FREE
CoMMuNity Mayo North East
JourNal
Supporting Community Development, Enterprise and Access to Training and Employment
Vol. 1
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Issue 8
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December 2018
Christmas greetings from all at Mayo North East INSIDE
INSIDE
INSIDE
Garda Audrey Garvey shares tips to staying safe this Christmas
Michael Davitt’s links with China
Our Christmas stories – Ballina Training Centre
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020
MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
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December, 2018
Garda Audrey Garvey
SAFETY FIRST THIS CHRISTMAS By
Susan McCabe
Last summer Garda audrey Garvey was given the position of Community Garda for Ballina. Garda Garvey has 19 years service with the Force, and has been attached to the Ballina station for the past 10 years. Her job entails building trust and providing crime prevention and security advice with the various communities in the area, which she does through regular foot and mountain bike patrols – creating a visible garda presence in the town.
Don't leave valuables on the seat of your car – they attract thieves Only days left to enter Christmas colouring competition
SAFETY FIRST THIS CHRISTMAS Garda audrey Garvey will be hosting a Christmas safety stall at Ballina Mistletoe Market on saturday, December 8, from 12-6pm. the Divisional Roads Policing unit will also attend on the day to offer safety tips for Christmas. there will be high visibility vests and safety leaflets available on the day.
MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
purse at the bottom. l Keep your handbag zipped at all times – crowded shopping areas are very popular with pickpockets. l Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. l Don't leave your handbag in the shopping trolley while you shop. l stay alert when using your mobile phone. It's very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand. l always put shopping and parcels in the boot of your car. l Don't return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping, as thieves maybe watching car parks. l Don't leave valuables on the seat of your car – they attract thieves. l Keep car doors locked, even when travelling. l Don't leave house keys in your car. l secure your sat Nav – hide it when not in use, don't preset your exact home address into it.
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Garda Garvey with children from Garracloon National School during tour of Ballina Garda Station.
St Vincent de Paul Ballina officially open Vincent’s Living shop
SOME OF GARDA GARVEY’S MANY RESPONSIBILITIES l Involvement in the many events hosted by different organisations in Ballina town l Giving safety talks to schools – ranging from road safety to personalsafety l Hosting talks and offering advice to different community groups l Giving tours of Ballina Garda station to school children and members of community groups l Visits to the elderly l Visits to victims of crime
December, 2018
COLOURING COMPETITION a Christmas colouring competition, which all national schools in the area were invited to take part in, has been ongoing and the winners will be announced at the Mistletoe Market. Post
boxes for collection of entries are located in Ballina Garda station, Ballina tourist Office, toymasters, and at their stall on vthe day. Prizes are sponsored by toymaster, Ballina. Prizes will be presented by Garda Garvey to the winners in their respective schools.
TIPS TO STAYING SAFE WHILE OUT SHOPPING: l take extra care when using a cash point, or chip and pin. Don't let anyone see your pin number, never write down your pin number. l If you carry a handbag, keep your
tHe official opening took place of the st Vincent dePaul’s Vincent’s Living shop on teeling st in Ballina on Friday, November 16. It marked a very important day in the history of the charity’s operations locally. It was very fitting that the wonderful occasion was used to honour the work of one of st Vincent dePaul’s longest serving member and supporter Mr. Leo Loftus. Mr. Loftus’ wife, Mary, cut the tape on his behalf at the official opening ceremony which was attended by many other members of the Loftus family together with many other local volunteers and organisations that support the work of the st. Vincent de Paul. the Vincent dePaul has longoperated a charity centre on teeling st in Ballina. In late 2017, the charity announced that it had successfully acquired three adjoining retail units in order to expand its charity shop operations with a focus on furniture and homeware. the stock is generously donated by
the public and the funds raised from its sale greatly aid the society’s main charitable activity of assisting those in need. at the official opening ceremony the st. Vincent dePaul’s area president, Kieran Walsh, thanked all of the volunteers, donors, customers and the various local organisations that assist the st. Vincent de Paul. Pictured below is an array of the many wonderful items on sale at the shop
Pictured at the official opening
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December, 2018
Knockmore/Rathduff Resource Centre Christmas party
Enjoying the 2018 Christmas party in the Knockmore/Rathduff Resource Centre are the centre’s directors, volunteers and staff.
tHe Board of Directors, staff and volunteers of Knockmore Rathduff Resource Centre gathered to celebrate another successful year together. all those present joyfully congregated to break bread, reminisce and celebrate another year of sustained success in the community. Chairman Bernie Comiskey thanked all of those present for their continued dedication and commitment to the various projects undertaken at the centre. He was especially thankful of the scheme participants: C.e. , tus, Rss and Mayo
North east. a signed Gaelic football and final bingo card was presented to Carmel timlin, (pictured left), wife of the late Michael timlin who sadly passed away earlier this year. Mick was an integral part of life at the resource centre and his contribution to its success will resonate into the future. thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Resource Centre for their contribution to a lovely evening.
Visitors numbers at Enniscoe on the increase VIsItOR numbers to the North Mayo Heritage Centre (NMHC) at enniscoe House, outside Crossmolina, have increased by 7,500 in the last two years. the impressive figures were revealed by the centre at the offical launch of its 2019 Cultural Programme recently when centre manager, Hugh traynor, said visitors numbers are expected to reach 20,000 by the end of 2018. He explained: “the NMHC is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the region. “By constantly delivering events and exhibitions, visitor numbers have increased and the centre is now a proven
economic driver within this rural and regional community.” the centre’s 2019 cultural programme was launched by renowned author and poet, sean Lysaght, who praised its energy and diversity. the 2019 programme includes an exhibition all about enniscoe House and its people. Current owner, susan Kellett, whose family have run the estate for 13 generations, said she was delighted with the exhibition, which has been
researched and curated by NMHC staff. “Generations of families have been associated with the house and the gardens or have worked on the land. the exhibition will bing together many of their names, faces and memories,” she said. among those people is tom Kelly, whose name can still be seen carved in the lead on the roof of enniscoe House. an image of the carving features on the front cover of NMHC 2019 cultural programme. the first exhibition at the NMHC in 2019 will be called ‘another Place’, which is a celebration of the county’s ongoing literary renaisance. It will begin on March 1.
December, 2018
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Michael Davitt’s links with China WHILe Michael Davitt was a great Irish nationalist, supporting the establishment of an independent, democratic, egalitarian, tolerant, and outward-looking state, he also deserves to be remembered as a great internationalist. His international concerns ranged from linkage with the Irish diaspora, to the plight of the British working-class, the crofters in scotland, the Boers in south africa, the Jews in Russia, as well as national struggles in Poland, Finland, Hungary, India and other places. Michael Davitt regarded all humanity as one family, believing in the diginity and human rights of all, regardless of race, colour, political persuasion or creed. Michael Davitt was a member of the Fenian and a revolutionary in his young days, however after he was released from a British prison he denounced violence and became a pacifist. He found a way to fight the injustices in Ireland through the Land League, he used the people to fight the cause. Michael Davitt was an inspiration to many great world leaders – notably the revered Father of New China, sun Yat-sen. academics in China and trinity College, Dublin, as well as historians in the Davitt Museum in straide, are digging into the past to discover more about the links between Davitt and sun Yat-sen sun fled to Hong Kong in 1895 after a failed rebellion in China against the Qing Dynasty but at the request of the Qing authorities he was expelled from the city by the British. Michael Davitt, then an MP in London, brought the matter to the House of Parliament and kept pressure on the British government to recognise sun’s independence movement. after sun Yat-sen played an instrumental role in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty (the last imperial dynasty of China) during the years leading up to the Xinhai Revolution. He was appointed to serve as Provisional President of the Republic of China when it was founded in 1912. Davitt even planned to visit China in 1899 to meet sun and find out more about the situation.
Fáilte Ireland recently included the Michael Davitt Museum, Straide, on a list of interesting places to visit for a prominent group of Chinese Tour Operators. Sincere thanks also to Paul Geraghty and Bernie Reape from the Department of Rural and Community Development who accompanied the group.
The Chinese tour operators were especially interested in the connection between Mayo and China in the form of the support offered by Michael Davitt to Dr Sun-Yat-sen, once President of the Republic of China during his banishment from Hong Kong and were delighted to see copies of letters written by Dr SunYat-Sen to Michael Davitt during this time.
The Davitt Museum would like to sincerely thank the McMahon family from Belfast who have very generously loaned a portrait of Michael Davitt to the museum The portrait painted in 1882 by J.F.O’Hea, personal secretary to Charles Stewart Parnell, has remained in the home of Seamus MacMahon’s 88-year-old mother Deirdre for as long as she can remember. Seamus and his wife Mary are pictured handing over the portrait to museum curator Yvonne Loftus Corcoran and Justin Sammon, CEO of Mayo North East Leader Partnership.
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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
December, 2018
Lest we forget By
Vicki Tomlinson
On November 11, 1918, the guns on the battlefield fell silent for the first time in the many years since the first world war begun. the enemy had been defeated and europe was now free again. Parties celebrated their new liberated freedom. Families were reunited, mothers with sons, husbands with wives, siblings with siblings. But it wasn’t all happily ever after. Many were not so lucky to return to their families, many remain still buried where they fell 100 years ago. the one thing many of those left at home while the men fought a brave battle between life and death was the dreaded telegram with the words “we regret to inform you that private…. was either killed in action or was missing in action.” so many tears were shed at that heart breaking loss, that many did not even wish to open the said telegram, not wanting to believe it could happen to their husband, brother, son. Private stephen Kennedy of Ballina was one such brave soldier who made it
his duty to enlist and fight for freedom as so many young men around the world did. stephen Kennedy was born in ardoughan, Ballina, and became the first Irish man to die in the First World War. Kennedy had joined the second Battalion of the Connaught Rangers before the war. He was wounded in Belgium on august 21st 1914 , and put on a train to the military hospital at Juvisy, next to athis-Mons. It was here he died the following morning. His brother William would die fighting in Basra, Iraq, and their other brother John died in one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War which took 57,470 casualties on the first day alone for the British and allied forces. His family had to deal with the tragic loss of not just one son but all three, three separate telegrams stating the same thing. But the Kennedy family were not the only ones. On a remembrance Monolith situated across from League Cemetery in the Green Park, Killala Road, are engraved over 165 other Ballina soldiers names who gave their biggest sacrifice for freedom. this is a very special topic for me, as coming from a military background – many of my own family members have enlisted and joined in the fight in both
Private William Kennedy, Ardoughan, Ballina. William was the brother of Stephen Kennedy who died of his wond, received in battle on the 22nd August, 1914 and was the first Mayo soldier to die.
December, 2018
shell shock, or what we would later recognise as PtsD to three time greatuncle who was a rifleman and died at the age of 19 at the battle of epres. Winston Churchill said in his speech at the end of WW2 “‘Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to so few” and his words are true. For our tomorrow they gave their today. and so on the 11th November at 11am I wore my poppy with pride and a symbol for all those who gave their lives so I can be allowed the right to live in the society I do. to have the freedom to live free. I bowed my head during the one minute silence and I thought of them all. On 11th November 2018 on the centenary of the First World War, Mass
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was celebrated in st. Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina by Bishop John Flemming at 11 am . the celebration of the Mass honoured the memory of the numerous Ballina and hinterland soldiers who took part in the Great War of 1914-1918.
P J Clarke, Ballina, military historian, along with a number of colleagues was responsible for erecting this very impressive monument to local soldiers who fell in the First World War.
world wars. From my great-grandfather who was lucky enough to return from war, but still fought a constant battle with
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the model mini graveyard featuring white crosses bearing the name, rank and regiment and regimental number of each of the fallen, plus a poppy (the brain child of local historian P J Clarke and Ballina Mens shed group) was on display in the cathedral and was blessed by the Bishop. at 1pm the buglers from the Ballina Brass Band ensemble played the Last Post at the Green Park, Killala Road in honour of the men inscribed on the memorial. each of the three churches: st. Muredach’s Cathedral, st. Patrick’s Parish church and st. Michaels church rang their respective bells simultaneously at 11am on the morning followed by one minuets silence.
In Flanders Fields by John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
The model mini graveyard featuring white crosses bearing the name, rank and regiment and regimental number of each of the fallen, plus a poppy was on display in St Muredach’s Cathedral.
Father John MacLellan stood over the grave of Private Stephen Kennedy and addressed him directly, 100 years after Kennedy, who was born in Ardoughan, Ballina, Co Mayo, became the first Irish man to die in the first World War. “Stephen, we are here for you today,” the priest from Co Meath intoned in flawless French. “You are what brought us together. I hope that wherever you are, you hear us, even see us.” The priest broadened his remarks to all 76 men in the first World War plot at Athis-Mons cemetery, south of Paris: 70 French poilus, five British soldiers and Kennedy. “We remember all of you young men who gave your lives for Europe, for peace.”
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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
December, 2018
Our Christmas stories
Service users at Ballina Training Centre share their thoughts on Christmas
Getting ready for Christmas
It’s nice when its dry and the leaves are crispy and crunchy when you stand on them. The winter months bring Halloween, when children go trick or treating. Then quickly the adverts start for Christmas and children rush to see their favourite Santa. The shops have lots of toys on display, Christmas presents galore. The lights of Christmas turned on to brighten up every town and village across the land.
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ENJOY getting ready for the Christmas season each year. We have many different traditions that we like to follow. We place the crib in our home each year and turn on the light in it on Christmas Eve and leave it on until the feast of the Epiphany on the 6th of January. I look forward to writing and sending Christmas card to family and friends and also look forward to getting cards in the post from family around the country. I enjoy the shopping for sweets and treats around the Christmas and really like the Christmas cake, Pudding and Mince Pies. I also enjoy helping to prepare the turkey, potatoes and brussel sprouts for Christmas Day. We also look forward to St. Stephens Day when people will call to our house playing music and singing songs and hoping to collecting money as part of the Wren Boys tradition. Christmas is a memorable time of year and I look forward to this year as always.
n By Theo Bourke
Christmas time
Christmas HRISTMAS is my favourite time of year. The weather is colder and darker but the lights of Christmas brighten up the place. People are happy getting ready for Christmas. I love when my sister gets me new clothes and shoes for Christmas Day and also for the party at the Training Centre and I love to dance and enjoy myself. I am busy at the Training Centre making Christmas decorations and cards to my family and friends. We go to mass on Christmas Day and we say prayers for everyone. I enjoy all the parties and fun times over Christmas and the New Year.
n By Cliff Maughan
Signs of winter season
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HE weather’s getting colder, leaves falling off the trees. Shops displaying winter clothes and people dressing warmer - gloves, scarves and winter coats. The weather gets so stormy, lots more rain, sleet and snow. Our homes they feel much colder – the heating must be on to keep us warm and cosy. Evenings are getting darker, mornings much darker too. Older people stay in more; it can be very cold,
T CHRISTMAS I like spending time with my family, my nephews and nieces too. All my family get together on Christmas Eve and we get to open some of our presents and I keep some more to open on Christmas Day. Before Christmas we put all our names into a hat and take one out and buy a few presents for that person. I have to buy one more present for my godchild Ethan. Everyone in my family gets to take turns to cook Christmas dinner. Sometimes my two brothers and my sisters in law invite us to come to their house for dinner. When dinner is over I like to watch TV and play games with the whole family. I give everyone in my family Christmas Hugs. I love to play with my nieces and nephews – Luke, Emily, Rian, Ava and Ethan. I help to mind them I like to see my two Aunts home from America at Christmas. Around Christmas we visit my Aunt and Uncle and my Aunt in law Chrissie. I will have a week and a half off work and I will enjoy it. Myself and my mum go to Mass on Christmas day and we visit the graveyard to pray for my family. I love spending time with everyone at Christmas and having fun with everyone.
n By Edel Hannon.
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My Christmas story
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ANTA Claus went on his round to make a list and promises to be checking it twice, By finding out who was naughty or nice ‘Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Santa’s on his way, in only a few more weeks it will be Christmas Day So don’t be bold, do what you’re told Remember what I say, And you will get what you ask for when Santa comes his way on Christmas Day On Christmas Eve children sleep in their beds, while Santa comes down the chimney to leave Presents there underneath the Christmas tree. He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of jelly
n By Ciaran Kenny
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n By Gary Reilly.
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December, 2018
Getting ready for Christmas
Christmas songs and carols on the radio. My favourite song is ‘Santa Claus is coming to town’. I like looking at the crib on the sideboard.
n By Imelda Marsh.
enjoyed school. When I finished school I got a part time job uploading ships down at the keys in Ballina. This was really hard work, but I did it for twelve years. I got paid £12 per week and I always gave my mother £10 to help her out with the shopping and bills. My mum always celebrated our birthdays and made sure we enjoyed Christmas every year. This was very difficult because money was tight but my mum always made sure we were fed and enjoyed ourselves. I can remember when I was six or seven years old and I was making my First Holy Communion. I was very happy because my Godmother bought me a beautiful little suit. I called to all my neighbours to show them how well I looked. They all gave me a few pennies and I was delighted. Christmas time was a very busy time, especially for my mum. She would be busy with the cooking and shopping. I always put my Christmas stocking up and I was very excited because Santy was coming! Christmas morning I could not get to my stocking fast enough. It was always a rush to see what would be there, I might get a new knitted jumper or socks and even some sweets.
By Sean O’Hora
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N our house the whole family helps to decorate the house and put up the Christmas tree, we put baubles and lights on the tree. We put an angel on top of the tree. We put lights in the windows. We buy the turkey and ham, we also get burssel sprouts. We get the dinner ready for Christmas Day. We buy presents for each other. I like going down town and looking at the shop windows decorated with Christmas things. I like wrapping all the presents. I like to see all the people that call to the house to see me. I love having my Christmas drink with my family. I like listening to all of the lovely
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This is my story
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Y name is Sean and I am from Ballina. I have lived here all my life. I would like to tell you my story, and how it was for my family when we were growing up. My father died when I was only three years old. My mother would not talk about that time. I have two sisters, Mary and Annette. We had a tough upbringing and money was very scarce. I was born in Ballina and went to school in Ballina. I did my junior cert and I really
My Christmas story
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LOVE Christmas shopping, we can go out and buy presents for family and friends. We put up a Christmas tree and decorate our house and be merry and bright and we can have family on Christmas Day. Sometimes it snows at Christmas and it can also be cold and frosty.
n By Catherine Mc Andrew
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December, 2018
December, 2018
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Coolegrane lights up in aid of BUMBLEance By
Susan McCabe
ONCe again, the Hughes family will be working their magic in Coolegrane, Foxford, as they create another wonderful winter wonderland with their annual colourful display of Christmas lighting at their home. the Coolegrane Christmas lights are now regarded as one of the most colourful displays in the country, famous for their design, colour, size and omemade figures. the Hughes family, Coolegrane, Foxford will once again be erecting a colourful display of Christmas light at their home. Johnny Brady will switch on the lights, on December 7, at 7pm, while Pat's CountryRoadshow will entertain the large attendance. as usual, a donation box will be placed at the gate and this year all proceeds collected will be donated to BuMBLeance Children’s ambulance service. Queen Bee amiee and BuMBLeance Children's ambulance service will also be in attendance for the official switch on. everyone is invited to join amiee for the switch-on, and bring your friends over the festive season to view this incredible vista and please make a donation to this worthy cause. Working in partnership with the National ambulance service BuMBLeance provides the highest standards in professional medical care together with a top of the range entertainment facility designed and tailored for children. BuMBLeance was created by parents who understand the struggle of caring and transporting disabled and seriously ill children who require transportation to and from specialist treatment centres, pre and post-surgical appointments, respite and hospice trips. the Children’s Chemo Cab, will also allow for children to be carried to and from Crumlin Children’s
Ballina mealson-wheels news
Hospital for chemotherapy treatment. BuMBLeance includes a critical care and clinical intervention services to help children who may require additional specialist care while in transit. the service also does angel trips where they reunite a terminally ill child one last time with their family before they go to heaven. BuMBLeance is owned by the saoirse Foundation, and was founded in 2010 by Mary and tony Heffernan after their daughter saoirse was diagnosed with Batten Disease. saoirse died in January 2011 at the age of five. Her only sibling, Liam, who also had Batten disease, died in 2014 aged five. the Heffernan’s put their energy into helping others who are following a similar road to the one they travelled. the saoirse Foundation is a registered non-profit charity dedicated to making positive life impacts for sick children.
BuMBLeance provides a first class professional medical team including trained paramedics and eMts onboard. the interior and exterior of the BuMBLeance maintains the bright and colourful images that children love and it includes the latest technologies to keep children entertained while travelling. In addition to all these features children can receive well wishes directly from the public and loved ones using the onboard Wi-Fi for live social media streaming and skype. Ballina girl amiee O’Loughlin is a regular BuMBLeance user. she relies totally on this vital service for her multiple trips to a Dublin hospital. amiee has very challenging health issues – which includes a chronic lung condition compounded by severe scoliosis – found travelling to Dublin very difficult and uncomfortable. amiee also has a lot of medical equipment she need to travel
Ballina girl Amiee O’Loughlin is a regular BUMBLEance user.
with. BuMBLeance changed all of that and she now lies down comfortably watching tV with a qualified paediatrics paramedics on board to deal with her medical need as they arise. BuMBLeance is very supportive and has a very positive impact on amiee’s life because it’s not about going to the hospital anymore, it’s about the magic of travelling on the BuMBLeance. Due to the increasing numbers of very sick children in Mayo and the surrounding areas another BuMBLeance is to be based in Mayo. at present there is over a 100 children availing of the north west service. BuMBLeance relies totally on donations with costings of €84,000 for the northwest vehicle and €34,000 annual contributions.
amiee lives life to the full and along with her family and friends organise ongoing fundraisers to keep the wheels of BuMBLeance rolling. a Christmas raffle in aid of BuMBLeance will take place on December 21st in Katie’s Corner, Ballina. tickets are €2 each or 3 for €5. Contact ann: 0879055384 or Pat: 0863334124 Queen Bee amiee and BuMBLeance children's ambulance service would like to say a heartfelt thanks to Pat and shemie and all the members of Ballina Men’s shed who give their time so generously and ongoing support to this vitial service. Ballina Men’s shed are a good example of what can be achieved when communities work together in playing a major role improving the lives of sick children and they also thank the community for all their support .
BaLLINa Community Centre’s superb meals-on-wheels service and the wonderful volunteers that run it continue to provide this much needed service to the elderly and infirm in our community. If you have an elderly neighbour or family member who requires assistance in sourcing a hot meal please contact 096-21572 before 2pm or connect online at monwb@hotmail.com Meals-on-wheels is located in Ballina Community Centre, teeling street. Meals-on-wheels second fundraiser for 2018 will be a raffle hosted in the Bank of Ireland on Friday, December 14, so please support.
Christmas arrangements Meals on wheels will be closed three days this year: Christmas Day, st. stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day. Meals-on-wheels we be hosting there Christmas dinner on Monday, 10th December and all of their clients will be receiving a little gift and card. the Lions Club serve a meal on Christmas Day at Ballina Rugby club at 12.30. Meals-on-wheels clients can attend this and transport can be arranged. Meals on wheels need to advise Vincent from the Lions Club a week beforehand so booking is required. this event promises to be a wonderful few hours and great fun for anybody on their own this Christmas, so do come along.
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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
December, 2018
The Great Famine exhibition By
Susan McCabe BaLLINa Lions Club are currently hosting a Famine exhibition in the Ballina Civil Offices. the event, which opened in October will run until March 2019. the Lions Club motto is ‘we serve’ and they do this in many ways from raising much needed cash for local charities to hosting social outings for local people in need (Christmas Day Dinner, senior Citizens / Carers holidays, annual special Needs Party and simon Day Out) to health awareness projects and seminars . the club’s latest project in hosting a Famine exhibition will build how ‘we serve our community’ by providing a deeply moving and educational account of this devastating period in Irish history. the exhibition is located in the exhibition space within the Council Civic Offices at Dillion terrace in Ballina allowing people to experience this valuable resource. the exhibition itself consists of a series of sequentially numbered wall panels a basket containing 14 pounds of potatoes and a 15-minute documentary film which charts’ the course of the famine. there are a multitude of famine memorabilia and artefacts on display. the story begins with the state of Ireland on the eve of the Famine, the appalling poverty of the labourer in stark contrast to the extreme wealth of the landed gentry. It then leads us through the arrival of the potato blight in Ireland, the inadequacy of British government relief
Among the many artifacts on display from the famine period are a weighing scale, a pair of crutches and a famine bell from Castlehill House
efforts and the deviating impact it had on life and families in Ireland. It tells the story of evictions, the establishments of soup kitchens and workhouses, emigration and private relief efforts. the exhibition is designed to be highly visual, light on text and easy to understand. It takes approximately one hour to absorb the experience. the Lions Clubs see this exhibition of being very beneficial to the local community interested in history, and also to tourists and students in the Connacht region and beyond. the club engaged with local volunteers, business, educational and tourism groups to ensure that as many people as possible can experience and benefit from it. If you require further information email: ballinalionsclub@gmail.com there is no admission charge for the exhibition, instead they have a big glass donation bowl which will be used to offset the cost of bringing this exhibition to Ballina. surplus money will be distributed amongst local charities.
December, 2018
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Community events guide
Holidays are coming to Frosty Salmon Festival tHe Frosty salmon Festival’s annual Mistletoe Market extends to two days this year and will take place on saturday, December 8 and sunday, December 9 from 12pm to 6pm daily under the canopy cover in the Military Quarter. a europeanstyle market run by the Fifth Mayo scouts, it will feature over 40 decorated stalls of local craft, artisan food, music and entertainment, with lots of opportunities to buy locally-made gifts and trinkets for Christmas. Bookings are now being taken by Ballina Chamber at 096 72800. Meanwhile, santa’s Grotto will open on December 1 and 2 from 2pm to 4pm, December 8 and 9 from 2pm to 6pm, and on December 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 3pm to 6pm in the Military Barracks. admission is €5 per child and each will receive a small gift. Irish Rail’s Polar express Christmas train runs on three dates this year – December 8, 15 and 22. tickets sold out immediately upon announcement, and once again this special hour-long trip to Manulla and back with santa and Mrs Claus on board promises to be a truly memorable experience for children of all ages. tickets are now on sale from Ballina train station priced at €12.50 per person. also new to the programme this year is the Yuletide Fair, which will take place in the courtyard at Dr Kathleen Lynn Lane (off O’Rahilly st) from 12pm to 7pm on saturday, December 22. featuring arts,
MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
Ballycastle’s Christmas experience Saturday 15th December On saturday, December 15, Ballycastle gets into the festive spirit with their annual “Ballycastle Christmas experience”, organised by BeO! the Ballycastle events Organisation. this celebration of the spirit of Christmas will be held in the stunning setting of “the shambles” from 5pm7pm. this Christmas experience will feature santa and Mrs Claus in their grotto, and the elves busy at work in their
workshop ahead of the big day. there will also be a living crib with real animals there on the evening with live music and other entertainment also being provided. It is the very best of festive season for all the family to enjoy. this event is free, but any contribution to the donation box would be appreciated to help defray costs. For more information about the Ballycastle Christmas experience: tel: 086 3225128 email: mairtinflannery@yahoo.com
Swinford Indoor Country Market The iconic Coca-Cola Christmas truck is on its way to Ballina on Wednesday afternoon , December 12.
crafts food and beverage, including some local craft brews. President of Ballina Chamber, Hugh Rouse said: “underpinning the Frosty salmon Festival is a plea from local retailers for members of the Ballina public to shop local where possible this Christmas. Money spent locally stays locally and is recirculated into the community through local businesses’ generous sponsorship of hundreds of community and charity events every year so they ask people to bear this in mind when doing their shopping.” Ballina Chamber are once again selling shop Local Vouchers, which can be redeemed in a large number of retail outlets in the town including food and
Some of the large crowd that turned out for the switching on of the Christmas lights 2018
restaurant outlets, and can also be exchanged for services such as beauty treatments, car repairs, even plumbing. unlike with larger voucher schemes there is no administration fee. Vouchers are available all year round in denominations of €10, €25 and €50 and make an ideal Christmas gift or bonus. a list of participants is available on www.ballina.ie. the Ballina Chamber Christmas Cracker Bonanza Draw also takes place with €10,000 in local voucher giveaways on offer. shoppers can enter as they buy in various outlets around Ballina. Draws take place on December 7, 14 and 19 to give people time to spend their vouchers before Christmas. Finally, Mayo County Council is once again offering free parking from 2pm every day in December in all councilowned car parks. Pay and display will be operational as normal on the streets during this period. the Frosty salmon Festival Ballina is led by Ballina Chamber and supported by a number of groups and businesses including Ballina Beverages, Moy Valley Resources IRD, Mayo North east tÚs, Mayo North and Mayo County Council. For more information on the Frosty salmon Festival, visit www.ballina.ie , Frosty salmon Festival Ballina on Facebook or contact Ballina Chamber on 096 72800.
Santa arrives at the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina, on Sunday, 25th November. Santa joined in with the many fun activities organised on the day, such as children’s arts and crafts with the Ballina Girl Guides, singing Christmas songs and storytelling. There was great fun and lots of festive cheer!
Jackie Clarke Collection Christmas exhibition tHe annual Christmas exhibition will also be on display in the Jackie Clarke Collection. see Christmas covers from the shan Van Vocht 1897, a Celtic Christmas 1898 and 1900, and Ireland’s Own from the 1980s and 1990s.try out festive recipes from the Christmas Lady of the House magazines from 1920 and 1922. see beautifully sketched Christmas scenes from the Illustrated London News 1897 and see how our gift preferences have changed over the years with plenty of print advertisements spanning from the 1890s. there is also an array of toys from the 1930s and 1940s to be seen, kindly donated to the Jackie Clarke Collection by Jackie’s contemporary Marie McCormick of enniscrone. Vintage Christmas cards from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s are also on display.
Swinford Indoor Country Market invites you to their Festive Christmas market
satuRDaY, December 22nd, from 12 pm to 7pm , will see the newly appointed Dr Kathleen Lynn Lane, Ballina, hosts its first ever Christmas market; the Yuletide Fair. the Dr Kathleen Lynn Lane connects Diamonds Car park with O’Rahilly st, this quaint and intimate space will transform itself into a Christmas market. Check out many local arts and craft producers, fine
foods and craft brews and ciders. Music throughout the day. Hosted by Yeast Meets West craft beer brewer and the Frosty salmon Festival the event promises to get you into the Christmas vibe. entry is Free For further information or to book a stall contact Ballina tourist office on 096 72800
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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER
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eLCOMe to the eight edition of your Community Journal newsletter. the newsletter will be published monthly, both in print and digitally. the Community Journal aims to promote action and participation and to foster the sharing of ideas, experience and information in the Mayo North east catchment area for a better community. the newsletter also aims to strengthen the relationships between employees and employers of Mayo North east Partnership Company, as well as creating and building relationships within the community. In the following editions of the Community Journal we will publish a community noticeboard, which will include a diary of community news, events, education and training courses,
December, 2018
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