Ballyhaunis Councillor John Cribbin has confirmed that Mayo County Council has given an undertaking that the long-awaited development at Tooraree will commence early in the New Year.

Cllr. Cribbin was among a group of public representatives and members of Meitheal Maigh Eo who met with Council officials this week at the Tooraree Resource Centre. At the meeting, Council officials gave a commitment that the first phase of the development will commence early in 2003 with the demolition of four existing houses. The officials confirmed that construction of four new houses will then commence and that a further expansion of the existing Resource Centre will be developed. Councillor Cribbin said: “A further meeting to monitor progress will be convened in early March.”

PARENT-TEACHER
Scoil Iosa N.S. Parent-Teacher meetings will take place on Thursday, 28th and Friday, 29th Nov.

ACTIVE RETIREMENT
The Ballyhaunis Active Retirement group wish to thank sincerely all those who contributed so generously to their recent collection towards the setting up of a Bowling Group.

AGM OF GAA
The Annual General Meeting of Ballyhaunis GAA Club will take place in the Community School, Ballyhaunis, on Sunday, 8th Dec., at 4 p.m. All members are asked to attend. Past members, and new members will be most welcome.

WESTERN CARE DO
The Ballyhaunis Voluntary Branch of Western Care Association are having their thirteenth Annual Christmas Social in The Village Inn, Aghamore, on this Friday night, 29th Nov. Doors open at 9.30 p.m. And music is being provided by the ever popular “Tempo”. Tickets cost ¤4 each and will be available at the door. Refreshments will be served, and there is an excellent selection of spot prizes on offer throughout the night. Your support, as always, will be very much appreciated.

VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Vincent de Paul, Ballyhaunis, are holding their Annual Collection on the weekend of Sat. 7th, Sun. 8th November. St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank all those who contributed so generously to their annual collection in the past and look forward to your continued support in the future.

PARENTS ASSOC.
The newly elected Scoil Iosa N.S. Parents’ Association for 2002-03 is as follows: Chairperson - Kevin Henry; Vice-chairperson - Marie Jordan; Secretary - Anne Lyons; Asst. Secretary - Nuala Nolan; P.R.O. - Mike Byrne; Treasurer - Manar Cherbatji. Delegates to the National Parents Council are Paula Grogan and Pat Ryan. The Committee comprises of Olive Lyons, Bridie Waldron and Paddy Phillips. The Board of Management and staff thank the outgoing Parents’ Association for their work on behalf of the school in the past year.

GAA EXEC MEETING
Mr. Hugh Rudden, Chairman of the Ballyhaunis GAA Club, presided over the monthly Executive Meeting of the Club at the Ballyhaunis Community School on Thursday night last, 21st Nov. At the meeting members voted in favour of the Ballyhaunis club entering the annual GAA/AIB All-Ireland Club of the Year Competition. This competition is based on clubs’ development, progress (both on and off the field), facilities, promotion of games, etc. The Ballyhaunis GAA club, of course, created their own little bit of history this year when for the first time in the club’s history, they managed to capture the Mayo Senior Hurling Championship after a number of years’ near misses.
The executive also voted unanimously to support James Waldron (The Neale) for the position of Vice-chairman of the Mayo County Board at the forthcoming County Convention. The club members also voted to support Sean McHale (Crossmolina) for the position of Connacht Council Delegate at the forthcoming Convention.
Club Secretary, Mrs. Mary Prenty, reported on a very successful visit to Dublin of the Ballyhaunis Under-12 footballers where they played a very useful challenge game against Kilmacud Crokes before going on to watch the Ireland/Australia International Rules game at Croke Park. During the day’s visit the Ballyhaunis youngsters were addressed by Dublin senior football manager, Tommy Lyons.
On the hurling front, Mr. Peter Higgins, Secretary of the Ballyhaunis Hurling Club Subcommittee, gave a comprehensive report of the club’s activities - their successful victory over St. Mary’s (Leitrim) in the Connacht Club Championship and also their brave efforts against Roscommon Hurling kingpins, Four Roads, in the later stage of the same competition. The Chairman, Mr. Rudden congratulated the Hurling Club on their brilliant achievements this year and said they truly did the Club and Ballyhaunis proud with some outstanding and memorable performances.
The Chairman extended best wishes and a speedy recovery to club member, John Joe Hoban, Manager of the Ballyhaunis Hurlers, and also to Paddy Muldoon, a former Chairman of the Mayo County Board, who is also recuperating from a recent illness.
Finally, at the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Rudden congratulated Ballyhaunis GAA Club member and Connacht Council Secretary, Mr. John Prenty, on the successful completion of the new offices in Clare Street. In wishing the Provincial Secretary well with the opening of the centre, Mr. Rudden said that the new office - the centre for all future operations for the GAA in Connacht - would be an asset to the town and to the local region.

“SHINE A LIGHT”
Give a Gift of Love this Christmas by donating ¤5 to sponsor a light for a friend, a family member or, in memory of a loved one. That light will shine on a special Christmas Tree at Knock throughout the Christmas period. The Tree Lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday, 8th Dec., at 5 p.m. All names are entered in the Foundation’s Book of Honour, and a special Ecumenical Service will be held for all in Knock on Sunday, 26th Jan. 2003, at 3.45 p.m. in St. John’s Rest & Care Centre. “Let Love Shine A Light” cards are available from Mayo Roscommon Hospice Office in Knock, tel. (094) 9388666, and will also be available in most pharmacies in Mayo and Roscommon, local Support Groups and other outlets during the month of December.

WIN A QUAD
The Ballyhaunis Christmas Lights Committee have come up with a novel idea of raising funds towards their very impressive Christmas Lights display in the town, work on which has already gotten underway. The official switch-on is planned for Saturday, 7th Dec.
Would you like to be in with a chance of winning a Quad for Christmas - for just €5? Well, that is precisely what the Committee are giving away in their Christmas Draw. Valued at almost ¤4,000, the Moto-Roma Quad will make some family very happy this Christmas. The Sportsman 150 cc, only recently introduced to the Irish market, comes complete with an electric starter and a four-stroke petrol engine with a Dual “A” front suspension mode. It also comes with a front and rear carrier complete with reverse gear and has a full two year guarantee. The manufacturers, Moto-Roma, are the second biggest manufacturers of motorcycles/quads in the world.
For the runner-up in the Christmas Draw, there is a consolation prize of a Kiddies Paddle Go-Kart, suitable for children of all ages and valued at ¤500. Cards for the draw are on display in most retail outlets throughout Ballyhaunis, as well as in outlets in Aghamore, Kilkelly, Knock and Bekan.
The Draw will take place in The Hazel, Main St., on Saturday, 21st Dec. at 5.30 p.m.

REUNION
A school reunion for the pupils of the class of ‘82, Ballyhaunis Community School, is being organised for 30th December 2002 in the Belmont Hotel, Knock. This reunion is for the class who were the first First Years to enter the new school in 1977, and/or those who did the Leaving Cert there in 1982.
The committee have been busy trying to contact the past pupils through their old home addresses, but this has not been successful in some cases, so if you have not been contacted by a member of the committee, please contact one of the people listed below. We are delighted with the positive response from the majority of past pupils. To date we have reservations for in excess of 100 tickets - so a good night is promised. At a recent meeting it was decided to collect the money for the tickets from you all in advance, so that the committee may also relax on the night!
With this in mind, we now ask you to send the money for the number of tickets you require to the committee member you are in contact with. Tickets are priced at €20 each and you may bring guests along. There will be a hot buffet and 80’s disco with bar exemption. The tickets will be sent to you as a receipt, and should be presented on the night, so if we need to post them to you, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope for same,
Please forward all monies for tickets to a member of the committee below before 1st of December ‘02. Looking forward to seeing you there. The committee comprises of Noreen Keegan- Kavanagh, Deirdre Durkan (Dennedy) , Nuala Lyons (Nolan) , Jackie Lyons ( Caulfield), Trina Flatley, Stephen Murray, Mary Flanagan (Feeney).

HOSPICE CARDS
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Christmas Cards are now on sale. The cards feature four unique scenes from Ballinrobe and Cong. Local Artist, Rose Sammon, very generously had four of her paintings reproduced as Christmas cards for the Foundation. The production costs of the cards were covered by sponsorship. The cards retail at ¤4 per pack. Your support for this project would be gratefully appreciated. For further details, contact your local Support Group or the Hospice office in Knock at (094) 9388666.

MARY CASSERLEY
The death took place at Castlemagarrett Nursing Home, Claremorris, on Tuesday, 29th Oct., of Mrs. Mary Casserley (nee Gilmore), Abbey St., Ballyhaunis. Mary and her late husband Paddy, who predeceased her in July 2000, will be fondly remembered as the proprietors of “The Gem” in Bridge St. for many years.
Her Funeral Mass was offered in Castlemagarrett Nursing Home Chapel, prior to interment in the Parish Cemetery, Ballyhaunis. Chief Celebrant was Fr. Declan Carroll, C.C. Sympathy is extended to her sisters; nephews, nieces; relatives and friends.
SET DANCING
Set Dancing classes continue in the newly refurbished Parochial Hall, Ballyhaunis, and will continue every Friday night at 8.30 p.m. In addition to traditional sets, classes in Old Tim Waltzing will also be given on the night. All are welcome.

SENIOR CITIZENS
The Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, 15th December. Mass will be celebrated at 2.30 p.m. in the Parochial Hall, followed by dinner and refreshments. Catering will be carried out by The Hazel. This will be followed by an afternoon of entertainment with a selection of popular local artistes including Connie Gildea, Martin Fitzmaurice, Micheal Murphy, John McGarry, Johnny Shaughnessy and Tom Walsh. There will be numerous spot prizes throughout the afternoon and an enjoyable day is assured for all. The Committee wish to thank all the local firms and shops for their generous support.

I.S.P.C.C. TALKS
If you are interested in finding out about children’s behaviour and how to improve any problems that may arise in the rearing of children, you may be interested in attending the third of three Public Information Evenings for parents or carers of young children tomorrow, Wednesday, 27th November - at 8 p.m., in The Parochial Hall, Ballyhaunis.
The talk (as well as two earlier talks) is being hosted by the Baby and Toddler Group with guest speakers from the local ISPCC. The ISPCC - Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children - offer a wide range of support and services to families, who at times find parenting stressful under modern day pressures. There is a cover charge of ¤2. These information evenings are open to all, and everyone is welcome.

JACKPOT €12,600
The Ballyhaunis G.A.A. Lotto draw took place last Tuesday night, 19th Nov., and the numbers drawn were 4, 6, 16, 26. No-one had the correct numbers and there was no winner of the Jackpot. The consolation prize - €150 - was won by Fr. Michael Murphy, Castlebar. The promoter’s prize of €20 went to The Mac Giolla Brighde’s, Clare St.
The next draw will take place in The Clock, Knox St., tonight, Tues., 26th Nov., at 10 p.m., and the Jackpot will stand at ¤12,450. The following week’s draw will take place in Nicholson’s, Bridge St., on Tues., 3rd Dec.

TOOREEN MARKET
A Christmas Homemakers’ Market is to be held this Saturday, 30th Nov. from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. In Tooreen Hall. As demand is expected to be great for this market, we advise stall-holders to book in advance. Stalls are only ¤10 each. So, don’t forget, for Christmas presents or just to treat yourself to the wonderful gifts on offer, come to Tooreen Homemakers’ Market. For further information, contact Mike at (0907) 49059, Sarah at (0907) 49959 or Anne at (0907) 49159.

GLOR ACHADH MOR
The annual parish magazine, Glor Achadh Mor, is now with the local printers, Knock Printing Services and the editors wish to thank all who have contributed articles and photographs to it. This edition is a larger than usual issue of just over 150 pages and will be selling at ¤6, which is very reasonable for a bumper issue. The magazine will be launched in Moran’s Lounge, Achadh Mor on Friday, 6th Dec., at 9.30 p.m., after which there will be a small celebration. Everyone is welcome.

NEW BAR
Congratulations to Brickens man, Sean Hession and wife Maura on becoming new owners of a second Irish Bar and Restaurant in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since the opening of the hugely popular “Willie McBrides” in 1997, the young couple have gone from strength to strength in the bar business. They are wished continued success from friends and family in the Brickens, Ballinlough and Ballyhaunis areas.

CEILI
A Christmas Ceili will be held in the Marian Hall, Gortaganny this Friday night, 29th November. Music will be provided by the Woodlands Ceili Band. Refreshments served. Raffle and Spot Prizes on the night.

EMET MEETING
The newly-formed East Mayo Educate Together (EMET) Association is holding its first meeting at 8 p.m. tomorrow night, Wednesday, 27th November in The Hazel, Ballyhaunis. Under the auspices of the nationwide Educate Together charity, EMET is committed to setting up a new national school that is multi-denominational, child-centred, co-educational and democratically run by parents. Several potential sites for the new school have already been identified in the Kiltimagh, Claremorris, Ballyhaunis area. Pre-enrolment is planned for mid-January with opening due in September 2003. All those interested are welcome to attend the meeting. More information is available from the enrolment officer on (094) 67683 and via the Educate Together website (www.educatetogether.ie)