Tacú Family Resource Centre in Ballinrobe goes from strength to strength

Fri, Jun 10, 2016

"Volunteers aren't paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless," were the words of thanks given to the hard working volunteers of Tacú Family Resource Centre by Mary Jackson, project coordinator at Tacú's well-attended AGM last week. The chairperson Patsy Shaughnessy and Mary Jackson outlined how the FRC has supported hundreds of local people during 2015. Tacú also runs the youth booth which provides invaluable support to young people in south Mayo providing structured programmes as well as drop in support options and work with schools. Tacú also runs Little Stars After School programme.

€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.

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.

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.

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.

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