A loop of photos from community life in Ballinrobe was created for the recent Pride of Place adjudication (more on this topic HERE). You can see this loop of photos HERE. It is an interesting collection. The organisers are grateful to all clubs – including ourselves – who responded positively to the appeal for photos.
Photo loop from recent Pride of Place presentation Read More »
See press release below from the local Pride of Place committee – we were represented at this event by our treasurer John Culhane. Hopefully Ballinrobe can gain national recognition for the efforts put in by approximately 80 people who took part on the day. The town of Ballinrobe was put through its paces on Wednesday last, August 6th, when judges in the prestigious Pride of Place awards scheme came to visit – and the local organisers have declared themselves ‘very happy’ with how the adjudication went. Over 80 people took part at various points around the town in what was a slick itinerary of events put together by Ballinrobe Town Management Team. “The adjudicators spent three hours with us to see all the work that has been done in terms of developing our community in recent years”, said Martin Murphy, chairperson, Ballinrobe Town Management Team. “We brought them on a whistle stop tour of Ballinrobe and I was very proud of what we were able to show them. There is no doubt but that there is huge community activity underway here in Ballinrobe, and so many people exhibiting real pride in their own place. We were very happy with the adjudication. The adjudicators really tuned into what we have been doing here in Ballinrobe. “We showcased highlights such as Ballinrobe Racecourse, Lakeside Sports & Fitness Centre, the historic Harry Clarke windows in St Mary’s church, the Felix Waitkus Memorial, the Green Town Park, Ballinrobe Golf Club and the various efforts made to promote the history of the town. “There were impressive displays by individual groups such as TACU, Community Gardeners, Cemetery Committee, Active Retirement Association, Men’s Shed, Tidy Towns, Kite Flyers and Western Lakes Cycling Club which gave an immediate illustration and examples of their membership and activities. “In addition brief interviews highlighted work done by The Playgroup, The After Schools, The Order of Malta and the interesting background to both the John King statue and the story of Felix Waitkus (Lithuanian Transatlantic flyer) who landed here in 1935. “The judges were impressed with the use of buildings and windows around the town to incorporate and illustrate community activities. Businesses in the town played their part by putting up colours and flags for the day, and by taking special steps to make their premises look clean and impressive.” Clubs and community groups in the area sent representatives along to Lakeside Sports & Fitness club to meet with the adjudicators from Co-Operation Ireland, Donal Connolly and William Beattie “The Ballinrobe Town Management Team was established in late 2013. The team is made up of representatives of organisations from Ballinrobe, Ballinrobe Area Engineer and Ballinrobe public reps,” added Mr Murphy. Pride of Place is an all-island competition that acknowledges the work that communities are doing all over the island of Ireland. The competition focus is on people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities. Ballinrobe will be represented at the Awards Ceremony in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis Co Clare, on November 15th. Mr Murphy thanked the sub-committee who put Wednesday’s tour together – Mary Jackson, David Hall, Willie Culkeen, Peter Heaps, Averil Staunton, Padraig Costello, Deirdre Butler and Liam Horan. “They rallied the town behind them and that was the key to the success of the adjudication visit. We are extremely grateful to all who helped to make the day a success – they are too numerous to mention here,” added Martin. “The support offered by Mayo County Council should be acknowledged – not alone did they nominate us for this award, but, led by Neil Sheridan, they provided excellent support throughout. County manager Peter Hynes and council executive Cora Gilligan joined us on the day to witness the work we had done, and we are continuing to do here in Ballinrobe. The staff of TACU, which is the local family resource centre here in Ballinrobe, played a huge part in preparing for the event. “Our two local representatives – Cllr Damien Ryan, who is the current Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, and Cllr Patsy O’Brien – contributed enormously to events on the day.” The feedback from many of the groups involved in this event is that awareness of each other’s activities has been raised and that this is another step forward in highlighting and building upon the good work already being carried out within community groups. A ‘must see’ slideshow of the Ballinrobe Community activities is available on the TACU Facebook page. After watching it many people will be interested in learning more about and joining the various groups in Ballinrobe.
Ballinrobe completes Pride of Place ‘cross-examination’ Read More »
UPDATE, AUGUST 6TH, IN THE PM: Well done to all who showcased Ballinrobe today. Reports indicate it was a great success. Fingers crossed we will be nominated for further awards. More on the competition HERE UPDATE, AUGUST 6th: To confirm that our treasurer John Culhane will represent Ballinrobe GAA club at today’s Pride of Place adjudication. He will join representatives from other sports club in Lakeside Sports & Fitness Centre at 11.15am. UPDATE, AUGUST 5th: Good luck to everyone involved in tomorrow’s adjudication (Wednesday, August 6th). See note below from Ballinrobe Town Management Team – we will be providing the organisers with sample pictures of our club activity. Hopefully the town will have a major success here. Ballinrobe has been selected to represent Co. Mayo in the prestigious Pride of Place awards scheme – and plans are afoot to ensure the adjudicators have a visit to the town that they will remember. Adjudication in the nationwide scheme takes place on Wednesday, August 6th, and the Ballinrobe Town Management Team are putting together what they hope will be a slick itinerary of events. “The adjudicators spend three hours with us to see all the work that has been done in terms of developing our community in recent years”, said Martin Murphy, chairperson, Ballinrobe Town Management Team. “We will be showcasing highlights such as Ballinrobe Racecourse, Lakeside Sports & Fitness Centre, the historic Harry Clarke windows in St Mary’s church, the Felix Waitkus Memorial, the Green Town Park, and the various efforts made to promote the history of the town.” Clubs and community groups in the area have been invited to send representatives along to the event, which starts at 10.30am in Ballinrobe Credit Union. A full running order has been established for the adjudication, which concludes in Ballinrobe Golf Course at 1pm. “The Ballinrobe Town Management Team was established in late 2013. The team is made up of representatives of organisations from Ballinrobe, Ballinrobe Area Engineer and Ballinrobe public reps,” added Mr Murphy. “At our June meeting Niall Sheridan informed us that Ballinrobe has been selected by Mayo Co. Co. to represent Mayo in the all-Ireland Pride of Place competition 2014 in the category based on towns of a similar population. This selection is a great honour for Ballinrobe and is based on observations made by senior county officials during visits here which included meetings with various groups who are determined to improve aspects of life in the area.” The Town Management Team have asked community groups to be part of the adjudication day. “In order that we can present ourselves in the best way possible, we would grateful if community groups would give us brief report on what they do to contribute to developing a good community spirit, what links they have with other groups, and what support they get or give to those other groups” said Mr Murphy. “In addition we would be grateful if they could let us have any photographs or posters, by email if possible, for a slide show we are preparing. These can be sent to ballinrobefrcmaryj no later than Friday July 18th so that we can collate all of the information and present it in a creative way. Alternatively you can reply back to any member of the Town Management team.”
Well done to all involved in Ballinrobe GAA club Pride of Place adjudication Read More »
The town of Ballinrobe is in deep mourning with the sudden passing of one of its most enduring characters, Tony Finnerty (70), Creagh, on Monday, August 17th. Tony’s death is acutely felt by a wide range of local organisations and everyone who knew and loved him. In Ballinrobe GAA Club, we are only too well aware that we have lost a man who was unwaveringly loyal in his support of our teams. Tony was Tony. Or Flat Out as he was almost better known: a nickname that derived from his extraordinary appetite for hard physical work. Tony helped out people all over Ballinrobe and beyond, be it fixing a twin tub washing machine or reshaping a garden. When Tony arrived on site, there was only one outcome: the job would be done, even if it meant improbably early-morning starts or late-night finishes. He appeared almost indestructible. A native of Creagh, he attended the local CBS primary and secondary schools. He worked in SPS factory in Galway for a brief period before taking up a full time position as a telecommunications technician with the Department of Post and Telegraphs, as it was then known. He stayed with the organisation as it moved through a variety of name changes, earning widespread respect for the thoroughness and courtesy with which he went about his work. But that love of hard work was just one of a number of motifs that captured Tony: perhaps the one that most defined him was his good humour. His wonderful capacity for fun and friendship infected all who came into contact with him. Every minute spent in his company generated a smile and a laugh. Although he did not play much Gaelic football, he followed the fortunes of Ballinrobe and Mayo year in, year out. No journey was too far: and the car was always full. Friends based in Dublin speak warmly about the inevitable arrival of Tony and his entourage on the morning of big Croke Park games – out with the box of sandwiches, sundry savouries, bananas and apples, plenty for everyone, for a final feed before travelling the few hundred yards to experience whatever would unfold at the famous venue. Just a few short hours before he passed away, he took up his usual position – at the first corner as you enter Flanagan Park – to watch our junior team stage a storming comeback to defeat Garrymore in the South Mayo Championship. He’d have enjoyed that victory, not least because his nephew, Mark, figured in the triumph and another nephew, Kieran, is a member of the squad. His sporting interests also extended to horse-racing – he never backed big, but he loved a punt. He was a regular steward on the final gate before entering the course proper at Ballinrobe Racecourse meetings, enjoying a friendly and insightful word with jockeys, owners, trainers and sundry other characters who make up the world of racing. If Mayo or Ballinrobe were not in action, and there was no race meeting within striking distance, he was known to venture to Tuam, Thurles or Limerick to watch hurling or football games. He loved the buzz of big sporting occasions, the sense of anticipation, the chance encounter with a footballer or a horse trainer, the dizzying excitement of it all. Tony was quick to put his hand in his pocket to support our fundraising initiatives. This was done quietly and without any fuss because that was the mark of the man: in fact, it was a matter of pride to him that he would contribute. He was also a member of Cáirde Mhaigh Eo and had already booked his ticket for our Mayo Intermediate Football Championship clash with Crossmolina in Parke next Sunday. Another characteristic was his love of family. His wife Marie (formerly Mulrennan, Gurteen, Ballyhaunis); sons, Mike and Paul; and daughter Michelle; meant everything to him – without ever being conceited, he was deeply proud of their achievements, including Mike’s stellar career as a journalist and broadcaster; Paul’s footballing triumphs with Ballinrobe and Mayo; and Michelle’s victories in the Special Olympics arena. Mike is a former player, who won a South Mayo U16 title, and a former club secretary. Paul played on our 2000 and 2002 Intermediate Championship winning teams and our 2001 Mayo U21 Championship winning side. As a Mayo player, he won a Connacht U21 title in 2001. Tony was a doting and dearly loved grandfather, too – on Saturday last, he attended the christening of his latest grandchild, Éanna, in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. The extended Finnerty family will miss him greatly. As will Ballinrobe. His white van, travelling from home to land he rented at various places around the town, was a common sight. That first corner of Flanagan Park will always be synonymous with Tony, a man who lived life to the full. The maroon and yellow Ballinrobe flag flew at half mast at Flanagan Park on Monday morning when news of his death spread around the community. Tony’s first cousin, also Tony Finnerty, passed away last week after a lengthy illness. making this a particularly harrowing time for the broader Finnerty family. We extend our deepest sympathies. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Bridie, Tony is survived by his wife Marie; sons Mike and Paul; daughter Michelle; daughters-in-law Celine and Louise; grandchildren Ella, Siún, Eoin and Éanna; brothers JJ and Pat; sisters Kitty, Mary and Helen; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nephews; nieces, extended family; friends and neighbours. Funeral details are published here: https://bit.ly/312QT8l. The funeral Mass will be streamed on Ballinrobe Parish 2 Facebook page at 12noon on Wednesday. Ballinrobe GAA Club will form a guard of honour at the removal of his remains from St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, to the New Cemetery after the funeral Mass. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. John Flannelly, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club.
The late Tony Finnerty Read More »
Our first ever U10/12 Ballinrobe GAA Street league takes place this Sunday afternoon with local pride to play for. We invite Parents, Club members and supporters to come to Flanagan Park after the Minor League Final to show your support to these youngsters. We have 70 players taking part. All Teams are made up of U10 and U12’s with rules being explained on the day and enforced to ensure its fair to all age groups participating. Each Team will play 3 matches in the Qualifying stages, with all Teams progressing to Semi Final stage of either the Plate or Cup followed by the respective Finals. We hope that each player will enjoy what promises to be a fun filled sporting afternoon. We ask that your son be at the pitch for 2pm for their Team talk as throw in will be 2.30pm sharp, please wear Club gear, dress for the weather and remember the Gumshield and gloves. Each Team has been allocated a County from this years All Ireland Super 8 Teams (we included Mayo at Roscommon’s expense) and have a designated Coach for the afternoon. All games will start and finish on Hooter and we will be operating a silent side line for the Coaches on the day. All games will be 20 minutes, 10 mins per half with a small break in between matches There will be a shop on the day with all money raised going to purchase Pella goals for the Club. Please come along to watch our future club stars Click below to enlarge… Street League Teams Match Schedule
U10/12 Street League 2018 Read More »
UPDATE, Saturday, Sept 12, 4.50pm: This week’s Lotto draw, scheduled to take place on Monday night, has been postponed as a mark of respect to Martin Flannery. It will now take place on Monday week, September 21, in John O’Haire’s pub. Every Saturday night, a team representing the club sells Lotto tickets in pubs around Ballinrobe – that has been postponed tonight. UPDATE, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2.10pm: Funeral arrangements for the late Martin Flannery have been announced. Full details HERE. The club will form a guard of honour tomorrow evening, Sunday, when Martin’s remains are removed from the funeral home to the family home shortly after 7o’c. Our guard of honour will start at the funeral home and accompany Martin around the town, down Bridge Street and down Creagh Road to a point just beyond where he grew up on Creagh Road. We will also form a guard of honour on Monday after 12noon Mass from St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe, to the New Cemetery. All club members and supporters are invited to take part and, if possible, to wear club gear. FRIDAY, Sept 11, 11pm: Ballinrobe GAA club regrets to announce the sudden death today of a former chairman of the club Martin Flannery (66). Martin was father of the club’s current chairman Alan, while his two younger sons, Adrian and David, and daughter-in-law Eimear Grimes, are all members of the club’s executive committee. His death has cast a pall of gloom over Ballinrobe where he was an intensely popular and respected individual. A native of Creagh Road, Ballinrobe, Martin was a lifelong member of the club, and served in a number of capacities, including as chairman and manager of the senior, junior and various under-age football teams. His wide-ranging contribution also saw him take a particular interest in the development of our facilities at Flanagan Park, and he was rightly proud of the many enhancements at the venue, including the construction of the Peter Brown Memorial Stand and match-standard floodlighting. In recent years, he was honoured with a Hall of Fame award, and was a former winner of the Club Person of the Year accolade. A source of immense personal pride was a Mayo minor hurling championship he won with Ballinrobe in the mid-1960s. As a young man, he worked for a number of years in the UK, before returning home to spend most of his working life as an employee of MJ Conroy & Sons Ltd construction company, before retiring last November. His work regularly took him into a number of the large pharmaceutical and medical device plants in this region where he enjoyed friendly discussion and banter about many topics, most notably Gaelic football, with acquaintances from all over the west. The love of Gaelic games Martin instilled in his family has yielded rich dividends for our club, with Alan, Adrian and David all wearing the colours for many years. The Flannery name was involved in successes at all levels, including the Mayo intermediate championship victories of 2000 and 2002, in which Adrian played a leading role. Alan was full-back on the Ballinrobe Community School team that won the 1990 All-Ireland senior B colleges title, with Adrian a young substitute on the squad. Alan and Adrian played at representative level for Athlone RTC (now IT Athlone) and Galway RTC (now GMIT) respectively. The next generation of young Flannerys has started to don the maroon and yellow of the club with Alan’s sons Adam, Sean and Mark all heavily involved in our under-age structure. Indeed, Martin attended the launch last winter of our 2015 – 2020 coaching plan where the emphasis is firmly on under-age development, an approach that he readily endorsed. His brothers Pat, Enda and Johnny are all strong supporters of Ballinrobe GAA club, with Johnny playing on the club intermediate and senior teams in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Martin was a reliable man to lend a hand to any club endeavour, be it a construction project at Flanagan Park, a church gate collection or taking up ‘the gate’ at home matches. Indeed, he was always available to assist with church gate collections for other local organisations, apart from our club. A number of club events have been postponed this weekend as a mark of respect, including under-age and adult training sessions and the Mayo SFL Division 1B game against Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Some of Martin’s greatest work was done in Cloonliffen National School where he regularly coached the school team. He coached many fine footballers from the school, some of whom went on to represent Mayo at inter-county level, including senior, while others starred in many great Ballinrobe successes. In Kilkeeran and Rahard, he was known as a particularly generous and warm neighbour who helped out in any way he could. Martin’s wife Eileen, formerly Walsh, is a native of Kilvendoney, Robeen, and the club extends its deepest sympathy to Eileen; sons Alan, Adrian and David; daughters-in-law Hilary, Eimear and Adrian’s partner Sinead O’Kelly; grandchildren Adam, Sean, Mark and Daniel; brothers Pat, Enda and Johnny; nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends. The club will give Martin a fitting send-off to recognise a man who made a very significant contribution to the sporting and community life of Ballinrobe. Funeral arrangements will be added here. May he rest in peace. Declan Corcoran, Vice-Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club
Funeral arrangements announced for the late Martin Flannery Read More »
It is with deep regret that Ballinrobe GAA Club records the passing of Christy O’Loughlin, Kilmaine Road, Ballinrobe. Mr O’Loughlin made an enormous contribution to our club, and many other aspects of community life in Ballinrobe. A native of Corrofin, Co. Clare, he moved to Ballinrobe in 1970 to work as farm manager at the agricultural research station at Creagh, Ballinrobe. He became immersed in the activities of Ballinrobe GAA Club, and for many years, it was a rarity for a club game to take place without Christy in attendance, almost invariably accompanied by his wife Anna. They travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to support Ballinrobe GAA Club, Ballinrobe CBS and Ballinrobe Community School teams. Christy served for a period as vice chairman of our club, and was also heavily involved in the physical developments of our club facilities at Flanagan Park. He also played an active part in Ballinrobe hurling club during the 1970s and 1980s. Not surprisingly, they reared a family steeped in the GAA, and the O’Loughlin name was a regular fixture on club teams at all levels throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Family members also contributed at coaching and administrative levels within the club. In recent years, a third generation of O’Loughlin’s have started to wear the club jersey, an enormous source of pride to Christy and Anna. Christy O’Loughlin was an intensely popular person in our club and community. He was a prominent member of the local Agricultural Show and fishing organisations. He was respected for his good humour, sense of optimism, and willingness to contribute in whatever way he could. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Anna; sons James, PJ, Brendan, Declan and Fergal; daughter Evelyn; daughters-in-law; son-in-law; grandchildren and extended family members on their grave loss because, most of all, Christy was a devoted family man. May he rest in peace. Funeral arrangements are available here: http://bit.ly/TpQWT0 – Alan Flannery, Chairman, Ballinrobe GAA Club
Christy O’Loughlin, RIP Read More »
SENIOR TEAM NEWS The first round of the Mayo senior club championship is on Sunday and everyone in the club is looking forward to it.
Counting down to Sunday Read More »
