A Key Town businessman and one of Clifden’s proudest sons passed away at his residence in Kilgarave on the 3rd of January. One of eight children, Jim was born to master tailors in 1932. Like many of the time, at 17 he left home to find work, joining his father in London, to support the family back home.
He found more than work though, meeting the love of his life, Margaret, at a dancehall in 1954, before quickly tying the knot on 16th April 1955. They settled into married life in Manchester, having 6 kids in 7 years before answering the call to return home to Ireland. Talented entrepreneurs, they opened Re-New-It Dry Cleaners on Dunlo St in 1969 and spent the next few decades establishing it as one of the most reliable and professional services in town and themselves as respected pillars of the community. Never without his signature full suit and tie, Jim loved betting horses and winding down with a pint or 4 of Guinness in his corner of Declan Eagan’s Pub (previously Oliver’s and later Brewery Lane),regaling friends and visitors with his tall, often unbelievable tales, and if you were really lucky, a song or two – The Forty Shades of Green and Galway Shawl being his go-to favorites. He and his beloved Margaret retired in the early 1990s and dedicated the rest of their years to travel, especially to California where 4 of their 6 children and their families now live. Trips around Europe, to Mexico, Las Vegas, New York, Alaska, Washington D.C., and of course to San Francisco filled their years with so much laughter, incredible friends, and immense amounts of love. They loved their months in the sunshine and spending countless hours getting to know their Yankee grandkids. Jim could often be found soaking up the sun in the back yard before heading down to his “abroad local” Fiddlers Green in Millbrae, CA, where he had his very own corner and a pint or 4 of Coors Light, his holiday drink of choice. Genial Jim Burke was larger than life –he never met a stranger, walked like he owned every street in whatever country he was in – his marble-topped cane adding even more gravitas to his already impressive silhouette – and met many world leaders, including US Speaker Nancy Pelosi, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to name a few, he loved their parties where often he knew more the guests than they did! Jim lived life to the fullest and so perfectly embodied his personal catchphrase, “When you’re out, you’re out.” Though he will be greatly missed, the knowledge of Jim reuniting with his beloved Margaret brings much comfort to his family and friends. To his sister Teda in Manchester, his children and their partners in Ballinasloe & California, Reita, Frances, Catherine, James, Caroline, and John, his 11 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and countless beloved nieces, nephews, and friends we offer our sympathies .
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The Ballinasloe and District Athletics Club are back to training for the upcoming season, with children eagerly coming to sessions every week. The runners are making great use of the facilities at the Dunlo Running Track and continue to practise for upcoming tournaments. The club will be participating in the Galway Indoor Competition hoping to give some encouraging displays. The group practises every Tuesday and Thursdays from 6pm until 7pm. Although members are free to attend one day a week if they are only available for that session, Club Secretary Yvonne Fehily encourages people to attend both periods to become a better athlete. The annual fee to join the organisation is €70 for one child, €130 for two, and €180 for three. Children from 8 years old are allowed to join, and can be contacted at (087) 138 7117 if you want your child to become a member. At a recent AGM, the club elected a new committee for the year ahead. The recently appointed officers for the group include John Donnelly as Chairman and Coach, Dawn Slevin as PRO, Yvonne Fehily acting as Secretary and Coach, Sarah Loughnane as Child Welfare Officer and Rhona Jennings as Treasurer and Coach. The club are also looking for new coaches to assist the crew in training the young competitors. The only trait the group are looking for in trainers is an interest in the sport, with athletic experience not being fully required. Coaches will be expected to instruct both juveniles and adults, providing a valuable experience which will carry onto other jobs. The club pays for these training sessions, providing an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in teaching these sports.
PRO Dawn Slevin spoke highly of the current group members and encouraged more to join saying: “without our fantastic coaches and helpers our organisation wouldn't be the amazing club it is, and we are always looking for people to come and join in on the coaching experience with us, so if you are looking for something new and fun to do this year why not become a coach with our club. Get in touch today to proballinasloeathletics@gmail.com.” In sport it often happens that the offspring of gifted athletes go on and do sometimes even better than the previous generation as it appears with Gort’s Cliona Darcy – Irelands First World Youth Heavy Weight Title Holder.
Her Dad, Poolboy’s Ritchie Darcy, was a gifted all round athlete in his youth - Community Games, hurling, football, rugby but especially in boxing – he made his mark. Growing up with parents Betty and Paddy ; he remembers the new boxing club arriving to town after the Polish Pontiff’s visit and the long evenings in the top floor of the Emerald. "I was only 9 when I started and we had some wonderfully committed coaches – the late Tom Watters, Buddy Donnellan and of course Frankie Walsh”, he recalls. They might have been influential but they had material to work with – the 57kg youngster won 3 consecutive Connacht and National Titles in the mid 80s . Ritchie left Garbally after his formal education, went to the UK for a few years and came back some 30 years later to purchase and operate a bar – Dicey Reillys in the neighbouring town of Gort in 1993. He brought his wife Dawn with him and they reared a family of three – Cian 29, Darragh 25 and of course Cliona 17. He himself threw himself into the business and rearing his kids but in 2004 James Fahey of Peterswell and few others in the South Galway hinterland came together and founded the Tobair Pheadair Boxing Club. He became a volunteer, mentor and then coach and got his two eldest lads interested in the sport . Within a few short seasons – he was ferrying them along with other members to different tournaments and sparing events with a newfound toddler baby sister in tow. “I grew up in the back of the car or around a boxing ring or gyms – following Dad, Cian and Darragh all around the West and Mid-West”, laughs the current World Youth Heavy Weight Champion Cliona. The two lads were nearing the end of national school or starting secondary and before they knew it Darragh had won County and Connacht Titles and an Irish Championship. While Ritchie might have taken a break from the sport for over 20 years – some of the tricks he was taught in the Emerald in the 80's came in handy as Cliona had no formal training, sparring or coaching for most of the two years of Covid-19. During the lockdowns it was just her and her Dad – coach, mentor and sparing partner. Early days were Pure Mule she recalls – “ there was just me and Sophie Burke – two girls out of 50 lads , 3 club night training sessions a week – all the running, sprints and sparing – with the boys and of course our coach Ronan Kelly.” To put her achievements in context there are just four boxing clubs in Galway county – and there are very few female boxers, Cliona regularly has to go to Castlebar for sparring sessions. She also was invited to the Irish International Boxing Camp in Edenderry under the tutorship of Liam Brierton. She has like her Dad, dabbled in other sports in the Gort Community School where she is a popular leaving cert student, including team sports Camogie – where she excelled as a full back and especially Basketball – which she really enjoys as a forward. “I’d encourage every young girl to try every sport once, - the individual and the team – if you're interested in a particular one just go with your gut “, she urges. For Cliona – she is fairly cool about her pre-tournament build up “lots of running, gym and a very strict diet regime are what give me the focus on the way into a bout.” she notes. She is coy about what puts her in the zone prior to getting into the ring but she does admit that she listens to a lot of Dubliner Luke Kelly’s upbeat music before the fights. Even with 7 National Youth titles under her belt and the historic first Irish World at her grade she is committed to defence of her title as she is still under age next year and she is not neglecting he books , with her eye firmly on an educational career post leaving cert. Cliona definitely has a long career and bright future ahead of her, but she says she’s taking it step-by-step. “For now, I want to stay amateur. I’m taking one step at a time. The Olympics would be a big goal but baby steps first.” she cautions. While the Irish Athletics Boxing Association have been very good to Cliona – in sponsoring all her travel and attendance to Training and High-Performance Camps as well as the International Tournaments she still have to have a few loyal sponsors in her corner. Luckily for her Whyte Security, Casey’s Sports Bar Birmingham and Murray and Co. Birmingham have been very supportive of her journey so far. Final word to Ritchie however “Will ya let readers know we are looking for a new premises here in Gort for the Club!“ Jorena's Health & Gift Shop in Society have recently expanded to include new therapy rooms accessed upstairs on the premises. Services like Yoga, Reflexology, Counselling, Crystal healing and much more are all now included.
The shop was originally established in 1994 by Rena and John Kilcommins. Since then, the building has expanded twice and a second store opened in Roscommon town. The shop aimed to provide a safe haven for customers to seek refuge, whether to aid people with wedding presents or to treat client’s ailments. While daughter Mary was cleaning the store rooms upstairs with her husband Paul, she formed the idea for the new therapy service suite. The store conveniently had a room upstairs which had no purpose, and furthermore she had just received full training from kinesiologist Ronnie Turner. Along with acquiring a kinesiology machine to aid customers in picking their supplements, Rena had all the components to develop this facility. Fast forward six months, and people across the country are booking months in advance to avail of this service and indeed other treatments. As of today, the shop has ten employees working. In addition, the store also has a partnership with many therapists across the country. These associates work independent of the business and many have their own establishments, but regardless travel to Ballinasloe across the country to offer customers their knowledge and help. Jorena’s key strengths lie in care and nutrition resulting from the continuous training in fholistic supplements which the staff undergo. The training is carried out by representatives of an array of nutrition companies to ensure the company understands the properties of the supplements fully, and how it may benefit their clients. The store continues to reinvent itself and explore new products, hoping to be stocked with the highest quality supplements that aid customers in living life with ease. The therapies and treatments provided are still being finalized by their department upstairs. Rena appreciates any response from their clients sharing: “customer feedback has been outstanding and we are excited to advertise and introduce these marvellous therapies to our community.” The treatment rooms are accessed separately to the shop by a door on the far left side of the establishment, with a cosy waiting room upstairs while being attended to by the therapists. As of yet, this service does not have an official timetable, with some assistants being only available during shop hours and some after closing, but Jorenas will soon list an official list of times and contacts on their Instagram and Facebook pages. People can either ring the store at (090) 964 6585 or contact the therapists directly. On a final note Rena, wishes to remind the reader with a quote she finds to be of significance: “you have to nourish, to flourish”, says the busy Store co – founder. You can Visit Jorena's website here: www.jorenashealthandgiftshop.ie Or their Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/Jorenashealthstore Ballinasloe achieved a Second-Place finish in a recent study across 35 towns measuring sustainability and accessibility of Transport by the Western Transport Commission, just being beaten by Shannon in the overall mobility ranking.
For the rull report click here Leo Varadkar dropped by Balliasloe recently and some locals met him. Have a scroll through some of the photos!
www.facebook.com/ballinasloelife Following on from the announcement of Billy Wards retirement after over thirty years working with Ballinasloe Training for Employment as a Supervisor, the Directors have announced the appointment of Patricia Tierney as the new Supervisor.
Patricia is a Atticorry, Creagh native with over fifteen years working as assistant supervisor within Ballinasloe Training for Employment. She has strong roots working with many community groups over the years, serving as secretary/treasurer for Ballinasloe Rugby Club as well as managing their under 18 and Inaugural Senior Women’s Teams, she is currently a trustee with the club. She served for over seven years on the board of Ballinasloe Credit Union as a voluntary Director as well as being involved in other community groups and activity. She graduated from AIT Athlone with an honours degree in Business, Social Enterprise, leadership Management and Community Development and is IPass certified and has a Diploma in Training and Education from NUIG and Training and Development from IITD. Ballinasloe Training for Employment CLG is a Department of Social Protection scheme that was founded in the 1990’s and is run by a voluntary board of directors. Its aim is to help unemployed people re-enter the workforce by offering relevant work experience of their career choice alongside bespoke certified training to help them upskill. Participants are provided with useful on the job learning in a wide variety of areas including Reception, Administration, Accounts, Cleaning, Maintenance, IT/social media and Community Development, General Trades, Environmental and Pitch development. They typically provide work experience through postings with over sixteen community, not for profit and voluntary groups in the Ballinasloe Area who act as sponsors. The Scheme aims to provide a welcoming environment to support, facilitate and encourage individuals to develop professionally and personally, through one-on-one person centred career planning. Participants can identify their goals as well s their learning and training and skills needs. As training is such an integral part of community employment, a dedicated training plan is in place for each participant supported by undertaking job related training. They strive to give participants the skills and experience they need in order to progress to mainstream employment or further education depending on the overall goal of each participant and their background in life. The scheme is not just for young school leavers, but in recent years has proved a valuable steppingstone for Mothers re- entering the workforce after some years with small children, other participants mid career who have since COVID – re – evaluated what they wish to achieve or do next. Those who were laid off or those who may wish to try something very different. People returning to live in the West – who thought their working life was finished but in seeking part time hours locally, often use this scheme as a stepping stone to find a position they find worthwhile. Ballinasloe Training for Employment are always looking for new participants to join the team. They are also currently advertising to hire an Assistant Supervisor (https://jobsireland.ie/) If you would like to find out more information on Community Employment, please call 090 9631652. The Parade will assemble at the Fairgreen car park, at 1:30p.m on Friday 17th March and will begin at 2p.m. sharp via Society Street, Main St, Slí Na hAbhainn, Dunlo Street and passing the reviewing stand in St Michael’s Square. There will be lots of on-street entertainment for spectators to enjoy on the day. We are honoured to announce that Sr Alacoque, who has made a tremendous contribution to the community, will be our Parade Marshall.
Sr. Alacoque Gleeson will lead all the pageantry in March as Ballinasloe celebrates with one of largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in county Galway. Sr. Alacoque, is a native of Blueball, Co Offaly is a Mercy Sister, and was Director of Ballinasloe Social Services’ Day Care Centre from 1982 – 2009, when she retired from her nursing post with the HSE. She has been on the Board since 1982 and was Chairperson from 2003 -2006. She remained a member of the Board until 2019. She continues to have a keen interest in Ballinasloe Social Services and helps out in various fundraising events during the year, along with being an active member of the local community Participants may choose from FIVE categories including:
The organisers are appealing to the local business community to assist with sponsoring the cost of the parade. We encourage the local Schools, Sports Clubs, Voluntary Organisations, Dancing Schools, Musicians and Businesses to take part in the parade. It gives us all the opportunity to showcase all of the positive aspects that our town and surrounding areas have to offer. So come along to the Ballinasloe Parade and help to make it a special day of celebration, and a fun day for all of the family. For inquiries please contact: Carmel 0876207477 Johnny 0879973008 Ballinasloe received an excellent result on the recent Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, being tied at 13th for cleanest town or city in Ireland and cleanest in County Galway. Six out of the ten sites examined received the highest grade of an A and, more significantly, there were no seriously littered areas.
The R348 Athenry approach and R357 Roscommon approach roads were highlighted for having a virtual absence of litter along both routes, although the pavement along the Athenry route was cracked in some areas. The Famine Remembrance Park was commended for its mature trees, and open grass space but criticised for one bin considered old or damaged. Creagh National School and Kilgarve Gardens were complimented for their appearance and conditions. All these sites gained an A in the IBAL survey. The La Poer Trench Monument, Ballinasloe Library and the Bring Facility received a B+, being praised for their presentation but marked down for the presence of some litter. The Main Street gained a B which was downgraded due to food and cigarette waste, however was congratulated for its positive condition regarding paving, bollards, markings, street bins and ornamental trees. The outcome of this National Survey and Adjudicators reports was overall positive encouraging news for the town. An Taisce, the group who conducted these surveys for IBAL, stated that this was “an excellent result for Ballinasloe”. Much of this solid progress can be attributed the volunteers and indeed to Ballinasloe Municipal Council and their workers who have been active in maintaining to the town. Ballinasloe Tidy Towns Chair Tom Madden congratulated all who continue to help make it all happen. “I wish to sincerely thank all volunteers, individuals who while out and about on walks volunteer with litter picks and report instances of litter blackspots to us. Members of residents’ associations deserve great credit as they work tirelessly keeping their estates and residential areas clean, tidy and well maintained. Galway County Council , Muncipal District Area Workers and Support Staff – are to be applauded as well - Ballinasloe Friends of the Environment ( a recently formed sub-group )that has hit the ground running last Autumn with a wild flower seed planting initiative in the Poolboy area. Ballinasloe Training for Employment is a local DSP Community Employment project, who in partnership with Ballinasloe Community Service Probation Project continues to provide expertise in ground maintenance and litter control in targeted areas of Ballinasloe and its environs.” stated Tom. The group hopes to organize clean-up Saturdays within the town, for Feb/11th & 25th, March 11th & 25th . If anyone would like to become involved with the volunteer effort, they can contact Tom at 086 8179580. |
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May 2024
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