The Battle of Aughrim 1691 Visitor Centre has reopened, chronicling the events of one the bloodiest conflicts of Irish history. In addition, walking tours will be available along the Aughrim trail this Summer and along with some events organized by the local history group Cath Eachroma 1691.
The Battle of Aughrim was fought between the Irish Jacobite army of James II against the Williamite Forces of William III in July 1691. The savage encounter was decisive in ending the rebellion of James II in Ireland and resulted in over 7000 people being killed on the surrounding fields. Ronan Killeen has been appointed acting as curator for the summer since the reopening. The attraction revisits the battle through an audio-visual experience, offering interactive displays and information boards for an educational and recreational tour. Visitors get the chance to wear the uniforms and wield the weaponry of the 1691 soldiers, relieve their stories and take some pictures with the available photo stands. The opening times for this Summer are from Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 to 16:30, and Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00. The cost is €5 for an adult, €2 for under 12s and €4 for a senior or student. For more details and bookings, you can contact Ronan at (090) 967 3939. In addition local heritage consultant Michael Riddell will be hosting walking tours along the Aughrim trail, bringing visitors to the destinations where the key episodes of the battle were fought including Kilcommadan Hill, St. Ruth’s Bush and Fort, and the ruins of Aughrim Castle. The surrounding fields take about 2 hours 30 minutes to traverse over sometimes rough terrain, with suitable clothing and footwear being advised. Times are dependent on Michael’s availability but typically are taking place in the morning. It’s recommended giving a week’s notice for bookings. Michael can be contacted at 087 8160971 for more details. Cath Eachroma 1691 ( The Voluntary Battlefield Heritage Group ) are organizing two events this Summer, one a once-off foraging walk taking place from the Visitor Centre on July 23 between 14:00 and 17:00 hosted by Mary, a wild food forager, chef, and educator from County Offaly. This workshop will offer an opportunity to discover what food sources would have been available to those on the march in 1691, as well as which plants would have been used for medicinal purposes. Bookings are essential and can be made to 087 1849661 or email at [email protected] The history group are also inviting submissions for a group exhibit entitled ‘On Our Doorstep’ for Heritage Week in association with the Ballinasloe and District Heritage Group and Group 8. Artists are encouraged to submit work on the theme of the 1691 Battle of Aughrim, inspired to interpret the events in their own image. For full details of the brief, you can contact [email protected]
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‘The Sound of Music’ held in the Town Hall Theatre was the first production to be staged by the local Musical Society since 2019, it was a resounding success with all five performances sold out members of the Society were briefed at their recent AGM.
Secretary Greg Blackwell told the meeting it was a busy year for the society with members taking part in the annual Zombie walk along with providing refreshments at the turning on of the Christmas lights event in November. Auditions were held in October for The Sound of Music and Chairperson Frances Leahy spoke of the great turn out of both children and adults on the day. She thanked the members of the cast who worked so hard to bring this much awaited show to stage. After a forced break of nearly 4 years it was great to see the society back in the Town Hall Theatre and entertaining audiences. Thanks were extended to Ballinasloe Credit Union, the society’s main sponsor along with all the patrons & sponsors whose continued support is vital to the running of the society. Committee Member Gerard Sweeney presented the accounts on behalf of Treasurer Ellen Egan who was unable to attend and he advised the meeting that the cost of staging ‘The Sound of Music’ was close to €47,000 highlighting the importance of audience support/ticket sales, the continued support of our patrons & sponsors, along with some fundraising to cover extensive costs. Thanks also were extended to the Gullane family for their continued support in providing space for Meetings & rehearsals in the run up to the show. A huge team of people work together in a voluntarily capacity to stage any show – Stage crew, Costumes, make up and hair & front of house teams along with the committee give of their time to insure all runs smoothly. Thanks were extended to everyone that helped in any way over the months preceding the show and during the week itself. Formal congratulations were extended to Gerard Sweeney on his recent election to Vice President of AIMS (Association of Irish Musical Societies) and Gerard was also made an honorary life member of the society at the launch of the show in February. As this year is the centenary of the Society, founded in 1923, the committee are planning a celebratory concert on Saturday October 21st. Details of this concert will be announced over the coming months. The incoming committee elected for the coming year. Were President, Maureen Donohue, Joint Chairpersons, Frances Leahy & Lisa Whyte; Secretary, Greg Blackwell; Treasurer, Ellen Egan, Committee members, Eithne Blackwell, Gerard Sweeney & Jacinta Keane. The new committee will start meetings shortly to decide on the 2024 show and the fun starts all over again! The Ballinasloe Town Band travelled to the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone to compete in the 55th National Band Championships hosted by the Irish Association of Brass and Concert Bands (IABCB), their first time ever competing in the contest. The community band is a voluntary organisation comprising of musicians ranging from youngsters to folks in their eighties. Originally formed in 2014, the group take on children and adults providing access to music education in the locality. Our young musicians ventured to the Dean Crowe Theatre, by coach. Although nervous on the day, the band were well prepared with their three pieces on the day ‘Cyclone’ by Michael Oare, ‘Gold Medal March’ by Paul Murtha and ‘Ancient Flower’ by Japanese composer Yukiko Nishimura. Twelve bands joined them on the occasion, demonstrating some fierce competition among the players. In the teeth of more established performing bands the Ballinasloe Town Musicians provided a fantastic performance on the day, with adjudicator Michael Ball elaborating high praise for the band’s efforts. The IABCB results ceremony saw the Dublin Concert Band and Drogheda Brass Bands receive the Top Prizes in the Section one winning titles, the Percussion Section were singled out and came away with the ‘Best Supporting Section’ Cup across all the bands. This was a fantastic achievement for the players and to celebrate, the band spent their time at the following practice session to watch back videos of their performance combined with a pizza party, to the delight of the young members. During Eastertime the band held a Craft Fair in the Band Hall ( the old Parochial Hall on Dunlo Hill ) Many came along to support, as well as the youngsters who entered some fantastic hats into the Easter Bonnet competition. Creative skills are not in short supply – as was evident in the variety and quality of the arts and crafts items for sale with the Brothers of Charity contributing some fantastic bonnets. Business was brisk as stall holders sold their items, while the Town Band entertained all Fair goers. Plans for a new upcoming Summer concert are underway for the Town Band. Rehearsals are ongoing, but dates and times are yet to be confirmed which will be published in the local press, Parish Newsletter and on their Facebook page. Those hoping to get in contact with the Town Band can do so via Martina Doherty at 087 9710496 or by email at [email protected].
Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre have launched a new Reiki therapy service, with Tuam native Louise O Furey offering the practise with her rigorous experience in the field.
Louise always had a passion to help and support others on their journey through their struggles in day-to-day life. It was through her own life experience and conflict over many years that led her down the path as both a psychotherapist and a Reiki practitioner. Louise trained as a practitioner in 2014 and has also received a BA degree as a Holistic counsellor and psychotherapist in February 2020. She found a calling to Reiki during the early stages of the Covid lockdown when her sister was diagnosed with severe breast cancer affecting her brain. Throughout lockdown, she began practising the therapy on her sister who found it relaxing, helping her sleep and relaxing her mind. When the lockdown lifted, she realized her path in Reiki and took the leap, establishing her business in January 2023 in Tuam. Reiki is a healing technique which uses gentle hand techniques to flow healthy energy from the therapist through the client's body to alleviate any blockages which may cause illness. According to practitioners, some benefits of the therapy include reduction of stress and anxiety in the body, helping with insomnia, treating depression, boosting morale and clearing negative thoughts, easing physical pain and helping relax a person suffering from illness or disease. The Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre, affiliated with the Irish Cancer Society, have begun this therapy at their hub on Cullens Yard just off Main Street, running from 10.00 until 14:00 every second week. Information on Reiki can be obtained from their office which is open at these hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Louise will also be participating in the Sligo Camino on July 1, a challenging 36km hike from Dromahair Co. Leitrim to Cooloney Co. Sligo, to raise funds for the centre. Chairperson Liam Connaire states: “I would like to thank the people who fund us and the local businesses who have supported us. This has led to an increase in our services in the past couple of months and for which we are for every grateful”. The centre is run entirely by volunteers and supported by CE Schemes, ensuring all money received is invested into providing services for those who most need it. A second counsellor has been engaged to allow more members and families in the community to avail of counselling which is in high demand. The centre has established a donation page for those who would like to contribute to their ongoing services at https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ballinasloecancersupport. Bookings are essential for their services including counselling, massage therapy and reiki, and clients are recommended to book early to their office at 090 9649767 The Ballinasloe Basketball Club OAKS are approaching their 10 year anniversary and are hoping to return to regular training sessions after a drop in attendance resulting from Covid.
Founded in 2014, the Mens club has welcomed many members from Ballinasloe, Athlone and surrounds over the years. The club tends to prefer competing in friendlies and meet occasionally to play and share their enthusiasm for the sport. The club is supported by two coaches presently - including Rytis Markauskas, a medical manufacturer working in Galway currently living in Ballinasloe. Rytis is well qualified in playing and coaching the sport, having practiced with many Irish national teams. He is joined by Thomas, a loyal coach to the club who similarly has plenty of experience in teaching the game. The team supports 5-6 people who are currently relied upon as if they lose a player, they are forced to cancel their events. Rytis expressed his ambition for the club, hoping to return to regular meetings on a weekly basis. The last time the team met was for a play-off session in mid-January but have not gathered since. The group aims to have 10 male players before they can return to regular practice sessions. They currently do not have a membership fee but are hoping to find sponsorship to help increasing operational costs . The Club OAKS currently practice in the Drum Community Centre in Athlone, roughly 20km from the outskirts of Ballinasloe but are hoping to establish a more practical base for people in the town, scouting a number of venues which would be ideal to play in. For this year, the club aims to build the skillset and experience of their players before competing in League games. The squad offers some great training by their qualified coaches, along with a fantastic outlet for exercise. Discussing the interest in Basketball in the region, Rytis surmised: “Irish people are much into their own sports and we respect that, but this is another opportunity for a new experience and a prospect to meet people”. Currently the club are only supporting seniors over 18, but they do hope to have the liberty to teach the sport to underage and girls/ ladies in future. If you would like to join the club, you can contact Rytis at 089 4735566. Or checkout their fbook page BasketballClubOAKS. The Indian Community in Ballinasloe kicked off with their first event of the year BICC EVE-23 acting as a combination of three festivals Easter, Vishu and Eid-ul-Fitr. The event showcased the unity in diversity of the Indian Community in Ballinasloe and surrounds.
The Ballinasloe Indian Cultural Community started small in 2015 with just four families,but has since grown to encompass over 120 families and over 200 members locally. The aim of the group is to cherish social connections and enhance art and culture in the community. Following a two-year break over COVID , the community returned small in 2022 with their Easter-Vishu-Eid festival. The event unites people of all cultures and religion through Christian, Hindu, and Muslim holidays for a fun night of music, dance and storytelling. The BICC only recently elected a new committee for this year with Aju Abraham as President, Dotty Matthew as Vice President, Akshai Kurian and Ajin Alex Antony as Secretaries, Devu Sabu and Don Bosco as Joint Secretaries, Ajith Mathew as Treasurer, Shiju Philipose and Priya Susan as Program Co-ordinators, along with the Executive Committee Members of Ajeesh Joseph, Salu Sabu, Robin Daniel and Jithin John. The group hopes to completely reform their committee every year with new representatives for the community for each period. The EVE-23 was the first event of the current committee hosted in Moore Community Hall on April 22 and was a resounding success, becoming the largest Indian program in Ballinasloe post pandemic. Senator Aisling Dolan inaugurated the event who, along with the BICC committee and Fr. Bernie Costello and Fr. Michael Malloy, lit the ceremonial candle inaugurating the ceremony and the new board. The highlights of the night included electrifying dance performances by both children and adults representing the rich culture of India. Couple dances, Fusion dances, Songs and Instrumental sessions additionally contributed to the vibrant night along with feature act DJ Darshan. Committee President Aju Abraham was grateful for this community gathering expressing: “We don’t get many opportunities to get together, so this event is great in that regard, especially for the kids”. Aju thanked M6 Motors for acting as their major sponsor for the event and for playing a significant role in making the event possible. In summary of their EVE celebration, Aju shared: “This event exemplified how diversity can bring people together and strengthen community bonds.” Although the annual EVE occasion is their largest annual gathering, the BICC will host events in August/September, late in December, and are also hosting online platforms with kids learning activities. The BICC Committee have also created a Facebook page under “Ballinasloe Indian Cultural Community” where you can find regular updates about upcoming and ongoing activities with the group. |
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February 2025
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