Starting on November 2nd every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7:30 am in Poolboy Bog, these walks are done in silence and allow you to bathe in nature.

By Colm Croffy 

It's fingers crossed that B.A.C.D. may be third time lucky, as the management team and Executive Board on the Advanced Technology Centre Project have put in huge hours researching and detailing a fresh application, since the last rejection of funding in Winter last year by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Ballinasloe is a proven incubation hub for high potential MedTech and engineering start-ups. MEIC/Glan Agua established in the Enterprise Centre in 2007 with 3 employees. They grew the business to employ 120 people and in 2016 relocated to a 15,000 sq ft workspace in Loughrea (as there was no suitable space offering locally). They are still rapidly expanding and now have over 200 employees. The development of an advanced manufacturing enterprise facility of 15,000 sq is a longstanding multi agency ambition and should prevent future moves of successful start-ups. Specifically targeting relocating medical technology and engineering companies it is also designed to act as a second site for the fast growth companies and a specific focus to attract Brexit relocations.

More than just workspace, it is designed as an integrated package of supports including facilities, a talent pool and education partnership with access to agencies. The application estimates that approximate €2.5 million funding request would secure – the creation of 220 new jobs, injecting an additional €11 million per annum into the local economy. The Total cost of all the projects under the three strands is an ambitious €4.6 mil of investment but the Lion’s share of this – approx. €3.7 being focused on the Enterprising Community element.

​The joint application process conducted for BACD and Galway County Council was led by independent Consultants Momentum and included subprograms as outlined in the table. It is hoped that the Nationwide announcement on successful projects will be made by the Department in late November/Early December.

To find out more about Galway Rural Development have a look at their Facebook page below or phone them on 091844335

Deadline extended to Friday October 18th! 

These Awards recognise and celebrate the voluntary work that individuals, groups, organisations & schools contribute to their community. There are 8 Award categories in total and they are open to individuals and groups working in the Ballinasloe area and hinterland. 
                     
These awards are one of the many projects being carried out by the Town Team under the umbrella of Ballinasloe Area Community Development Ltd (BACD). The town team is a voluntary group striving to carry out both short term and long term actions to ultimately improve & revitalize Ballinasloe and its hinterland.

The aim of these awards is to acknowledge the tremendous amount of voluntary work carried out in Ballinasloe which forms the backbone of our community. Many voluntary groups and individuals make invaluable contributions to our community.  Our wish is that such people are formally recognised so that we can publicly acknowledge their efforts and achievements.  It is also our wish to honour very special and talented individuals or groups who have achieved excellence and represented our community nationally or internationally.

Thank you to our Main Sponsor Ballinasloe Credit Union. The event is also being supported by the KPW Design, Shearwater Hotel and the Town Team.

The 2019 People of the Year Awards will acknowledge outstanding people and organisations who, through their commitment to participating in community and voluntary activities, have had a positive and significant impact on the quality of life in their communities in Ballinasloe.

There are so many people making a difference in our community this is an opportunity to formally recognise their achievements under the format of People of the Year Awards. We encourage you to please put their names forward for an award.What are the 8 Categories?Click into the box below to directly nominate Ballinasloe People of the Year 
People of the Year Awards

1. Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award
This category recognises the voluntary contribution of individuals, schools and groups to the continuing development of the Arts, Culture & Heritage in Ballinasloe. It covers a wide range of activities and events that contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life in Ballinasloe.    You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

2. Sports and Recreation Volunteer Award
This category recognises individuals or groups in Ballinasloe who give their time voluntarily to support and encourage participation in sport and other recreation activities. Sports and Recreation is important in creating a healthier lifestyle for the whole community. You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

3. Sports and Recreation Team Award
This category recognises specific sports teams who have excelled in their chosen sport and represented their town with distinction. Sports and Recreation is important in creating a healthier lifestyle for the whole community. You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

4. Sports and Recreation Individual Award
This category recognises specific sports individuals who have excelled in their chosen sport and represented their town with distinction. Sports and Recreation is important in creating a healthier lifestyle for the whole community. You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

5. Youth Volunteer Award 
This category recognises the contribution that young people make to our society, through voluntary or fundraising  work within the community. . It acknowledges how young people within our community are setting an example not only to their peers but society as a whole. . (Age Limit 25 or under).  You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

6. Social, Community & Civic Special Recognition Award
This category recognises voluntary groups or individuals that have made a special contribution to life in Ballinasloe and hinterland through the works which they have undertaken. It may be in respect of ongoing work, or specific project that has made a significant impact on their community and its people or working with specific groups. This category is to recognise those that continue to work towards making Ballinasloe a better place to live.  You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE
 
7. Business Community Spirit Award
This category recognises local businesses that go above and beyond the call of duty to support and contribute to their community. This can be through supporting or contributing to community groups directly or by offering supports or services to help different organisations and community groups in the area.  Download the nomination form here.    OR you can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE
 
8. Hall of Fame Award ( Lifetime Achievement Accolade)
This category recognises individuals from Ballinasloe whom have achieved excellence within their lifetime and have been successful in the field of either sporting, professional, business, entrepreneurial or artistic endeavours. You can submit your nomination directly online by clicking HERE

​Arts, Cultural and Heritage Award – Lawrencetown Community Development-Heritage & Tidy Towns 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

How do I Nominate?
1.There is one nomination form for each category.
2. You can make a nomination by either downloading the nomination forms on this page and emailing or posting it back.  You can ALSO nominate a person/group directly from this page. 
3. Read the questions carefully. Section A is information regarding the group or person being nominated. Section B is information regarding the persons making the nomination.
4. You may submit extra information. The assessment will be based on the information provided on the form and any extra information given.
5. All nominees must be nominated for volunteering work undertaken only. Any paid roles will not be considered. 
6. Closing date for receipt of nomination forms is
What happens then?
1.The Awards will be independently assessed by  a 4 person assessment panel ( 2 local representatives and 2 external/neutral representatives )after the closing date and winners will be chosen.
2.All Shortlisted nominees will be invited to The People of the Year Awards Ceremony on the evening of the 14th of November 2019 in the Shearwater Hotel, with our MC Darren Frehill from RTE sport, where the winners will be announced and presented with their Awards.

What is the Prize?
All Shortlisted Nominees from each Category will be presented with a Scroll of Achievement and each category winner will be presented with a specially commissioned prestigious Award.
 
Are there any Conditions?
The following conditions apply:

1. The People of the Year Awards will be held on Thursday, 14th of November 2019 in The Shearwater Hotel. The nominees must be present on the night where the winners will be announced.
2. Groups and individuals may not nominate themselves. Businesses may nominate themselves under the business community spirit award
3. Nominations will only be considered on the official nomination form which is fully completed and received by the closing date – 5pm Friday 18th of October 2019.
4. Nomination forms to be either submitted typed on the downloaded form and emailed to info@ballinasloeneterpirsecentre.ie, or posted/dropped in to Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre.

​For queries please contact:
​Lyn Donnelly
Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre
Creagh
Ballinasloe,
Co. Galway.
 
Tel: 090 9646516
Email: info@ballinasloeenterprisecentre.ie
Deadline for receipt of nominations is 18th October  2019

Something for the diaries on Wednesday, October 23rd, 11 am - 1 pm: a coffee morning in aid of Galway Hospice.
Location: Brothers of Charity, Cleaghmore, Rainbow Centre

Tonight at the Marina, from 7 pm - 8 pm: National Wave of Light to be held for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. 
Feileacain (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland) Ireland, has organised a national Wave of Light with over 70 buildings in 24 counties lending their support.

Hospitals, hotels and iconic buildings across the country will light up in pink and blue to mark Babyloss Awareness Day.
Families and individuals are also encouraged to join the Wave of Light by lighting their own candle for Infant and Pregnancy Loss. Click here for more information

Ballinasloe Horse Fair is held annually in Ballinasloe, the second largest town in County Galway, in the western part of Ireland. It is one of Europe’s oldest and largest Horse Fairs, dating back to the 18th century.
​
This annual event attracts up to 80,000 visitors from all over the world, with many returning to the town year after year.

​This festival is one of the most important social and economic events in the life of the town. The town is also renowned for horse and pony riding, show jumping and other equestrian activities which take place throughout the year.

Friday 20th September - Queen of Fair Gullane’s Hotel @ 8pm
Sunday 29th September - Official Opening • Horse Fair • Street Stalls • Street Entertainment • Horse & Pony Lunging
Monday 30th September - Horse Fair • Street Entertainment • Street Stalls • Connemara Pony Classes on Fair Green
Tuesday 1st October - Heritage Night / Photo Exhibition • Gullane’s Hotel 8.30pm
Thursday 3rd October - Fair & Festival Music Night - see here for details
Friday 4th October - Fireworks Display 8.30pm • Entertainment 7pm to 8.30pm @ Marina • Jiving Competition St. Michaels Sq.@ 9pm • Tug of War - Society St. @ 9pm
Saturday 5th October - Country Fair Day • Horses on the fair green • Street Entertainment • Market Stalls
Sunday 6th October - Food & Craft Market • Kids Art Crafts & Bakery •Static Vintage Display • MotorBbike Stunt Show
Kids Tractor Racing • Dog Show • Street Entertainment

To find out more visit http://ballinasloeoctoberfair.com/

Congratulations to Ashley Walsh the Ballinasoe Town AFC candidate on being crowned the 2019 Queen of the Fair in Gullanes Hotel on 20th September and well done to all the women on the night for taking part!

New Arts and Crafts Workshops for children (ages 5-8 and 8-12) in Ballinasloe on Fridays and Moylough on Tuesdays from September 20th. 

Encouraging creativity and self-expression  through a range of different Arts and Crafts mediums such as: 

• Mixed Media
• Pop Art
• Fairytale Illustrations
• Collage 
• Graffiti
  
• Stencil art and much more
  

Registration is €10 per child per term and classes cost €8
 
Contact Sylwia for bookings in Moylough - 087 9645822 and Katie for bookings in Ballinasloe - 0862676677

Ballinasloe Fair & Festival 2019 (Sunday Sept 29th – Sunday Oct 6th)
​
The first event on the calendar of the Ballinasloe Fair & Festival is the selection of the Queen of the Fair 2019 which will take place in Gullane’s Hotel on Friday September 20th @ 8p.m. If you would like to be one of the candidate and represent your town for the year – contact (087) 2071869. It’s a wonderful experience for any girl.

Please click here to download an application form and BEST OF LUCK! 

​The talented and award winning MUA Audrey O Connor, and Fashion Buyer and style queen Zoe Chohan will be hosting ‘The Look Good Feel Good Event’ on 31st August from 4pm in the Shearwater Hotel in Ballinasloe.

From wardrobe essentials, fashion trends, to that ultimate beauty look, we will have you all styled and glammed for the season ahead. With some finger food and goodie bags thrown into the mix, it’s the ultimate ladies night out you don’t want to miss!

To buy your tickets please click here