Shock in Castlebar as Welcome Inn shuts its doors

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

There was shock in Castlebar yesterday morning with the news that the Welcome Inn Hotel on New Antrim Street in the town had shut its doors and entered a voluntary liquidation process. The popular hotel was run by the McHugh family since it was first opened in the 1960s. There was a sign posted on the doors outside yesterday saying: "Hotel closed until further notice. We apologise to our loyal customers for any inconvenience caused". The hotel was a popular venue for events such as weddings, dinner dances, and meetings. The venue also hosted the only remaining nightclub in the county town.

Mayo branch of Arthritis Ireland wants your support

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

If you have arthritis and are suffering in pain waiting to be seen the Mayo branch of Arthritis Ireland would welcome your support in joining the www.whyarewewaiting.ie campaign. Have your say, tell the politicians what it's like to live your life. Ask them to make a difference for people with arthritis in the next government.

Childline volunteers wanted in Mayo

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

ISPCC Castlebar, Mayo, is recruiting Childline volunteers for 2016. ISPCC Childline volunteers are trained to listen and support children and young people via phone, web, and text. It is looking for volunteers who are child-centred and believe in being there to listen to children and young people in a non-judgmental way. Following training volunteers will need to be able to commit to one four-hour shift per week.

Sinn Fein policies will not help working families — Chambers

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Mayo Cllr Lisa Chambers has hit out at Sinn Féin’s economic policies by highlighting the impact they will have on working families.

Castlebar based company ready to expand workforce as it moves into UK market

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Panel Duct, a company which won the top prize at the InterTradeIreland Innovation awards last year is now in the final stages of fitting out a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Castlebar. The company, founded by Pat Walsh, managing director of Panel Duct Ireland, has taken over a premises on the Breaffy Road and has support from Enterprise Ireland to provide 20 immediate jobs with the potential for a five fold growth in the coming three years to 100 jobs.

The innovative design comprises a globally patented flat-pack ducting system which lends itself to global distribution that can be assembled within minutes on site. It is a robust engineering solution that eliminates two of the three stages involved in the installation of traditional systems, dramatically cutting costs in terms of time, wages, and transport.

Saddle Up for Epilepsy is getting ready to go

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

On Valentine's Day last year, the inaugural Saddle Up for Epilepsy cycle took place in Castlebar. Supporting Epilepsy Ireland, the event was a huge success attracting cyclists from all over Ireland who registered to participate in the first national cycle for Epilepsy Ireland. Feedback from participants was extremely encouraging and the organisers now plan to make Saddle up for Epilepsy 2016 even bigger. Its success was thanks to sponsorship, local fundraising, community volunteering, and the support of celebrities such as Joe Schmidt, Rick O’Shea, Sean Kelly and Taoiseach Enda Kenny who opened the event. The organisers are delighted that these patrons have renewed their support in 2016.

No threat to Marian House — Kenny

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has been working closely with the Department of Health on Marian House for the last number of months. There is no danger of Marian House closing and HIQA will work with the facility to extend deadlines until funding is secured for the facility. This had been communicated to the management on a number of occasions, said a spokesperson for the Taoiseach this week.

The spokesperson said: "Marian House is a vital service for the people of Mayo and the staff do a wonderful job. The Taoiseach will continue to work hard for the families of those affected by Alzheimer's and was glad to be able to secure funding for Mayo Community Action on Dementia recently and is confident that Marian House can be brought up to HIQA standards in the near future.

Mulherin welcomes Crossmolina company's plan to create fifty new jobs

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Fine Gael candidate in Mayo, Michelle Mulherin TD, has welcomed the news that Crossmolina-based company Churchfield Home Services is to create a further 50 jobs in the town. "Churchfield Home Services employs 10 people in Crossmolina and is involved in the home and business retrofit market in Ireland in partnership with regional retrofit installers. The company’s home improvement services include everything from home insulation, electrical, heating, windows and doors, flat roofing, and guttering services. This is a hugely innovative company that I have been glad to support. Its managing director, Noel Rowland, has been nominated for an Irish Construction Award in the Innovation in Construction category. With State supports, Noel Rowland has created 10 jobs in Crossmolina and with continued support he plans to create a further 50 jobs in the short term," said Mulherin.

Mayo students make a splash with Junk Kouture designs

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Bank of Ireland last Friday announced the regional finalists for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2016. Now in its sixth year, Ireland’s leading fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original, and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk. Open to students nationwide, entries for 2016 surpassed all expectations making it the biggest competition to date.

Cycle Against Suicide SpinOff takes places this Saturday

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

Tomorrow, Saturday, the first Cycle Against Suicide SpinOff of 2016 is coming to Westport and the organisers want you to get involved. John Concannon, businessman and star of Secret Millionaire will cycle and speak at this locally run event, with Sean Putt, European Trials champion, on hand to showcase some of his bike skills and tricks. The Westport SpinOff promises to be filled with colour, fun and energy, while helping to create awareness that “it’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help.”

Mayo County Council takes home the award for Most Innovative Authority

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

The LAMA Community and Council Awards 2016, presented by IPB Insurance and LAMA, took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Northwood Dublin at the end of January. The awards recognise and celebrate community and councils together. They provide a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the work done within communities and to reward unsung heroes.

The Most Innovative Authority Award (sponsored by Fexco) was awarded to Mayo Day 2015, with Big Red Barn being awarded the Best Micro/Start Up Business. Speaking after the awards, George Jones, chairman of IPB Insurance, commented: “We are delighted to be involved in the Community and Council Awards. These awards showcase what can be achieved when communities and councils work together. We would like to congratulate all of the finalists tonight and the superb winning projects from around the country.”

Castlebar Community Development Association presents cheque for €400,000 to Mayo County Council

Fri, Feb 19, 2016

At a presentation ceremony which took place at the start of the month in Aras an Chontae, Castlebar, the members of the Castlebar Community Development Association presented a cheque for €400,000 to Mayo County Council as the community contribution towards the National Outdoor Pursuits Centre which is being constructed by Mayo County Council at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. The outdoor pursuits centre which includes a state of the art swimming pool is the result of a partnership between Mayo County Council and the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology.

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