News in Brief from around Mayo
Car hits train outside Castlebar
A motorist had a lucky escape when a car they were driving collided with the lunchtime Westport to Dublin train on Wednesday afternoon. The incident happened at an unmanned crossing at Kilnageere near Breaffy.
Pandemic payments increases by 200 in Mayo
A total of 16,300 people in Mayo are in receipt a Pandemic Unemployment Payment, according to the latest information released by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. The number of people in the county in receipt of the payment has increased by 200 in a week according to the data; 800 people in the county were medically certified for receipt of a Covid-1919 related Illness Benefit payment - an increase of 100 in a week, according to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
The Great Mayo Quiz
Where do Lough Conn and Lough Cullen meet? Who did Mayo beat when they last won the All Ireland? What was Mary Robinson’s maiden name? How well do you know your county? The Great Mayo Quiz will answer that for once and for all. On Mayo Day, you can answer up to 100 questions on every aspect of Mayo life – famous people, history, geography, sport, tourist attractions, quirky facts. Lots of prizes and lots of fun. Full detail will be available on www.mayo.ie
Achill Lifeboat called out twice in two days
The Achill Lifeboat was called out on both Sunday and Monday this week. On Sunday evening at 9.35pm the lifeboat was tasked with assisting three people on jet skiers who had got into difficulties in the inner Clew Bay area. On a statement on their Facebook page they said: "Our crew, while doing their best to practice social distancing instructions, liaised with the Irish Coastguard and the Garda Siochana and oversaw the safe return of all three young people who were towed to Rosmoney Pier by a local RIB owner. The Lifeboat returned to its moorings, after refuelling, at 11.35pm." On Monday morning the lifeboat was tasked by the coastguard to assist their rescue helicopter with the medical evacuation of an elderly resident from Clare Island, who had suffered a heart attack. The crew went ashore and assisted the helicopter paramedic with the transfer of the patient from his home to the helipad on the island, from where they were subsequently flown to Mayo University Hospital.
Ballyhaunis GAA to donate lotto to Western Care
Ballyhaunis GAA Club has announced that their weekly 50/50 Draw will resume this coming Sunday evening, May 3. They have also announced that it has been decided by the officers of the club along with their finance committee to donate the proceeds of the five draws during the month of May to Western Care Ballyhaunis for the purchase of much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE ) for their seven houses in the community. Envelopes are available in Dom Murphys, Corrib Oil, Londis, The Gem, Herr’s, Phillips’ Butchers and SuperValu at €2 each or three envelopes for €5. All envelopes purchased since their last draw on March 8 along with subscriptions for annual 50/50 will be included in the draw. It is also possible and convenient to play 50/50 by clicking on the following link: https://game.smartlotto.ie/game/supporter_home/608. The draw on Sunday evening will take place at the Ballyhaunis GAA Clubhouse on the Knock Road and will be streamed live via Facebook. The winning envelope will be drawn by Fr Stephen Farragher PP.
