Nuala O’Connor is never happier than when she’s living in the past, at least when it comes to writing fiction. “History is so seductive,” she says.
In her latest novel, Seaborne, the Ballinasloe-based author has embraced the 18th century Irish pirate, Anne Bonny, creating a fearless heroine who’s determined to follow her own star, even if that determination brings Anne into conflict with societal norms of the day. There are very few biographical details available about Anne Bonny, who may have been born in Cork, although Nuala says that has never been verified. The only factual information comes from a court case in Jamaica in 1720, where Anne Bonny and Mary Read were tried for piracy, as were the ship’s captain, John Rackman, and other crew members – all men. The trial transcript doesn’t mention her birthplace, but says Nuala with a laugh, “Kinsale has claimed her”. That’s due to a colourful book about piracy, written in the 1720s, that stated she was “born at a town near Cork”. Allegedly the work of a Captain Charles Johnson, this publication became a bible on piracy but, as Nuala points out, nobody knows the author’s real identity and he took great poetic licence. So too did other writers on the topic. “It’s very hard to get serious books about piracy,” she says. That makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction, but it’s a gift for a novelist like Nuala who began to tease out Anne’s extraordinary life. “How does a young woman end up on board a pirate ship?” she asks of Anne, who is believed to have been 23 when she was arrested for piracy.Nuala answers that question in this book, set in a time “when women didn’t own their own futures in the world. But Anne was determined to own hers”. Dublin-born Nuala has shown similar determination, albeit in a far more low-key way, through her writings in Irish and in English. Her short stories and her novels have been widely praised and her fifth novel, Nora (2021), based on the life of Nora Barnacle, was shortlisted for various prizes and selected for the Dublin One City One Book in 2022. You can purchase Seaborne from Salmons, Easons and all good book stores! You can follow Nuala O'Connor on X, Instagram and via her website
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Dublin natives Gareth and Michelle McAllister will be opening a new dining space in Ahascragh with the Clan Colla Restaurant, expanding from their current facilities at the Old Mills Cafe and their sustainable Distillery.
Currently the couple are converting the former O’ Donnell’s Bar into a top-class restaurant for visitors. They hope that, after an enjoyable time of touring the Distillery, guests finish their day with a delectable meal in the cosy spot . The restaurant shares its namesake with their whiskey ‘Clan Colla’ which itself refers to an Irish legend of three brothers Colla Uais, Colla Fo Chrí and Colla Menn who ruled Ireland during the fourth century. Visitors can anticipate their selections of award winning whiskey and gins to be available at the fully licensed premises. The new cuisine establishment will open to the public from June 14 and will be catering with a special Father's Day menu on the Sunday following the launch. Their meal selection may be found on their socials prior to the opening at ‘Ahascragh Distillery’. It will be open Thursdays to Saturdays from 17:00 to 20:45 for final orders, and Sundays 12:00 to 18:30 for final orders. Bookings are encouraged and can be made to Marie at (090) 968 8935. The Clan Colla restaurant also have a function room currently open and available to rent. The venue is suitable for various occasions whether your child's christening, confirmation, communion, birthday party, for your wedding celebrations, family events or any other gathering. There is also a private garden available which may be put to good use during the summer months, depending on the forecast. Each booking is dealt with on a case-by-case basis and can be made by email at [email protected] or [email protected], or by phone at (083) 863 2582. New Self Storage Facility Opens
Ballinasloe Self Storage – one of our newest business services opened at Garbally Oil in Pollboy , offering self container storage containers to rent at very reasonable rates. There are over 125,000 square metres of self-storage in Ireland with around 45 traditional self-storage stores and over 33 container based self-storage operations. This equates to around 0.02 square metres per person which is considerably less than other European countries such as the UK (0.068), Netherlands (0.052) and Sweden (0.048), according to the Irish Self Storage Association. There are a number of reasons why both consumers and businesses are increasingly turning to self-storage. The primary reasons remain social factors such as moving home, marriage, divorce, retirement, and for businesses, self-storage proves useful for a number of reasons including storing archive, stock or office equipment. Director David Flaherty says that we saw an opening in the market for storage rental because of the proximity of our site to the motorway and being so central for to the towns such as Ballinasloe ,Loughrea and Athlone The units are all new and insulated and are ideal for storing furniture, clothes, office equipment etc . David says that some units have already been taken by local businesses who need that extra space. The storage depot is fully secure under CCTV cameras and occupiers have access to the units at all times. Should you wish to discuss your storage options you can call David 0862586779 , or Conor 0872587754 who will happily advise you of your options. www.ballinasloeselfstorage.ie The Galway Traveller Movement recently opened a new Branch office within the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre, expanding from their existing space in Headford Road in Galway city
Currently the charitable organisation covers the county overseeing many programmes advocating for equality, social justice and rights for the Traveller community. Some of their recent achievements include founding the Miselor Festival celebrating Nomadic culture, their ‘Build Homes, Build Health, Build Hope’ campaign against Traveller inequities post-pandemic, and winning an Aontas Star Award in 2021. The Ballinasloe branch's leading service, included under the HSE funded Peer Led Primary Health Care programme, sees team members collaborating with nearby health services and responding to healthcare and wellness needs of the region’s Traveller community. Currently 10 members are working part-time on this programme servicing Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Athenry, Portumna and Ballygar. The local team will also help in conducting campaigns and assisting in organising events in town. Meanwhile, together with Galway Rural Development, the branch held a sponsored walk fundraiser for St. Teresa’s Special School. The event was organised by Geraldine Ward and the county team of Community Health workers, alongside Karyn Gavin of GRD. Starting in the centre of town, the participants made their way towards St. Teresa’s in Creagh brandishing blue outfits to support autism awareness. A crowd of parents, pupils and teachers welcomed the walkers as they entered the courtyard where they were offered refreshments. A raffle was held with multiple prizes to be won, and the day concluded with some words by Geraldine Ward, Karyn Gavin, Margaret O’Riada, and St Teresa’s principal Anita O’Reilly. Together through funding cards and the raffle, the event brought in €3,500 donated to the school. “It was an incredible day focused on inclusion and increasing awareness of Autism in our community, and the incredible work of services and supports like St Teresa’s Special School” mentions Margaret O’ Riada, Joint Coordinator with Galway Traveller Movement. Currently the team are hiring a new coordinator to oversee the Peer led Primary Health Care Programme in South-East Galway. The full job description can be found under a listing on Activelink online with applications sent to [email protected], and the deadline to apply is June 5. For all other general queries regarding the organisation, you can reach out by mobile at 091 765390 or email at [email protected]. Ballinalsoe Life Magazine - An Insight into the Area We Live In
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Join us for the Open Day of the new state-of-the-art Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub!
Date: Friday, 24th May Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Location: Society Street, Ballinasloe - H53TH24 Come and explore our modern facilities, perfect for fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a freelancer, or just curious to see what we offer, we welcome you to tour our spaces and join the Q&A sessions!
For more details, visit www.ballinasloeenterprise.ie All Welcome! The official reopening of Ballinasloe Town Hall is taking place on Thursday, May 23rd, at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend!
The theatre has undergone a significant transformation over the past 18 months and this would not have been possible without the support of various government agencies, as well as the generosity and support of the local community who rallied behind our Buy a Pane of Glass campaign last year. Join us as we celebrate this landmark building, and help us to mark the beginning of a new chapter on the journey towards creating a vibrant cultural hub for our community. Building on the triumph of last year, the Ballinasloe Tourism Group proudly announces the return of its extraordinary Tourism Weekend, promising "Something for Everyone" at Experience Ballinasloe. This event aims to unveil some of the hidden treasures of Irelands Hidden Heartlands while showcasing Ballinasloe's immense potential as a premier tourism hotspot. Seven fun-filled planned events will unfold over the weekend, ensuring there's an experience tailored to every taste. From invigorating guided Heritage Walks through Clancarty History with local historians and archaeologists, to captivating Historic Tours delving into the Aughrim Battlefields, the itinerary promises to captivate diverse interests. Participants can embark on Scenic Boat Cruises, drifting along the breath-taking landscapes of the meandering River Suck, or immerse themselves in the traditional sounds of Rambling House Music Sessions. Mystery Trails offer an intriguing adventure, sending participants on a 3KM route through Ballinasloe Town, unravelling clues along the way. Exclusive tours await those eager to discover the story of Ahascragh Distillery, where they can savour the award-winning Whiskeys & Gins. For thrill-seekers, the immensely popular Kayaking on the River Suck promises an exhilarating experience. Beyond these organised events, Ballinasloe's proximity to the ancient ruins of Clontuskert Abbey and Kilconnell Abbey to the historic significance of Meelick Church and St. Brendan's Cathedral, provide both visitors and locals a wealth of heritage waiting to be explored. Additionally, nearby landmarks like Clonfert and the renowned Clonmacnoise offer a unique opportunity for further discovery and immersion in Ireland's rich history and culture. Live music is also available throughout the weekend in local pubs and hotels. Whether local or visitor, this Tourism Weekend invites all to discover the richness of Ballinasloe and its surrounding area. 7 Organised Events for Locals and Visitors To Experience Rambling House Session in Gibbons Pillar House Bar on Friday 24th May @ 9:30pm – Join in an evening of Music, Song, Dance & Storytelling. Cost: FREE - NO PURCHASE NECESSARY A Guided Walk through Clancarty History with local historians, archaeologists, and writers. Hear about the estate, the family, the buildings, the showgirl and the ghost. Saturday 25th May @ 3:15 pm – Start point, St. John's Church (Church Hill) ,H53 XP90. End point Brewery Lane at 6:00 pm for refreshments. Full Walk 5KM, shorter route available for reduced mobility by joining at Gaelscoil ,H53 W183 at 4:00 pm. NOTE: The terrain is a mix of road and grassy trails so please be mindful of footwear. Cost: €10.00 per Adult - Children & Buggies Free TICKETS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE HERE Boat Cruises from Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge and/or Shannonbridge to Ballinasloe on Sunday May 26th - Two Slots available to choose from. DETAILS: Cruise along the majestic River Suck to Ballinasloe onboard the luxurious, all-weather River Queen. Snap photos and enjoy unsurpassed views of this spectacular waterway with full bar facilities. Complimentary glass of Proscecco and Light Bites compliments of the Moycarn Lodge & Marina Hotel & Lukers of Shannonbridge. Option 1: Cruise from Shannonbridge to Moycarn Marina: Bus Pick Up at Moycarn Hotel at 12 noon with Drop off at River queen in Shannon bridge. Cruise from Shannonbridge to Moycarn ( approx. 2 hours) with drop off at Moycarn for complimentary light bites, arrival at approx. 2:30 pm. Option 2: Cruise from Ballinasloe to Shannonbridge: Pick up at Ballinasloe Marina @ 3.30 pm. Cruise to Shannon bridge (approx. 2 hours) and disembark at Lukers for complimentary Light Bites. Bus Pick up at 7.30 pm to return to Ballinasloe Marina Cost €25.00 - TICKETS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE HERE A Guided Tour of the Battle Fields of Aughrim on Sunday on 26th May @ 11:00 am. Details: Meet Michael and Abbie at the Battle of Aughrim Visitor Centre (H53 KH51) on Sunday 26th May at 11:00am for a journey through the fields surrounding Aughrim village. These seemingly ordinary-looking fields were the site of the last pitched battle fought in Ireland- and the bloodiest, with approximately 7,000 men losing their lives in the most significant battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. You'll learn all about the events leading up the battle, the key characters involved, and its impact on Ireland's history. You'll also have the opportunity to handle replica weapons, uniforms, and props of the era. The tour will take approximately 2.5hrs on foot over sometimes rough terrain, taking in Kilcommadan Hill, St. Ruth's Bush and Fort, and the ruins of Aughrim Castle - all key locations on that fateful July day in 1691. Suitable clothing and footwear are advised. Cost: €20.00 TICKETS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE HERE Kayaking on the River Suck Sunday 26th @12:00 Noon & 2:00pm. Details: Kayak along the river Suck with an experienced guide who will take you along the banks of the River Suck to give you a unique view of the countryside. Small Groups, No kayaking experience required. We will supply kayaks, buoyancy aids, helmets and paddles. Meet at Moycarn Marina 15 minutes before start time. Wear old runners, tracksuit bottom or shorts, a t shirt and a wind breaker, or under-armour type top. If you have your own wetsuit, feel free to wear it but not a necessity. Over 12's - Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost €25.00 - TICKETS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE HERE A Family Fun Mission Impossible Mystery Trail – Details: How well do you know Ballinasloe?. - A 3KM mystery trail of Ballinasloe Town will have you scratching your head. A special discount is available for Saturday & Sunday May 25th & 26th. Download the Ballinasloe map on www.mystertrails.ie and use special discount code Ballinasloe Tourism Weekend. - Then let the fun begin, follow the clues and upload your answers for a chance to win a prize. Cost €10.00. Guided Tours of Ahascragh Distillery Saturday & Sunday May 25th & 26th
This Group is set up under the umbrella of Ballinasloe Area Community Development Clg.
All general enquiries can be made to Lyn or Martina at [email protected] or 09096 46516. Local Accommodation Details: Gullanes hotel Shearwater Hotel Moycarn Lodge & Marina Gibbons B&B airbnb.com/h/thefeathers-shepherdshut Club Fun Day Sponsorship Challenge!
Ballinasloe Rugby Club's big Fun Day is just around the corner on May 5th, and we're looking forward to it! In advance of this, the club are kindly asking each team to gather as much sponsorship as they can using the attached form. All money raised will go towards the development of the club. They will also have Prizes for the teams that raise the most money:
Please see the schedule for the club fun day, everyone welcome and we encourage everyone to get involved, if you have wellies, water guns please bring along. Parents don’t forget your boots and show the kids how it’s done Teams can do their walk at anytime during the day that suits themselves. Look forward to seeing you all there and celebrate what has been a fantastic season from U7 to the Senior squads. If anyone wants to sponsor a player on a team then you can donate below just add there name and team and it will be added to their teams total. https://gofund.me/727d67f5 Not to be missed! Exhibition launch in Ballinasloe Library on 11th May 2024 at 2:30pm - opening by Paul Igoe.
Group 8 presents, Paul Boyle, Solo Art Exhibition. The exhibition will be on view until 24th May 2024. |
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June 2024
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