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CoMMuNity Mayo North East

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Supporting Community Development, Enterprise and Access to Training and Employment

What’s Inside?

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS FOR:

TOP 20 MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN NORTH & EAST MAYO

SPECIAL FEATURES BALLINA NCBI JACKIE CLARKE COLLECTION CONNACHT WHISKEY BALLINA COUNTRY MARKET BALLINA MEN’S SHED

Vol. 1

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Issue 6

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August 2018

‘Move & Improve’ looking after your health and wellbeing Mayo North East LEaDER Partnership Company, in collaboration with Ballina Community Sports and Leisure Centre and local groups and clubs are delighted to announce a new initiative 'Move & Improve' to encourage all adults – male and female – of all ages to look after their health, fitness and wellbeing.

This improvement could come about through becoming more involved with a group, taking up a hobby that alleviates isolation and loneliness or starting a new activity to get you fitter. The inniative also aims to teach you how to relax and ease stress which will raise your spirt and lead to a better work/life balance or make you feel more positive and ready for education, employment or progressing into something new!

The event will showcase a range of stands from local groups, with suggestions for activities that assist with health, fitness and wellbeing.

Move & Improve, Health, Fitness and Wellbeing event will take place in

Ballina Community Sports & Leisure Centre (next to Moyne College, behind St Muredach’s Cathedral), on

Thursday, 13th September, 2018

Drop in any time between 4pm and 8pm where there will be optional ‘give it a go’ sessions such as zumba in taster session of yoga and meditation, traditional dance, art, craft, singing, guest speakers, free health checks, demonstrations of martial arts, juicing, cookery, art and creative writing sessions!

Fantastic spot prizes and a limited number of goodie bags will be available.

The event is free and open to all male and female adults.

Booking is not required.

MC on the day is angelina Nugent from Mid West Radio.

This event has been organised by Mayo North East LEaDER Partnership Company under the Social Inclusion and Community activation Programme (SICaP) 20182022 which 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

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

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August, 2018

Make August 2018 the one you spend in North and East Mayo

August, 2018

n Kiltimagh Museum The once derelict Station

Master's House is now an Art Centre and the area is further enhanced by sculptures by local artists.

n The Foxford Woollen Mills guided tour offers

Top 20 attractions to see in North and East Mayo 50 metres off the north Mayo coast at Downpatrick Head sits the 45 metre high flat topped sea stack Dún Briste. (the Broken Fort), and inset is Ireland's National Marian Shrine in Knock, the site of an Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1879.

M

ayo North and East is full of wonderful things to do and see.

Take time out this august to explore the many gems that this magical part of Ireland has to offer and you will reward your mind, body and soul with wonder and relaxation as it is unspoilt, unpolluted and crowd-free. among my choice of top twenty attractions there is something for families, historians, culture vultures, outdoor adventurers and lots, lots more.

Why not start in Knock at Ireland’s National Marian Shrine, and from there travel to Kiltimagh’s Museum, which houses a fine art collection; then travel north to Swinford where you can pay tribute to the victims of The Great Famine.

From Swinford take the Foxford Road, however it may be worth your while to take a detour to attymass and enjoy a moment of respite in the peaceful spiritual surroundings of the Fr Peyton Centre. Back in Foxford a visit to the Foxford Woollen Mills is a must and from there travel to Straide the birthplace of Mayo’s very own hero Michael Davitt.

your next stop is Ballina, the capital town of North Mayo. The town has numerous attractions including The Jackie Clarke Collection where you can enjoy hours tracing Irish history, and afterwards explore the dungeons of Belleek Castle.

Leaving Ballina the next part of your trip will take you along the breath-taking atlantic coast through the seaside villages of Killala and Ballycastle. But before you arrive at Killala take a trip to Rosserk Friary and Moyne abbey, they are well worth exploring. on the North Coast road outside Ballycastle you will discover the amazing and breath taking Downpatrick Head where you will get an absolutely stunning view of Dun Briste. From there travel on to the award winning Céide Fields Visitors Centre. Spend time exploring this remarkable neolithic site which contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world. your next destination is Erris – the winner of the Irish Times Best Place to Go Wild in Ireland. It received the award for

its balance of nature, activities, wilderness and beauty. one of the most impressive stretches of this coastline has to be that of Ceatrú Thaidgh. Here you will find breathtaking views and several marked walks.

Travel on via Belmullet town to Blacksod Lighthouse taking in all the fantastic scenery along the way. on your travel back to Crossmolina take a detour to Geesala and Doohooma Head where you will encounter some of Europe’s best unspoilt beaches. you can also take in an awe inspiring view of achill Island and Blacksod Bay. Just outside Crossmolina you will find Enniscoe House and Gardens. Here you will also find the home of North Mayo Heritage Centre, which provides genealogical research for parishes in the northern part of the county.

Next stop Laherdane, where you will find a memorial to 14 villagers who sailed on the ill-fated Titanic, 11 of which perished.

Finish your tour taking in the beautiful scenic area of Pontoon.

MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

n Swinford: the Procession of the Souls

Memorial it is a sacred place to dedicated to the

memory of unknown victims of the Great Famine.

n Fr Peyton Memorial Centre, Attymass

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n The Michael Davitt Museum Straide tells the story of Straide, Mayo and possibly Ireland’s most famous son.

n Belleek Castle & the Marshall Doran Collection Tour – see one of the finest collections

a truly unique experience to visitors by giving them a background to the Mill.

commemorates the life of “The Rosary Priest’ and is a place of respite, prayer and peace.

n The Jackie Clarke Collection: The collection comprises of 100,000 items spanning 400 years of Irish historical material in public hands.

n Rosserk Friary: near Ballina is a link to a time when Ireland was known as the Island of Saints and Scholars.

n Moyne Abbey, Killala– is one of most

n Killala Round Tower situated in a picturesque seaside village is a magnificent relics of medieval Christian Ireland,

n Downpatrick Head: The Spirit of Place

n Céide Fields is remarkable neolithic site which

n Ceathrú Thaidhg Loop Walks in remote North

n Blacksod Lighthouse is a historical lighthouse

n Doohoma Head was voted by ‘The Irish Times’

n Enniscoe House & Gardens, Crossmolina.

n Titanic Village Laherdane – a memorial to 14 locals who sailed on the ill-fated Titanic (11 perished. A stop off to read their incredible story is a must.

n Pontoon is a spectacular lakeside village and is situated between Lough Conn and Lough Cullin, near the town of Foxford. The area is very scenic.

Mayo are among the most spectacular coastal loop walks to be found anywhere in the world.

Take a stroll in the heavenly gardens and relax with a coffee before exploring the Heritage Centre.

installation, entitled “The Crossing” which overlooks a spectacular boghole.

which played an important role at the end of the World War II. it is one of four lighthouse in the Erris area.

of arms and armour, fossils and antiques in Ireland.

impressive ecclesiastical ruins in Mayo and a National Monument.

contains the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world.

as the best place in Ireland to go wild with great views of Achill Island and Blacksod Bay.

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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

August, 2018

An American dream Connacht Whiskey Distillery By

Vicki Tomlinson & Niall Fitzgerald THE Connacht Whiskey Distillery sits on the banks of the beautiful River Moy where the river widens into the Moy Estuary in Ballina. Here they distill and barrel age their spirits in a rural, coastal environment unique to the West of Ireland.

The Connacht Distillery is a self-contained facility where they prepare their mash, ferment, distill, age, and bottle their spirits all on site. The air in Connacht Whiskey Distillery enjoys the heavenly scent of evaporating fine Irish whiskey known as “the angels’ share.”

The heady odor of whiskey is a far cry from the yeasty tang the building used to enjoy when it housed the Duffy family bakery.

The distillery houses three copper pot stills, which were custom designed by Connacht Whiskey's master distiller, Robert Cassell, for the sole purpose of making great whiskey. They had their stills made to certain specifications in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, by the very experienced Specific Mechanical Systems. The dimensions of their stills, particularly their necks and heads, are different than others being used in Ireland, ensuring that their whiskey also will be unique and special.

They are not only proud of their unique stills, but they are also pleased with Connacht’s

malt handling and brewing equipment made in Germany

by RoLEC, the best craft brewing equipment manufacturer. The custommade equipment combines the high efficiency and high capacity of modern beer brewing with the traditional brewing and fermentation processes needed for making fine whiskey.

The distillery’s barrel room houses casks full of their whiskey; here their whiskey slowly matures. Their Irish whiskey never leaves their

control and remains along the banks of the Moy. The Connacht Whiskey Company Ltd. is the result of a dream shared by four men, three american and one Irishman – David Stapleton, Tom Jensen, P.J Stapleton and Robert Cassell. Their dream was to bring single malt pot still Irish Whiskey back to the West of Ireland after an absence of over 100 years. These men share bonds of family and friendship, and they also share a respect of heritage and commitment to

Connacht, one of the most natural and unspoiled regions of Ireland.

Like many Irish-americans, the Stapletons were eager to reconnect with family in Ireland.

The american Stapletons found cousins who had chosen to remain in Ireland. Recognising that no Irish companies were making Irish whiskey, the Stapletons decided that the Irish deserved to have their own distillery and that americans needed more choices in what Irish whiskey they could buy in the U.S. They decided to build an independently-owned Irish distillery that would produce craft products of the finest order. They realised, however, that they needed more expertise in craft distilling, marketing, and sales to make their dream a reality, so they reached out to friends.

Two friends joined them to make the dream a reality. The first friend was an awardwinning master distiller who had won numerous international gold medals and also custom designed stills.

The second friend had over thirty years experience in the complicated U.S. spirits industry. That friend’s mother happened to have been born and raised in County Sligo, 30 minutes from the distillery.

This is the dream of four men who combine the best of what it means to be Irish and american.

The distillery floor was awash with noise and the sweet smell of fermentation as we were given the grand tour and step by step process of exactly what the distillery process entails.

August, 2018

MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

also, except they have a smaller volume and higher alcohol. The shape of the head has an important influence on how the whiskey will taste.

Spirit still – The process is the same again here but, this is where the distiller really influences how the final product will taste.

STEP 1 MILLING MALTED BARLEY Barley is a source of starch that has been used in the production of alcohol for centuries, the sugar it produces allows the yeast added to produce alcohol.

However, before it can be used, the barley must be soaked and allowed to start germinating – this is to release the natural enzymes which they need later on. To complete the malting process the grain is dried in a kiln. The entire process is called malting. To get the starch within the malted barley they need to open the grain. Their mill uses steel rollers to crack the grain open and produce a course flour. The flour is stored in the large hopper and ready for the next step.

STEP 2 WASH PRODUCTION The milled malted barley contains the starch and the enzymes to produce the sugary water they need the yeast to ferment. The large tank is the mash tun – this is where the magic happens, by adding water at just the right temperature the enzymes spring to life and breakdowns the starch into sugar. The process takes about an hour and will produce around 2,500 litres of sweet water known as wash. The wash is full of barley husk, which they don’t need, so they use the lauter tun – which acts like a large sieve – to clear the wash so it’s ready for fermentation.

STEP 3 FERMENTATION Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts sugar into alcohol. yeast is a micro organism which uses the sugar in the wash as a food source. There are two phases, that the yeast will go through. a. Growth: Using all the oxygen in the wash, the yeast reproduces to increase in number, this happens in the

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STEP 5 MATURATION In order to call their spirit Irish whiskey, they have to mature it in american bourbon casks for a minimum of three years. The initial spirit from the still is very raw and quite harsh. By storing the spirit in wooden barrels it mellows the flavour and adds a depth of character. The phrase “The angels Share” is the alcohol lost through evaporation, so the longer it’s stored the less you end up with in the cask! once aged it is then bottled and labelled with their batch number by hand making it all a hands on process from grain to finished product.

first two hours. b. Fermentation: Now all the oxygen is gone, the yeast stops reproducing and starts to convert the sugar into alcohol, this will take 2-4 days.

STEP 4 DISTILLATION Distillation allows to concentrate the alcohol from wash. Here they have three traditional pot stills so the whiskey is triple distilled.

Wash still – The wash from the fermenter's is transferred into wash still and heated. as the wash heats up, the alcohol produces a vapour (think steam) which rises up the head and then it cools and forms a liquid and runs down the arm at the top. This is collected into the next still.

Intermediate still – The same process that happens in the wash still, happens here

GUIDED TOURS They enjoy sharing their love of Irish whiskey with visitors. Their guided distillery tours bring you through their process of making whiskey and, inturn, help you understand why they are so passionate about single pot still Irish whiskey Their tours are set up to be small and interactive, so that you can really enjoy the experience without feeling rushed or pushed out the door to make room for a tour bus. advanced booking is advisable.

OTHER PRODUCTS But its not just Irish Whiskey they distill in the Connacht Whiskey Distillery.

They also do their own vodka, whiskey , poitín (Irish moonshine) and gin. after the tour there is nothing like the joy of having a nice sweet taste of the products on offer.

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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

August, 2018

August, 2018

National Council for the Blind working for people with sight loss Words & pictures by

NCBI Charity Shop

Susan McCabe

Garden Street, Ballina

NCBI (National Council for the Blind Ireland) are a not-forprofit charity, which offers support and services to people of all ages who are experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.

NCBI provide a service to over 8,000 people every year, 2,000 of whom they are seeing for the first time. almost 95% of the people who access NCBI services every year have some degree of useful vision while less than 5% are blind.

With an ageing population, the number of people needing to access NCBI services is increasing by 12 percent each year.

NCBI offers community based services to help people to adapt to sight loss and maintain their independence.

These services include emotional support to the individual experiencing loss of vision and to their families; advice and information on all aspects of vision loss as well as practical support and solutions to the challenges encountered by people with vision loss. NCBI services are offered to people of all ages, from birth through to old age.

NCBI HELP PEOPLE TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY The overall aim of NCBI services is to enable people to live an independent life of their choice. as the impact of vision loss for each individual varies the service offered by the NCBI to each individual will differ.

Open 9am-5pm, Monday to Saturday Tel: 087 916 5784

which provide a range of courses, programmes and activities including computer training, fitness classes and art.

Staff and volunteers at the NCBI shop, Ballina

ENJOYMENT OF READING NCBI Braille, large-print and audio book library brings back the joy of reading to people with sight loss. NCBI library holds thousands of audio, Braille and large-print books, and sources many more books from other international libraries. NCBI also produce popular Irish newspapers and magazines in audio and in Braille.

NCBI help people access information and communicate through technology a range of assistive

technology solutions is available to help people to access information and communicate independently.

NCBI staff offer guidance in selecting and using assistive technologies that will meet a person’s requirements.

LEARNING NEW SKILLS NCBI have a number of training and resource centres,

GOVERNANCE NCBI is made up of four independent yet inter-related companies: NCBI Group, NCBI Services, NCBI Retail and NCBI Charitable Foundation. Each company is limited by guarantee and is a registered charity.

The registered offices for all the companies are at Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.

NCBI conducts its business in accordance with the rules, regulations and accountabilities which govern companies and charities in Ireland. all community, voluntary and charitable organisations have a responsibility to provide and follow a code of good practice when it comes to how their organisations are run. NCBI therefore welcomed the introduction of the Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable organisations in Ireland in 2012 and NCBI confirm that the NCBI organisation complies with that code.

SERVICES NCBI

Services

is

responsible for the delivery of services to people who are blind or vision impaired and for the other services being provided to public, private and voluntary organisations, who want to make their service accessible to people who are blind or vision impaired. The establishment of NCBI Services allows staff employed by the company to give full attention to service delivery. It also gives statutory funders the knowledge and reassurance that their money is being utilised for direct service delivery.

The main object of NCBI Retail is to generate profits to support the charitable objectives of NCBI. NCBI Retail operates the charity shops which are sited in approximately 72 different locations across Ireland. The main purpose of the charity shops is to generate profits which can then be utilised to support and fund the services provided by NCBI. Whilst NCBI Retail involves itself in raising funds through charity shops, NCBI Charitable Foundation generates income from other sources.

These include legacies, donations from individuals, and grants from relevant charitable foundations, organisation of fundraising events, corporate donations and direct debit arrangements.

NCBI Charitable Foundation, through its skilled and experienced Board and staff, is also continually exploring new options and opportunities for raising funds to support the vital services being provided by NCBI to people who are blind or vision impaired.

NCBI BALLINA NCBI Ballina is located on Garden Street, Ballina, and

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community and wish to see it continue.

Joan Murray, manager of NCBI Ballina.

while visiting the shop I spoke with Joan Murray, the manager of NCBI Ballina.

Joan speaks of her experience working with the NCBI in glowing terms and states that it is a wonderful place to work.

NCBI welcomed her into their team with open arms. She started at the bottom and thanks to all the positive encouragement she received from NCBI, she is now the shop manger.

“Everyday I learn more about myself. It’s been an amazing journey and for that I owe a great deal of gratitude to Grainne Whiteside, who is the area manager and a wonderful person to work with.”

INTERVIEW WITH JOAN Q. Can you tell me how your role relates to the overall structure of the organisation?

A. I like to make sure there is a good working environment for all my team. If they have a problem I encourage them to discuss their issues with me as soon as possible so we can deal with them there and then. I firmly believe that a happy working environment and respect is the key to success.

Q. How would you describe

working for NCBI? A. It is a fun and interesting place to work. as a group we are incredibly passionate about our work.

There is a nice atmosphere in the shop and it is usually busy. It is wonderful to see and greet our regular customers and we always have a big welcome for new ones.

Q. What are the challenges facing the NCBI today?

A. Informing people what the organisation and its charitable work is all about.

Q. Why are you so passionate about NCBI? A. The NCBI offers a fantastic service to people with sight loss in the community. I love and enjoy organising and working with the community.

Q. How do you deal with stress in the work place?

A. We work together as a team and discuss issues as they arise. We try as best we can to ensure a positive work environment.

Q. What do you need from the community?

A. We are very appreciative of all the support we receive from the local

Q. What you can donate to NCBI second-hand charity shop – Good quality, clean unwanted and used clothes and shoes – Bags and accessories – Jewellery and valuables – Second hand books – Bric-a-brac – Music (CDs, vinyl, DVDs, videos, instruments and sheet music) – Home wares: china, kitchenware, ornaments, pictures – Soft furnishings: small rugs, linen, curtains – Wedding dresses and accessories By donating your secondhand clothes and unwanted items to a charity shop, not only will you be freeing up space in your home, you will also be making a difference to people in need in your community.

VOLUNTEERING NCBI are delighted to offer exciting volunteering opportunities in their retail outlet. NCBI Retail supports people in their communities by funding local services that help people live as independently as possible through rehabilitation, training and counselling. Each hour you volunteer helps to fund these services directly. a hundred per cent of funds raised goes directly to the provision of services.

Volunteering in this dynamic team environment, will help you gain customer service skills, meet new people, improve your language skills and help build confidence in the workplace. you will be engaged in stock preparation and presentation, cash handling duties and window display, while directly helping individuals with sight loss in your community.

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August, 2018

August, 2018

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Ballina Country Markets Ltd. Words & pictures by

Susan McCabe THE Ballina branch of Country Markets Ltd is celebrating its 52nd anniversary. Susan McCabe met some of the people at the helm of the organisation. on Friday, July 22nd, 1966, the Ballina branch of the national Country Market movement was established to provide women of the area with an outlet to sell surplus home produce for “pin money”, as it was known.

The Country Market concept evolved from the ICa as its ‘retail outlet’. Today, the local branch of this national co-operative movement is still thriving.

The late Nellie Robinson, a former county councillor, initiated the local branch which began to trade from Mary Clarke’s garage on Convent Hill.

Country Market Ltd., Ballina

Members of the Ballina Country Markets Ltd – Ann Regan, Ann Tolan, Jim O’Grady, Avril Murphy and Madelne McCafferty

has had many different homes since those early days, including a spot opposite Tesco in the Market Square and a premises close to Keohane’s bookshop on Tone Street.

Today the market operates from the Community Centre on Teeling Street and continues to be very popular with the people of Ballina. The Markets is open every Friday from 9.30am-12 noon.

Country Markets, including Ballina, set a standard for fresh, quality produce. all food sold in the market is produced within a ten mile radius.

Ballina Country Markets offers a wide variety of fresh, home baked soda breads, yeast breads, boxty, pancakes, potato cakes, scones, tarts, biscuits, buns, and seasonal specialties.

Jams, honey, chutneys, eggs, and country butter are also available.

Ballina country

“”

People know they are getting the best when they come to the Country Market because it’s all home grown locally.

Markets also has seasonal, home-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, some of which are certified organic.

Ballina Country Market is also a much valued social outlet for both members and customers.

Upon visiting Ballina Country Markets I spoke with Ann Regan, Ann Tolan, Jim O’Grady, Avril Murphy and Madeline McCafferty whom I asked the following questions

Q. When was the first country market set up in Ballina?

A. 1966 in July Q. What was the initial aim of the Country Markets?

A. The purpose of the market was to give women an opportunity to sell their surplus produce, which in turn, gives them a little ‘pin money’ for themselves Q. How many days a week does the Ballina Country Market open?

A. one day a week – Friday 9.30 .12 o clock Q. What are your biggest sellers?

A. Bread and jams Q. Is the Country Markets as popular as it was years ago?

A. We don’t have as many producers as we did in the past.

Q. Can you remember the best days of the Country Markets?

A. Christmas and Easter are our busiest times, the most enjoyable and memorable.

Q. What is your favourite part of being involved?

A. Meeting and getting to know new people.

– Trying out new things – No two days are the same Q. What would you like from the community?

A. We appreciate the support we get from the local community, however, we would love to see more people getting involved especially in supplying

produce.

So if you love local fresh homemade cakes and wonderful fresh home grown fruit and vegetables or, indeed, if you are interested in getting involved Ballina Country Markets will give you a warm welcome.

These include freshly baked breads and tarts, farm fresh eggs and colourful vegetables and much more.

Family and community are very important to Ballina Country Markets and this is reflected in how Ballina Country Markets operates.

So pop in and check out Ballina Country Markets in the Community Centre, Teeling Street, on Friday morning where you can relax and have a chat over a slice of freshly baked cake and possibly make

History of Irish Country Markets CoUNTRy Markets Limited was established in 1946 by the Irish Homespun Society and the Irish Countrywomen’s association (I.C.a.). as both the Irish Homespun Society and the I.C.a. carried charitable status it was not possible to trade on an individual’s behalf. Therefore, Country Markets Limited was established as a totally independent registered cooperative Society and was affiliated to I.C.o.S. (Irish Co-operative organisation Society) in early 1947.

The aim of Country Markets Limited was to market, by co-operative means, producer members’ good fresh quality farm, garden and home produce and traditional crafts using their natural

resources. Marketing co-operatively in this way hoped to enhance the family income.

The first branch market opened in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, in 1947 and is still in operation. of those opened between 1946 and 1974, 32 have remained. Currently there are 43 branch markets around the country. To maintain their high standards in food and craft produce a number of workshops are held annually in different locations around the country. This affords the members an opportunity to share ideas and learn new skills.

The Society’s business is under the direction of a voluntary chairperson and committee of management which meets

bi-monthly. Country Markets employs one part-time administrator.

While their primary purpose is to enhance the home and farm income they also believe in a vibrant rural life and help promote it in every way available to them. Branch markets keep local money in local areas and assist in developing a community spirit in new markets and maintaining it in long established ones.

In the traditional crafts field Country Markets Limited has played a leading role. This was done by way of major craft exhibitions and demonstrations at venues around the country and at the Royal Dublin Society’s annual Crafts Competition.

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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

August, 2018

August, 2018

Jackie Clarke Collection

THE JACKIE CLARKE COLLECTION:

– a fascinating trip down memory lane

IRELAND’S MEMORY

By

Vicki Tomlinson & Susan McCabe

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The main exhibit space showcases the treasures of the collection. an interactive touch screen details hundreds more items.

The vault houses an original 1916 proclamation.

GENIUS COLLECTOR

Turning into the Jackie Clarke Museum side gate we were welcomed by a spectacular view and the beautiful scent of the many flowers growing in the walled heritage garden.

The immense red bricked victorian building, which was once a bank, is situated at Pearse Street, Ballina. Built in 1881, it was used as a bank until 1977. It was designed by the Victorian architect Thomas Manly Deane, who also designed the National Museum and government buildings in Dublin.

I had the pleasure of interviewing a prominent figure of the Jackie Clarke Collection, anne-Marie Forbes inside the lovely modern and quiet cafe situated within the grounds.

“My name is anne-Marie Forbes and I am the longest staff member working here. I joined the Collection in 2009 and my background is Community Development and “The Jackie Clarke Collection is what you see at the moment, it’s an exhibition centre based here in the former Provincial Bank which was purchased by Mayo County Council in 2007. over a two to three year period Mayo County Council renovated this building and brought it to what it is now, which is the exhibition centre of The Jackie Clarke Collection.

“Jackie Clarke (1927 – 2000) was a Ballina businessman and a genius

This exhibition displays some key items that illustrate his genius for finding rare material. a short film how Jackie put his collection together can also be seen.

MAPS

Jackie Clarke loved maps for the information they contained. The collection contains maps that date from the 1600s to the late 1900s The beautiful garden at the jackie Clarke Collection has been internationally recognised by being given International Green Flat status. The Green Flag for Parks award is given to those public parks and green spaces that exemplify excellence in such standards as management and sustainability as well as well as providing beautiful settings for leisure.

collector of Irish historical material. In 2005 his window, Mrs. anne Clarke (1940 – 2015), gifted her late husband’s collection to the people of Ballina, Mayo and Ireland in perpetuity, on condition that it remained in the town of Ballina. This donation was placed in the guardianship of Mayo County Council.

“In 2005 Mayo County Council established The Jackie Clarke Library and appointed a historian, to produce an inventory of the collection. It was agreed by

the Council that the collection would be held on two floors of the Ballina Library.

“In early 2008 Mayo County Council purchased the former Provincial Bank in Ballina and in 2010 set about the renovation, refurbishment and fit-out of the building for the Jackie Clarke Collection with funding secured from the National Spatial Strategy Gateway and Hubs ERDF Grants Scheme 2002 -2020.

“In 2011, following a successful grant application to Fáilte Ireland, a team of design consultants were

appointed to work on the exhibition fit-out of the building in a contract which was to take a year to complete. at the same time two other aspects of the Jackie Clarke Collection were being developed – an educational walled garden and a visitors repository. The former is attached to the Exhibition Centre and the latter is located in the original collection premises on the first and second floors of the Ballina Library.

“The Jackie Clarke Collection is the most important private collection of Irish history in public hands.

The material in the collection comprises of over 100,000 artifacts and spans over 400 years.

“The JCC have a very successful Community, Volunteer and Education Programme and all three can be followed through our Face Book Page or our website.”

LIBRARY

This beautiful room holds volumes from Jackie Clarke’s book collection and two interactive touchscreens featuring some of his books PRINTS AND POSTERS

The political cartoons and posters provide critical summaries of the political climate of the 19th and 20th centuries. The messages bring you back instantly to the era depicted.

NEWSPAPERS

Jackie Clarke, the son of a newsagent loved newspapers. you can browse papers from long ago and read more on the interactive touchscreen.

MEMORY ROOM

The memory room is an tevocative space where images of Ireland past are projected on the walls. a memory pod has been created for people to record their own memories inspired by the collection.

WALLED GARDEN

outside on the grounds of the Jackie Clarke collection there is the walled garden.

INTERVIEW While visiting the Jackie Clarke Collection I got to interview one of the staff currently on a CE scheme.

Q. When did you start your CE scheme?

A. Three years ago Q. Do you have an interest in history?

A. I had no interest in history but had an interest in the age of the building.

Q. Do you like working at the Museum?

A. I love it, I enjoy meeting new people and the staff are fantastic.

Q. What is your favourite part of the job?

A. Meeting and greeting people and introducing the Collection to the public. No two days are the same Q. Do you want a career in The refurbishment of the wall garden was designed by Mitchelle & associates, Dublin. It was constructed by Kill Cross Construction, Corballa. The planting was provided by R@R Nurseries, Foxford. It was completed in the summer of 2012.

The garden feature native species of plants, flowers and trees. Many of these plants are of heritage variety and have been sourced through the Irish Seed Savers

this line of work?

A. yes, preferably as a receptionist Q. Have you changed as a person while on the scheme?

A. The experience I gained over the last three years has brought me out of myself and helped me get to know new people.

I am no longer shy.

Q. What are your plans when your scheme finishes?

A. I will apply for a similar role in other companies.

Q. Would you like to see any changes made to the CE scheme?

A. When the scheme finishes I would like to see a work contract offered to participants in the same or similar line of work.

association. Even the raw materials used in the garden were selected for their heritage value including the oak featured in the raised beds and retaining elements which is a native Irish variety and came from oughterard in Galway.

The design elements such as the wicker cocoon seats also reflects Irelands rich craft heritage. The willow used in the seats was sourced locally from Jackie and Derek

Hannick.

The vision of the garden was that it would become a place of activity and learning with this in mind there has been an educational programme devised for the garden.

Workshops with R&R nurseries and a school programme devised by the Jackie Clarke Collection to make the garden enjoyable.

COMMUNITY The Jackie Clarke Collection established a hugely successful Community and Volunteer Programme in 2012.

Throughout the year this Collection presents many and varied events, engaging with Ballina’s local festivals and committees, in addition to countrywide events such as National Heritage Weekend Culture Night.

LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE The Jackie Clarke Collection encourage people to use the garden for all reasons such as having a picnic or just to read a book or have your lunch, its open to the public free of charge. The Jackie Clarke collection loves working with the community.

If you have any enquires contact Jackie Clarke Collection on 096 73508 or email the clarkecollection@ mayococo.ie

MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

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August, 2018

Ballina Men’s Shed shortlisted in the 2018 Topline Shed series ~ BY ~ Susan McCabe THE world’s biggest Men’s Sheds crafts exhibition took place on Wednesday, June 13.

The Topline Shed Series saw Men’s Sheds throughout Ireland compete for a top prize of €2,000, awarded to the winning entry by a panel of judges headed by Topline CSR ambassador Irish rugby legend Donncha o’Callaghan.

The Shed Series – ran jointly by Topline and the Irish Men’s Sheds association – took place in the spectacular setting of Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar. a total of 44 entrants, representing 23 counties, were shortlisted from an initial field of almost 100.

The Series were looking for Men’s Sheds across Ireland to create a visual representation which best depicts what there Shed stands for and means to their community. Men’s Sheds around the country have done amazing work in recent years, so now was there chance to portray what Men’s Shed across the country were all about in a piece of art Entrants were invited to reflect upon their Shed’s place in its community, and this theme inspired entries that ranged from the thoughtful and elaborate to the quirky and frivolous.

Donncha o’Callaghan was assisted in his judging endeavours by Mairéad Lavery of the Irish Farmers Journal, Éadaoin Keane of Topline, and Barry Sheridan, CEo of the Irish Men’s Sheds association. all prizes were supplied by

August, 2018

MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

community, were proud to submit their entry inorder to highlight the importance of the facility in all our lives.

Men’s Sheds have a very positive impact in their local community through projects and community outreach.

They have the capability to transform and breathe life back into smaller, rural communities. a key objective of the Men’s Shed is to provides an environment where men can find employment and occupation and not become isolated. This has been the real success of the Men’s Shed to date and continues to be so.

The Irish Men’s Sheds association supports Ireland’s 400 Men’s Sheds – the greatest concentration of

Members of Ballina Men’s Shed pictured with Topline CSR Ambassador Irish rugby legend Donncha O’Callaghan. From left: Ivan Beattie (Chairperson); P. J. Clarke, Joe Langton, Seamie Rice, Willie Maughan and Pat Boyle.

sheds in the world. There are 15 registered Men’s Sheds in Mayo. Men’s Shed are firmly rooted in their communities,

carrying out countless local projects of value to towns and villages throughout the country.

Seamie Rice, secretary of Ballina Men’s Shed, in an interview with the Community Journal commented on the importance of their achievement in the Topline Series competition.

Pictured with their entry in the Topline Shed Series, (a model of the Tom Ruane town park) are Michael McMahon, Willie Maughan and Seamie Rice.

Q. What is the Topline Series Award about?

Topline as part of their partnership with Irish Men’s Sheds. The partnership, launched this spring, has seen Topline supply sheds with an extensive range of DIy equipment to assist in their community projects.

Ballina Men’s Shed, located on Teeling Street, Ballina, were one of the 44 entrants shortlisted for the award.

Ballina Men’s Shed created a model of the Tom Ruane

A. The event was a celebration of the creativity and camaraderie which exemplifies Men’s Sheds. It’s also about getting all the Sheds together to do a project about their community

park is dedicated to the memory of Senator Tom Ruane (1894 - 1969) who was a politician and soldier in the struggle for Independence and did much work for the town of Ballina over his lifetime.

The park is among the top 50 parks in the country and is widely used by young and old, and the local Mens' Shed members, who always endeavour to serve the

Q. Do you have to be a member of Men’s Shed to enter this competition? yes, you sure do have be a member of a Men’s Shed and only one entry per Men’s Shed can be submitted.

For further information please contact either Ivan Beattie at 085 174 1941 or Seamie Rice – 087 443 2512

however, we had to use at least three of the items which were in the Topline Shed Series Box of Materials given to each Shed at the outset.

These items included: paint samplers, tape, fixings, material, artificial grass and the box itself – which we could take apart and use as we saw fit.

The piece of work has to be presented on a base of 1 metre squared.

“While the top silverware may not have come back to Ballina we were delighted to be shortlisted for the award. It is recognition for all the hard work our members put into our entry.”

town park on the Sligo Road in Ballina. The park means a great deal to the members and to the children of the town who use it as an invaluable recreational facility. In fact it is hard to credit this was once the town dump!

It is now a brilliant park for kids of all ages. The park is situated alongside the River Moy and is very convenient for the residents of the town with easy access and parking. The

13

Q. How did you come up with your idea?

Q. Is this competition open to Men’s Shed in both Ireland and Northern Ireland?

A. yes, infact it was a Shed from Northern Ireland that took top prize – Rostrevor Men’s Shed of Co. Down. Their winning entry was centred around a handsomely mounted map of Ireland, carved in four different types of wood.

A. We do a lot of work for the children in our community, such as making Buddy Benches, sensory boards and play equipment for local schools and pre-schools, so it was natural we looked towards the award-winning and very impressive family friendly amenity of our town park for inspiration.

Q. Was the project time consuming?

A. We had two weeks to complete our entry, so it was all hands on deck to get it finished.

Q. Were there any restrictions on the materials you used to create your entry?

Q. How many members of your Shed were involved in the project?

A. There are no barriers in terms of what materials we could use,

A. Sixteen of our members were involved in the project.

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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

August, 2018

August, 2018

MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

15

MEET THE STAFF Tel: +353 94 9256745 RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (RDP):

JUSTIN SAMMON, CEO Email: justinsammon@mnelp.com

THINKINGG OF SELF-EMPLOYYMENT?

SOCIAL INCLUSION AND COMMUNITY ACTIVATION PROGRAMME (SICAP): KATHRYN CAWLEY Financial Controller. Email: kathryncawley@mnelp.com RINA GARRETT Community, Employment and Enterprise Coordinator (achill/Erris).

STA ART YO OUR OWN BUSINESS COURSE O

DOLORES MCNICHOLAS Community Development, Training and Education Co-ordinator.

Email: dmcnicholas@mayonortheast.com

MA AYO NORTH EAST LEADER P PAR ARTNERSHIP COMP PANY Y HA AVE VE ORGA ORGANISED ANISED A

‘Starrt Your Own Business’ B course in Ballina allina

Date: Friday 14th September Septtember 2018 Time:: 9.30am 9 30am to 5.30pm 5 30pm Venue: The Newman Institute, Ballina (on groundss off St Muredachs Cathedral) Light lunch provided. Free parking available BOOKING IS REQUIRED D (eligibility criteria applies): ):

Places are limited. You must register in advan nce to attend this course.

Contact: Niamh Charlton: Tel: 087 -6662340; Email: niam mhcharlton@mayonorrtheast.com with your name, contact number, business descriptio on or details of business idea.

NIALL CULKIN Community Development and youth Co-ordinator.

Email: niallculkin@mayonortheast.com

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018-2022 is funded unded by the Irish Government through the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund under the Programme for Employabilityy,, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014-2020 0

EUROPEA AN UNION Investing in your future European So ocial Fund

www w.mayonortheast.com www.facebook.com/MayoNo orthEast

twitterr.com/Mayo .com/MayoNorthEast NorthEast

RDP Programme Manager Email: jamesgolden@mayonortheast.com EITHNE FORBES administrator/Development officer

PATRICIA CRAWLEY Beneficiary Support Worker.

Email: patriciacrawley@mayonortheast.com

MARY GLYNN

MARIA REGAN administrator.

Email: mariaregan@mayonortheast.com

Email: maryglynn@mnelp.com

SIOBHAN CARROLL WEBB Education and Training Co-ordinator Email: siobhancarrollwebb@mayonortheast.com

MARY GLYNN administrator Email: maryglynn@mnelp.com

RINA HOPKINS Monitoring & Evaluation Co-ordinator and Social Enterprise adviser.

Email: ritahopkins@mayonortheast.com

NIAMH CHARLTON Enterprise Co-ordinator Email: niamhcharlton@mayonortheast.com

Email: eithneforbes@mnelp.com

administrator/Development officer MARIA REGAN administrator Email: mariaregan @mayonortheast.com

MAYO JOBS CLUB:

TÚS COMMUNITY WORK PLACEMENT PROGRAMME: BRENDAN O’SHEA TÚS Co-ordinator.

Email: brendanoshea@mnelp.com

DEIRDRE FAHY

MARY NOLAN NILAND Financial Controller.

Email: maryniland@mnelp.com

ELIZABETH FAIR TÚS Supervisor Email: elizabethfair@mayonortheast.com

LORRAINE HEALY TÚS Supervisor.

Email: lorrainehealy@mnelp.com

MARK McDONNELL TÚS Supervisor.

Email: markmcdonnell@mayonortheast.com

NELL McNICHOLAS TÚS Supervisor.

Email: helen.mcnicholas@mayonortheast.com

MARTIN CORCORAN TÚS Supervisor.

Email: martincorcoran@mnelp.com

PAT WALSH TÚS Supervisor.

Email: patwalsh@mayonortheast.com

NELL McNICHOLAS TÚS Supervisor.

Email: helen.mcnicholas@mayonortheast.com

TÚS Supervisor.

Email: deirdrefahy@mnelp.com

JACKIE BRENNAN Jobs Club Co-ordinator Email: jackiebrennan@mayonortheast.com MARGARET BURKE administrator Email: margaretburke@mayonortheast.com

NORTH MAYO CE SCHEME: ANGELA O'BRIEN CE Supervisor Email: angelaobrien@mnelp.com

FREDDIE HENRY CE Supervisor freddiehenry@mayonortheast.com

RURAL SOCIAL SCHEME (RSS) The course is funded by Mayo North East under the e SICAP programme.

JAMES GOLDEN

MARIE CLAIRE MELVIN

BRENDAN O’SHEA RSS Co-ordinator.

Email: brendanoshea@mnelp.com

MARY BOYLE RSS Supervisor.

Email: maryboyle@mnelp.com

MARY NOLAN NILAND Financial Controller.

Email: maryniland@mnelp.com

MICHAEL ROWLAND RSS Supervisor.

Email: michaelrowland@mayonortheast.com

JEAN BEATTIE RSS Supervisor.

Email: jeanbeattie@mnelp.com

HENRY LAWLOR RSS Supervisor.

Email: henrylawlor@mnelp.com

GERRY MURPHY RSS Supervisor.

Email: gerrymurphy@mnelp.com

CAROLINE MULVEY RSS Supervisor.

Email: Carolinemulvey@mnelp.com

MAYO JOB INITIATIVE:

TOM TIMLIN RSS Supervisor.

Email: tomtimlin@mnelp.com

VIVIAN WOOD RSS Supervisor.

Email: vivianwood@mnelp.com

Project Co-ordinator

assistant CE Supervisor Email: marieclairemelvin@mnelp.com

YVONNE CORCORAN CE assistant Supervisor Phone: +353 94 9256745 yvonnecorcoran@mayonortheast.com

PAT NEALON Email: patnealon@mnelp.com

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MAYO NORTH EAST NEWSLETTER

Be part of your

W

ELCoME to the third 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,

August, 2018

In addition to providing a forum to advertise your upcoming events, the Community Journal is looking for good story ideas, articles photographs, poems, graphic artwork, etc. and welcomes outside contributions.

You can contact the Community Journal by calling 096-77615, or email: communityjournal mayonortheast@gmail.com

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