Community Diary - March 16

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

From fundraisers to fun days, we've got you covered in Community Diary each week, if you'd like to have an event included, please email: [email protected] by 5pm on the Monday, before publication.

Cloud of sadness over Blacksod

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

An operation to recover the three missing crew members of the Rescue 116 helicopter, which crashed into the sea off Blacksod in the early hours of Tuesday morning, is continuing this morning.

At first light, the search to recover the crew entered its third day, as investigators strive to discover the black box which will help identify the cause of Tuesday’s crash.

Do you want to put a smile on a sick child’s face?

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Do you have two to three hours to spare weekly? Would you like to make hospital a happier place for a sick child? Children in Hospital Ireland (CHI) would love to hear from you. CHI is one of Ireland’s leading children’s charities providing play and fun for sick children in hospital around the country for 45 years.

WEEE Ireland collection days in Ballyhaunis and Belmullet

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

WEEE Ireland is beginning 2017 with a number of public collection days, for the people of Mayo. In an effort to make it as easy as possible for householders in Mayo to recycle their electrical and battery waste, WEEE Ireland, will be hosting a collection day in both Belmullet and Ballyhaunis on Saturday, March 25, where any household item with a plug or battery will be accepted free of charge.

Carey's proves to be the lucky lotto shop again

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

There was one Mayo winner of the Daily Million draw on Thursday last, March 9, which was sold in Carey's newsagents in Belmullet.

Magic of St Patrick brought to life at free storytelling event

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

The magic, feats, and adventures of one of the world’s most famous saints will be brought to life at a free family event on Saturday, at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life. Award-winning storyteller Rab Fulton will be at the museum at Turlough Park, Castlebar, to deliver two captivating storytelling performances celebrating St Patrick, at 11.30am and 2pm.

Originally from Glasgow, Mr Fulton is a well-known Galway based storyteller with a humorous and lively performance style. His first performance, at 11.30am, is a storytelling session called Tales of St Patrick and is suitable for adults and children aged four to seven. The second performance, called Stories of Saints and Snakes, at 2pm, is suitable for adults and children aged seven plus. The events are free but booking is essential as numbers are limited. Phone (094) 90 31751 or email [email protected].

Mayo delegation visits Tourism Ireland in New York

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Representatives of the Castlebar Municipal District and Mayo County Council, who are in New York for the St Patrick’s Day period, met senior executives from Tourism Ireland in New York this week. They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s extensive promotional programme for 2017, which is in full swing right now.

Twenty two Mayo schools to get road safety improvements

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Mayo is set to benefit to the tune of almost €295,500 as part of the total CLÁR funding for safety improvements at 22 locations around the county.

The news of the funding has been welcomed by Paul Doland, head of the roads section of Mayo County Council, who said: “In particular, this funding is focused on issues such as safety at schools and community centres, and the development of amenities for young people in rural areas. I am confident that the funding provided through CLÁR will support communities here in Mayo as they look to ensure their children are safe and have recreational amenities available to them in their own communities."

Marty Gallagher is named Achill Person of the Year

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

The Achill People of the Year Awards were held recently in Óstan Oileann Acla where people from all walks of life were given recognition for their efforts in various fields over the past year.

Councillors lay out the case to protect GMIT Castlebar campus

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

It was the one topic that everyone wanted to have their say on and throw their support behind at the March meeting of Mayo County Council. The future of the GMIT campus in Castlebar has been a major topic of discussion around the county in recent weeks and it was no different inside the council chamber. Some 25 councillors spoke on the topic in a debate that lasted well over an hour, and the one strong message coming from all of those who spoke was that everything that could be done to ensure the survival and the future growth of the third level facility in the county would be done.

Communities in Mayo need fibre-powered broadband – Chambers

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Fianna Fáil TD for Mayo Lisa Chambers has expressed serious concerns that the rollout of broadband to certain parts of the county will be delayed again, and she has criticised the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten for failing to future-proof the service. There are now fears that the rollout of the service could be delayed again as a result of a lengthy procurement process.

Following questions from Fianna Fáil, Minister Naughten said: "The timeframe for the procurement continues to be dependent on a range of factors, including the complexities that may be encountered by the procurement team and bidders during the procurement process.”

Student entrepreneurs claim regional crown

Thu, Mar 16, 2017

Two emerging enterprises founded by local students in the Mayo Gaeltacht areas have been crowned joint winners of the Údarás na Gaeltachta - Clár Comhlachta Mayo Regional Final.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.