Ballyhaunis Blog

AFTER two years on the market the old cinema in Ballyhaunis has been sold.

The landmark building on Clare Street had been in the McGarry family since it was built in 1948. It was originally opened as a cinema, which was a major boost for the rural town of Ballyhaunis at the time. Young and old travelled from Roscommon and Mayo to go to the pictures until the final film was shown in 2002. The building has not been open to the public since.

Ballyhaunis Community School class of 91 – 96 reunion will be held in Fitzers Bar on Wednesday, December 27 at 9pm.

For further information or to lend a helping hand ring Catherine at 087 2953538 or Sharon at 087 6617008 or email www.bscreunion2006@hotmail. Com

Cllr John Cribbin is available to meet constituents every Tuesday from 10am – 1pm in the Parochial Hall, Ballyhaunis

The Ballyhaunis Community School Class of 1986 - 20 Year Reunion, will take place in the Billabong Bar Ballyhaunis  on Friday, December 29. Anyone who finished school in 1986 are welcome to attend. For further information, contact, Valerie 086 8369122 or Deirdre 086 3821432 for further details

The Community Council works to develop the Social and Cultural life of Ballyhaunis through its own activities and through co-operation with its partner organisations.

The Community Council is a Voluntary organisation, open to all people living in the area. The Council holds its Annual General Meeting in May each year and this meeting chooses the management committee.

The management committee is a group of 12 people who meet 4-6 times during the year to discuss the issues affecting the town and put practical ideas into action. Last year, as part of its work the Community Council funded a Children’s Art Club and a Teenage Digital Photography Course as part of the work to provide activities for young people.

This year, the Community Council plan to launch a Community Newsletter which will help people from all communities keep informed of local developments and issues of importance to people living in the Ballyhaunis area.

The Community Council also carry out other business on behalf of the Community acting as one of the recognised groups in dealings with other bodies such as Mayo County Council etc. Another role the management committee play is to decide on the community representatives on the Abbey Trust and Partnership companies - who are responsible for the development of the town’s former Augustinian property.

The Community Council is a registered not for profit company whose income comes from membership fees ( €2 ), the annual Church Gate Collection and project grants from Department of Rural, Community & Gaeltacht Affairs.

While a number of activities have been organised over the last two years in response to suggestions from the community, but for the Community Council to grow it really does need people to take part and come forward with their ideas, time and effort.

A community wide survey of the town and Ballyhaunis area has just taken place which will lay out the priorities for the next few years, following the Community Council’s application to be one of the four areas selected out of 38 other areas throughout Mayo.