This information evening run by Ballinasloe Lions Club takes place at 7:30pm on 27th February, Gullanes Hotel. 

Details below

Customers visiting Daybreak in Ahascragh may have noticed some changes over recent years. The Concannons have been serving the village since 1955, when Colin’s grandparents, Joe and Rita, set up the shop from their house. Their son, Padraic, and his wife, Catherina, took over the running of the shop in 1987 and continued to grow the business. Then, in 2015, the opportunity arose to take over the filling station next door. “We have invested in a redesigned store with a more modern and up-to-date feel to it,” says Colin Concannon, owner of the store. “Our aim was to give our loyal customers an improved service and a store they can be proud of.” In addition to improvements to the forecourt, the store added a new Munch and Co deli, an off-licence, two coffee machines with iced coffee, and a new ice cream concept called Lickety.

Covid saw changes to their operation. “We offered free home delivery for anyone who wasn’t able to make it out,” Colin says. During this time, illness to Padraic also meant that Colin and his wife, Marcileide, took over the day-to-day running of the business. Marcileide took over the role of deli manager and, “with her team, has transformed the business, with many people coming from all over to try her secret recipe battered fish on Fridays.” Colin credits his “very loyal and hard-working staff” for the success of the store. “Some have been working with us for many years, from the old shop. All of them live locally. This has been very important to us down through the years. We couldn’t do it without them.”

​The village of Ahascragh has gone through a lot of positive changes over the last few years, with a new distillery, a new café, a new restaurant, and local homes being built. Colin notes, “We are very lucky, and it’s very important to keep this going.” Colin adds that, “A sense of community is very important to us; without that, we wouldn’t be in business. We like to try [to] give back to the local community groups by sponsoring events and local clubs.” They also continue to do home deliveries for those who need it. More developments are planned. “We are a bit tight for parking, so we would like to look into developing our forecourt even more,” and Colin is also considering requests for a seating area. They are also planning a big seventieth birthday celebration this summer. Daybreak’s opening hours are: Monday to Saturday, 7am to 9pm, and Sunday and bank holidays, 8am to 8pm.

Ballinasloe witnessed a significant gathering as stakeholders from across the community came together in Gullane’s Hotel for the inaugural Peer-to-Peer Forum under the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) initiative last December. Representatives from a wide range of organisations attended, including An Garda Síochána, Ballinasloe Area Community Development, Ballinasloe Credit Union, Ballinasloe Lions Club, Ballinasloe Social Services, Ballinasloe Tidy Towns, Ballinasloe Training for Employment, Ballinasloe Sports Hub (Galway Sports Partnership), Brothers of Charity, Canal House, Family Support Services, Galway Rural Development, Galway Traveller Movement, GRETB, HSE (Older Persons Network), Involve Youth Service, Galway County Council Integration Team, Parent Child+, St. Vincent de Paul, The Junction (Youth Work Ireland), Tuath Housing, Fáilte Isteach, and TÚS.

Each stakeholder brought a unique perspective, reinforcing the principle at the heart of the ABCD approach: “Start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong.” “Attending the Peer-to-Peer Forum was an eye-opener,” said Orla McCaffrey from Canal House. “I had the chance to connect with organisations I wasn’t even aware of before the meeting. These new connections have already sparked ideas for collaboration that could greatly benefit our service users. Working together like this has the potential to create real, positive change in Ballinasloe.”

“The Peer-to-Peer Forum was a fantastic platform to meet other groups and organisations dedicated to making a difference in Ballinasloe,” said Karyn Gavin of Galway Rural Development. “By coming together and sharing our resources and knowledge, we can create stronger partnerships that not only enhance our individual efforts but also have a lasting impact on the entire community.” Brian King, Vice Chair of BACD CLG, reflected on the significance of the day: “The ABCD approach is about tapping into our collective strengths and working together for a brighter future. Whether you’re a local group, business, or individual passionate about Ballinasloe, there’s a place for you in this exciting initiative.” For many, the day’s most valuable takeaway was the focus on better communication and collaboration. Attendees agreed on the need to establish stronger connections between groups through enhanced communication platforms and a comprehensive community directory. This directory will serve as a valuable resource for both the groups involved and the wider community.

The forum also marked the start of ongoing efforts to support active citizenship. Four local community animators—Shane McNeill, Niall Clarke, Stephen Kerr, and Lyn Donnelly—are currently undergoing training in the ABCD methodology. Once completed, they will lead community conversations and initiatives, ensuring the momentum from the forum continues. A follow-up Peer-to-Peer Forum is scheduled for Thursday, 6th February, in Gullane’s Hotel. The success of the December meeting is a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of all those who attended. There is a growing sense of optimism about what can be achieved by working together. For those interested in joining this transformative initiative, BACD can be reached at 090 9646516 or via email at [email protected] 

T​he latest networking event hosted by The Pulse Club on 30th January at the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub was a resounding success. Bringing together professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs, the gathering provided an invaluable platform for discussing funding supports available for SMEs, exchanging updates, and offering peer-to-peer advice on challenges faced by attendees. Participants had the opportunity to introduce themselves and share insights about their businesses or start-ups. With 25 people in attendance, the event saw a vibrant mix of familiar faces and first-time visitors, fostering meaningful connections and a strong sense of community.

​Established in 2019 under the umbrella of Ballinasloe Area Community Development (BACD), The Pulse Club serves as a supportive network for local businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs. The club operates with an open-door policy, welcoming all participants— whether long-established or newly founded enterprises.

​Its mission is to provide a nurturing and collaborative environment where businesses can thrive, share experiences, and build lasting partnerships. The Pulse Club meets on the last Thursday of every month, with sessions scheduled at varying times, from early morning breakfasts to evening gatherings, to accommodate diverse schedules. Businesses interested in hosting a meeting in 2025 are encouraged to get involved. Hosting provides a unique opportunity to showcase your company, with The Pulse Club team taking care of the event logistics. For more information or to register for the monthly networking meetups, contact Lyn Donnelly at [email protected]. 

​Galway County Council, in collaboration with Galway City Council, is bringing the Mount Lucas Retrofitting rig to Ballinasloe From Monday February 24th to Friday February 28th 2025. Galway County Council and Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub will play host to the Rig, a fully equipped mobile NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Buildings) training unit that allows training on energy upgrades and retrofitting be delivered in communities across Ireland.

​The Retrofitting Rig, which was developed by the Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas, will be based for 5 days at the public carpark across from the Ballinasloe Library on Society Street. Over the course of the week, a range of formal and informal training will be delivered from the mobile rig and Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, including NZEB Fundamental Awareness and the Retrofit for Homes Programme, training for construction workers and tradesmen, courses for ATU and GRETB Students, Climate Action Conversations for the general public, workshop and talks to the public on the principles and practices needed to effectively retrofit homes to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions while improving comfort and saving money.

The mobile training unit is powered by solar PV panels and includes a working heat pump and ventilation system, making it entirely self-sufficient and a showcase for emerging technologies. Throughout the week, open tours will be provided for anyone interested in retrofitting. SEAI will also have a stand at the event to answer any of your queries regarding retrofitting or grants available. The mobile training unit provides an excellent opportunity for students, construction workers, community groups and individuals to learn more about retrofitting and participate in NZEB training courses close to home. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings in Galway County will help reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. The week provides several opportunities for the public to drop in for a chat with LOETB subject matter experts who will explain about the different types of retrofitting options available. The week will provide an excellent opportunity for homeowners, construction workers, community groups and individuals to learn more about retrofitting and energy saving. All events are free of charge. For more details on the time and dates on the specific courses please contact Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub on [email protected] or 0909646516. Spaces are limited for each of the courses.

With the start of the New Year, you may be considering visiting a counsellor or therapist. If so, Marie Lyons is able to help. Marie is an experienced counsellor who holds a first-class degree in Counselling and Addiction Studies from the Irish College of Humanities and Applied Sciences in Limerick, and a Diploma in Counselling and Addiction Studies from UCD. She is also an accredited member of the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland, having a background in addiction counselling, working with charities, and in nursing. Marie specialises in working with people who present with addictions, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger management, and relationship difficulties. She can also help with bereavement, relapse prevention, harm reduction, stress, and emotional or physical abuse. Her approach to counselling is personcentred, a style of therapy which aims to help everyone develop their full potential.

Marie emphasises that she approaches each session with: “empathy, genuineness, positive regard, and respect for each client in a non-judgemental manner. I enjoy assisting people to find their true path…to get them to a place where they can cope with their own feelings, thoughts and behaviours.” She also uses other forms of therapy depending on the needs of her client, including reality therapy, solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and dialectical behavioural therapy. Like most counsellors, she also has personal experience of therapy, and draws on this to put clients at ease. “Having been through therapy myself, I understand how difficult and challenging it is to come for the first time. Each person is unique and I promise to walk this journey with you; you are not alone,” states Marie. While some people do prefer online counselling since Covid, Marie prefers to work in person. “It allows us to see the real person,” she notes. “It allows us to be more present and congruent.”

Following a cancer diagnosis, Marie took some time off work in 2024. She is now in recovery and looking forward to seeing clients again. “I missed my passion for the therapeutic work I was engaged in,” she explains. “I was sick for quite a while and missing what I loved best was, for me, one of the hardest things. Talking to someone helped. I’m just human, and we all need to speak to someone when we’re feeling a bit down.” Her convalescence also gave Marie a chance to listen to music, read, and take daily walks. Marie sees clients who are over 16 years of age, and is available for appointments from 10 am – 5 pm in Unit 143 in the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre in Creagh. The office is at the back of the Enterprise Centre, which gives privacy for Marie’s clients. If you would like to make an initial appointment, you can phone 087 782 6020 or email [email protected] 

​She also accepts GP referrals.

​Despite the tapering of building work to hospitals and residential stock in the past few months, employment by firms, semi-states and sectors – the average approximate number of persons employed stands at some 4,165, down marginally less than 2.5% from 24 months ago when we undertook the desk research. In essence, there are some 4,165 persons gainfully employed in jobs in town – this does not account for those residing here and commuting to other centres for their work. What is lost in some of the commentary of late is that the decimation of our manufacturing base, with the loss of some 750 jobs concluding with the Square D closure some 16 years ago, has seen a markedly more diverse labour force emerge but close to par when “we had all those great factories” is back to some 500 or 12% of what we can track. The largest sector by numbers is the healthcare sector, which is now responsible for some 31% of the workforce.

​The Government, across a range of departments and agencies, accounts for about 12% of the workforce. These figures do not track at all the number of farmers in the hinterland of the town, nor are we counting the significant number of retirees who command significant spending power. Most areas across Galway have experienced a dip in unemployment levels in the most recent month for data – November 2024. Almost 200 people left the Live Register across the city and county in November, with the state experiencing practically full employment at 4.2% for year end. While around 20 people left the Live Register in both Ballinasloe and Gort, with the totals there now 957 and 532 respectively. The only two areas to have an increase in unemployment in Galway were Clifden and Loughrea.

hat is worrying though is an end-of-year analysis from HERO of the increase from 2023 of new jobs offered in our neighbouring/ competing counties – Offaly topped the poll in newly advertised positions nationwide with nearly 68% growth, Mayo almost 50%, Westmeath 27% and, shockingly, Galway City and County at merely 14.3%. A worrying trend for those charged with attracting new investment to the locality.

Joe Kelly, of Ballykelly Commercial Services Ltd in London, uses the BEH whenever he's home visiting family, usually during the summer and Christmas breaks. The hub allows him to stay longer in Ireland with family and friends while still keeping on top of his work, thanks to its professional setup and excellent facilities.

Samantha from Aughrim, who works for a multinational company, used the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub after a sudden power outage at home. Needing a reliable workspace at short notice to make an important conference call, she found the hub's facilities and high-speed internet a lifesaver in ensuring her workday stayed on track.

John Kelly, who works with PwC and is based in Dublin, regularly utilises the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub due to its flexibility and central location in Ireland. Balancing family visits with business travel and client commitments, he appreciates the ease of booking a desk at short notice. With reliable Wi-Fi, excellent facilities, and a professional, accommodating team, BEH provides the perfect workspace for his needs.

Deirdre Touhy, who runs DT Mediation, based in Dublin but services West and Mid-West Clients from the Hub, finds it "Very convenient when I am working in that part of the country. Good facilities and location and also a nice environment for working. I find Lyn really helpful and friendly and able to fit me in to a space at short notice."

​Cathal Lucas has been running Media Farm since 2014. Cathal plans and buys media space and sponsorships across TV, Audio (FM and Digital, Outdoor, Cinema and digital for some of the biggest brands in Ireland including Smyths Toys, Applegreen, Elverys and more. After working from home for 10 years, Cathal finds the Hub ideal for hot desking and meeting clients and suppliers in the state-of-the-art boardroom.

All adding to the Country's connected and inspiring Hub and Remote work force!

To find out more about remote working at the Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre you can visit:
www.ballinasloeenterprise.ie/home-beh/