​
For many of the young, energetic athletes this was their first-ever time competing and they all did themselves proud. One of many highlights from the day Freddy Brown won gold in the boys u10 400m race. With many speedsters in their ranks the club had numerous competitors in the 60m and 200m races including Alice Moloney, Sarah Berrigan, Emelia Noone, Emma Hurley, Lillie Browne and Luke Mulvey.

Fionn Stephenson, Emmet Dolan, Ella Bookless and Esther Donnelly also competed in the long jump in the various age groups. Club PRO Marion Ruane praised all athletes, coaches and parents involved for making the day very enjoyable for all.

If you are interested in joining the athletics club, you would have to pay a yearly fee no matter what time of year you join. There is training every Tuesday and Thursday at the Dunlo Recreational Track from 6-7pm. For more information on joining the club contact club secretary Antoinette Stephenson on (087) 285 9167 or email [email protected]
​

A fun-filled day of basketball was held locally  recently for the opening of regenerated courts at Hymany Park/Esker Fields. Basketball Ireland hosted the open day, and national basketball players were in attendance.

​The aim of the project is to establish Basketball as a mixed sports for after school hours . Senator Aisling Dolan stated “It was great to see 30 or more children and students out enjoying basketball. This event is funded through government investment by Sport Ireland in the Ballinasloe area last year. Evie Day from Doire Beg also shows how everyone can make a difference, with her cousin Fia she started a petition to have access to a basketball court after school hours in Ballinasloe and I was able to raise this with Galway Sports Partnership.”

“Credit is due to the residents in Hymany Curragh Park who wanted more activities for children in the area clearing up this area and working with Esker Hills & Seamus Goldrick in Galway County Council to rejuvenate the basketball court,” Dolan added.
​
The project was a cross collaboration between the Galway Local Sports Partnership, the Housing Department of Galway County Council, OMW suppliers and Basketball Ireland, the national governing sports body who all supported the opening day.
​
James Kilkenny of Galway Sports Partnership was in attendance on the day and thoroughly enjoyed it: “It was great to work with Mike Murray from Basketball Ireland who brought players from the NUI Galway team Mystics organising games for children with a few professional basketball tips in there too.”

Louise Burke, from Sport Ireland added: “This is an incredible opportunity to get so active and there is a fantastic atmosphere here. Basketball is such an accessible sport for girls and boys and Sport Ireland supports initiatives with Sports Partnership groups across the country to achieve our goal of 60% of people in Ireland to be physically active and enjoying sport in their local area. I look forward to seeing a basketball club start in the Ballinasloe area.”

The hope in the future is to get enough interest to start up a Basketball Club for the area for boys and girls of all ages. Galway Sports Partnership are planning to hold a second event in June, check their Facebook Page for updates. 

Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre will host the Ceol and tSamhraidh 2022 concert featuring local artists, Eleanor Shanley, John Feeley, and Ultan Conlon. This concert is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 3 at 8 pm, and is made possible through the support of the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme (LLPPS).

Eleanor Shanley and John Feeley first met in London in the 1990s, when she was touring with the iconic De Dennan. They did not meet again for almost twenty-five years when John was doing a show in Eleanor’s now hometown of Ballinasloe. They flirted with the idea of doing some work together and have since worked on numerous live shows together and their new album “Cancion de Amor” is the result of their recording collaboration. Eleanor and John share a meeting of musical minds and both love how John’s classical and Spanish-influenced guitar styles works with Eleanor’s distinctive voice in this unique and very special collaboration.

Ultan Conlon is a singer-songwriter and guitarist, who has shared the stage with the likes of John Fogarty, Bryan Ferry, Mavis Staples, Eddi Reader, and Patty Griffin to name a few. Many of Ultan’s critically acclaimed songs have received extensive air play in Ireland and the UK. Conlon’s voice has been likened by some music writers to that of Roy Orbison, and his original song writing style combines depths of feeling, introspection, and modesty that is always reaching to connect with the listener’s heart and soul.

The Ceol an tSamhraidh concert, promises to be a wonderful night’s entertainment, and is certainly not one to be missed. Tickets for this event are €10 and are available from BTHT’s online Box Office atwww.ballinasloetownhall.com.

The upcoming concert follows a host of recent events that have seen the Hall finally back to normal operation after the last two years. Connacht Scór na nÓg Finals took place in the Hall recently, which proved to be a very entertaining all-day event. Following that, In Step Stage School had four packed audiences for their spectacular production, “Topsy Turvy”.

​The Hall was then the venue for two thoroughly enjoyable concerts during the Dinny Delaney Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Ardscoil Mhuire held a very successful screening of their TY production “A Night at the Musicals” over two nights. And AKT Stage School rounded off the action with their amazing variety show “Curtains Up”. Chairperson, Máire Hughes, noted: “It’s been heart-warming to see this beloved theatre come to life again with so much wonderful entertainment and such appreciative audiences”.

Office spaces to the front of the building have been recently refurbished, with brand new flooring and all new paint work, and are now ready for rental at very reasonable rates. Anyone interested in renting these office spaces can contact Micheal McCullagh on (086) 255 0877 or [email protected].
​
As always, there are also multiple rooms and spaces in the Hall available to rent for rehearsals, classes, meetings, once off events etc. For further information on these rentals get in touch via email ([email protected]), and make sure to follow Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with all 
 the latest events and news.

Four local voluntary groups received grants under the Community Activities Fund , co-ordinated by the Dept of Community and Rural affairs recently. 

The Town Hall, Town Band, Social Services and Ballinasloe Care and Repair all received funding under the new initiative that aims to provide small grants for community groups impacted by the pandemic.

The funding was brought about to give a helping hand to the smaller groups and facilities at grassroots level by supporting them to continue their important work on the ground. Galway County Council invited community groups to apply for funding at the start of the year and the four groups were recently informed that their applications were successful.

​The Town Hall secured €4,500 under the Fund. The funding which was under two strands will support the Hall’s essential running costs. The committee also intends to upgrade the Cyclorama on the stage to allow for projections that are being used increasingly in place of physical sets.​

Ballinasloe Social Services in Brackernagh received €1,500. Teresa Coughlan, Director of Social Services stated: “From the funding, we were able to purchase a Sara Steady Aid.  This piece of equipment encourages those using it to fully participate in transfers, thus improving circulation, breathing, digestion and muscle tone.  It provides support for those to continue to attend our day services, who previously may not have been able, due to reduced or little mobility.  It also enables us to provide a day service to new referrals who previously may not have been suitable to attend due to the high level of support needed. The feedback from our clients who have used the Sara Steady is very positive.”

The Ballinasloe Care and Repair team were awarded €2,000 which will enable them to cover insurance costs of their van and keep it on the road. The group is a free service that helps to keep people living in their own homes in increased safety and comfort. Volunteers carry out DIY work for older people free of charge.
​
The grants are due recognition for these groups whose efforts throughout the pandemic were immense and were vital to maintaining community spirit and resilience during the difficult times.  ​

The Ballinasloe Indoor Country Market moved to their new home recently in the Social Centre on Society St. leaving their previous base in the Town Hall, where they were located for almost ten years.

The new move came about to accommodate for more stalls as the weekly Country Market hopes to grow this year - their tenth year in existence.
​
Chairman of the market Martin Deeley said they are always looking for more producers: “The new move coincides with the need for new producers, we are looking for producers all the time especially organic vegetable producers.”
​
“We have everything from baking, crafts, knitting homemade jams, that’s the good thing about the market it’s all local people doing local things,” states Martin Deeley.

Martin has encouraged people who may not have heard of the market to go see what they have to offer: “I’d encourage people to come along on a Friday morning, we’re always here. We’re open friendly people, we have everything in the market and at good prices, there’s always something nice to find, “explains Martin.

The Country Market is open every Friday morning from 9am - 1pm. If anyone is interested in getting involved in the market they can see Ballinasloe Indoor Country Market Facebook page or simply call in during trading hours to discuss with Martin how to join.

The Ballinasloe Country Markets Ltd is affiliated to the national cooperative organisation founded in 1947. There are currently 30 affiliated branch markets nationwide, with approximately 800 members. All branches are governed by the same rules. The produce at branch markets is all local farm, garden, home produce and crafts which we sell directly to customers.

All produce sold in branch markets uses a standard label which includes the Country Markets Ltd logo, the branch market name, the individual producer number and the national organisations registered address This ensures full traceability.

Livestock Music & Arts Festival the exciting, brand new, family friendly, music & arts festival is just around the corner.
​
The event which takes place on the 1st and 2nd July in Liskelly Farm Aughrim, will feature music, art, food, entertainment, and activities centred around the ancient ringfort at the Farm. The festival aims to provide a platform & promote the talents of independent and local artists through genres such as Irish music, contemporary trad, folk, alternative rock and more.
​
The line-up for the festival was announced recently with a number of local artists taking to the stage on Friday night including Jiggy, Galway Street Club, Sli Village Fete, Chase Nova Band, Ras Tinny and The Skank High Sound System, Caravan Mamba just some of a wide array of acts. The stellar performers continue on Saturday featuring Kila, Bunoscionn, The Barley Mob, John Conneely Inc, Sli na croi, Bog Bodies and many more.

There will be a wide range of seminars and activities across the weekend, for all ages and interests, provided by expert and fun facilitators. Join in with Yoga, Iron Forging, Weaving, Meditation, West African Drumming, Soundbath, Raven Pottery, Tai Chi, Afro Brazilian Dance, Craft Workshops, Malinke Village Style Fete, Mudbugs, Rinka, Facepainting, and the Greenmantle Community Art Project. Or wander through the inspiring art exhibition, the mini viking village, traditional craft area, tea room or our vibrant market where there will be a range of delicious food vendors. Alcohol is not for sale at the event; however, you are welcome to bring your own (strict “no glass on site” policy).

Cormac Jennings the festival organiser stated: “The two-day event offers you the perfect amount of time to switch off, relax, explore and have fun! So, dust off your camping equipment, fill your cooler box with your favourite beer and enjoy the music, art, activities, and entertainment of LiveStock 2022! A Céad Mile Fáilte awaits.”

Tickets are priced at €120 for a weekend ticket with free camping. The campsite opens on Friday July 1 at Midday. Day tickets are also available through the website www.livestockfestivalgalway.com. Follow  Livestock Music Festival on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates

I Am Lewy is a fresh, contemporary translation by poet Mícheál Ó hAodha of Ó Tuairisc's late novella An Lomnochtán (Mercier, 1977), which brings alive Lewy’s vivid, impressionistic account of a tumultuous few months in the early/mid 1920s.

The autobiographical novella plays largely around the centre of Ballinalsoe – St John's Church of Ireland, Dunlo Hill, the Fair Green, St Michael's Square. The Earl has left, but Lewy's family now pays their rent to a solicitor in town instead. The residue of the Civil War is still to be felt and a Free State soldier has had his head blown off by a bomb in the Square, according to Lewy. Irregulars roam east Galway and south Roscommon, especially around Dysart. Car stealing and a variety of other non peace time acts are vividly portrayed through the lens of a very young boy.

At the fair with his demobbed, slightly shellshocked father, under his seamstress mother’s table while she measures the clients, minding his siblings on the Green across from the Workhouse, entangled with memories of ‘Brazenface’ Rosaleen McNally, and the skeleton in the sandpit, pitying the Orphans fed on the Nuns’ Pee-Soup, Lewy tries to get his head around it all.
​
Eoghan Ó Tuairisc (1919–1982) was born Eugene Rutherford Watters on Dunlo Hill, Ballinasloe, where he grew up in one of the sadly now-derelict houses. His parents were Thomas Watters, a shoemaker, who had been wounded at the Battle of the Somme in France. His mother, Maud Watters (née Sproule), was a seamstress and clairvoyant.

After attending Garbally College and graduating as a primary school teacher in 1939 from St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, he taught in Finglas, Dublin for many years, and completed a Masters in UCD in 1947. He is remembered best as a writer with a prolific output through both Irish and English, of poetry, stories, prose, novels and plays. He received numerous literary awards throughout his life for his bilingual writing and was elected as one of the early members of Aosdána.

Ó Tuairisc is buried in Creagh Cemetery, next to his first wife, the painter Una Watters (d. 1965), whose work has recently been revived. An exhibition of her work was held at the United Arts Club in Dublin earlier this year.

Ó Tuairisc is survived by his second wife, Rita Kelly, herself a bilingual poet and writer of note, brought up in Clontuskert and Brackernagh, who is the rights holder to all his work. Her support for and editorial input to this translation of An Lomnochtán was invaluable, according to publisher Bridget Farrell of Bullaun Press.

I Am Lewy is available to purchase online from Kennys Bookshop, Co. Galway, and is also stocked in Salmons Department Store, Ballinasloe.

For more information, see this recent blogpost on Eoghan Ó Tuairisc’s archive at NUI Galway

The Ballinasloe Says No committee have taken their next step in their campaign as they are now reviewing legal options to tackle the decision by Galway County Council to grant a permit to the waste transfer station.

Chairperson Vincent Parsons stated: “Ballinasloe Says No are committed to fighting for health, safety and to protect our unique environment around the Suck River Callows -an SPA (Special Protection Area) under EU law - on behalf of the people of Ballinasloe. It is shocking that Galway County Council Executive have decided to grant this permit despite thousands of objections from people in the area.”

“The decision by the Council to grant a permit was quashed by High Court Order on two occasions in 2018 and again earlier this year. In addition, this area is subject to a 1999 High Court Order halting all major waste facilities. Despite all of this Galway County Council Executive have granted another permit for a major waste facility in the town centre showing total disregard for the people of Ballinasloe and surrounding area,” he added.

Chairperson Vincent Parsons and Senator Aisling Dolan with the committee also noted that a public meeting will be held within the next few weeks to give people an update.

PRO and Senator Aisling Dolan stated: “I want to thank people in the town and living all around Ballinasloe for their continued support. This development means hundreds of trucks coming on every road into town. It will have a detrimental impact on the lives of residents and people using our roads competing with 10 ton, 20 ton and 30 ton trucks. We look forward to holding a public meeting in the next few weeks please check our Facebook page for details.”

For more information on when the public meeting see Ballinasloe says NO to Toxic Waste Dump on Facebook for further updates.

Corrib Oil – Spar in Bracknernagh is a firm favourite with locals and commuters alike.

The Corrib Oil Service Station is managed by Adrian Gavin and employs 27 local people between the shop, Corrib Deli and the oil office. Its one of over 20 forecourt retail operations run by the Company in over 20 counties nationwide.
​
The shop which opened in 2016 , on the site of the Louis Bannerton Renault garage proves to be the perfect one-stop shop for all your needs with it’s perfect location for passers-by just off the motorway, with ample car parking spaces making it ideal to pull in on a journey. Customers have an exciting range of fresh food to choose from such as the Award-Winning Corrib Deli which serves Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners all prepared in-store.

The BARA Singers have become an intrinsic part of community life, growing organically from a first meeting in October 2005 of a group of active retired people who liked to sing together have fun, entertain and be creative.

Offered as an optional winter activity to an already very busy active retirement association in Ballinasloe eleven ladies and two gentlemen signed up initially. They continued for the season of weekly two-hour rehearsals learning songs of all genres. Some remain the backbone of the group. The group have performed mainly in nursing homes, recitals, concerts, exchanges with other ARAs, Dawn choruses, and amassed a considerable repertoire.
​
Songfest came about in May 2012 when the group who had just been formally named as the BARA Singers collaborated with the Western region of ARAS for a concert in the Town Hall. The first Songfest was an ‘Andre Rieu’ style music event with Noel Madden as Musical Director and a Songfest ensemble of musical friends from the neighbourhood, violins, flute, trumpet and piano.

The format has not changed since but there have been many collaborations along the way, with Slua Cairde, Gaelscoil, Cancer support Choir, Omna Singers, and many more. Over €10,000 has been distributed over the 7 Songfests to many including worthy causes including Special Olympics, Children’s hospital care, music bursaries etc.

After a two-year hiatus the group of singers got back to their weekly rehearsals at the start of the year. The programme for this year includes a tribute to Charlie Chaplin. Marie Power Musical Director of the BARA Singers expalns: “Songfest also always includes a taxing major classic, we hope to do justice to Mascagni’s Easter Hymn from “Cavaleria Rusticana “, and the light and fun are in “Trip The Light Fantastic”  from Mary Poppins. “  Returns “ some Big Band favourites and some folk songs make up the rest of the menu !  There’s always an audience opportunity in our singalong part of the programme.”

On Thursday, June 2nd in Gullane’s Hotel at 8 pm BARA Singers will present Songfest 8 with Ballinasloe Town Band. Tickets are €10 and are available at the door on the night. They can be pre-booked by calling (087) 979 0416. Proceeds will benefit local needs and charities as they have done so in the past.