St Anthony’s make some more history

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

It was a historic week for St Anthony’s special school in Castlebar which this week saw its biggest ever graduating class leave the school. Ten students, three of whom have been in the school for 12 years and the others also there for long periods of time, were rewarded with a special graduation Mass and presentation. Fiona Byrne, principal of St Anthony’s, was delighted with the achievement of her graduating class. “It is the biggest class we have ever had leave the school,” she said. “Most of them have been with us since we were very young. It was very emotional, because of the emotional ties and attachments they build up between the students and the teachers through the years who work together for years.”

The school also was highly praised in a Department of Education and Science whole school evaluation, which was carried out earlier this year and released this week. “We are delighted with the report, the last evaluation that was carried out was in 2001 and this report really highlights the school and shows the true value of the work put in by all the different staff and the students,” Ms Byrne said. “It pays particular attention to the broad education and personal development that we give to the students. The personal development side is something we take great pride in so that when students leave the school they have the confidence to go out into the world and interact with adults and everyone very comfortably with high self esteem.”

Kids go free at Westport House Family Fun Day

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

Westport House and Pirate Adventure Park has announced that next Saturday, June 27, from 10am to 5pm it is having a family fun day where all children accompanied by an adult go in for free.

Mayo woman wins TNCC children’s playwright competition

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

A Mayo mother of six, Una Leavy from Charlestown, was the winner of the inaugural TNCC children’s playwright competition.

Search is on in Mayo for a circus ringmaster

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

Circus Gerbola, Ireland’s greatest family experience is searching for a ringmaster or ringmistress for its 2010 tour of Ireland. Auditions for this unusual job are being held nationwide as the circus tours. And now anyone in the northwest area who has ever dreamed of joining the circus or those wishing to pursue a career in performing arts can try out. Auditions will be held under the spotlight in the circus big top as the circus tours throughout Mayo in the coming weeks. The first auditions will be held in Castlebar on Thursday June 25 at 11am in the big top situated in the town centre car park.

Applicants can be male or female, but must be over the age of 18. Applicants should be confident, clear speaking, and able to work under pressure. Business manager Martin Middleton says: “The role of ringmaster/ringmistress is a very demanding one, because they are required to do up to two shows a day and are responsible for the smooth running of the ring, including introducing the artistes, interacting with the clowns and members of the audience. The ringmaster/ringmistress needs to be quick thinking as often with live entertainment something goes wrong and they need to be able to ad-lib to keep the show going.

Judge asks man if he wants to go home like ET

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

A Lithuanian man who said he just wanted to go home was this week asked by Judge Mary Devins in Claremorris District Court, “You want to go home like ET?” Ricardis Belickes, 38 Ashling Drive, Ballyhaunis, replied “No, I want to go home to Ballyhaunis.”

Ballina and Castlebar clean-up in IBAL anti litter league

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

There was good news this week for Mayo’s two largest towns with Ballina and Castlebar maintaining their Clean to European Norms status. The Irish Business Against Litter league published its first results of 2009 which saw Ballina and Castlebar in 38th and 40th place respectively out of 60 towns surveyed.

Castlebar Chamber WDC seminar a huge success

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

Castlebar Chamber of Commerce Enterprise Development group hosted a very successful business seminar last Tuesday evening in GMIT, Castlebar.

Achill cycling hub launched

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

A cycle hub around Achill was officially launched last week as part of the National Cycle Network throughout Ireland being championed by Fáilte Ireland.

The Achill cycle hub has a number of looped cycle routes around beautiful Achill starting at Keel, as well as facilities and services for cyclists visiting the island.

Connacht Gold launches Heart of Your Community campaign in Mayo

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

Connacht Gold has launched a summer campaign to encourage the local community in Connacht to get out and support local businesses and local employment.

CEO appointed at LEADER company

Fri, Jun 19, 2009

Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Company Teo has announced the appointment of Achill native, Monica O’Malley to the position of ehief executive officer of the company.

Ms O’Malley has 20 years’ experience working in the community and rural development sector and since 1997 has been CEO of Longford Community Resources Ltd, the integrated LEADER and Partnership company for County Longford. Ms O’Malley, a native of Currane, Achill, will take up her position as CEO on July.

Table quizzes

Fri, Jun 12, 2009

The latest in the current series of table quizzes in aid of the annual Belmullet Heritage Day will take place in McDonnell's Bar on Wednesday June 17 at 9pm. A fun night is guaranteed, along with some great prizes.