Local Notes: Xavi Vazquez announced as Ballinrobe Town FC manager
Pat O’Sullivan (left), Head of Adult Football, Ballinrobe Town FC, Xavi Vázquez (centre) and Alan Dowling, Ballinrobe Town Co-Chairperson, pictured after Vázquez was announced as the club’s new Head coach.
Ballinrobe Town lost 3-2 to Castlerea Celtic after extra-time in the second round of the Connacht Junior Cup, at The Green, Ballinrobe. Joe Burke got both Ballinrobe goals. Ballinrobe Town: Sean Shaughnessy, Killian McHugh, Jonathan Lawrence, Darren McDonnell, James Colfar, Peter Butler, Shane Ryan, Tomas Joyce, JP O’Gorman, Liam Burke, Joe Burke. Subs: Connor Ryan (for Joyce 41, inj.), Gillan Jennings (for S Ryan 65).
Meanwhile, the club have announced Xavi Vázquez as their new junior men’s team manager for the 2024 Super League season. He will replace Pat O’Sullivan, whose innings was a highly successful one. Xavi started his journey as a coach in 2005 working within high performance football academies in Spain. He coached many top quality players from some of the best clubs in Catalonia, including FC Barcelona, RCD Espanyol and Girona FC.
In recent years, Xavi has worked with a host of clubs around Co. Galway, including Knocknacarra FC, Craughwell United, Galway Bohemians and Barna Furbo FC. He coached Galway U14s to national glory.
Ballinrobe’s Christmas season kicked off with two major annual events last weekend – the Christmas Markets (Saturday) and the Tractor Parade (Sunday). The pedestrianisation of Church Lane for the markets proved a major talking point – and a likely glimpse into the future.
The top half of the lane – near Main Street – was fully pedestrianised with stalls arranged on both sides. From the lane, shoppers could transfer into the indoor element of the market in the Town Hall (previously the Valkenburg).
With music, dancing, food and a wide range of stalls, it made for an outstanding atmosphere. There has been talk for some time about using Church Lane for community events of this nature – this experiment certainly found favour locally. It created a real buzz in the town centre.
A feature of the markets was the number of local young people who had stalls. These included primary school children and Transition Year (TY) students, the latter availing of the opportunity to generate revenue for their TY mini companies.
The Tractor Parade never disappoints. This year, almost 80 vehicles took part and huge numbers lined the street. Vibrantly lit and creatively adorned, each tractor added a unique touch to the procession, capturing the essence of rural celebration.
Santa Claus, another who never disappoints, attended both events.
Ballinrobe Community School is set to enchant audiences with the highly anticipated annual production of the musical Mamma Mia! The captivating performance will grace the school gym from Wednesday to Friday of this week (13-15 December), at 8pm.
The annual school show has become a cherished tradition locally, drawing patrons from far and wide. Adult admission is priced at €12, while students and senior citizens can avail themselves of a discounted rate at €6.
The production is made possible through the generous sponsorship of McHale. Don't miss the chance to experience the magic of Mamma Mia!
Roxboro NS will be the venue tonight (Tuesday) for a 25 Drive in aid of school funds. Entry fee is €10 per person and it starts at 7o’c.
There was a positive local reaction last week when news broke that Ballinrobe Racecourse was voted national Racecourse of the Year at the Horse Racing Ireland awards ceremony in the Mansion House. This is the second time Ballinrobe has been so honoured.
The findings of an online industry survey earlier this year – in which almost 1,500 people responded to a variety of questions – were used to determine the nominees for this award. Ken Murphy, Chairperson, and John Flannelly, Manager, were on hand to accept the award at the ceremony and a range of local clubs, businesses and organisations have paid tribute to the racecourse in social media posts.
Ballinrobe Golf Club has elected the following officers for the year ahead; president, Tom Hughes; vice-president, Liam Thornton; lady captain, Mary Nalty; vice-captain, Antonette O'Connor; gent captain, John Horan; vice-captain, Paddy Lee; Council: chairperson, Angela Murphy; treasurer, Pat Nalty; secretary, Jarlath King; PRO, Patrick O'Grady; facilities officer, Aiden Foley; course facilitator, Seamus McHugh.
Ballinrobe lost narrowly - 1-11 to 1-10 – to Garrymore in an exciting St Colman’s Credit Union South Mayo Junior Championship final at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe, on Friday night last. Despite thick fog and intense cold, the teams served up an entertaining encounter.
Ballinrobe fought valiantly throughout and when they drew level in the closing stages, it looked as if they might push on for victory. However, a crafty Garrymore team steadied the ship and claimed the honours.
Ballinrobe: Stephen O’Connor; Felim Reilly, David Murphy, Conor Keane; James Marrey, Gary Mellett-Connolly, Sean Coyne; Gillan Jennings, Peter Finnerty; Johnny Heneghan, Simon Boyle, Seamus Langan; Adam Flannery, Darren McDonnell, Owen Corcoran.
Management: Pat Duffy, Aidan Healy, John Flannelly, David Colleran.
The death has taken place in the USA of Gemma Gannon, formerly of Main St, Ballinrobe. Gemma was a sister of the late Maura, Joe-Joe, Maut and Pat Gannon.
The following officers have been elected to steer the affairs of Ballinrobe Pastoral Council over the coming year: chairperson, Anna Finlay; secretary, Tim O’Sullivan; vice-chairperson, Martin Vahey; assistant secretary, Geraldine Kelly; schools liaison officer, Dymphna Culhane. Further positions will be filled at a later meeting and full membership will be published.
From the first week of January, weekday Masses in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, will be at 10am on Mondays, Thursday and Fridays. Christmas Masses in Ballinrobe will be at 8pm on Christmas Eve and 11.30am on Christmas Day.
A total of 1769 boxes were dispatched from Ballinrobe to Timisoara, Romania, following the annual Shoe Box Appeal locally.
Eileen Comer, Creagh Rd, Ballinrobe, has been bereaved by the death of her sister Rita Walsh, Manulla.
Ballinrobe Community School’s U19 girls’ basketball team lost to Convent of Mercy, Roscommon, in the Western Area Regional final last week. As regional finalists, Ballinrobe remain in the hunt for national honours.
The school’s junior LGFA team qualified for the Connacht semi-final with a 7-7 to 2-5 win over Davitt College, Castlebar. Victory means that Ballinrobe top the group.
The senior boys’ football team face a crucial showdown with St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, in round two of the Connacht Senior A Championship, at Flanagan Park, Ballinrobe, on Sunday next at 12.30pm. This is a must-win game for Ballinrobe who were beaten by Rice College, Westport, in the opening round.
On Sunday next, December 17, at 7 pm, Glór na Róba choir stage their annual Christmas Concert in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. The event promises an evening of enchanting melodies and festive spirit.
It draws a devoted local audience each year. Known for their stellar performances, the choir’s show is a cornerstone of the town’s holiday celebrations.
Partnering with the registered charity Hugh’s House, the event aims to raise awareness and support for families in need. Hugh’s House provides invaluable assistance by offering free accommodation to families with children undergoing treatment at Temple Street, Rotunda, Coombe and Holles Street hospitals.
Bernie Advic, a newly appointed Drug and Alcohol Support Worker, provides confidential services to individuals or families affected by any drug or alcohol issues in the Ballinrobe area. Bernie can be contacted on 087 335 2831 or bernie.advic@wrdtf.ie.
Ballinrobe Town have several great prizes in their Christmas Giveaway, including a 2024 Ballinrobe Racecourse membership, a day for two at Ballinrobe Races and a Christmas Gift Bundle.
Western Lakes Cycling Club welcomed members aged 5-12 to an open BMX track session at their facilities on Kilmaine Road last week. The new members will continue to enjoy the sport in the coming weeks.
Ballinrobe RFC’s U16 boys’ team lost 43-7 to a strong Ballinasloe side at Ballinasloe last week.
Ballinrobe Town FC’s unique relationship with Santa Claus means that the big man will be available to join club members on their annual regional Santa run this year. On Saturday next, December 16, Santa and his local entourage will visit estates and roads in the Ballinrobe, Kilmaine, Cong and The Neale areas.
Enjoy a weekend of Christmas carols at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar, on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17. The Rock ‘n’ Roses Choir – an inspirational group of cancer survivors – will perform at 3pm on Saturday, December 16. The Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 3pm and the Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform at 4pm on Sunday, December 17. All are welcome. Admission is free and no booking required.
*******************************
Mayo Abbey Centre CE scheme has Community Employment vacancies in the following areas; office administration, heritage, cook, gardener, childcare, maintenance, cleaner. Call Ger/Craig on 094 93 65987 for information, or email your CV to support@mayoabbey.ie.
Mayo Abbey Centre offer a number of services to the community including; Local Link bus regular service from our Parish Community to Castlebar departs daily from the Centre (Tuesday – Saturday); Computers can be provided or users can bring their own; Meals delivery service; Weekly Tuesday lunch for active age at Centre; Boarding Pass Printouts; Support provided for individuals looking to start their own business; Compiling of local notes; Wide range of Training Programmes provided; Thursday morning coffee and chat; Free computer and phone support for beginners; Hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connection available; Facilities available to attend a virtual meeting or interview; printing, photocopying and laminating services and much more. For further information contact 094 936 5987.
The card game will be held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre on Thursday, December 21 at 9pm. All are welcome.
The Mayo Gaels lotto jackpot is now €6,400. This Tuesday evenings’ draw is on-line. Tickets are asked to be in by 8pm. The numbers drawn on Tuesday, December 5, were 1, 4, 14, and 26. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were; Helena Duggan, Knockroe, (annual ticket), Richard Trench, Australia, (online ticket), Mary Brett, Mayo Abbey, (online ticket), Shane Adams, (online ticket).
