Cath Eachroma 1691 will present their annual ‘Talk About and Walk About’ during this year’s Heritage Week.
The heritage group, formed to educate the public about the 1691 Battle of Aughrim and its significance, invites you to join them at the Visitor Centre for a guided tour of the surrounds of the historical site. Over 100 people participated in 2022, and this year they hope to expand their programme to include weapon and uniform displays The event will be hosted on Saturday August 19 at 14:00, no booking is required. The Aughrim archivists recently held a foraging event exploring the battlefield rummaging for food, and showcased historically accurate props at their stand during Livestock Festival.
0 Comments
Incoming Galway City Chamber of Commerce President and Group Marketing and Innovation Manager at Connacht Hospitality Group is Ballinasloe's own Eveanna Ryan. A popular pupil in St Joseph’s NS, she then spent 6 amazing years in Scoil Mhuire, before obtaining her diploma from Cornell University in strategic Management. “Having spent my teens working in the East County Hotel and Tohers, I caught the bug for hospitality early. The summer after my leaving cert I worked in Clifden and deferred college (fine art degree in Waterford) to travel and that spring I was lucky enough to be hired to do a season with Kel Air Vacances (Campotel) working in the west coast of France. From there I joined the team in the Office of Kel Air in Ballinasloe and stayed there for a very happy 8 years, until the Carlton Shearwater opened and I returned to my hotel roots, I was part of the preopening team working in reservations, before moving into a sales role and from there I continued my career with Carlton for 8 years working in both the Shearwater and in Blanchardstown in Dublin. It was at this time I completed my Cornell University course and really found my love for marketing and was able to get back to being creative.” recalls Eveanna. But ultimately the West called again, and she returned to Galway City to the role of Sales and Marketing Manager for the reopening of Glenlo Abbey Hotel and the Harbour Hotel under MHL. She spent a whirlwind four years learning about the luxury market and building her connections in Galway and now finds herself in the most exciting role yet with Connacht Hospitality Group where she oversees all the marketing and innovation functions of 11 brands (and growing). Reflecting on her two decades in hospitality she accepts it is not for the faint hearted, but if you thrive on working at pace, and genuinely enjoy people it is a wonderful career. “No two days have ever been the same and the world of Marketing changes every day, and you need to stay ahead and relevant. Hospitality gets a bad reputation, but it has given me a life and career I could only have dreamed of. It allowed me to work and study at the same time as well as being a young mother (he’s 22 now) and if you are willing to work hard there are so many rewards. If it’s any testament my son Cillian having trained in a completely different field (graphic design) has recent taken up a hotel management role and I couldn’t be prouder, I know he is in the right career for him and I’m excited to see him grow and develop within this exciting industry” enthuses Eveanna. She won "Sales and Marketing Manager of the Year 2019" at the Irish Hospitality institute Awards in 2019, serving on the national council for the IHI. She then joined the board of the Galway Convention Bureau and is currently the deputy President and soon to be the President of the Galway Chamber. When asked why she preferred to reside for so much of her last two decades in the town she is blunt - “For me it was proximity to family, Cillian being able to go to a school like Garbally and see his Grandparents every day. Also affordability, my commute on a daily basis was “just a quick podcast” and for nights that I had events I would avail of the 10.10pm train home so it was a great asset."
“Ballinasloe is home and will always be home, more and more of my childhood friends have moved home as I did to raise families. Hotels like the Shearwater gave me a career and for that I will always be grateful.” she states. Focusing on the tourist potential of town she believes that Ballinasloe has as much to offer as any town on the Shannon with our Marina and waterways, great hotels, growing restaurant & bar community and the wealth of local history. "Ultimately, I believe this is about branding, deciding what we want to be perceived of as a town, what markets we are looking to target and working together as a town and industry to get them here. As the businesses of Kinsale say “let's fight together to get them here and fight over them when they are here” she explains. Looking forward to her new role for the Regional Capital Business Community she states “I’m honoured to be the incoming President of Galway Chamber of Commerce. For me it was about giving a voice to the hospitality industry and highlighting the importance of tourism in the overall Galway business community, from marketing to FDI. I follow a line of financiers in this role, and I hope to be able to bring my own strengths, in storytelling, positive outlook and strategic planning to the role”. She strongly believes the West of Ireland is incredibly well positioned for business growth as indeed is Ballinasloe. “Boasting a highly skilled and educated workforce. Renowned universities and educational institutions that produce a steady stream of talented graduates, makes it easier for businesses to find qualified professionals across various industries. The West of Ireland's diverse economy, spanning sectors like technology, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, and renewable energy, also contribute to its appeal for business growth” she ascertains. In her view the diversity ensures that companies in various fields can find a suitable niche and prosper in this dynamic and robust marketplace. Beyond business, the West of Ireland offers an incredible quality of life. Its breathtaking landscapes, and charming towns and villages like Ballinasloe make it an attractive destination for employees and their families. As for those grappling with CAO choices her advice is simple - “I have always preached the benefit of having a good attitude and working hard. Attitude wins over aptitude every day in my opinion. And also to be patient with yourselves, you don’t need to have a fixed career path any time soon, be flexible and curious and let the opportunities find you. And last bit of advice “take the job your think you’re not qualified for and figure it out” It’s worked for me to date,” she frankly admits. In looking back on the breaks she still has a wonderful soft spot for The Keller’s for giving her first “office job” when she didn’t even have an email. “I still recall the wise words of GaGa (Mr Liam Keller). “If you don’t know something, be honest but go find out!" A life lesson I still live by, my years working in Kellers were some of the happiest of my life. And ultimately huge thanks to my parents, siblings and my son Cillian who keep me in check but are also my biggest supporters,” states a very busy Eveanna. Moher resident and retired Vocational School Teacher Gabriel Rohan has some decades to reflect upon since his arrival to a family of 11 ( 7 boys and 4 girls ) in Tiaquin near Athenry during the Emergency.
The 7th eldest boy on a modest family farm - did chores in the morning and indeed well after his national schooling days and in common with all other youngsters walked the roads to his education. A long monastic and austere regime of five years as a boarder in St. Mary’s Galway, where ration books, porridge and bread measured by the half slice were common place! While he dabbled in hurling – in common with most of the pupils, he found some merriment in the Stage – school plays, the annual Gilbert and Sullivan production at Christmas time before sitting the leaving cert in 1959. Of the 40 or so lads who completed their studies – a third went back to family farms, businesses, about a third went on to the Priesthood and he was in the lucky third of those who signed on for third level education after Matriculation. He chose Agricultural Science as he enjoyed Biology, being an early third level commuter – he took the early train from Athenry, staying in digs for a few weeks before the ritual exam times. “We had a very tight, small circle of friends which anchored around the Lydon’s Coffee House, the Tennis Club , Sea Point and The Hanger where regular evening haunts and you have to remember the only Quad facilities were a small coffee dock back then“ he recounts. He recalls his first real summer job working for the Board of Works before heading to the big smoke as the final years being completed in UCD. He remembers the freedom of that time and city – “you could walk from the DCU campus now (‘twas the Ag College Farm back then) in Ballymun all the way into O'Connell St and we often got a lift home after a hop with a milkman – it was such a calmer place back then “ he states. The late 50s in Dublin the start of the Showband era – young students were often refused access to dances due to the width of their ties! “The dances started at 7.30 pm and finished around 11p.m in the city so the Nurses could be home to their residences in time for curfew “, he laughs. The Ag Society ran hops to fund their outreach activities and he recounts the wonderment of all the class being on study trip to Denmark and discovering silage being made for the first time. “The modern management and efficient methods the Danes was using at the time, surpassed anything we were doing in Ireland – all the livestock were being raised 8 months of the year indoor and this was nearly a decade before we joined the E.E.C.”. There were 3 vacancies for Rural Science Instructor at the Galway Vocational Educational Committee, he applied and got the nod! In Sept 1960 he found himself in Ma Kellers- Curramore Guest House and sharing the Tech Staff room with Stephen Folen, Principal, Nicholas Hartnett the woodwork teacher, Peter Weafer, Art, Pauline Mc Namara, Home Economics and Joe Brennan Irish. Once pupils received their Group Cert after three years of schooling the could finish formal education. It was not until the Free Secondary Schooling Act of Donagh O Malley that pupils stayed on and undertook Inter Cert and Leaving Cert. Gabriel’s love of Biology saw him move to teaching science and preparing students for Leaving Cert Biology. “ back the for the Group Cert there was a lot of Oral Examination and different teachers would be allocated to different schools around the country to examine the students ,by the time of the leaving cert there was a lot of project work as well so the rote learing was well out of the system by the time I left “ he notes. In the 60s Teaching staff were expected to live locally and he thrived in the pastimes of tennis, golf, swimming but the lure of the stage, song and drama from his St. Mary’s Days – allied to most of the Tech Staff – building sets, painting scenery was strong. A meeting of the Musical Society in the Wigan Hall chaired by Monsignor Gordon saw a new Guinness PA recently moved to town from Ballina in attendance and as the Hammerstein lyric goes – “. the enchanted evening saw the stranger across the crowded room." Noelle and Gabriel were married in St. Muredach’s Cathedral in 1965 and the moved into their new Moher Home in 1970 – along with family Brian , Aileen and Carmel . Brian works in Switzerland while the two ladies are teaching locally. Family life was busy in the 70s and 80s but he managed to act as Treasurer for the VEC County teams and when the kids got involved in swimming he went and undertook all the courses to become a qualified swim instructor. He also was persuaded by stage manager Larry Duffy to participate in a few Relays productions in front of the curtain. He recalls the Swimming Club of the 80s with some affection – “Popsee Fenton , along with Mick Walsh Chief Coach – the Walshe’s, the Mc Keowans, Ganlys, McCullaghs, we were one the few Clubs in Connacht to have a professional coach back then." He also in the late 80s got involved in the Tidy Towns as a member and eventually held a number of Officer Positions. In 1998 Galway County Council had a problem – it could not manage Carrowbrowne Dump and a plan was hatched to utilise the UDC’s own dump to temporarily facilitate the refuse of City and County about a kilometre from his back garden and some 2.6 Kms from St. Michaels Church. He found himself asked to chair a public meeting , then was asked to Chair the Action Group to contest the issue on behalf of the community when it became obvious that the political class locally were not seeing the wider picture. Even though it's twenty years ago the legacy is still very raw today where 30 citizens were injuncted by High Court order (14 of that list have passed) and eventually the Community got an Agreed High Court order which the Council truculently had to eventually abide by. Many of the committee were challenged as to who they were mandated to represent and subsequently several of their number contested the local Urban Council elections in 1999 – resulting in a huge turnout in numbers and some four of the nine councillors being non-party. “They were difficult testing times , as a community activist, and as an elected Councillor – I am very glad we never took the officials advice on anything – had we - we would not have got the dump closed in 2005 and the town’s balance sheet before transfer to Galway County Council would not have been as large , which allowed for a great deal of public realm investment “ he opined. Looking back he believes that Urban or Town Council abolition was very wrong. “the centralising of all decision making back to the County or in reality back to Dublin by faceless bureaucrats where local representatives -can offer no real engagement or analysis into policy or decision making is just plain wrong, not the magic bullet promised – true the system needed reform and executive functions needed revisiting but we have remote’. Municipal Chambers now , sadly” , states Gabriel. The town centre today he feels needs a major review of what property owners wish to do with their real estate – “ we have to find a different way of utilising precious space , would they lease on a sliding scale , take equity in the business concern – look at all the families and people you could house over the first floors of all these shops not being used and the housing crisis?" The future is bright he is assured – “the assets have never been fully exploited, - Garbally, the Marina, Bridgids, the Greenway, Good housing stock, public transport access, educational, sports and health facilities” , he notes. He is currently enjoying retirement with wife Noelle and their 8 Grand kids between 8 and 21 , they love their train trips and picnic lunches, they enjoy a lot of the Ballinasloe Active Retirement Assoc. activity programme as active members and he knows “ this is a marvellous community to be retired in." With his Agricultural prowess he feels there is a major land reusage transformation about to happen “ there is not an acre of tillage, crop or arable sown land between Galway and Limerick – all livestock and a shortage of vegetables, pulses, and grains – not in my lifetime but with Climate Change and people eating less meat – we will see people out working the fields like I did as a child in Tiaquinn” he concludes. Author and Tidy Towns Heritage Officer Padraig Lyons has relaunched his prized book “Rediscover Ballinasloe and Surrounds”, a publication aiming to highlight the hidden gems and interesting sights within the district.
Padraig began working on his passion project in 2018, finding that there was a distinct lack of literature focusing on the heritage of Ballinasloe. The book aims to be a light read, showing photography of places accompanied by a brief description. The first edition was released to great acclaim, and completely sold-out from stores last year. The relaunched features a brand-new red sleeve and slightly higher price tag. “I’m very grateful to BACD and the Ballinasloe Credit Union who sponsored half of the book initially and being a great support” noted Padraig.Available to purchase at Salmon’s Department Store, on their online shop, or at other retail outlets in town at €10 per copy. The Ballinasloe and District Athletics Club completed one final training lesson prior to their summer break practising their javelin throws, sprints, and more. A highlight of the day included the young racers transferring the contents of one bucket of water to another at opposite ends of the court using a sponge.
“Well done to the coaches who put so much effort into making it such a success despite the weather” commends PRO Dawn Slevin. “We as a club would like to thank the Parents/Guardians for their continued support in helping make our club a success.” They are looking forward to seeing the young athletes back in September. Those hoping to join the club following the break can contact them at 087 6769876. Ballinasloe GAA Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others (G4M&O) has been a driving force in the community of Ballinasloe and surrounding areas since it was begun in the club in 2017.
G4M&O is a Ladies Gaelic Football (LGFA) initiative for women aged 25 & above who are not currently playing competitive football with a club. It was set up to bring women of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness ability together to play Gaelic football in a fun, non-competitive and social environment whilst meeting mothers & others from the local area of Ballinasloe. For anyone new moving to the town or anyone who feels they would like to join a new club to meet more people this is your chance! Over the years we have been extremely lucky with our coaches/trainers who have generously given up their free time to come and train us. We have many fun outings during the year to other clubs as well as attending the Connacht Blitz and the National Blitz in Dublin as well as social nights out. G4M&O is a unique part of the club as not many other GAA clubs in the extended Ballinasloe area have a G4M&O team and currently we have mothers from surrounding areas such as Ahascragh, Caltra, Taughmaconnell, Moore, Laurencetown, Kiltormer, Aughrim, & Kilconnell. "Since joining Ballinasloe G4M&O I can honestly say it was one of the best things I did for myself to settle into living in Ballinasloe. I look forward to the training sessions every week. I see it as my hour to get out of the house and go down and play some football with the girls and get some exercise. I have met many amazing girls along the way and I’m so happy to call them friends”, states Laura Howley, Goal Keeper Extraordinaire “I was hesitant to join at first, being over 50 years old and never having played any team sports before but I'm so glad I took the leap! The team is incredibly welcoming and supportive, and the coaches are fantastic at teaching the game in a fun and approachable way. Not only have I learned a new sport, but I've also made some amazing friends and feel so much fitter and healthier. It's been a great way to stay active and socialize, and I look forward to our training sessions every week. I never thought I'd enjoy playing sports, but Gaelic for Mothers and Others has completely changed that. It's never too late to try something new, and I highly recommend giving it a go! “ explains Una Ní Bhroin – Fearless Forward. The training sessions are always fun and cater for all fitness levels. We are always looking to welcome new players so if you’re interested dig out those football boots and bring a friend along. They train every Wednesday @ 8:30pm at Teresa’s Pitch, Ballinasloe GAA club. Fidnd out more on Facebook! A brand-new art and heritage collaboration is set to launch in the Ballinasloe Library titled ‘On Our Doorstep’ highlighting the wealth of the town’s unique historical features through art.
The project came about through Library Assistants Zara Little-Campbell and Abbie McGowan, a collaboration with Zara as Chairperson of Group 8 and Abbie as Secretary of Cath Eachroma 1691 and the newly formed Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society. The organisers hope that each year will see artists submitting their work on a different theme, which will then be showcased in the Church Gallery. This year’s exhibition theme is the 1691 Battle of Aughrim, possibly the most significant point in Ireland’s turbulent history. Submissions have already been made, and all are welcome to the launch on Saturday August 12 at 14:30 free of charge with no booking required. Following the exhibition, the library will feature Dr Geraldine Curtin to discuss the Ballinasloe Girl’s Reformatory School at 15:30 that Saturday. The talk is a joint venture by the Ballinasloe and District Heritage Society in association with Galway Archaeological and Historical Society. A graduate of the University of Galway, Dr. Curtin holds a Ph.D in Modern Irish History with a particular focus on juvenile crime in Connacht during the nineteenth century. Dr. Curtin currently works in the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room at the University of Galway. Dr. Geraldine will outline the background to the Ballinasloe reformatory’s establishment, discuss the circumstances of the children detained there, the staff who ran it, along with spotlighting the day-to-day lives of its residents. Recently the Ballinasloe Library hosted Irish novelist Colm Tóibín, along with writer Kevin Power who showcased his book White City. A large crowd attended the event, who had the opportunity to raise any questions to the two authors. Additionally, the Library showcased a new exhibition ‘Renewal: Grennan Mill 1981’, highlighting the work of the very first students of a crafts course in Grennan Mill Craft School, Kilkenny. Forty years later, their original craftwork filled the Church Gallery, viewed by many upon their launch day earlier in the Summer. Later in the year, The Tallest Smallest Theatre will deliver two live performances at the Ballinasloe Library on Culture Night on September 23. The first will feature a stilt-walking, storytelling session of Roald Dahl's The BFG, offering an experiential and entertaining approach to one of the most loved books for children. The other performance will see a series of circus acts challenging and delighting both young and old. The events are free and no booking is required. Visit Ballinasloe Library on Facebook to find out more! Waterways Ireland are proposing significant changes to the current Shannon Navigation and Canal Bye Laws, some affecting operations of local boat owners and cruiser traffic of the River Suck.
The Irish navigation authority, responsible for the management, maintenance, development, and restoration of inland navigable waterways, has proposed revisions to their bye-laws including an introduction of a €200 Annual Registration Fee for vessels, mandatory insurance for all vessels, abolishment of their Winter Mooring facilities, reducing the Five Day Mooring Rule to three days in key locations, and introducing a Fixed Penalty Notice of €150. The primary proposal affecting boat lovers of town and the area would be the abolishment of Winter Mooring where boat owners, who can currently leave their vessels in the harbour during the off-season between November and April for a fixed charge, would no longer have the service available. This will result in the local marina being deserted during the Winter and Spring seasons and force local boat owners into the financial strain of taking up private mooring facilities. Thankfully the Marina remains at the current Five Day Mooring Status for the main-season within town. Several Public Consultations have taken place nationwide, with locals giving their views at a recent meeting in Athlone. Many attendees agreed paying the €200 Annual Registration Fee for use of the navigation was a reasonable ask, although some remained concerned regarding proposals which could personally impact their operations. The deadline for the consultation is 16:00 on October 2 2023. River Suck IAWAI Club Chairman Graham Bartlett encouraged submissions reminding: “I would very strongly advise that anyone that enjoys the use of our local waterways in any capacity to visit the Waterways Ireland website and familiarize themselves fully with all the proposed changes”. Those with thoughts can email a submission to corporate@waterwaysireland.org (including ‘Byelaw consultation’ in the subject line) or you could post it out to Waterways Ireland Inspectorate, The Docks, Athlone. Additionally an online Feedback Form is available at www.waterwaysireland.org/Pages/Public-Consultation-on-Draft-Byelaws.aspx. In other activity, the River Suck played host to the annual gathering of the Freeman Cruisers Ireland. Owners of Freeman vessels berthed in the Marina and participated in a competition judging the appearance of their crafts. The first place winner of the best decorated boat were Nuala and Cain on their ‘Funky Duck’, along with Runner-Ups Sinead and Brendan on ‘Take a Chance’ and Conor on his ‘Camino’. Club Chair Graham Bartlett expressed thanks to Ryan’s Bar for their support, and confirmed that the event will take place again next year. The River Suck is available for hosting any potential events, ideal for its easy access to the town’s shopping and hotels. The first point of contact for organising your occasion would be through Waterways Ireland via their Online Services Portal on their website. The IWAI River Suck Branch can be of assistance in any way via email at iwairiversuck@gmail.com. The all-conquering U13 Town AFC team have been on a hot-streak, completing the Galway League and Cup doubles and emerging victorious upon a visit to the Netherlands at the Brabant International Cup. Played in Holland’s sweltering heat, the U13s faced against Belgian, Dutch and German squads on their path to the final against California’s MVLA Academy. Local AFC player Callum Conway scored a superb 25 yard free kick to secure their victory, and Ballinasloe’s Keela Donnelly Meehan earned Player of the Tournament. At home base, Club under 13 Players Callum Conway, Adam Lloyd, Éanna Colleran, John Kelly, Fionn Duffy and Adam McLoughlin represented Galway at the Centre of Excellence, Dublin, playing three showcase games against Waterford, Dundalk/Drogheda and Kerry. Ballinasloe’s captain Aaron Treacy became the first county player to lift the prestigious Kennedy Cup after beating the Midlands League 2/1. Additionally, U12s Ty Finnerty, Nathan Blair and Aaron Mannion were selected on the Galway United Academy who defeated Finns Harps 2/1 in the Westport Invitational Tournament final. A 5K Solidarity Walk was held for U13/14s player Luke Doherty who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last year. A great turnout arrived at the AFC grounds to support Luke in the walk, raising €14,412 on the day -towards St. Teresa’s Ward at Portiuncula Hospital, Our Ladies Children’s Hospital Crumlin, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Charity Foundation, Cliona’s Foundation, while the last 20% was donated to the family by the club to treat Luke to a holiday. Walk Organiser Johnny Walsh thanked the local community for their support, and the Doherty family for their cooperation in agreeing to the event. The Annual General Meeting saw a new committee elected with Bjorn Manning as Chairperson, Vanessa Lloyd as Secretary, Johnny Walsh as Treasurer, Ellen Egan as Assistant Treasurer, Sonya Dowd as Youth Secretary, Simon Price as Child Protection Officer, Michael Burke as Groundsman, Brendan McNally as Assistant Groundsman, Johnny Walsh and Joeb Kelly as joint PROS, along with Committee members Demelza Egan, Michael Riddell, Joey Walsh, Noel Lyons, Mark Duffy, Shane Fallon, Séamus McCarthy, Sylvia ó Hara, Seamus McCarthy and Breda Cleary. Outgoing Chairperson Joby Kelly thanked all committee members, coaches and mentors for their dedication to the club and addressed the past season of play and development of facilities. New Chairperson Bjorn Manning thanked the meeting for his election, and urged everyone to redouble efforts this season, while Secretary Vanessa Lloyd gave a comprehensive report of activity during the past season. Outgoing Treasurer Ellen Egan thanked all the Club Sponsors, paying particular tribute to the Shearwater Hotel and the Comer Group, echoed by all in attendance. Ellen stressed this would be a challenging financial year for the AFC, with Club Development Loan repayments and an additional top-up loan for the new Astro Turf.
The state of the art facility, incorporating new pitch surfaces, fencing, ball retention netting, and LED Floodlights, has been completed and now available to hire. The total cost of this development phase amounted to €154,000, with €128,000 covered through the Department of Sports Capital Programme. The club has also benefitted from several grants and donations via the Ballinasloe Credit Union and F.A.I. for regular development works. The new Astro will officially be opened by former member Heather Payne in Auturmn. Currently the grounds are decorated with Irish flags and bunting wishing Heather the best of luck in competing in the Senior Ladies World Cup currently underway down under. Those intending to book a slot on the pitches can contact Brendan McNally at (087) 793 6535. Galway’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have opened a new charity shop along Main Street, and since their launch have cooperated in helping numerous abandoned animals to find a new home, locally.
Galway SPCA is a charity based within the county aiming to help, rescue, rehabilitate and re-home domestic animals to permanent homes. The service hosts a cattery in Athenry, a dog sanctuary in Killimor, as well as three charity shops at Briarhill Business Park, Athenry, and now Ballinasloe. The Ballinasloe GSPCA store offers a vast range of items for ladies, gents and the young ones with clothing for all seasons, books, DVDs, homeware items, and small furniture pieces including coffee tables, bedside lockers and bookcases. The not-for-profit business is supported by a team of volunteers who, as SPCA volunteer Anita Broadmor described: “are the backbone of the shop and who we simply couldn’t manage without”. Since their initial opening in March 2022, they have been open five days a week between Tuesday and Saturday from 11:00 and 16:00. In April 2023, they welcomed a new vibrant sign on their store front displayed onto Main Street. The shop does not offer any treatments or services itself for animals but can help by providing any necessary GSPCA contacts. The charity provides support to all animals whether abandoned or in distress, but are only able to house cats, dogs and other small companion animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs or rabbits. Regardless they work closely with selectively chosen wildlife specialist groups and the Department of Agriculture, ensuring assistance is available to other species in need. One of many animals who received treatment through the GSPCA was an English Bulldog named Mrs Slocombe who was found on the streets within Ballinasloe with bones protruding from her skin, punctured wounds on her head and with knee and elbow difficulties. She was estimated to be six years old, assumed to have given birth to a litter of pups and lived a life of cruelty and neglect. The GSPCA team brought her safely to their sanctuary in Killimor and within weeks treated her skin issues, kept her well fed, built up her strength and showered her with love and kindness. Soon she recovered and has since found a forever home through a lady named Caroline and is living a comfortable sheltered life. Available pets to adopt can be found on the Galway SPCA website at gspca.ie. Those who witness animals in distress or abandonment can contact their office at (091) 563 631 between Monday to Saturday from 10.30 to 17:30. Donations can be given at their Ballinasloe counter, with any purchase being appreciated by the charity. Further discussions surrounding contributions, or enquiries regarding volunteering, can be made to them at (083) 8113391. OR checkout their fbook page – gspcashop, Ballinasloe. |
CLICK HERE to read the Latest Ballinasloe News Articles
March 2024
|