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.

Junior School Warden scheme set up in Swinford

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The Junior School Warden service is designed to provide safe crossing facilities in the vicinity of primary schools in provincial towns and villages where a 50km/h speed limit applies adjacent to the school. The Junior School Warden scheme has been operating in Ireland since 1969. Its continued success is due to the dedication, hard work, and co-operation of all involved in its implementation, including Garda trainers, school principals, local authorities, and most importantly, the pupils themselves.

This initiative was set up by An Garda Síochána in partnership with Scoil Mhuire agus Treasa Swinford, with the principal Marian Thornburgh, and Mayo County Council. The Junior Warden scheme has been set up to address a much needed service by 10-12 year olds who will provide a safe crossing for fellow students. It is aimed at encouraging young people to take ownership of their surroundings and become more responsible and involved in making their community a safer and cleaner place in which to live.

Go wild at the Erris Beo Festival

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Explore the best place to go wild in Ireland during the Erris Beo Festival, which takes place from Thursday, 16 June to Sunday, 19 June. Now in its sixth year, this annual festival celebrates the beauty of this corner of the Wild Atlantic Way through activities and adventures in the great outdoors.

Immigration to Ireland seminar in the Museum of Country Life

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The Museum of Country Life at Turlough House will host an Immigration to Ireland seminar on Saturday June 18. The keynote speaker will be Jane Freedman, who is professor of politics at Université de Paris and a leading global voice on migration research.

This one day seminar focuses on immigration to Ireland through personal experiences. It will explore the impact of immigration policies on individuals, communities, and Ireland today. It is organised as part of the museum’s temporary exhibition ‘Migrant Women-Shared Experiences’. The seminar will run from 9.30am to 3pm, booking is required by calling (094) 9031751 or by emailing [email protected].

Calls for entries from Mayo for the Irish Forest and Woodland Awards

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

With less than a month to go until the closing date for entries for the 2016 Irish Forest and Woodland Awards, the RDS is calling on Mayo farmers, landowners, and community groups to enter now for their chance to share in the €10,000 prize fund.

Mayo gets shown off to a worldwide audience

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

The promotion of Mayo as tourism destination was given another bump recently with Tourism Ireland arranged visits to the county for a major US tour operator and the Indian edition of the Lonely Plant Magazine which as 100,000 readers.

Wild Atlantic Way Passport will help to promote Mayo tourism spots - Ring

Fri, Jun 03, 2016

Michael Ring, T.D., Minister of State for Regional Economic Development has stated that the new Wild Atlantic Way Passport, launched Friday, May 27, will help to promote tourism spots and visitor attractions in Mayo. “The new Wild Atlantic Way Passport is a great initiative and will really help to promote tourism spots and visitor attractions in Mayo. The Wild Atlantic Way Passport is designed to encourage repeat visits to Ireland’s coast and promote tourism in Mayo.

“Crucially the Passport will also help to promote visitor attractions in Mayo that tourists might not otherwise think to visit. The Passport serves as a handy tool to help tourists find the 188 Discovery Points along the beautiful route.

Three new primary care centres announced for Mayo

Fri, May 27, 2016

Three new primary care centres were announced for Mayo this week as part of a bundle of 14 centres across the country, the three new centres will be located in Ballinrobe, Claremorris, and Westport. The centres are being funded by The European Investment Bank.

Welcoming the Mayo constituency (Claremorris and Westport) centres this week, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "Local people will be able to access a wide range of services including GP, community nursing, dental, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, social work, speech and language therapy, mental health, counselling, home help, and nutrition. It is envisaged that they will be open at least five days a week, with extra hours at weekends and evenings for some services.

Maxol creating fifty jobs in Mayo following more than €2 million investment

Fri, May 27, 2016

Leading forecourt convenience retailer, Maxol, has announced the creation of 50 jobs in Mayo due to the restoration of Maxol Newport Road, Westport, and the opening of a new venture at Duffy’s Garage in Castlebar, both of which represent a combined investment in excess of €2 million.

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