63 teams and over 600 children from all over Connaught battled it out in the second phase of the Connaught Community Games Finals to secure their place in University of Limerick for the Finals over the weekend.  

From Skittles to Rounders, Tag Rugby to Spikeball, Gaelic Football to Soccer,  there was a wealth of sporting talent in the town from children from all over Connacht. 

John Mulligan of Galway Bay FM was stationed in the Emerald Ballroom for the day and kept the county updated with the results and news. 

The Connaught Community Games Finals were opened in the Emerald Ballroom by Cllr Jimmy McClearn of Galway County Council.  Special Guests, Councillors Dermot Connolly and Aisling Dolan were at the opening ceremony to support the Games and were very enthusiastic about the array of events and the facilities in Ballinasloe being showcased. 

Two Ballinasloe teams were in the Tag Rugby finals with the U14 being declared Connacht Champs - unfortunately the U11s were pipped at the post by just one point!  The U14 team will now make there way to University of Limerick for the All Ireland Finals in the Aldi Community Games August Festival. 

Carmel Grealy, Chairperson of Connaught Community Games said "This is a great opportunity for Ballinasloe to showcase the fantastic sporting facilities it has in the town and its surrounds. Everyone came together and  all it took was a phone call to secure a venue and volunteers for the occasion. I would like to say a special thank you to organisers, coaches, referrees, co-ordinators and volunteers who gave up their time to make today a successful day for the children. I''d also like to thank Colm Croffy of Ballinasloe Life, Councillors Aisling Dolan and Dermot Connolly, my fellow committee members and everyone else who supported us."

John Byrne, CEO of Aldi Community Games said "I'm delighted to be here today and it's inspiring to see so many young people from all over the Province made so welcome in Ballinasloe.  Ballinasloe has superb sporting facilities and it's great to see them all in use today for Community Games. "

The venues over the weekend ranged from the Emerald Ballroom to the Fair Green to Duggan Park and as far as the Rugby Club and the Kiltormer Sports Complex. ​ Ballinasloe Library kindly supplied eco-friendly bags and water bottles to children playing skittles!

Summer Stars At Ballinasloe Library
 
The Summer Stars Reading Adventure will run in Ballinasloe Library until 31 August.  The challenge is to read 8 library books in total (eAudio, eBooks, annuals, graphic novels, books on CD etc are acceptable). On registration, you get a Summer Star Reading Card, Bookmark and a Wristband. Every child who completes the challenge will receive a Certificate, Medal, a Summer Stars library bag, and an invitation to the prize-giving ceremony on Tue. 17 Sep. at 5pm. You can also write a book review or colour a picture for prizes.

Our annual Summer Stars Master Builder Lego competition will run from 17 – 31 August. This year’s theme is ‘My Fantastic Adventure’ and you can bring your creation to the library for display between 17 - 31 August. Winners will be announced on 7 September.
 
Check out our Facebook page for information on Pop-Up Workshops and Storytime.