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.
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Result from Pearse Stadium Saturday Relegation final Ballinasloe 1-15 Clonbur 1-7.
When these two met in the league a month ago on a very wet day in Clonbur it was Clonbur who won by 3pts, a different game yesterday, luck hadn't been on our side in the championship this year, losing 2 important championship games by 1 pt when in both games town were leading those games. Lining out yesterday without Eoin Fenton (injured) and with Liam Lynch returning from Canada, after 2 and a half years abroad, on a perfect evening for game. Tension was in the air as both teams fought t out to retain their intermediate status. Ballinasloe were leading at half time 7pts to 3pts , but Clonbur raised their game in the 2nd half with 3 unanswered points. As the game went on it could have gone either way. Town were reduced to 14 men when Liam Lynch was sent off for a challenge ,like many games before when town were down to 14 men the would lose all hope but yesterday was different ,it seemed to drive on Ballinasloe. Clonbur got a goal at 1 stage to leave 2 pts in it ,but town were not going to lose and when Billo's shot hit the back of the net it was game over. The team that lined out Saturday to defeat Clonbur and keep Ballinasloe Intermediate for 2016 Paul Hickey,Colin Cotton,keith kelly,Danny Byrnes,Shane kenny,James Shaughnessy,Noel Cotton,Luke Tierney,Conor Barrett,Gary Canavan,Eoin McCormack,Ian Flecther,Paul Whelehan,Liam Lynch, Brian Shaughnessy,subs Niall Hynes,Darragh Burke,Simon Keller,others Jason Twohig,Darragh McCormack,Nathan king,Aaron Leonard,Michael O'Neill,Ciaran Smith,Eoin Fenton. Well done to all the panel and the Management team consisting of Sean Riddle,Cathal Coleman,John Mitchell ,Cathal Croffy ,Colm Riddle and medic Geoff Casey ,thanks to all those who travelled to Galway Saturday and throughout the year, to challenges, league matches and championship games. We still have 2 league games where we will play St Gabriels and Glenamaddy and could finish in top 3 in table to get promoted. Visit Ballinasloe GAA Facebook page for updates! |
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January 2024
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