Balla News in 15 May 1996



Connaught Telegraph 15 May 1996


Funds sought for business plan

THE COMMUNITY business plan was distributed at a meeting of Balla Community Council in the Community Room, Balla. Funds are being sought to appoint a community development worker and it is hoped that all groups involved in developing the outline plan will continue to work together for the benefit of the community.

Dail deputies, county councillors and officials of Mayo County Council were thanked for recent road improvements in the area.

Tributes were paid to Deputy P. J. Morley, Councillors, Sean McEvoy, Jimmy Maloney, Richard Finn, Johnny Mee, Dick Morrin, Pat Higgins, Henry Kenny, John Flannery, Paddy Oliver and Al McDonnell for their allocations to a local improvements scheme which has now been completed.

The members of the Town Parks Committee and Brod Luskin were thanked for giving land free of charge, between the mart and Western Farming Co-op, in the interest of road safety.

The meeting was told that Community Alert will hold its annual general meeting as soon as the area organiser is available.

Those in attendance at the meeting felt the dangers of drugs should be highlighted. Lighting at the post office and on the Station Road was stated to be inadequate and the E.S.B. is to be contacted regarding this.

The news that an additional garda sergeant is to be appointed in Balla was welcomed. Fr. Francis McMyler thanked all involved in the preparation for the confirmation ceremonies.

AUGHAMORE DEATH

The death has taken place of Mr. Tom Duffy, Raith, Aughamore, father of Pat Duffy, Woodlands, Balla, to whom sympathy is extended.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES

The Accord pilgrimage to Lourdes, led by the Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Fr. Michael Neary, leaves from Knock Airport on Friday, July 5. Five nights, full board. £359. Tax and insurance, £34. Contact Sheila 093-25025; evening 093-24639.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

First Holy Communion in Balla will be administered on Sunday, May 26. Note Mass times for that day only: 10 a.m. (First Holy Communion) and 11.30 a.m.

WESTERN CARE COLLECTION

The annual door-to-door collection in aid of the Western Care Association is being taken up this month. Collectors in the Balla area will call in the coming weeks and it is hoped there will be a generous response. The association was founded in Castlebar thirty years ago by Michael J. Egan, Johnny Mee and Tom Fallon. Since then it has grown into the biggest organisations of its kind in Ireland, providing a wide range of facilities for the handicapped.

GOLFERS FROM MEATH

A group of golfers, led by Tom McManus, from Kells, Co. Meath, stayed at the Olde Woods, Balla, and played golf in Balla and Castlebar. This was the group's third visit to Balla in recent years.

FIANNA FAIL COLLECTION

A record collection, on behalf of Fianna fail, was taken up at all Masses in Balla at the weekend when an increase of 25% was recorded.

GERMAN STUDENTS

A total of 48 students and four adults, led by Dr. Gerhard Schifer, who has been coming to Balla for the past seven years, are currently visiting the town. Balla Secondary School is twinned with Albertus Magnus in Germany and next year local students will visit Rothweil in Germany. On Friday night the visiting students are hosting a traditional German night in Balla Secondary School Hall and Balla Community Council are making a presentation to the visitors.

APOSTOLIC WORK EXHIBITION

Balla Apostolic Work Society will hold their annual exhibition of work, cake sale and raffle after 7.30 Mass this evening (Wednesday) and after both Masses on Ascension Thursday. Cakes may be handed in to any of the members or at the Courthouse.

ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION

Arthritis suffers and carers are invited to an information night today (Wednesday) at 8.30 in the Travellers Friend Hotel, Castlebar. The guest speakers is Mr. M. O'Sullivan, orthopaedic surgeon.

BINGO

Bingo continues every Monday night at 9 o'clock in Balla Secondary School sports complex. Books, £5; pool sheets, £1 extra; flyer game, 50p. £2,105 payout on the night. Local people wishing to avail of transport should contact Gerry at 65075.

GOLF NEWS

The weekend competition at Balla Golf Club is a stableford sponsored by the Olde Woods, Balla. Casey's junior scramble on Thursday, May 16, at 5 p.m. Put names on list in clubhouse. Presentation of prizes in Hennellys, Manulla, on Friday, May 17.

UNDER-14 CHAMPS

Congratulations to Balla under-14 football team on winning the Division 3C title following their win over Aughamore. Full marks ot John Dempsey and Con Golding, team managers.

NARROW DEFEAT

Balla footballers put up a very brave show before going down to Crossmolina by 4-5 to 1-12. The Balla lads were well behind at half-time but fought back vigorously in the second half to come within a few points of the Crossmolina team.

Balla: Michael Costello Snr.; Nial Sheridan, Pat Coleman, Declan Dempsey; Padraic Kiernan, Michael Higgins, Conrad Golding; Pat Fallon, Maurice Sheridan (0-9); James McDonnell, John Loftus (0-1), Tom Higgins; Kieran McDonnell (1-2), John Flannery, James Armstrong.
Subs: J. J. Ruane, Gerry O'Neill, Michael Costello Jnr. (0-1), Fergus Joyce and Edmond Fallon.

LOCAL LOTTO

Winners of the £20 in Balla GAA Club weekly lotto draw, held in the Rendezvous on Saturday night, were Richard Heneghan, Prizon, Balla; Harry Flynn, Castlebar; Jacqueline Rodgers, England, c/o Declan Flatley. The numbers drawn were 1, 10, 15, 20. Next week's draw, with £2,500 jackpot, will be held in the Harp Bar, Rush Street, Castlebar, on Saturday night.



Connaught Telegraph - News - May 1996

Connaught Telegraph - Sports - May 1996