Galway County Council has decided to grant another permit to operate a waste transfer station at Poolboy despite the recent order of the High Court quashing their decision to grant same last year.

Chairperson For The Ballinasloe No To Waste Group,  Dr Vincent Parsons voiced  his annoyance at the decision:” The Ballinasloe Says No committee is ready to challenge Galway County Council again. This decision is in direct opposition to the High Court Order of January 2022 which stated that the previous permit granted on 15th April 2021 be quashed. The High Court Order points to adverse impacts to protected European sites.”

“GCC has granted another Permit within weeks of the High Court Order.  The anger of the people of Ballinasloe and concerned groups is unfathomable. Galway County Council have shown blatant disregard for their concerns. The Ecology and Hydrology assessments have highlighted considerable risk to the Rivers Suck and River Shannon – which is the source of drinking water to tens of thousands of people in the locality.  Hydrological links were identified connecting this site to the River Suck and Callows SPA. There is significant risk to the environment, wildlife, farm animals and people. However, despite all this, Galway County Council appear determined to steamroll this though,” he added.

“ Access for these waste trucks is through our town, passing our Schools and Portiuncula hospital. It is in close proximity to numerous family homes. Noxious gases, dust, insects, and vermin would certainly cause health hazards. Leachate will contaminate the drinking water. We also have strong concerns over air pollution by these diesel trucks, “ he continued.
They have contacted our legal advisors who are assessing  options and the next course of action. They are very grateful to the ongoing support of the people of Ballinasloe and surrounding areas and appreciate the help they are receiving from concerned groups.

PRO & Co-founder Ballinasloe Says No, Senator Aisling Dolan stated: “The Local Authority has decided to adjudicate and grant a new permit without a new application process or further information requested or supplied by the applicant. Thousands of families in Ballinasloe made submissions and attended public meetings making it clear that this is an inappropriate location for a waste transfer station. As a town, we have successfully challenged Waste management decisions by Galway County Council on 3 separate occasions in 1999, 2018 and 2021.”

“We are a local community group fighting for the health and safety of families in this area and to ensure the protection of our environment. Ballinasloe is now going to be a stop on the new Galway to Dublin Cycleway project through this same area of the Grand Canal, River Suck Callows and unique boglands full of biodiversity in Poolboy, a treasure for generations to come” notes the Senator.

Galway County Councillor Dr Evelyn Parsons also commented on the matter: “This is a devastating decision by Council and goes against the principles in the Local Area Plan and Galway County Development Plan in terms of health, safety and protecting our unique landscape and environment.”

“As a committee we have worked together to highlight the potential impacts of this development and we call on the Executive of Galway County Council to explain this decision. There are multiple tourism and sustainable environmentally sensitive projects starting here for the benefit of the community and that is the direction Ballinasloe wants to develop,” she concluded.

Ahascragh Distillery recently hosted their first tasting event in Brewery Lane, Ballinasloe, to mark the launch of their newest whiskey releases. Joined by local businesses, supporters and whiskey enthusiasts, they kick-started St Patrick’s Day celebrations with a fantastic selection of tastings. Some of the proceeds from the event will be donated to UNICEF’s campaign to support the Children of Ukraine.
 
Earlier that day, Ahascragh Distillery released two unique 20 Year Old Single Malt Irish Whiskeys. These exceptional whiskeys have been finished in Italian Amarone Red Wine casks and Spanish Pedro Ximénez White Wine casks. Guests at the event were some of the very first people to taste these premium whiskeys.
 
The Pedro Ximénez cask finish brings a new level of depth and complexity to this remarkable liquid. Toasted nuts, figs, raisins and dark chocolate enhance the palette and build to a rich, long finish. 
 
Finishing in the Amarone cask elevates this exceptional whiskey to new heights of texture and flavour. Red fruits, milk chocolate and nutmeg explode on the palate and lead to a lasting, velvet finish.
 
Last year, Ahascragh Distillery launched 5 products in the Family Bond Series including three Clan Colla Irish whiskeys, UAIS Irish Whiskey and Xin Gin. The introduction of these new Single Malt releases ensures that there is something for everyone. The collection now ranges from super premium Irish whiskeys with unique flavours and depth to more accessible spirits for casual whiskey drinkers.
 
Gareth McAllister, Ahascragh Distillery’s Founder said “I am delighted to see the Clan Colla collection continue to expand. We have hand-selected some of the highest quality aged malt available, finished it in exceptional casks that elevate the flavour and texture and bottled it in our home in the West of Ireland. It was a privilege to share our newest whiskeys with local supporters and friends. These premium releases are designed to seal bonds and celebrate unforgettable moments and occasions.”
 
Founders, Gareth and Michelle McAllister also announced some exciting news on the night. Their Xin Gin was recently awarded a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirits Awards and a bronze medal at the World Gin Awards for Best Contemporary Irish gin. Clan Colla 11 Year Old Blend and 19 Year Old Single Malt also won silver medals at the International Wine and Spirits Awards.
 
Clan Colla Irish Whiskey, UAIS Irish Whiskey and Xin Gin are available locally from Carry Out Ballinasloe, Grenham’s Off License, McCambridge’s of Galway and online via Celtic Whiskey Shop and Irish Malts. 

Featuring some of the best contemporary pipers and musicians working in Irish Traditional music today the Festival is a welcome sign of our return to collective community fun and tuneful frolics.
 
Named in honour of the man, the music and the legend of one Dinny Delaney (1836-1919) - and dedicated to the Genius and Tradition of Irish Uilleann Pipers everywhere the staging of the festival on the May Bank Holiday weekend will be appreciated by music lovers.

Born in 1836, just outside Ballinasloe, in the townland of Tulrush, Dinny Delaney and his sister were orphaned as children and then, at the age of 13, Dinny caught Small Pox - the often tragic condition and once life-threatening infection – that in this case leaves a young man all but blind. And Dinny and his pipes played everywhere - at weddings, funerals, corner dances, recitals, competitions and return visits to major concert halls in Dublin, Edinburgh and London. Such was Dinny’s fame and impact that upon his passing an obituary was published in a newspaper in Sydney Australia.

Building on the successful format of the original 2019 festival it will feature concerts, sessions and masterclass workshops, not just in Uilleann Pipes but in other traditional  instruments ranging from fiddle to bodhran to concertina, accordian and harp.
The concerts begin on Friday 29 April with a show from the powerhouse ‘Blackie O’Connell Band’ performing in the intimate venue of the newly refurbished downstairs at ‘Brewery Lane’. Gifted with a fast-flowing exuberant style Blackie tours regularly in Europe, the USA and Asia and his performances were recently described in The Guardian by actor Fiona Shaw as “the most exciting live music in the world!”

Saturday’s concert venue is the venerable Town Hall Theatre which hosts the fearless, indominable talents of Paddy Keenan, a piper who in the 1970’s possibly did more than any other to save the Pipes from obscurity and who is described as the Jimi Hendrix of Uilleann Piping. For this concert Paddy is once again joined by Tríona Ní Domhnaill, his old bandmate from the Bothy Band days as well as Tríona’s sister Máiréad and some special surprise guests.

The Festival’s concert programme concludes in the Town Hall on the Sunday evening with a performance from Ireland’s piper du jour Louise Mulcahy. Having recently explored the hidden history of Ireland’s women pipers in a feature length TG4 documentary ‘Mná na bPíob’ Louise is a regular guest on RTÉ’s The Late Late show and her success hearlds a new wave of confident, successful pipers, who also happen to be women. For the Dinny Delaney Festival Louise will be joined in concert by her father Mick and her sister Michelle.

All three concert headliners will also be providing workshops in the art of Uilleann Piping (details from www.dinnydelaney.com)

Maria Killeen has just published her first book of poetry and short stories, “Romance at the Race Dance”.  Maria was born in Athlone, to business parents, Mary & Jim Killeen but now lives and works locally.

Maria loved reading English and liked to rhyme poetry growing up and she was always making up stories and poems as a child. At the age of fourteen years, she wrote her first poem and had it published in the Westmeath Independent (Foot & Mouth Disease).  She found that if she was going through a crisis, she received comfort and ease from writing her poetry. 

Maria hopes this light-hearted book of poems and short stories will lift the heart of the person who reads it. The poems relate to everyday living and include themes of laughter, sadness, crisis, and loneliness expressed in a simple to read style. Killeen said she toyed around with many possible titles for her collection of poetry and short stories before she settled on “Romance at the Race Dance” but she is happy with the title she chose, in conjunction with Book Hub Publishing.

“Writing became my saviour and I found it very cathartic, so when my brother John published his own book he encouraged me to try to find a publisher for some of my own writing, which I did.” she explains.

In later years Maria completed a Diploma in nurse education and also obtained an honours nursing degree from Trinity College Dublin.  She also completed training in Chiropody / Reflexology and wellbeing therapies which she practices to this day.  Maria who lived in Galway for many years, now lives and works in Ballinasloe as a part-time nurse in the community alongside practicing in Chiropody and Reflexology.

“Romance at the Race Dance” is priced at €9.99 and can be purchased by going on the website of Book Hub Publishing www.bookhubpublishing.com and is also available in Salmons Department Store, Ballinasloe, Daybreak, Ballinasloe and other retail outlets.

Ballinasloe RFC came up short in the J1 C League Final against Ballyhaunis recently in Creggs. Having battled hard in adverse weather conditions they were edged out by a by a more experienced, streetwise Ballyhaunis team with the score finishing 15 to 7. The senior side also crashed out of the Junior Cup the previous week losing away to Galwegians and they will now move into the Shield competition to face Sligo.

Coaches Noel Mannion, Tom Finn and Conor Higgins have focused on growing the panel this season from the fourteen who fielded in an early season friendly, to over thirty currently playing. The team suffered only two defeats in the league all season. This talented young team will have benefited greatly from this years’ experience and as they continue to mature, have a bright future in the years ahead

There was recent success in the underage ranks with the U16 Boys beating Loughrea Rugby Club in the Cup and now have a home semi-final to look forward to versus the winners of Buccaneers and Westport. The u14 side also progressed to the plate quarter-final after a 36-14 win v Corrib.

The official switching on of Ballinasloe RFC's LED Lighting upgrade on our training pitch took place recently. The Club project was funded by Galway County Council who awarded the club €6931.12 in grant aid under the Climate Action Opportunity Fund 2021. The provision of LED Lighting on the training pitch and car park Lighting will have a positive environmental impact on the club’s Carbon footprint. The hope is that their initiative will inspire other clubs and associations in the area to take part in other sustainable projects.

The Golf Club successfully conducted the Presidents and Captains Drive-Ins to officially launch the new golfing year and President Mattie Curley took the opportunity to wish all members a healthy golfing year.
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On the course, the hole-in-one trend continues with Kevin Cunniffe celebrating this achievement on the par 3, 8th hole. There was further success as club member Aidan Grenham finished in 3rd place in his first EDGA championship in Portugal recently.
The ladies players have been benefitting from their inaugural Upskilling Sessions, which have been successfully running over the last few months. Led by Associate Pro Mark Staunton, all the participants have been working on various aspects of their game including chipping, putting, iron play, and driving.

The fundraising for the State-of-the-Art Practice Area and for the Junior Golfers continues with what has become a firm favourite with members and non-members alike — the latest Last Man Standing fundraiser has now been launched and all are invited to support. It is a simple competition where you pick one golfer to finish in the top 20 in the final standings of certain tournaments. Entry is €10 and entry envelopes are available in the office, players must be entered by April 6.

They recently concluded an enjoyable St. Patrick’s Day scramble event. Next up will be the Good Friday Bonus Ball event which is always an enjoyable competition. Planning for this year’s Festival of Golf is also underway and the club hopes to build on the success of last year’s event where they welcomed many visitors to the course. The event will run in July this year.

Board Member Barry O’ Keefe also added: “We are delighted to see so many new and returning members this year and we look forward to brighter evenings ahead and the resumption of coaching programmes for all. Society bookings for the coming year are busy and we look forward to welcoming many visitors to the club.”

If you are interested in joining the golf club, please phone the office - (090) 964 2126 or email [email protected] to talk through options for beginners, improvers and returning members. You can also follow Ballinasloe Golf Club for more updates and information on the club.

The Ballinasloe Active Retirement Group have been very busy of late with many events for all their members to get involved.
The group took part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade to large acclaim from all spectators. Another joyful event for the group was when they celebrated their 20th anniversary recently in Gullane’s. Plenty of faces, old and new, were in attendance on what was a special day of food, fun and music  for all involved.

The occasion was marked by a visit from the national Association President Anne Drury and a special presentation to the local club pioneer and founder Chris O Flynn.

Meanwhile, the A.R.A. held their AGM recently in front of a large attendance. They paid tribute to their members who had passed away since they last met almost two years ago. During the year there was a special Mass to celebrate the lives of the members the group had lost during the pandemic.

The election of Officers then followed:
Chairperson – Margaret Brennan
Assistant Chairperson – Mgt. McDonnell
Secretary – Deirdre Hogan
Treasurer – Michael Colohan
Asst.Treasurer - Anne Duffy

Executive Committee:
Mgt. Brennan
Deirdre Hogan
Michael Colohan
Goretti Fallon
Fr. Benny Flanagan
Anne Duffy
Mgt. McDonnell
Angela Flynn

Social Committee:
Anne Duffy
Anne Murray
Bridie Whelan
Maura RafterAnn Stevens.

P.R.O – Chris O’Flynn
I.T- Douglas Rafter

With plenty of events in the pipeline to keep everyone going including outings, Irish Trips and possibly overseas trips , the A.R.A are looking for new members and for any enquiries on how to join contact Margaret Brennan, (090) 964 2061 or Chris O’Flynn on (087) 649 2466 or visit their website www.ballinasloeactiveretirement.com

Chairperson Margaret Brennan stated: “New members are always welcome. The aim of the A.R.A. is to enhance the lives of older people and eliminate loneliness through friendship, information and communication. Members can avail of a wide range of activities which include, Bowls, Bridge, Book club, Singing Group (under the direction of the wonderful Marie Power) walking group followed by light exercises, and Knitting/Crafts.”

Monthly meetings for all members are held on the first Wednesday of the month in Gullane’s Hotel at 3 pm with informal meetings every other Wednesday in Gullane’s at 3 pm.

The Ballinasloe & District Vintage Club took part in the Ballinasloe St. Patrick’s Day Parade and provided great entertainment for all spectators. A member of the club even transported the Queen of the fair in the parade! Some classy cars and vintage tractors were all on show in what was the first public outing for most of their members in 2 years.

The group also held a track day in Tynagh to raise vital funds in aid of the Ukrainian people. Voluntary contributions were given on the day in what was a very rewarding day for all.

The club held their AGM recently where they reflected on a very successful year, with one of the highlights being the €500 that was raised at a car and tractor run and presented to Galway Hospice on the night. They discussed their plans for the year including partaking in classic car road runs some organised by them and some by neighbouring clubs which they support.

The biggest event each year for the club is the static display in the streets of the town , the last Sunday of Fair Week - where over 100 vintage cars, all types of steam engines threshing display and this year some other motoring displays are being planned.
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The following committee was elected for the year: President Peter Enright Mooney; Chairman Christy Ward; Secretary Ivan Mullen; Treasurer Mike Glynn; P.R.O Desmond Harney.

The summer is coming and with it Galway’s newest music and arts festival opens in Liskelly Farm Aughrim - LiveStock 2022.
Just a few miles from west from the town , this new festival which will take place on the 1st and 2nd of July, was inspired by a private event held in 2019, to celebrate the marriage of local man Cormac Jennings to Donegal native Sharon Sweeney.

Cormac, who teaches swimming and yoga in Coral Leisure Ballinasloe and who’s home and farm are at Liskelly, Aughrim, states  “The wedding festival was a crazy idea, but it was such a buzz to organise and such a great success that we thought why not do it again, only better and share it with the public. Covid scuppered our plans for 2020. and 2021, but it also gave us extra time to prepare a great weekend! On the 1st and 2nd July, LiveStock welcomes you to camp out (although this is not compulsory!) and promises to be a fun and relaxing experience with fantastic independent music, art, food, entertainment, and activities centred around the ancient ringfort at Liskelly Farm in Aughrim.”

LiveStock is a festival with national ambition but with its roots embedded in the community. Local artists such as the Galway Street Club, Evoke, Martin Staunton and Tom Portman form part of a vibrant and talented line-up which includes Kíla, Bunoscionn, Jiggy, Chase Nova Band, Oski Bravo and many more still to be announced! Cormac says: “We are proud to support and promote original music from independent artists that showcase their talents through a wide range of genres.”

An Art Exhibition, West African Drumming, Pottery, Iron Forging, Community Crafts, Yoga, Dance, Meditation and much more will be happening across the weekend, with an open invitation to attend workshops. The vibrant trade village will be filled with quality crafts and handmade goods. Food will be available from select vendors.  No alcohol will be on sale, but attendees are welcome to bring their own (no glass on site). Tickets price includes all seminars, workshops and activities as well as camping and parking!

Early bird tickets are on sale now. Visit their website www.livestockfestivalgalway.com and follow Livestock Music Festival on social media for more information and updates.

The Clontuskert Community Development Group was formed by a group of 13 Clontuskert locals at the back end of last year. The group was formed with the aim to support the community to develop in ways that benefit the people and reflect the values and needs of the whole community.

Chairperson Maria Brennan outlined their focus  “Our three main objectives are to determine what matters most to members of the community, involve everyone in the consultation process. Use the ideas and aspirations from our community consultation as the foundation for future community projects”, states Maria.

“A Development group in any area is a key driver of engaging people on the ground. Listening to people’s ideas, needs, and values and this leads to people being involved in their areas development and influencing what happens in their community,” she added.

Their first Public Meeting/ Community Consultation with people from the area took place recently in the Ballinasloe Rugby Club’s Pavillion. The children from Clontuskert NS all created art pieces for their ‘Clontuskert Idea’ and these Playgrounds, parks, tracks and pitches were on display on the walls.

The meeting was well attended with over 50 people gathered. Speakers on the night included stalwarts of past and present community development with Patsy Cormican (Sports Field Development) and Joe Molloy (Clontuskert Heritage) reminding the audience what has been achieved and how, though not without effort it has withstood the test of time.

Then it was the people’s turn to have their say and everyone was assigned a topic and given time to get their ideas onto paper. The discussions and feedback which followed were enthusiastic and energetic with all participants getting to express their views for the benefit of the area.

Catherine Motherway, the final speaker said as they look forward, to remember the importance of environment, sustainability and of sharing the work out between people. She complimented the children’s art and input saying they had remembered these points very well.

At the end of the night, Maria Brennan thanked all who had helped bring the night to fruition and the people who had come and participated. Far from being the end, however, she said this is the beginning of them carving out our future together. In April, the group will finalise a plan in areas of priority in consultation with the wider community.

For more updates see their Facebook page Clontuskert Community Development Group.