After years of discussion, the 50-bed replacement unit in Portiuncula Hospital recently opened.

In an event attended by local politicians An Taoiseach, Simon Harris was welcomed to the Campus by Senator Aisling Dolan – who has been to the fore of the campaign to have the unit completed.

“It’s a great honour to be back in Portiuncula, and I’m delighted to be joined by my colleagues. Thank you all so much for being here, for what I know is a really important day. And it’s an absolute pleasure to be here and to officially open the Orchard and Garbally ward blocks” declared Taoiseach Harris.

The Taoiseach has previously visited the hospital in connection with the development of the unit, while he was Minister for Health. “I must say, I feel a particular affinity with this project, as I’ve somewhat been on the journey. You can see the result ofeverybody’s hard work. I was here in 2019 and this seemed like abit of a distant dream. There were passionate cases put forward by the staff regarding the need for these beds.”

While there was great local pride felt in the town on the day, the council MDC meeting later on saw mixed reactions.
Cllr Evelyn Parsons had high praise for the new developments, although kept up the expectation that renovation would continue in the hospital. “The standard is going to be a gamechanger, really. But we do have to ask for more beds to commit to further development of our hospital.”
​
Cllr Alan Harney agreed that while the new unit was a “major investment in the hospital, increased capacity in the emergency department” was something that should be further prioritised for him.

​Dermot Connolly concluded that it was “about time” for the new unit. “I want to pay tribute to the staff going above and beyond.  We need a service that’s fit for purpose.”

The unit, which cost €35 millon, contains wards where patients will have their own rooms and ensuites.

Anne Rabbitte TD said that the new unit “ensures privacy, dignity and also the medical need of isolation for the patients that will use the new ward block.”
​ 
She pledged that new developments are underway at the moment by the design team to continue extending the hospital. “Currently we have 14 beds plus two resuscitations in the ED and we’re going  to add an additional capacity of nine more ED beds.”
 
Outgoing Independent TD Denis Naughton reminded all that the design and site works that he campaigned for as Minister included the ground, services, ducting and pre foundation works for an immediate upgrade with a further 75 bed new block. He urged the Management, Staff and the public representatives not to lose sight of the need of this “shovel ready” new investment.​

Ballinasloe Horse Fair is held annually in Ballinasloe, the second largest town in County Galway, in the western part of Ireland. It is one of Europe’s oldest and largest Horse Fairs, dating back to the 18th century.
This annual event attracts up to 80,000 visitors from all over the world, with many returning to the town year after year. This festival is one of the most important social and economic events in the life of the town. The town is also renowned for horse and pony riding, show jumping and other equestrian activities which take place throughout the year.

Take a look at the Ballinasloe Fair and Festival Website to find out more about the myriad of events taking place across the town! 

Reminder about this month's Pulse Club Event with  personnel from the Galway Local Enterprise Office who will provide the latest updates on business grants and supports available to entrepreneurs and businesses.
Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 26th September 2024
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub, Society St., H53TH24
• Lunch: Provided

This free session is open to all existing and potential businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to explore the latest opportunities and resources available to support business growth. It will also offer a fantastic networking opportunity with fellow local business owners and entrepreneurs.

Thanks to everyone who have already RSVP’d, if attending and you haven’t responded yet please contact Lyn at [email protected].

We have attached a poster with full event details. Feel free to share it with anyone who may benefit from attending.

​We look forward to welcoming you to the event!

Pádraig Pearses continues to go from strength to strength, operating with over 30 competitive teams, playing the four Gaelic games field sports of camogie, hurling, ladies’ football and men’s football. Pearses are a "GAA Healthy Club" and regularly host workshops and events on various topics from Nutrition to Healthy Eating for players and members.

​The Red Tigers Football Academy takes place every Saturday morning at 10am in at the Woodmount base, beyond the Birchgrove Roundabout. “More than 160 boys and girls from all our local schools showed wonderful enthusiasm in not so nice weather in the early morning“ states Aaron Clogher, PRO. Aaron stresses that new members are always welcome. In addition to this, coaches and parents who would like to help out are most welcome and will be provided with all training required. No experience is necessary and there are many types of roles: coaching, organisation, communication and administration.

Feel free to contact [email protected] or simply ask any team mentors.

Gaelic4Mothers & Others continues every Monday evening at 8.15pm. This programme provides women over 25 with an opportunity to play Ladies Gaelic football in a non-competitive, social and fun environment. Those interested can contact Eilish 087 272 0990 or Teresa 087 950 6444. 

The weekly Club Lotto continues to provide funds for the upkeep of sporting facilities and allows investment in the teams across the various codes.

Those interested in Pearses GAA are asked to contact:

Girls Camogie: Patty Ward, Secretary - [email protected]
Ladies Football: Tara Flynn, Secretary - [email protected]
Minor Hurling: Breda Donnellan, Secretary - [email protected]
Minor Boys Football: Geraldine Hogan, Secretary - [email protected]

For more information on any club activities, follow Pearses GAA on social media or drop an email to Public Relations Officer Aaron Clogher at [email protected] with any questions or queries.

From St. Brendan’s Terrace in Ballinasloe to representing Great Britain in an international song contest in Belgium, was only one of the achievements of the late Liam (Lee) Lynch during an amazing singing career. Arriving in London in 1956, Liam hit up with old school pal Dessie Dolan, formerly from St. Michael’s Square, who introduced him to the music business. He toured around England as a solo singer before joining the James Tate Agency in 1960 where he was soon performing under his new stage name of Lee Lynch.

​A year later he landed a two-year contract at the Nuffield Centre in Trafalgar Square with his first band “The Heartbreakers” and later with his new band “The Lynchmen.” But on Monday nights he had a regular gig with another Ballinasloe man, the late Pearse Courtney in his pub “The Black Swan” in Fulham. Joining “The Tropical Showband” in 1963 at The 32 Club in Harlesden, Lee appeared, with among others Tom Jones, Van Morrison and Jim Reeves. Two years later he formed his own band “The Blue Angels” and their debut single was released in 1966 on the Decca label, the Lennon and McCartney song “You Won’t See Me.”

Then in 1969, Lee represented Great Britain in an international song contest in Belgium, with a song called “Stay Awhile” which soon went to the top of the Belgian charts and was a huge success in several countries. Such was the Ballinasloe man’s popularity in Belgium that 28 years later, in 1997, contestant Win Van Coren appeared as Lee Lynch on the VTM Soundmix Show singing “Stay Awhile” finishing third in the annual competition. But the St. Brendan’s man never forgot his roots.

He was a regular visitor back home and performed at his friend’s (Pearse Courtney) East County Hotel each October Fair week. In the early seventies, Lee joined the Premier Aces Showband from Roscommon before replacing the great Brendan Bowyer as lead singer with the Royal Showband. And in 1973 he represented Ireland in a song contest in Bulgaria with his own composition of “The Love in My Woman’s Eyes.” A year later he made the first of his two appearances at the Royal Albert Hall on a bill packed with Irish talent.

Having survived a serious illness in 1976, he was voted London’s Favourite Irish Vocalist in 1980, appeared on another star-studded bill at the Royal Albert Hall and released one of his best known singles “Paddy’s On The Move Again” followed later by “Famous Shamus.” Lee continued to write, record and perform throughout the eighties and early nineties and in all, recorded over one hundred songs throughout a career spanning thirty-five years. A serious illness brought an end to his career in 1994 and he lived a peaceful retirement in the English countryside until his sad passing in July 2012. He is remembered in his native St. Brendan’s, where he was born in 1937, with a commemorative wall plaque. A fitting tribute to the modest Ballinasloe songster who represented his town, his country as well as Great Britain in worldwide competitions with pride and dignity.

Members of the Gables Art Group recently showcased their work at their annual Summer Exhibition in the Ballinasloe Library. There were 62 paintings on display, two per person, with many original works being offered by their creators for sale. The artwork mainly covered themes of nostalgia, nature and home, portraying old cottages, foxes and images of nature. Particularly striking paintings included a stunning portrait of an old woman by art tutor Maura Warde, every wrinkle and detail visible to the viewer, and a mixed-media poppy field by Carmel Dillon. “My First Wheels,” also by Maura Warde, captured the pram that carried Maura as a baby. The well-established amateur art group meets every Tuesday and Wednesday in the Christian Fellowship Building, The Storehouse, Harbour Rd., Dunlo.

Founded 35 years ago by Nano Kenny, Maura, the present art tutor, was asked by Nano to take over in her declining years. “She roped me in. It’s been an eye opening experience for me but I’ve grown from year to year “ explains Maura. Classes by the group are held twice a week, with Maura teaching Tuesday nights and Jackie Eastwood teaching on Wednesday mornings. The class is made up of a mixture of men and women, with all skill levels being welcomed and mentored. Maura urged even those who claim no artistic ability to join, provided that they simply have an interest and a desire to learn. “Watching people join who say they can’t draw a straight line, and we end up with a beautiful exhibition like this here. So, I’m really delighted with everybody’s work. We grow together and enjoy our art and it’s just a lovely fun activity for us all, she exclaims. The exhibition ran in the third week of June and is held annually, although this was the first summer exhibition for the group, who usually hold them around Christmas time. Alongside their exhibitions, members also enjoy a yearly outing of dinner and drinks. Chairperson Carmel Dillon is eager to recruit new members, and those interested can ring Carmel at 087 2753861

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​Ballinasloe-born Fr. Noel Colohan marked the 60th year of his ordination by celebrating mass in St. Michael’s Church, attended by family members, colleagues and friends. He was joined on the altar by another fellow priest who was also ordained 60 years ago, Fr. Benny Flanagan, a native of Ballymoe, Castlerea, who attended and taught in Garbally College; as well as Monsignor Cathal Geraghty, Loughrea and Fr. John Garvey, Adm., Ballinasloe.

​Fr. Noel, the eldest son of the late Delia and Michael Colohan, Dunlo Hill, spent all his religious life ministering in the north of England, where two other Ballinasloe-born priests-Fr. Kevin Cummins and the late Fr. James Keane ministered. Pre-deceased by his brothers Richard and Brendan, Fr. Noel’ surviving brother, Michael, lives in Perssepark

Joe Joyce, who has passed away in Dublin at the age of 77, was the son of the late Martin Joyce who was headmaster in Aughrim NS for many years, and his wife Meta. His father was for several years Secretary of the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show and was a founder member of the Aughrim Historical and Heritage Society. Following his early education in his father’s school, Joe studied for journalism in UCG and joined the staff of “The Irish Times” where he was later cited as a “brilliant investigative journalist.” He twice won the Journalist of the Year Award, was the author of seven historical and crime publications and also a renowned playwright. Joe co-wrote best-selling books including “The Boss: Charles J. Haughey in Government” as well as “Blind Justice” which was about the Sallins Train Robbery in 1976, as well as his production of the setting up of the Kerry Babies’ Tribunal, in 1984. He also wrote a number of plays during a career that saw him rise to the top of his profession. Ballinasloe-born Joe lived most of his life in Dublin where he passed away after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, journalist Frances O’Rourke; daughters Catherine, Joanna and Molly; sisters Marie and Cepta as well many other relatives and friends. ​

A native of Portumna, John Joe Heagney arrived in Ballinasloe as a young man nearly eighty years ago to train as a Psychiatric Nurse in St. Brigid’s Hospital. He quickly endeared himself to his working colleagues and remained there until he retired as Night Superintendent. A real sports fanatic, John Joe was part of the Ballinasloe senior hurlers’ management team that won the Co. Title in 1951. He married Margaret Boyle, who was a sister of well-known hurler and referee, Tom Boyle, and they built their new home in Mackney where they raised a family of three sons and a daughter. A life-long pioneer, John Joe loved attending hurling games, particularly Portumna in later years, where his eldest son Joe was part of the medical team and his grandson Gareth, played corner back during its halcyon days. The sudden death of Joe, just over six week’s earlier, left John Joe broken-hearted but he battled on and coped with the tragedy before passing away in Creagh CNU in his 98th year. John Joe is survived by his daughter Anita, sons Gerry and Ambrose as well as sister Pauline and many other relatives, friends and nursing colleagues. ​

Current and former staff of Gort and Mountbellew Vocational Schools as well as members of Mountbellew Golf Club formed guards of honour at the funeral of Geraldine Healy, Deerpark, Ballinasloe, who passed away after a long illness. A native of Caltra, Geraldine (nee Fitzgerald) had served as Deputy Principal in St. Jarlath’s Vocational School, Mountbellew, having previously worked in Gort and Glenamaddy VEC Schools. She was highly popular with the students and staff in each location and gave of her many talents selfishly during her working years. Geraldine was also a valued member and officer of Mountbellew Golf Club for many years. At her funeral mass family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory procession while her son Francis delivered a moving eulogy on his mother’s life. The former teacher is survived by her husband Martin, son Francis, sister-in-law Helen Fitzgerald, brother-in-law Paddy Collins as well as many other relatives, former colleagues and friends.
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​For over twenty years Ballinasloe-born Jim Mills was presumed dead as his family failed to find him after he went AWOL from the Army. But when he eventually made contact in 1995 there was great rejoicing, his funeral mass in Clonfert Church was told. One of a family of eight, born to Tommy and Josie Mills in Mackney, in May 1943, Jim was always up to some kind of mischief, his granddaughter, Leanne, told the congregation. The family moved to the Clonfert area in 1948 where they all attended Clonfert NS with the restless Jim trying his hand at various chores before deciding to join the Army. “But he still wasn’t content so he went AWOL in 1964. He travelled to Scotland, leaving his family and friends heart-broken as they had no idea where he was or even if he was still alive. Moving around the country Jim met the love of his life, a Donegal girl called Annie O’Donnell from Rathmelton, and they settled down, had a family of five children. “Still mischievous, but full of fun, Jim turned out to be an amazing father and loved to sing and dance. Over the years he worked in construction, security, even on oil rigs in the North Sea but his favourite job was in a local whiskey factory where he often got to sample the products. Then in 1995 he made contact with his birth family back in Ireland and his life was complete once more” said Leanne. “Sadly, in 2000, Jim suffered a massive stroke while living in Donegal and never regained his mobility. He and Annie moved back to Scotland to be near their children and grandchildren. But Annie passed away the following year, leaving Jim absolutely heartbroken. His subsequent passing saw him leave behind a large family including eighteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren” she added. “Following his wishes and borrowing lines from one of his favourite songs, ‘The Green, Green, Grass of Home’ we bring Jim back to his ‘old hometown to meet his mama and papa, and yes we’ve all come to meet him” concluded Leanne. Following the funeral mass celebrated by Fr. Declan McInerney, Jim Mills’ ashes were buried with his late parents in Clonfert Cemetery. The “Mystery Man” was a nephew of the late Joe Mills, a founder member of the Aughrim Slopes Ceili Band. Apart from his family in Scotland, Jim is survived by his sister Lily (Galway), brothers Vincent, Liam and many other relatives and friends.

A busy year of activities for the Ballinasloe & District Heritage Society continued through the summer months with numerous outings and events. Society members enjoyed a guided tour of the Irish Workhouse Centre with Dr. Christy Cunniffe on a visit to see the ‘Ballinasloe Pot’ on display. The Ballinasloe Pot is believed to be the famine pot from the Ballinasloe Workhouse and was donated to the Heritage Society by a local family last year. The Society loaned the pot to the Irish Workhouse Centre until a suitable location in Ballinasloe can be found to display it. Another feature from the Ballinasloe Workhouse on display in the Centre is the large wrought iron fireguard. A visit to the Centre in Portumna to see these artefacts and much more is highly recommended.

In May, the Society partnered with BACD on the ‘Something for Everyone’ Tourism weekend and produced the Clancarty Estate Heritage Walk. This walk through Clancarty history brought 50 people through and around parts of the estate and noteworthy buildings guided by Declan Kelly, Fiona Maguire, Johnny Johnston, Barry Lally, Nuala O’Connor and Elisabeth Affolter. Society Chair Conor Johnston said “I would like to thank everybody that contributed to this special event particularly those that opened the doors to the buildings, Reverend Godfrey of St. John’s Church, Fr. Allman of Garbally House and Alan Harney and Máire Hughes of Ballinasloe Town Hall, and to Mike O’Brien of Brewery Lane who provided refreshments to the tired, drenched but happy tourists on their return to town. We look forward to working with BACD again in the future in exploring new avenues for Ballinasloe and surrounds to capitalise on the broad, rich history and heritage that could turbo charge regeneration in the area through heritage and genealogy led tourism.’

For Heritage week, the Society has teamed up with the local art collective Group 8 and the Library for the ‘On Our Doorstep’ art and heritage collaboration where artists will display commissioned works centred on the theme of Ballinasloe’s ecclesiastical history. At 6pm on Tuesday 20th August, The Society will also host a talk in the library by Genealogist Pat Glennon on his research of the Glennon surname in East Galway and South Roscommon and his new project researching the genealogy of the surnames which emerged from the medieval Kingdom of Uí Maine. The Society will then partner with the October Fair & Festival in producing a special one off of their hugely popular ‘Town Talks’ series for the Festival Schedule of events. The event will be titled ‘The October Fair – Our History, Our Heritage’ and details will be confirmed in the Fair and Festival schedule and online via Facebook. Work also continues apace on volume 1 of the Journal of the Heritage Society with guest editor Damian McCullagh which will be launched in November.

Whilst submissions for the Journal closed at the end of June, the Society is keen for the next generation of budding historians to be involved. Conor Johnston: ‘Even though formal schooling is out for a couple of months, we are keen to have local National School pupils up to Junior Cycle students of the area’s secondary schools involved in researching and writing about their own family’s history. We’d love to receive articles from pupils of up to 750 words telling the story of a historical family member that was part of Ballinasloe society or emigrated from the town and surrounds over the last 100/200 years. We will publish one of these articles in the Journal this year, selected by our Guest Editor, and the junior historian will receive a Shop Local voucher for their efforts’. Articles along with photographs of the family member and the writer can by be emailed to [email protected] by Thursday September 12th

Wed 4th Sept, 6pm – Shearwater Hotel 

East Galway & Roscommon are locations for global and local investment. Next Wednesday 4th September the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Peter Burke TD will visit Ballinasloe and meet business leaders that are expanding operations and scaling up. Making the next step to growing national sales and also exports.
 
Are you considering starting up a business, scaling up, expanding – why not come along and hear about policy initiatives from Department of Enterprise and agencies Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices. Minister Peter Burke has recently launched an SME Test criteria to ensure all policies and legislation are reviewed for impact to sole traders, small and medium sized businesses in all sectors. https://enterprise.gov.ie/en/news-and-events/department-news/2024/may/202405151.html
 
All welcome to this public meeting with a business focus.
An opportunity to showcase Ballinasloe and surrounding areas for investment and find out about these questions and more with Q&A time too…..
 
How do we position Galway & Roscommon region for future growth?
What financial supports are in place for sole traders, SMEs and large scale companies?
How do Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices work with growing businesses – LEO Outreach/ Pulse Club?
How do we keep excellent people – challenges of recruitment and retention?
How do we upskill our teams for the next decade – digitalisation & AI?
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BUSINESS SUPPORTS
 
https://www.localenterprise.ie/
https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/funding-and-grants
https://www.idaireland.com/

• Second payment of ICOB (Increased Cost of Business) for businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors
• doubling the Innovation Grant Scheme to €10,000
• increasing the maximum amount available under the Energy Efficiency Grant Scheme to €10,000 and reducing the business contribution rate from 50% to 25%
• widening the eligibility for the Trading Online Voucher, extending it to all sectors up to 50 employees, modernise eligible expenditure and doubling the grant to €5,000
• increasing the lending limit for Microfinance Ireland loans to €50,000 from €25,000
• widening the eligibility for the Digital for Business Consultancy Scheme and extending it to all sectors with up to 50 employees
• launching a new ‘Ireland’s Best Entrepreneur Programme’ to encourage entrepreneurship and startups in under-represented groups
• launching the new online National Enterprise Hub for SMEs to access information on the wide range of Government business supports
• implementing an enhanced ‘SME Test’ by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Department of the Taoiseach

 
TRAINING & EDUCATION SUPPORTS

• National Enterprise Hub - https://www.neh.gov.ie
• Management training for small enterprise - https://www.neh.gov.ie/business-supports/accelerate-management-development-training-programme
• Skillnet – Building competitiveness through Skills - https://www.skillnetireland.ie/
• Skills to Advance for employees - https://www.solas.ie/programmes/skills-to-advance/

 

• Ballinasloe College of Further Education – courses in enterprise, healthcare, childcare, social studies
• Galway Roscommon Education Training Board (GRETB) –courses https://www.fetchcourses.ie/

 

• Apprenticeships – 70 courses www.apprenticeship.ie
• National Tertiary Office – 40 courses – start in local college of Further Education progress to Technological University - https://nto.hea.ie/
• Atlantic Technological University, Technological University of the Shannon and University of Galway – offering part-time courses/ apprenticeships/ Training.