Christmas has come to Ballinasloe! The Christmas tree is alight and the store-windows are decorated beautifully!
It'll be a festive month ahead, thanks to the wonderful Festive Gathering we had at the weekend. MC Pat Vaughan, of B'sloe Panto, presented the evening, where Christmas carols were provided by local national schools, and Santa Claus turned on the lights. Catch up on the events from the evening below!
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A few weeks ago, Ballinasloe Life Magazine caught up with the 2017 Queen of the Fair, Kim Connaughton who spoke about her experience of the fair, her thoughts on winning and what she is looking forward to most over the next year as the Queen.
Best of luck now, moving forward! Written by Paddy Keane, of Keane Auctioneers. Recently, when requested to give a short talk at any evening seminar, I decided to introduce some enthusiasm. I got the seminar host to distribute a number of photocopies of a plant. A small prize of €20 was offered for the plant identification. To our astonishment, it transpired that only one person of the group recognised it. Consequently, it is by way of this article that I decided the public should become aware of the presence of this plant and its future consequences. Japanese Knotweed, classified as a most invasive species, was first discovered in Wales in the 1880s. It was then introduced by the Victorians for horticultural purposes. Its ornamental leaves and clusters of white flowers together with its three metre bamboo-like stems made it an attractive option for many gardens of the era. Ironically, it only started to manifest itself in Ireland since the 1980s, likewise as an ornamental plant particularly on roadside areas of the Irish landscape. Describing Japanese Knotweed will depend very much on the time of year in question. In Spring, small red buds appear. In Summer and Autumn, clusters of white flowers grow. In winter, the plant dies, leaving dead brown cave like stems standing or lying down. Whilst underground, it bears a most extensive rhizome, which is essentially an underground stem system common with an orange centre that snaps easily like a carrot when bent. Best referred to as most destructive, which not only causes damage to plant biodiversity and agriculture, it is also causing major problems for buildings and flood defences. When cut or pulled, or even interfered with, Japanese Knotweed multiplies aggressively and srpeads rapidly, splitting concrete and damaging infrastructure such as homes and farm buildings. It can penetrate rapidly through both walls and tarmacadam. Consequently, it may well decrease the price of land and if identified near a planned building site, both Planning Permission and Mortgage Approval could be denied. In 2014, in the UK, the government spent in excessive of 1.25 BILLION sterling to eradicate the weed. Early identification is paramount, which was borne out by a Longford beef farmer who put a successful plan in place to eradicate it. In August 2017, Kerry County Council put aside €100,000 to destroy the invasive weed, which stymied construction of a Community Hospital in Kenmare. It’s important therefore to recognise it. Under article 49 and 50 of the Birds and Habitats Directive, it is an offence to plant or dispose of the weed within the state. If, for example, a farmer knowingly cuts the Knotweed, they are in serious breach of this directive and may be prosecuted. In addition, the following procedures should be adhered to if you recognise it on a farm: - fence it off, photograph it and forward it to your local authority. Never under any circumstances attempt to cut the weed, or you will cause it to spread. If walking in an area of the Knotweed, wash both your footwear and clothes as you can cause it to spread. A lose 2cm fragment can cause it to spread. Refrain from digging it at all costs. Although prevalent in every county, I have observed serious infestations in roadside areas of Aughrim, Kilrickle, Bullaun and Cappataggle. Most recently, Galway County Council have placed warning notices in many of those areas so as to alert people of its existence. From a farming point of view, farmers need to take evasive action to prevent spread of the weed or may well risk breaching cross compliance rules which ultimate would affect all farm payments. A similar invasive plant known as Giant Hogweed, prevalent in certain parts out the country, causes a variety of most serious skin irritations if contact is made. On a final note, leaving aside invasive plants, people need to be aware of an invasion to Ireland of a species known as “False Widow Spiders”. Whilst unlikely that their bite is fatal, they should be considered as a serious potential health risk. If you have a story worth sharing or news about Ballinasloe, please email ballinasloelife@hotmail.com The Town Team recently held a gala evening for their second ever Ballinasloe People of the Year Awards in the Shearwater Hotel with almost 500 guests and community organisations in attendance. 54 nominations for people and organisations were honoured, with each nominee receiving a certificate recognising their achievements. RTE Sports Journalist & Broadcaster Darren Frehill hosted the event, which was sponsored by the Credit Union, the Shearwater Hotel and KPW. The Town Band under the baton of Noel Madden welcomed attendees with a fantastic symphony performance before everybody could move to the Plaza Suite for the event. Seamus Duffy, the Chair of Ballinasloe Area Community Development (B.A.C.D.) opened proceedings welcoming everybody and updating the gathering on the Town Team’s projects, of the past 2 years - specifically mentioning the Zombie Walk that brought a sellout crowd of over 2,100. He also reminded the audience that while the Enterprise Centre was almost sold out again – the town has no capacity for new industry and he was pleased to announce that funding had been recently secured from the Credit Union to apply for full planning permission for a new advance modern light industrial factory on the IDA Business park to be shovel ready for new industrialists. He also mentioned that the group were in the process of hosting a seminar on the possible future uses of the old St. Bridgids Hospital complex. “Our next priority is the Festive gathering and Town illuminations and I thank all those associated with the staging of the evening and the awards especially the sponsors, whilst saluting all the nominees for their work in sustaining our community”. Adrian Ahearne the Chair of the Credit Union spoke about how their Board and organisation were very much agreed to be supportive and acknowledging all the efforts of the many group and clubs that make up the fabric of our town and community. “ The Credit Union used to sponsor the old Mayoral awards some years back as we have been anchored in the needs of our local and we know and appreciate the efforts of volunteers , in a way that no other financial co – operative does . I want to thank the organisers and congratulate the nominees and winners this evening “ stated Adrian. M.C. Darren Frehill of Lawrencetown then took to the stage, congratulating all nominees. “I was blown away, reading some of the nominations. It feels almost unfair to single out winners,” Darren mentioned his younger years growing up in the locality and how the sports clubs were a key aspect of his formation and how pleased he was to see so many people in their sporting attire at the event. Nominees for all categories were introduced and awarded certificates of achievements by Adrian Ahearne. An interlude for food followed, during which the local music group Pleáracá performed. The break concluded with soprano Ciara Lawless, a sixth year student in Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone, performing some well known classics. The category winners, were then announced as follows: Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award – Lawrencetown Community Development-Heritage & Tidy Towns Focus Group Business Community Spirit Award – Gullane’s Hotel Social, Community & Civic Pride Award – Ballinasloe Social Services Sports and Recreation Volunteer Award – John Donnelly (Cycling) Sports and Recreation Individual Award – Heather Payne (Soccer) Sports and Recreation Team Award – Ballinasloe Itosu-Kai Karatedo Ireland Young Person’s Award – Julianna Green & Laura Frehill Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement Award – Liam Kelly Liam Kelly received the Hall of Fame award from Tom Quinn, the winner of the award in the inaugural event two years ago. Jacinta Divilly, Co – Ordinator of the Town Team closed the evening, thanking the crowd for their support and congratulating the nominees, especially Liam for his lifetime achievement award. “I of course want to thank our sponsors for the evening. Thank you again to the Ballinasloe Credit Union, for sponsoring the Awards once again. Thank you to the Shearwater, who ensured a fantastic evening here tonight, feeding over 480 people supper in less than 30 minutes. And thank you as well to KPW, our new sponsors for the award,” Jacinta commented. Denis Naughten, Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, got a few moments on stage to congratulate the nominees and winners. He specifically praised the young nominees and their talents. He also mentioned the Town Team’s projects, praising their continued efforts to make Ballinasloe a better place to live and work. “ between the Surmodics Investment, the e fibre project and the advance planning for new industry – the work of the Town Team is being responded to and supported by a listening and encouraging Government who will help those communities that are trying to help themselves “, noted the Minister. A raffle ran during the evening, with all proceeds going towards the continued enhancement of the Christmas Lights & Illumination Festivities. The Tops prizes was a €500 travel voucher from Kellers Travel, which was won by Nora Flaherty. Over 1 million euro has been allocated for community initiatives in Galway under the Town and Village Scheme.
The Scheme has allocated 20 milllion euro on towns and villages across the country this year. Minister for Community Development Michael Ring approved the funding for 13 projects in Galway County. €100,000 will be invested in Ballinasloe for footpath repaving and line marking. Similarly, Loughrea will receive €100,000 for enhancements to the Loughrea Lake and an amenity area. Fine Gael Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Maura Hopkins has confirmed that she has secured €3,000 in funding for the Larry Reynolds festival which takes place in Ballinasloe from September 8-10 September 2017.
Senator Hopkins stated, “This funding allocation is being made available from the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht. I have been working closely with the festival committee and Minister Heather Humphries over some time to ensure that this funding was made available to support the festival for this year.” “The festival now in it’s fourth year has continued to go from strength to strength. The festival plays an important role in helping to celebrate Irish music, culture and heritage in Ballinasloe and the surrounding region.” “The festival commemorates the life and work of the late Larry Reynolds who hailed from Ahascragh outside Ballinasloe and emigrated to Boston in the 1950’s. Larry became a renowned fiddle player and throughout his life made an important contribution to the Irish culture in Boston and across North America.” “The hardworking committee work tirelessly each year to continue to run and develop the festival each year. This funding is vitally important to allow them to continue to grow the festival. It is their dedication which allows this celebration of our culture to continue year after year. The festival has grown to become an important event on the festival calendar in the region.” Senator Hopkins concluded, “It is so important to keep alive the rich traditions of Irish heritage and culture which are loved worldwide. In recognising that, it is very important for our Government to continue to recognise the value of providing ongoing and adequate funding to keep these traditions alive.” The IDA’s Business and Technology Park in Ballinasloe is to undergo a series of infrastructure upgrades.
The contract for the works will include replacing road and footpath surfaces, improving signage and road markings, and the installation of LED lights throughout the park. Senator Maura Hopkins, of Fine Gael, says the Ballinasloe Area Community Development company has worked hard to promote the town for business. However, Senator Hopkins says the IDA needs to continue to provide more office accommodation to attract investment. The fourth Larry Reynolds festival will take place from the 8th to the 10th of September.
If you have any queries or if the Féile Cheoil Larry committee can assist in any way, contact Kathryn Gibbons at 087 904 6140 or info@larryreynoldsweekend.com This Friday promises to be a special evening with 'The Sarah Corcoran School Of Singing' proudly presenting a magical evening of song and music in Hayden's Hotel with all proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland! The admission to this event is €10 per adult, and children are free (16 and under). There will be a donations box on the night for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and a raffle with some beautiful prizes including singing lesson vouchers. To find out more information or to book your tickets message Sarah Corcoran at 085 1178405. See you there! |
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March 2024
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