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.”
