North east Mayo area targets August weekend for Gathering events

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

The first weekend of August next year will see large numbers of people descend on the north-eastern part of the county to celebrate The Gathering. At the November meeting of the Ballina Electoral Area Committee this week, Acting Director of Services, Paul Benson told the members, that Minister of State, Michael Ring TD had written to all local authorites to ask for budget provisions to be made for the event next year. He also told the members that it had been decided the first week in August is a potenital week to target for events for The Gathering next summer, so it could tie into a number of events that will be running and school holidays, especially in the UK.

Communities urged to apply for Gathering funding from €2 million national fund

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring has welcomed a new €2 million support scheme to help communities, voluntary organisations, and families to organise projects for the Gathering next year.

Communities helping themselves

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

A novel new project was launched in the Erris area recently. The project called HOPE (Healthy Options Project Erris) enables anyone who may feel a little isolated, or who might benefit from new social activities, to contact a project worker who will connect them with opportunities to bring this about. The project worker will meet with anyone who wants to improve their quality of life and together will design an individual plan of activity. It is the first such project in Ireland with a dedicated part time project worker delivering the initiative.

Councillors differ over needs for reform in local government

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

There were differing opinions in the Mayo County Council chamber this week on the proposed changes to local government in Ireland that were announced by the Government in October.

A number of councillors who are members of both town councils and Mayo County Council, spoke out against the abolishment of the town councils, while other members welcomed the news.

Ballina’s Spar Spartan completes her journey and the Dublin City Marathon

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

Ballina woman Siobhan Timoney-Clarke, the Mayo representative in the Spar Spartan Challenge, completed her challenge by running the Dublin City Marathon in October.

Mayo participants sought for Dublin disability march to demand rights

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

Mayo people living with a disability and their families will march to Leinster House in Dublin from the Central Bank, College Green, on November 21 to say in one loud voice “We demand rights, not charity” and to call on the Government to implement disability promises made in the 2011 Programme for Government.

Organisers have asked that organisations involved in the Disability Rights Coalition refrain from bringing placards with their organisation names on them as the march is for individuals with disabilities and their families. Participants are also asked not to bring placards or banners highlighting issues associated with a service or organisation.

The Breaffy Club at Breaffy House Resort is a winner yet again

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

The Breaffy Club at Breaffy House Resort was the winner of a silver standard award at the prestigious White Flag Awards held in the Heritage Golf and Spa Resort, Killenard, Co Laois.

Drug and alcohol awareness week in Mayo

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

Mayo’s second Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week, which takes place next week (from November 12 to 16), will see a packed programme of activities and information events rolled out across the county, putting drugs and particularly alcohol under the spotlight. The week will have a special focus on the needs of families affected by substance misuse and the supports that are available to them.

The launch of the week will take place at Breaffy House Hotel on November 12 at 11am.

Rents continue to fall in Mayo

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

According to the latest Daft.ie Rental Report, rent in Mayo in the third quarter of this year is lower than at the same time last year.

Remembrance Day commemorations coming up at Mayo Peace Park

Fri, Nov 09, 2012

The Annual Remembrance Day Mass for Mayo, will take place in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar at 12pm, on Sunday, November 11. The annual Armistice Day wreath laying ceremony will take place in the Mayo Peace Park, at 1.30pm, immediately after the mass. The special guest speaker for the occasion is the Rt, Rev Patrick Rooke, the Church of Ireland, Bishop of Tuam, and Killala and Achonry. Everyone is invited to attend these events.