The New Year celebrations were overshadowed locally, as news trickled through of one of Main Street’s prominent businessmen’s sudden shock passing. Martin Grenham was one of twins (brother Peter) born to parents Teresa and Joseph on 31st March 1950, who ran a prominent Bar, Grocery and Undertakers from their Main Street premises. Martin spent many summers as a young child in his Aunt Margaret’s farm in Castlepollard (including a long stay after he broke his leg chasing Peter around the kitchen table).

He attended St.Grellan’s N.S. but was also known to hide behind Hill’s sweetshop for an odd day instead. After his secondary education in “The Tech”, he worked as manager in the Sheaf of Wheat, Coolock with his brother John. While he had dreamt of becoming a guard he changed his mind instead he returned to work in the family business. This proved to be a wise move as he soon met his beloved wife Mary in 1974. Two years later on the 15th of June 1976 they married in Athleague.​  A year later Martin Junior arrived, coincidentally the same day Elvis Presley departed! Two years later, Tracy completed their happy family. ​

He worked tirelessly in Grenham’s bar for years; always to be found with a cloth in his hand cleaning. His hobbies included watching cowboy and true crime movies, listening to country and western and traditional Irish music. His daily routine in later years included caring for his adored granddaughter Ava.

Many people have said they knew they were late for work when they saw Martin’s car outside the school in the mornings. He was an invaluable help and companion to his nephew-in-law Niall. His love and care for his wife Mary during her illness was his main priority, often sleeping in a chair beside her hospital bed. Her loss, broke Martin’s heart and he would often visit her grave daily, if not more often.  ​He revered their memories together and she would have been so proud of how he cared for Ava and his new found housekeeping abilities! 

​A Taughmaconnell student, volunteering in Ghana, West Africa, has helped to kit out a soccer team with jerseys from Joe Kelly’s Bar in Ballinasloe. Publican Joe has been a life-long supporter and sponsor of the Skyvalley Rovers soccer club, who now sees his branded jerseys being worn in West Africa. Katie Phelan, daughter of Joe and Rose, from Camla, Taughmaconnell, is a third year student in the University of Limerick and is a playing member of Skyvalley Rovers. As part of her studies she decided to volunteer at the Padre Pio Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana’s Cape Coast and brought with her a set of jerseys that had been donated to her club by Joe Kelly’s Bar. These she gladly gave to a group of enthusiastic soccer players, who are now displaying them with pride in their inter-village matches. ​

A spokesman for the Taughmaconnell club paid tribute to Joe Kelly for his support and sponsorship since its foundation in 1971. “He has been a true supporter over the years and was a special guest at our 40th anniversary celebrations in 2011. Now his son, Joby, has come on board to continue the sponsorship. The whole family have been most generous and we all here wish Joe a speedy recovery from his recent illness” he stated. Meanwhile, Katie, who is a former pupil of Ardscoil Mhuire, said the Cape Coast boys are the envy of everyone as they tog out in Joe Kelly’s Bar jerseys!

​SMA priest, Fr. Anthony Kelly from Tristane, Aughrim and now ministering in Nairobi, Kenya, has thanked Ballinasloe LIFE for supporting his appeal for donations to “Kit out” newly ordained priests in Africa. Following an article in the last issue of LIFE, Fr. Anthony sent an email stating “There has been a very generous response from people around Ballygar, Newbridge, Ballinasloe, Clontuskert, Kiltormer, Killimor and Aughrim following your story.

Every year we have between 6 and 10 ordinations from our S.M.A. formation house here in Nairobi and as they leave us we try to fit them out with Mass Kits to help them get started in their new parishes. At present we have 40 students studying for missionary priesthood with S.M.A. from 14 different countries, They come from India, Poland, Slovakia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, Benin, Central Africa, Congo, Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. In addition to our seminary here in Nairobi we have seminaries also in Nigeria and Ivory Coast with similar numbers training to be missionaries for S.M.A. and the people of Africa. They will be replacing the many Irish S.M.A. Missionaries who are retiring or have already retired from the above countries. It is a great source of joy for our retired missionaries in our houses in Cork and Claregalway to see young students preparing for priesthood from the parishes where they laboured in their earlier years as S.M.A. missionaries in West Africa. Wishing you and all your readers God’s Blessings at this time. Fr. Anthony Kelly S.M.A.”. Email: anthony5205@gmail.com 

​Bringing their family chain to number five, the Gills of Westport have acquired the old Harney premises in Dunlo St. and have just recently opened the store after an extensive revamp. Frank and his wife Martina came into the Dry Cleaning business in 1980 when the opened their first premises in Westport. Since then they expanded their chain to include Ballina, Dunshaughlin, Castlebar and have grown from the traditional Mom Pop operation to employing 14 fulltime staff. With nearly four decades of business in the sector amassed they are keen to bring their range of services across laundry, dry cleaning, alterations, ironing and indeed specialist key cutting to the area. “We have seen some customer trends in the few years with the moves towards regular laundry and ironing drops from all types of households and customers – reflecting their busy lives” states Frank.  

​The recent acquisition of Brodericks Pharmacy, in Society St, Ballinasloe is an exciting development that will bring some of new services and brands to the town. Speaking on behalf of McGorisks Pharmacy, Philip McGorisk said “We look forward to continuing the excellent service Kevin and Anne have being providing over the years and wish them well in their retirement”. Michael McDermott, who is married to a local girl, is the new pharmacist taking the helm, and they have the same great team of girls, Katie McNally, Aisling Delaney , Melissa Fahy and Aisling Colohan who have all been working in the store for many years. Joining the team is Aileen O’Connell (nee White) a Ballinasloe native. Some new services that have been introduced include:
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​Flu vaccination - This is a walk in service, so no appointment is necessary. The Flu vaccination is a safe effective way of preventing the flu and is available up to April 2019. It is recommended for the over 60’s, people with long term illness and pregnant women. Don’t get the flu, drop into the store and get vaccinated. Mention this article and get €5 off the vaccine (€15), normal RRP €20.

Medication review - Do you feel like you are taking too many tablets? Their pharmacist can review your medication and make recommendations to the GP that may reduce the number you take. They can also do a price review and sometimes recommend a cheaper alternative.

Loyalty card - sign up for our loyalty card today and get 4 points for every €1 you spend. You will also get access to extra discounts

​Delivery service - With access to the town proving difficult due to ongoing road works, they are offering a free delivery service. You can phone your order in advance or ask your GP to fax/ email your script and they will deliver. 

Is your child ready for  Secondary School? Irish and Maths for 6th class pupils.  5-week intensive course. Fully qualified teacher, with both Primary and Secondary school experience.

From Friday 18th January to Friday 15th February
Irish: 6:30 -7:30pm Friday
Maths: 7:30 -8:30pm Friday

Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre, Creagh Road, Ballinasloe
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€40 per 5 week course, or both for €70.

Booking essential. Contact Liz: 087 9177323 to book your place. Register before 18th January to guarantee your place.

​Garbally College have won the Connacht Junior and Senior Schools League Finals in Tuam beating Marist College Athlone in both games. In the Junior Final, Garbally won 27-10 having led 8-3 at Half Time. Their Seniors then followed up with victory in their final winning 34-10 having led 13-3 at Half Time.