The Ballinasloe Club is celebrating 40 years of service to Ballinasloe and the surrounding parishes and are looking to expand even more in this landmark year.
The club are now recruiting new members to bring energy and creativity to some worthwhile community projects, which coincides with Lions Club motto “We Serve”. The main aim of the club is to raise funds within the community and to ensure the money raised stays in and benefits the local area. Recent projects carried out by the club included their annual Christmas food hampers, which was yet again a resounding success last year, facilitating suicide awareness training, family fun day, carers weekend away and bingo. Caoimhe McGowan of the Lions Club stated: “This is a great opportunity to volunteer for the good of the community. The Lions Club movement is a voluntary international organisation. Lions International is the umbrella organization for thousands of Clubs in over a hundred countries worldwide. Lions are ordinary people from all walks of life who give their time freely to serve their community and beyond through support and aid. Whenever a Lions Club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better.” The club are welcoming any newcomers to the next meeting and enjoy a cup of coffee on Wednesday 13th April at 8pm in the Shearwater Hotel, Ballinasloe.
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The Inland Waterways Association of Ireland have officially recognised the River Suck Branch as a new club and now that they are formed and ratified their plan going forward is to promote and represent all users of the local waterways.
Their first AGM was held recently, and the first committee was elected: Chairman Graham Bartlett; Secretary Padraig Glynn; Treasurer Darragh Dolan; Vice-Chairman: Micheal Breathnach; PRO: Fergal Cusack; Membership Officer: Ian Lucas; Council Rep: Leo Kiernan; Committee Member: Kenny Murray. Chairman Graham Bartlett stated: “Now that the branch is up and running we would like to invite new members and participation from people in the locality and we are keen to hear from anyone with suggestions, advice and would like to get involved in join us on our mission to see more traffic, activities and people on our local river over the coming months. From speaking to locals there is a strong appetite for improved access and facilities and the river is deemed an undervalued and under-utilised facility to attract tourists to the localities along its course.” It was announced at the AGM that there are some events in the pipeline which will be announced throughout the season ahead. One discussed was the HBA ( Heritage Boat Association) is planning to hold their 21st Anniversary in the Ballinasloe Marina, this event is planned over the June Bank Holiday Weekend and will see a large gathering of the original canal barges which would have back in the past have travelled to the Old Ballinasloe Harbour when the Grand Canal extended to deliver produce to Ballinasloe before the canal ceased commercial operations in 1961. This will be a great opportunity to get up close to the very machines which were once part of everyday life in Ballinasloe and bring back memories for those who remember the barges in action. Membership is now open to the public and anyone can now join via the IWAI Website www.iwai.ie or by email: membership@iwai.ie and upon joining you can select River Suck as your affiliated branch. Membership will include a quarterly magazine and access to a community of waterway enthusiasts with events taking place regularly around the country. For more updates on the branch’s activities, you can join the group IWAI River Suck Branch on Facebook. Ballinasloe law firm Patrick Hogan and Company has established a new full-time office in Mountbellew increasing the firm’s physical proximity to its private and business clients located in the area and wider Galway region. This office is the firm’s second office with them already having a base in Dunlo Street, Ballinasloe. The new office is located at Market Square, Mountbellew and is opening on a full-time basis, Monday to Friday (9.30 am to 5.30 pm). Clients will be able to avail of their personal injury, property law and administration of estate services. As part of the launch, they will be offering a free will-making service for new and existing clients for the first fortnight of May 2022 (2 May 2022 to 16 May 2022). Patrick Hogan and Company is now led by John’s son, Brendan Glynn. Brendan joined the firm after working for Matheson, Ireland’s largest law firm for seven years. Brendan is delighted to announce that probate practice and property law specialist Laura King has joined the firm. Laura hails from Mountbellew and has 20 years of experience practising in mid to large size Dublin law firms in the areas of wills, administration of estates and property law.
Principal of Patrick Hogan and Company Brendan Glynn said: “Mountbellew is a hub for many people, farmers and businesses located in the region. It is clear to me from my dealings with clients that it is a thriving town and is continuing to grow with many services within a large catchment area making it an attractive place in which to set up a full-time office. Thankfully, due to the reputable work of my predecessors we have to date had the benefit of a loyal client base in the area and we hope to build on that and increase our proximity to our clients and local businesses”. Laura is very excited to return home and states “ I am excited to lead our new office and to be of service to our existing clients and hopefully new clients in the area. We pride ourselves on client service and the new office will enable us offer enhanced levels of service to our clients. We are enthusiastic about the move to our new office and the opportunities this will bring”. The new Mountbellew office is contactable on (090) 962 3377 or mountbellew@phogan.ie.
Following on from a disastrous 2 years for the hospitality sector, a new café and restaurant has opened in the locality amongst the chaos. Stefano Loru took the brave decision to open the newly named Loru's Cafe and Restaurant, and he was eager to bring a taste of Italy to Ballydangan & beyond!
With 26 years of experience in the culinary world, Italian native Stefano moved to Ireland 14 years ago and has worked in some award-winning pizza restaurants in Dublin. Now, with the help of his Italian chefs in Loru's, Stefano takes pride in producing Sardinian style pizza which is soft like a Neapolitan pizza, but crunchy in the Roman style. This combination is proving very popular with customers, whether it's for dine-in or takeaway and they are gaining rave reviews with nowhere else locally offering pizza like this. Loru’s is situated next door to Millar’s pub in Ballydangan, just outside Ballinasloe on the old Athlone road. While their menu is updated regularly, the fresh pastas & lasagne are proving very popular. Starters like the hot chicken wings and the bruschetta are always in demand but the Loru's burgers have built up a great reputation for themselves – handcrafted and mouthwatering with a variety of customised dressings. They also offer full Irish breakfasts and roast dinners at the weekends, to cater for everyone’s tastes.
Stefano expressed his appreciation towards his customers and what he likes most about being in business in the area: “I appreciate how supportive and welcoming the local community has been, and it's great to see regulars back each week. The diversity of customers is great to see, from groups of friends having a catch up over a pizza, pasta and a glass of Italian red, to the local farmers popping in for a burger or fish & chips, appreciating all the space in the carpark for tractors & machinery”.
“With starters ranging from €5-€8 and mains from €10-€18, many families have also voiced their appreciation for the value for money they get when dining out in Loru’s yet the high quality of food & flavour is never compromised. Italians and Irish both recognise the importance of family and dining out is an essential part of that also. Families are always welcome here in Loru's,” he added.
They are now taking bookings for communions, confirmations and other family events with a set menu available. So, whether you want a full three-course dinner; cake, coffee, and a chat; bar bites or a snack; a pizza and a pint, you'll find the option that suits you in Millars & Loru' with very convenient parking. To keep up to date with the menu see Loru's page on Facebook or Instagram. Or call (090) 967 3153 to reserve a table or order takeaway. The children of The Glebe National School are growing a better future, through a range of exciting ecological projects in Aughrim. They recently planted twenty fruit trees in the rectory orchard - one for each child in the school.
The trees were donated by two different charities, who are keen to encourage local communities to support biodiversity: DCs for Bees and Trees on the Land. Local gardeners, Thomas Dolan, Danny Reddan and Ross Weily helped the children in the work of planting. “Planting trees helps the environment,” explains one student. “They give us oxygen and take the bad gas out of the air,” she explains. “Trees give a home to birds and animals,” adds a second child. “They help to welcome bees to the garden and that makes all the plants to grow better,” comments another. It is all part of a fruitful collaboration between the school and wider community in recent years, on a number of exciting environmental initiatives. From seed-time to harvest, the students have lessons in two historic walled gardens, as part of The Rectory Garden Project. Reverend John Godfrey, Church of Ireland rector explained: “Learning to grow their own greens is helping the children to go green. Whether they are planting potatoes or picking tomatoes, the children are gaining invaluable insights into healthy eating, sustainable living and the cycles of nature. Most importantly of all, they are learning to be grateful and generous. And that’s what caring for the environment is all about.”
The Club's magnificent run in the F. A. I. Junior Cup, the largest Junior Soccer Competition in Europe, came to an end with a last 16 defeat away to favourites Pike Rovers F. C. from Limerick.
The 'Town' put up a very credible performance on the day and the game was very evenly balanced throughout. At halftime the tie was scoreless and Ballinasloe had several near attempts on goal. However, it was not to be and Pike Rovers edged out a 2 goal victory in the end. The clubs senior A team are now focused on finishing their season on a high with their Connacht Cup quarter final game away to Corrib Rangers. The first team are also very well placed in the Premier Division of the Roscommon and District Soccer league and sit just 5 points behind off top spot with 3 games less played.
There was more success of late with the clubs under 12 A team qualifying for the Connacht Cup semi-final after a magnificent win in the away to Kilglass Enniscrone F. C. The management group of Mark Duffy, Gary McLoughlin, John Conway, Trevor Kelly, Vanessa Lloyd, James Coyne, Debbie Donnelly and Rob Haden are extremely proud of their team and are now busy preparing for the semi-final away to Strand Celtic which is due to be played on the weekend of 9th/10th April.
The Club are back organising a very well supported Community Bingo every Wednesday in the Shearwater Hotel who have come on board as the club’s new main sponsors. There is a guaranteed pay out every week of €2,270. The Club have also recommenced the weekly 50/50 draw and this draw takes place each Wednesday at the Bingo. Ballinasloe Training Workshop Canal House is celebrating 45 years as a Centre this year. Throughout the history of the organisation, there have been many staff and learners that have come and gone but two familiar faces have remained a constant. Michael Bradley started working with Canal House 27 years ago and Phil Lucas 20 years ago. Michael worked as the Centre Caretaker and Phil as the Centre Administrator. Michael’s passion and dedication for the project is well known, he put his heart and soul into his work, keeping the Centre shining and running well, as well as feeding the trainees (and staff) and immediately tackling any job that needed to be done. Phil was a huge support to the staff and learners, both in her role as Administrator and also going above and beyond for anyone who needed help. Canal House was the first Community based organisation set up under the Probation Service in the country. The project was set up with the aim to support young people in the community obtain employment skills and practical work skills and programmes that were also of benefit to the community.
They look to increase the skills, confidence and qualifications of their learners, enabling increased employment and life opportunities and outcomes, and reduction in re-offending. The key objective of the project is for clients to acquire sustainable employment or access to further training or education. A retirement gathering was held in the centre recently to celebrate the pair’s association with the workshop. Manager Orla McCaffrey stated at the function: “We would like to express our gratitude for the many years of hard work and the great times we had working alongside them. All of us are proud to have worked alongside you both, your support, dedication and kindness will stay long with us all. More sincere, trustworthy and warm people it would be hard to find anywhere. And although we are all so sad to say goodbye the lovely memories, the fun times and warmth won’t be forgotten.” Board Chairman Páraic Lawless stated: “The Centre has been lucky to have two such dedicated staff members and we are very appreciative of their work. They have embraced all of the changes over the years and been a huge support to all of the staff and trainees over this period. We wish the best of luck to Jamie Ward and Liam Lynch their replacements.” Divilly’s Off Licence picked up an excellent accolade of late when they were awarded the National Off Licence Association (NOFFLA) best first-time entrant award.
The business is run by Regina Divilly, whose family has been in the business in Dunlo Street for 67 years. Divilly’s changed to an independent Off Licence in 2004 and joined the Carry Out franchise in 2009. They were one of only three winners from the franchise. They have also become the first Off Licence in the town to win this prestigious award. Owner Regina Divilly expressed her delight upon receiving the prize: “We are over the moon! We were not expecting it at all. Especially since it was our first time to enter. We have only been a member of NOFFLA for 2 years and only entered to get some feedback on how to improve going forward.” “It means so much to win an award like this! We have a small but hardworking team here and they are all so loyal to the business, I couldn't do it without them. They are just as enthused about the store as I am and do a lot to keep the standards up. We are also very lucky to have such a loyal customer base.” she added The business is open from Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 10pm, and Sunday 12.30 to 10pm. They offer a huge range of Beers, Ciders, Wines and Spirits, and specialise in International and craft Beers and high-end Wines. For more information, find them on Facebook at Carryout Off Licence Ballinasloe. |
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May 2024
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