders a three-point lead at the top of the table ahead of second placed Killala. Ballinrobe were scheduled to face Conn Rangers at Mount Falcon yesterday (Monday) evening in another vital fixture.
There was no winner of the €5,500 lotto jackpot draw which was held in Garrymore on Sunday, August 9. The numbers drawn were 7, 24, 30 and 32.
The €50 winners were Martin Lynskey, Garrymore; Martin Burke, Milltown, and Nina Pilbrow, Claremorris.
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Balla
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, August 6, in Flukies for a jackpot of €10,500. The numbers drawn were 4 10, 17 and 20 and there was no jackpot winner.
The €30 consolation prize winners were Lorraine Jennings (online), Alan Nolan (standing order) and TJ Connell (cash sale).
Congratulations to Aisling Murray on winning the Manulla FC weekly lotto with her ticket bought online. Aisling's lucky numbers were 2, 10 19 and 31. Well done Aisling and enjoy the spending.
Consolation prizes went to Joanne Byrne (online), Laura Durkan (online) and Pauline Brennan, Manulla. The jackpot has commenced again at €1,000 on last Sunday, August 16.
Why not join a welcoming circle of women of all ages for an evening of connection, reflection, and support in a safe and nurturing space featuring guided meditation, journal prompts, herbal tea, oracle cards, optional sharing.
Whether you're looking to relax, meet like-minded women, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening, you'll be made very welcome.
The Women's Circle meets every two weeks, and new members are always welcome. Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy meaningful conversations, or simply take some time for yourself, they would love to see you there. To book or find out more, contact Linda on 086-3936174.
Balla Community Centre Committee are looking into the possibility of creating a Community Walking Group – a friendly and welcoming group where people can get active, enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and support their health and wellbeing. Before the next step the group want to hear from you. Would you be interested in joining?
Whether you're an experienced walker or just looking to get out for some fresh air and good company, Balla Centre personnel would love to hear your thoughts. See the Facebook page or send a private message. Your feedback will help decide if there's enough interest to get this initiative off the ground.
