Ballinahown & District News 31st January 2026
Ballinahown Community Development – 50/50 Draw
The latest 55/50 draw took place on Tuesday 20th January with Chris Rohan, Clonaderig, Ballinahown the winner of €317.
Your ongoing support for this worthy fundraiser is very much appreciated. All monies raised is used to enhance the appearance of the village. Tickets can be purchased at €2 each and are available from Rosies Village Shop, Rohan’s Agri Supplies and The Village Inn or from any committee member. You can also purchase 50/50 vouchers which will ensure you are entered for every draw for up to 12 months. Again, vouchers are available from any committee member or from any of the retail centres mentioned above.
Obituaries
The death has occurred of John Joe Mullen, late of Kilmalady, Clara, Offaly and Castledaly, Moate, Co. Westmeath on January 3rd 2026.
Pre-deceased by his parents John and Rita. Deeply regretted by his wife Marie and family Caroline, Derek, David, Michelle and John-Joe, daughters in law, son in law, grandchildren Brian, Aaron, Jamie, Tara, Conor, Dylan, Rachel, Jason, Sean and Tadhg, brothers Aidan and Declan, sister, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
John Joe reposed at O’Reilly’s Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore, on Thursday 22nd January from 4pm until 6pm with removal on Friday morning 23rd January to St Carthage Church, Killina, for his Funeral Mass at 11am. Interment after Mass took place in Rahan Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
To book the Community Hall for an event or meeting or to book the community kitchen, contact Clíona on 0874152465.
Quote of the Week
When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn’t become a king, the palace becomes a circus -author unknown.
Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service
Are you male or female suffering from domestic abuse, if so help is available. Call Esker House on 090 6474122. Open 24 hours.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers, you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner, you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address.
Ballinahown & District News 24th January 2026
Ballinahown Community Development – 50/50 Draw
The latest 55/50 draw took place on Tuesday 13th January with Mary Rohan, Clonaderig Rd. Ballinahown the winner of €365.
Your ongoing support for this worthy fundraiser is very much appreciated. All monies raised is used to enhance the appearance of the village. Tickets can be purchased at €2 each and are available from Rosies Village Shop, Rohan’s Agri Supplies and The Village Inn or from any committee member. You can also purchase 50/50 vouchers which will ensure you are entered for every draw for up to 12 months. Again, vouchers are available from any committee member or from any of the retail centres mentioned above.
Obituaries
(1) Bridget Duffy
The death has taken place of Bridget (Bridie) Duffy, (née Brazil), Endrim, Ferbane, Co. Offaly.
Bridget, who was fondly known as Bridie, died on January 13th 2026, peacefully with her family, after a short illness, in the loving care of the staff at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Kate, sister Mary Jo and brothers Johnny, Paddy and Michael.
Bridie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving husband Michael, brother Jimmy, (Doon) sister Rose, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Bridie reposed at Grennan’s Funeral Home, Ferbane on Thursday evening (Jan. 15th) from 5pm to 7pm. Her removal to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ferbane took place on Friday morning where her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 11am. Bridie was laid to rest afterwards in Kilrehan Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
(2) Lucinda Daly
The death has taken place of Lucinda Daly, Brocca, Fardrum, Athlone, Co. Westmeath on January 15th 2026, unexpectedly. Sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Paddy and Gloria, sisters Andrea, Patrice and Megan, brother Patrick, partner Daniel Keena, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Lucinda reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home, Moate on Monday (19th) from 5pm until 7pm. Her removal to St Colmcille’s Church, Ballinahown took place on Tuesday morning 20th January arriving for 11am Funeral Mass. Lucinda was laid to rest afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
To book the Community Hall for an event or meeting or to book the community kitchen, contact Clíona on 0874152465.
Bottle Bank
You are asked not to leave bottles at the Bottle Bank if the bins are full as this causes the area to look untidy and unsightly. Please take your bottles home with you until such time as the bins are emptied. Alternatively, you can take your bottles to any of the nearby towns who may be in a position to take your bottles.
Birthday Greetings
Happy Birthday to Damon Rohan, Clonaderig, who celebrated his birthday on Friday 16th January.
Happy Birthday also to Kitty Corcoran, Castlerea, Ballinahown who celebrated her birthday on Monday 19th January.
We hope you both enjoyed you special day.
Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service
Are you male or female suffering from domestic abuse, if so help is available. Call Esker House on 090 6474122. Open 24 hours.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers, you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner, you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address.
Ballinahown & District News 17th January 2026
Ballinahown Community Development – 50/50 Draw
The latest 55/50 draw took place on Tuesday 5th January with Anna Turner from Doon the winner of €444.
Your ongoing support for this worthy fundraiser is very much appreciated. All monies raised is used to enhance the appearance of the village. Tickets can be purchased at €2 each and are available from Rosies Village Shop, Rohan’s Agri Supplies and The Village Inn or from any committee member. You can also purchase 50/50 vouchers which will ensure you are entered for every draw for up to 12 months. Again, vouchers are available from any committee member or from any of the retail centres mentioned above.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
To book the Community Hall for an event or meeting or to book the community kitchen, contact Clíona on 0874152465.
Bottle Bank
You are asked not to leave bottles at the Bottle Bank if the bins are full as this causes the area to look unsightly and clotty. Please take your bottles home with you until such time as the bins are emptied. Alternatively, you can take your bottles to any of the nearby towns who may be in a position to take your bottles.
MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)
MABS is the money advice and budgeting service guiding people with problem debt for more than 25 years. Money advisers are available by phone, email and live chat across the whole MABS network.
MABS is a free, confidential and independent service provided by the state. You can contact MABS by calling 076 107 2400.
Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service
Are you male or female suffering from domestic abuse, if so help is available. Call Esker House on 090 6474122. Open 24 hours.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers, you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner, you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address.
Ballinahown & District News 10th January 2026
Ballinahown Community Development – 50/50 Draw
There was no 50/50 draw last week. Draw takes place on Tuesday 5th January and results will be posted in next week’s issue of the Ballinahown & District News.
Tickets can be purchased at €2 each and are available from Rosies Village Shop, Rohan’s Agri Supplies and The Village Inn or from any committee member. Your ongoing support for the funding of projects in the village is very much appreciated.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
To book the Community Hall for an event or meeting or to book the community kitchen, contact Clíona on 0874152465.
Obituaries
We extend our condolences to Leo Reddy, Ballyduff, Ballinahown, Athlone on the passing of his father Leo Reddy (Snr.), Sallins Park, Sallins Co. Kildare which took place on December 29th 2025. He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth and is survived by his sons Leo and Paul, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Leo was laid to rest in Dunlavin Cemetery, Co. Wicklow following his Funeral Mass on January 3rd 2026. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service)
MABS is the money advice and budgeting service guiding people with problem debt for more than 25 years. Money advisers are available by phone, email and live chat across the whole MABS network.
MABS is a free, confidential and independent service provided by the state. You can contact MABS by calling 076 107 2400.
Gardening in January
Things to Consider
Remember that this is a time when many tree & shrubs are hibernating so it is the perfect time to up-root and reposition or prune back. Don’t forget that the weather can have a be influence on things this time of year and so be aware of harsh frosts and avoid planting, moving and pruning in these conditions. January can be the coldest month of the year. Lawns can find themselves under some stress this time of year so avoid excessive walking on them, especially if the ground is wet
Things to Do
The Fruit & Veg Garden
Continue to sow Garlic bulbs outdoors. Keep your spring crops covered using a garden cloche or frost fleece. If you haven’t done already; you can prepare your soil for the coming season. Turn soil adding well rotted farm yard manure. Start forcing rhubarb. Pruning of fruit trees can be done. Planting of bare root fruit bushes & trees.
In the Greenhouse
Open greenhouse door on sunny days to ventilate. By the end of the month you can begin sowing seeds indoors in your greenhouse such as Aubergines, Cauliflower, Green Beans. Loose Head Lettuce
Plant Care
Lift & divide herbaceous perennials. Pruning of trees & roses can be done. Transplanting of small & medium sized plants can be done
Lawn Care
Clear any remaining fallen leaves & dispose to your compost heap (Old foliage can harbour disease). If the ground is not frozen or overly wet you can give your lawn a light cut – just to neaten it up.
In the Garden, Beds & Borders
Mid Winter is a good time to look over your beds & rethink planting schemes. For example; where to plant some evergreen or screening plants. If you haven’t done so already you should mulch up around the base of tender shrubs. Mulch provides insulation, moisture retention & weed control. Winter months are a perfect time to do any planting. You can plant all potted or containerised plants. Bare season is in full swing & if you act fast you can still buy your pick of the bunch
General Maintenance
Continue to feed your birds. High energy feeds such as suet balls, fat balls or peanuts will help provide the essential nutrients in their time of greatest need.
Turn your compost bin once over the year & winter is a good time to do so.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers, you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner, you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address.
Ballinahown & District News 3rd January 2026
Ballinahown Community Development – 50/50 Draw
Ballinahown Community Development held their 50/50 draw on Tuesday night 16th December at 8.30pm. in the Village Inn, Ballinahown
This week’s prizemoney of €417 was won by Martina Connell, Castledaly.
Tickets can be purchased at €2 each and are available from Rosies Village Shop, Rohan’s Agri Supplies and The Village Inn or from any committee member. Your ongoing support for the funding of projects in the village is very much appreciated.
For that perfect Christmas gift why not give a 50/50 Christmas gift voucher and make it a Christmas to remember for someone close to you. Vouchers available to purchase from any committee member or from the retail centres mentioned above.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
To book the Community Hall for an event or meeting or to book the community kitchen, contact Clíona on 0874152465.
Thanks for your support throughout 2025
We want to thank you for your support throughout the year by supplying us with news, photos, birthdays, wedding notices and events. Without your help this column would not exist.
It’s amazing the number of messages we receive from locals, now exiled in foreign parts, who enjoy the local news from Ballinahown and District. Keep the news/stories coming in 2026 and help us spread the news around the world.
Obituaries
The death has occurred of Maura Butler, (née Egan) Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Athlone, Co. Offaly, on December 24th 2025. Maura died on December 24th, 2025, peacefully, in the loving care of the staff at Esker Rí Nursing Home, Clara.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Martin, son Patrick (Pat) (August 8th 2025) and brother John.
Maura will be sadly missed by her daughter-in-law Catherine, in-laws, Bridgie, Liz, Helen and Eamon, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Maura reposed at Grennan’s Funeral Home, Ferbane on Saturday (Dec. 27th) from 4.30pm to 6.00pmn with removal afterwards to St. Colmcilles’s Church, Ballinahown. Maura’s Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday 28th at 11.30 am. followed by interment in Clonmacnoise. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Remembering those who are no longer with us.
While Christmas and New Year can be a joyous occasion it can also be a lonely time for people and families who have lost loved ones during the year. Please remember to call into those who have suffered a bereavement or just make a telephone call to let them know you are thinking of them. It will only take a minute and can mean so much.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 6.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers, you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner, you can scan them and forward to us at the above emailaddress.