€54,750 funding for structures at risk in Mayo

Fri, Jun 10, 2016

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development Michael Ring has today announced funding of €54,750 to three heritage projects under the Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) for 2016. The scheme provides funding for protected buildings in private and public ownership.

The projects receiving funding in Mayo are Ballinafad House which will get €8,000, Ballinrobe House, High Street, Ballinrobe will get €20,000, and Ballysakeery Glebe House in Mullafarry will get €26,750. Minister Ring said, “The Structures at Risk Fund was first introduced in 2011, and since then it has made an invaluable contribution to the preservation and protection of our built heritage. This year, 57 projects across 27 local authority areas will benefit from direct funding from my Department. Heritage projects in every region across the country are set to benefit under this scheme.

3,400 students begin state exams today

Wed, Jun 08, 2016

The morning that 3,400 secondary school students across Mayo have been waiting for has arrived this morning with the start of the Junior and Leaving Cert exams. Over 120,000 studetns will sit the two state exams across the country this month with the exmas coming to a conclusion on Friday, June 24  for Leaving Cert and Thursday, June 23 for Junior Cert students.

Westport sculpture nominated in Irish Architecture Awards

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The public realm space The Sentinel sculpture in Westport, is among 50 projects shortlisted for this year’s RIAI Irish Architecture Awards, which were announced by The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI). The Sentinal sculpture which was created by Ronan Halpin was commissioned by Westport Town Council in 2013 following the town winning the award for the ‘Best Place to Live in Ireland’.

Local group disappointed as Ross Beach loses Blue Flag

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The Killala Chamber and Development Association is deeply disappointed that Ross Beach did not retain its very valuable Blue Flag, which is an internationally recognised symbol of excellence regarding bathing water and other relevant facilities. In a statement this week they said, "We understand that this was not due to any deterioration of the quality of the water, its sewerage facility or clearly displayed information. Ross Beach with its Blue Flag status was a huge tourist attraction for the area and large crowds visit the beach during the summer. Mayo County Council has over the years carried out excellent improvement works providing enhanced parking and other facilities." The chairman of the group, Tony McGarry, appealed to Mayo County Council to urgently take the necessary steps to ensure that Ross Beach will have its Blue Flag reinstated immediately.

Fine Gael councillor Jarlath Munnelly has questioned the loss of a Blue Flag at Ross Beach. Killala based councillor Munnelly said he was very annoyed to learn of the loss of Blue Flag status for the 2016 season for reasons that are not fully clear. Although the bathing water quality and services provided at Ross during 2015 were all up to standard, due to issues with lifeguard cover, Ross has lost its Blue Flag for 2016.

Proposed downsizing of school buses the brainchild of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael — Conway-Walsh

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Sinn Féin senator Rose Conway-Walsh has said the feigned protests of Fianna Fáil following the revelation this week that Fine Gael plans to downsize school buses rings hollow with the people of Mayo and the west.

Senator Conway-Walsh said: “Current school transport policy was planned and introduced by Fianna Fail in their 2011 budget. The changes for the primary school transport system including the introduction of the annual charge, the removal of eligibility under the closed school rules for certain children living less than 3.2km from the school, and the minimum of 10 eligible children required to retain a transport service rest squarely on the shoulders of Fianna Fáil.

Roll out the Barrel, it's The Grainne Ale Festival

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The June Bank Holiday Weekend sees the return of The Grainne Ale Festival at Gracy's Bar and Café on the grounds of Westport House tomorrow June 4 and Sunday June 5. Now in it's third year the event goes from strength to strength bringing the very best of craft beers, gourmet pizza, and an amazing variety music.

Wellness in Your Sport seminar next week

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Wellness in Your Sport is an evening of short talks by three experts, Caroline Brosnihan (nutritionist to the Mayo senior team), Andrew O'Brien (physiotherapist and keen runner), and the keynote speaker will be consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon, Paul O'Grady, on Wednesday June 8 at 7.30pm in the Tennis Club in Castlebar.

Admission is €10 and tickets are avilable at the door. Topics covered will include, training and diet and maximising performance, running form and technique, and drills to maximise efficiency and prevent injury, and common sports injuries, their treatment and prevention. The event is part of The Longest Day challenge fundraising efforts by a group who have taken on the challenge to cycle to and climb the three mountains of Mayo, Mweelrea, Nephin, and Croagh Patrick. All exercise enthusiasts welcome, tickets on the door. See The Longest Day Challenge on Facebook for more information.

Maria Walsh takes JCI national title

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Young people from all over the country gathered in Clontarf Castle for the ‘Ten Outstanding Young Person’ (TOYP) Awards. The TOYP Awards ceremony is a global initiative of Junior Chamber International which concentrates on formally recognising young people who are making giant strides in their chosen fields and creating positive impact on other people, their community, and society at large. The awards were the result of a nationwide campaign launched by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny early in 2016. JCI Ireland received record numbers of nominations this year, on the back of Joanne O'Riordain being listed as one of the TOYP in the World at the 2015 World Congress in Japan.

The Longest Day is a challenge like no other

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The Longest Day Challenge will take place on June 18, starting and finishing at Breaffy House Hotel by a group fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society. This is a non-competitive challenge event where a local group has taken on the challenge to cycle to and climb the three mountains of Mayo – Mweelrea 815M, Nephin 805M and Croagh Patrick 765M. The cycle distance is approximately 150kms between the three peaks and they hope to finish this in just under 14 hours. The group intend to start their Longest Day Challenge at 5.30am and return to Breaffy House Hotel, before the Mayo and Galway Connacht Championship match finishes that evening.

Huge attendance at Féile na Tuaithe extravaganza

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The effervescent family festival Féile na Tuaithe 2016 came to a close at the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life two weeks ago. It was a rollercoaster weekend, with more than 20,000 visitors joining in a joyful celebration of country life and everything associated with it. The atmosphere was truly wonderful and ear to ear smiles adorned faces young and old.

Women with breast cancer enjoy free fly fishing retreat in Mayo

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Casting for Recovery UK and Ireland is an unique fly fishing programme for women with breast cancer, and it held a weekend retreat at the Mount Falcon Estate at Ballina recently where nine woman joined the residential retreat to learn the basics of fly casting as well as attending counselling and medical support groups.

Castlebar radio station receives national awards

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Two programmes on CRCfm have been honoured with awards at a special Craol National Community radio event in Dublin. Katie’s Hitmix received a distinction award for the promotion of young local musicians. The programme, presented by Katie Hughes from Attymass, a second year student of video and sound technology at Limerick Institute of Technology, is broadcast every Saturday afternoon from 4 to 6pm on the Castlebar based radio station. In their remarks, the adjudicators said the programme ably showcases the wealth of young musical talent in Mayo, promoting the best of the local music scene.

A special 1916 commemoration radio series Easter Rising 1916 – A Terrible Beauty was also honoured at the event with a Merit Award. The 11 programme series was written and produced by Peter Killeen and told the story of events in the lead up to, during, and the aftermath of the 1916 Rising. The series, narrated by Niamh O’Kelly and Aidan Crowley covered events day by day, as they happened 100 years ago. Community Radio Castlebar (CRCfm) celebrated 20 years on air from the county town last June.

E-paper

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