Two hundred and fifty year old Westport shows no signs of aging

Fri, Feb 24, 2017

Westport’s epic All-Ireland Intermediate final win last Sunday has come at the start of what is set to be an exciting year for the town. The westerners made history in the capital by becoming the first Mayo side to take the Intermediate title. While the people of Westport relocated from Croagh Patrick to Croke Park for a few nervous hours, they returned late Sunday night to a town that is planning to mark its own historic milestone. On March 17 1767, John Browne, Baron Mount Eagle, placed a notice in Faulkner’s Journal announcing his ambitious vision. "A New Town is immediately to be built near the Old Town of Westport in the County of Mayo, according to Plans and Elevations & already fixed upon, consisting of a large and elegant Market house, situated in the centre of an Octagon area of 200 feet, and to be enclosed with Twelve large well finished slated Houses, together with three avenues for Streets of thirty slated Houses, and several very large Streets for [a] great number of thatched Houses and Cabins," so read part of Browne’s announcement.

Enda the line?

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is facing a crucial few days that will decide when he will announce the date when he will step down a leader of Fine Gael.

North Mayo councillors raise queries, but Westport House purchase loan is passed

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

The raising of a loan of €2.5 million for the purchase of 40 acres of land in the Westport House estate by Mayo County Council, along with some other land the council is looking at buying in the county, was passed without any formal objections at the council's February meeting on Monday.

Ring welcomes arts funding for Mayo

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

Minister of State for Regional Economic Development, Michael Ring, this week welcomed the announcement that Mayo is set to receive €109,574 in funding from the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for three projects in Mayo.

Positive indications on SDZ status for IWAK says Hynes

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

Almost ten years on since it was first mooted, a strategic development zone (SDZ) for Ireland West Airport Knock could be about to get approval, the chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes said this week.

The Inishkea seal slaughter

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

In October 1981, the carcases of 140 butchered seals were discovered on the Inishkea Islands, off the Belmullet peninsula. The slaughter horrified the public and animal welfare groups and the brutal manner in which the animals met their doom had ensured that the incident would gather negative media attention for the Erris area. But who carried out the massacre and why? The finger of blame immediately pointed to local fishermen.

Mayos in Dublin have their big night out

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

The Mayo Association Dublin hosted their annual awards banquet in the Ballsbridge hotel, Dublin, last Friday night. Over 520 guests were in attendance at the event which saw Maria Walsh, former Rose of Tralee, act as MC on the evening.

Men on the Move and Ballyhaunis GAA wins national award

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

Community representatives and Mayo County Council joined together at the annual Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) awards in Dublin, where Mayo County Council was shortlisted as a finalist with a record number of nine projects across seven different categories.

New home for Castlebar Boxing Club

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

There was good news for Castlebar Boxing Club this week, when it was confirmed that they would be getting a new home in the county town. At the February meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District a lease between the boxing club and Mayo County Council was approved for a building located at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

Average price of rented house in Mayo is now €593

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

The average price to rent a home in Mayo is €593 per month now according to the latest Rental Price Report which was published this week, a 7.3 per cent increase on the price 12 months ago. The report which was published by property website Daft.ie has found that nationally the rental prices are eight per cent higher than in 2008 and 50 per cent higher than when the market hit its bottom in 2011.

Five more wedding days for Knock Marriage Introductions

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

The Knock Marriage Introductions service released their latest report on Valentines Day. The service which is Ireland's oldest dating agency has now been in operation for 49 years, and since they began in 1968 they are able to claim a hand in 935 marriages. Their report for last year showed that there were five marriages and four engagements involving couples who used their service.

Kíla live at Christchurch Castlebar

Fri, Feb 17, 2017

After the huge success of Coda at Castlebar Christ Church, Greenroom Bookings is bringing another exciting night of music with one of Ireland's most innovative and exciting bands in Kíla. This is sure to be one of the best nights of music that Castlebar has seen and heard in a long number of years. This amazing venue is without doubt the perfect setting for one of the nations greatest exports, with the high ceilings and beautiful decor it is a match made in heaven. The acoustics that come from this amazing church are like no other and the intimate setting of these gigs with the seating and band so close together makes for an amazing atmosphere.

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