Volunteers required to assist Syrian families in Castlebar

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

South West Mayo Development Co is seeking volunteers to assist a small number of Syrian families resettling in Castlebar. You will be required to assist families with getting to know their new hometown.

The time commitment is about two to three hours a week for one year. A positive attitude and a willingness to spend time with people with limited English is required. Arabic speakers and men are particularly welcome. Volunteers will be screened and Garda vetted, and training will be provided and programme will begin in January 2017. For full volunteer description and an expression of interest form contact Mayo Volunteer Centre on [email protected] or phone (087) 6796937. Closing date for applications is Friday November 25.

Northgate to close three years after it announced 150 jobs for Castlebar

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

In November 2013 it was announced that medical screening company Northgate would be setting up operations in Castlebar and creating 150 jobs in the county town. The opening of that facility dragged on over the next two years with only six jobs ever being created. Yesterday (Thursday November 3) it was revealed that Northgate would be closing their business in Castlebar with those six jobs going.

Marbhna will commemorate all who died in 1916

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

A Requiem Mass with music composed by Odhran O Casaide and featuring the voice of Sibéal Ní Casaide, to commemorate all those who died in 1916, will take place in Knock Basilica this Sunday, November 6 at 12pm. The special Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Brendan Kelly, Bishop of Achonry.

The Mass, entitled Requiem 1916 Marbhna, sets out to explore the beauty of sean nós voice, together with chamber choir and orchestra, classical solo voices, traditional and early music instruments. The blend of Irish and classical music reflects two great musical traditions in Ireland at the time of the Rising. The musical motifs are carried seamlessly from genre to genre. It is the first orchestral setting of a Dies Irae in the Irish language. All are welcome to attend this special Mass.

Westport is ready to roll for Rolling Sun Book Festival

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

The Rolling Sun Book Festival, set in Westport, County Mayo, is a quirky boutique festival that indulges bookworms and connoisseurs of music, song, and poetry. Set in the shadow of the ancient spiritual mountain, Croagh Patrick, it evokes the many layers of Irish culture in the best bardic and poetic traditions. The festival kicked off last night, Thursday November 3, with poet Ger Reidy launching Lady Cassie Peregrina a poetry collection by Terry McDonagh in the Custom House Studio and will continue with a jam packed number of days until it finishes on Sunday November 6.

Mayo co-operative creameries, the original cash cow

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

Irish farmers learned a long time ago that, in certain circumstances, working in co-operation could lead to real progress and maximised profit for each individual. The meitheal system, whereby a farmer would assist a neighbouring farmer, who would in turn reciprocate that help when needed, was a well established tradition in rural Ireland. The spirit of the meitheal was evident in the beginnings of the Irish co-operative movement. Co-operatives were operating since the 1880s and the concept of voluntary association among farmers went through strong periods as well as years of slow development.

Age Action needs you to keep the lights on in Mayo

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

Age Action has launched a new fundraising campaign to support its 'Care and Repair' service for older people, which last year carried out more than 1,300 jobs in Mayo. Justin Moran, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action, said: “Our Care and Repair service carries out tens of thousands of DIY jobs in the home for older people around Ireland every year. Our volunteers help with the small jobs around the house that, as people get older, they might struggle to do. This can be as simple as changing a light-bulb, installing a lock, clearing a drain or tacking down a loose floorboard, but we urgently need your help to keep this service going.”

St Colman's gearing up for major fundraiser

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

On Saturday November 12, St Colman’s College, Claremorris, brings the hugely popular '20K Drop' to Claremorris in the McWilliam Park Hotel. This show has attracted large audiences all over Ireland for the past 11 years and is fast becoming one of the most popular sources of fund-raising for schools and clubs throughout the country. Contestants are drawn from ticket sales and each contestant will have a chance to win up to €2,500 on the night.

Mayo University Hospital part of first Irish survey on pregnancy and depression

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

One in six pregnant women or 16 per cent of pregnant women attending maternity services across Ireland are at probable risk of depression during their pregnancy, according to a new survey launched this week by a Trinity College Dublin research team and the Irish Obstetric Services. Mayo Univesity Hospital, Castlebar, was one of the maternity sites involved in this first comprehensive incidence survey. More than 5,000 women at all stages of pregnancy were questioned for the study in Castlebar and at The National Maternity Hospital, Cork University Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, and community antenatal clinics in Tallaght.

The Well Before Birth study – the first such incidence study to be carried out in Ireland – shows that prevalence rates of depression among women giving birth in Ireland are high, and may be higher than those recorded in other OECD countries. Literature from other OECD countries shows prevalence rates of antenatal depression ranging from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

Introducing The Core

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

Do you play a musical instrument or sing? Are you curious about music production in the studio or in a live setting?Maybe you have a band or perhaps you would like to start or join one. Do you want to meet like minded creative people and make music in a positive and supportive environment? No matter what your musical style and taste is, The Core would love to hear from you. It will be holding an information evening on Monday November 7 in the Ballina Arts Centre at 6pm. Admission is free and it is for people aged between 12 and 18 years of age. Parents/guardians/families welcome.

The Core is a creative space for young musicians, under the auspices of Music Generation Mayo and housed within Ballina Arts Centre. At The Core, you can express yourself and work on your music. It has a dedicated rehearsal space with lots of instruments including electric guitars, drums, piano, synths, a range of amplification, PA, and studio recording equipment. All you need to do is go along, make music, meet people and have fun. Members of The Core also have access to a range of performance opportunities and industry workshops.

The late Paddy Philips named as Mayo Carer of the Year

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

The 2016 Mayo Carer of the Year has been awarded to the late Paddy Philips from Orlar, Kilkelly. Mr Philips was nominated by his family in acknowledgement of the love and care he provided to his mother who was diagnosed with dementia eight years ago. Sadly Paddy passed away earlier this year, on April 13. Paddy’s sister Aine and brother Tomas accepted the award on his behalf last Tuesday.

Claremorris Expo to showcase all that is good in the town

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

The Claremorris Business and Community Expo 2016 takes place in the Claremorris Town Hall on Friday next, November 11, from 4pm to 9pm and will showcase all that is good in the town. The expo is free to attend and will provide invaluable opportunities for the leading vendors and service providers in the town and their customers to meet and network under one roof.

Get Daylighted, urges road safety officer

Fri, Nov 04, 2016

If all drivers in Ireland used their dipped headlights when driving during the day we could reduce the number of collisions on Irish roads by 20 per cent, according to Mayo County Council's road safety officer, Noel Gibbons. This is why Mayo County Council, An Garda Siochána, and the HSE in Mayo have started the 'Daylighted' campaign. The campaign aims to promote the use of dipped headlights when driving during daylight hours. These organisations are encouraging their staff to 'light up' and improve their own safety on the road and that of other road users.

A spokesperson for the group said: “For most staff working in our organisations a road collision is perhaps one of the biggest health and safety risks they face. Most drive to and from work and a significant number drive as part of their job. As employers Mayo County Council and the HSE in Mayo feel that this is an important health and safety initiative. From what we know about daytime road collisions half of them happen because drivers do not see other cars quickly enough. Turning your lights on makes it easier for other road users to see your car too. They see you more quickly so they can react faster. They are also less likely to take risks on the road as they can judge speed and distance more accurately."

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