Ballinahown & District News – 30/09/2022
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 24th September 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 19. Winner: Carmel Rohan, Ballinahown Village.
This week’s Quote
“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt who was married to Franklin Delano Roosevelt the 32nd president of the United States of America.
Stories from the School’s Collection
We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about the Cat and Bagpipes in Tubber and supposedly how it got its name. The story was recorded by Annie Molloy, Dernagun, a pupil in Ballycumber National School in the late 1930’s. The story is presented as written at the time.
The Cat and Bagpipes
There was once a man named Michael Minnock who lived a couple of miles from Ballycumber. He was a great hunter and he always kept two great greyhounds.
One day he was out hunting as usual but it was all in vain he could get nothing. He kept walking along through the fields with the dogs at his heels. Suddenly a big hare leapt out of the tuft of grass before him. Up with the dogs and off they ran as hard as they after her. Soon they were of sight, and Mick went as fast as he could after them, to see if he could see them. He just caught sight of them as they were about to cross another ditch and the two dogs at her heels, but still could not get her. They were now all fagged out, and Mick himself was already hardly able to stand up. The dogs and hare were again out of sight. He pulled himself along until he came to a stile. He was about to cross it when he spied the dogs and the hare lying down only a few yards apart “This is a queer hare” he said to himself.
Then up with them again and out through the hedges and ditches. He could now see no sight of the hare, when suddenly he heard a terrific roar from the dogs, and a big white sheet arose and went up in the air. He went on “with his heart in his mouth to try and find his dogs. Suddenly he saw the dogs racing back towards him, and he could see in a distance the big hare leaping a wall heading for a public house. “Begora” says Mick “I will go too and get a drink for myself.” He was just crossing the wall when looking up, and there he saw the hare playing a tune on a Bagpipes called “The hare is in the Barley” “Jack” she said “you have two great dogs, but you will have to get better to catch me “So” she said “Go in and order a few pints for yourself and get something for the dogs, and I’ll pay for them”
This happened near Moate and ever since the place is called “The Cat and Bagpipes
Parents & Toddler Group
The Parent and Toddler Group Meet every Friday morning in Ballinahown Community Hall from 10.30 to 12noon during school term. It is a fun way for parents, minders and grandparents to meet and have a cuppa while the babies and toddlers play and socialise. There is a modest €3 charge per family that goes towards costs. All welcome.
Pilates for Beginners – Ballinahown Community Hall
Starting Monday 3rd October at 7.30pm & 8:30PM. €60 for 5 week course. All enquiries to Alison on 086 0603986
Photo Competition – Results Ballinahown Community Development
Photo Competition Winner Aisling Keogh
1st Prize Aisling Keogh – €100 One4all Voucher
Runner Up Winners & Prizes:
1st/2nd Class Ballinahown N.S – 99 ice cream each sponsored by Rosie Rohan.
Aoibheann Coughlan – Wild by Water Bagpack sponsored by Celtic Roots
Birthday Greetings
A very Happy Birthday to Castledaly GAA stalwart Johnnie Henson who celebrated his 87th Birthday during the week. May you live to celebrate many more Johnnie.
Ballinahown Astro Turf Booking
You can now book the Astro Turf facility (70 x 40 metres) facility complete with LED lighting, shock pads surface plus target wall making it ideal for all sports. Single hour, multi hour and block bookings available.
Visit Ballinahown Sports Park Facebook Page to book your time.
Line Dancing
Line dancing is back in Ballinahown Community Hall every Tuesday at 8.00pm. So if you want to get fit, lose weight and enjoy yourself all at the same time then make it a “date at eight” in Ballinahown Community Hall every Tuesday night.
Local News
If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 0876308357.
Ballinahown & District News – 23/09/2022
Grand Opening of Ballinahown Astro Turf and Ballinahown Biodiversity Park
The Official Opening of Ballinahown Astro Turf and Ballinahown Biodiversity Park took place on Saturday last 17th September with the event kicking off at 1.30pm with music from the Army Band 2nd Brigade under the baton of Captain Tom Kelly at 1.30pm. – see full report in this week’s edition of the Westmeath & Offaly Independent.
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 17th September 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 19. Winner: Carmel Rohan, Ballinahown Village.
Rashina Vintage Club
The first Threshing and Field Day organised by Rashina Vintage Club since the Covid 19 pandemic was held on Sunday last 18th Of September having been postponed due to severe weather from the previous Sunday. The attendance was described by one man as the largest attendance at the event since its inception some years ago. Vintage Tractors. Classic Cars, Tug-Of-War, BBQ, Bacon & Cabbage lunches and of course the annual Threshing were all the order of the day. Funds raised by Threshing and Field Day will be distributed among local good causes. The committee have asked us to record their thanks to the general public for making the day such a success. Visit Rashina Vintage Facebook Page for pictures of happenings on the day.
This week’s Quote
“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John Fitzgerald Kennedy 35th President of the Unitd States of America.
Stories from the School’s Collection
We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week informs us about the Ballyclare area as recorded by Madeline Robinson from Ballyclare a pupil in Ferbane National School in the late 1930’s.
The story is presented as written at the time.
Ballyclare is the name of the townland in which I live. It is in Ferbane Parish and in the Barony go Garrycastle. There are 17 families and 71 people in the townland. Every family has a different family name, which proves that no Irish tribe was left here.
There are only two thatched houses in the townland, the rest are all slated.
Ballyclare means ‘Baile an Cláir” the “land of the plain”. There are three old people living in the townland. They tell stories in English, as Irish is not spoken here.
Mrs Flatherty, John Luby and Michael Doorly are the oldest inhabitants. There are no houses in ruins. The same number of houses are in the townland now as in years gone by. Some young people emigrated formerly to America. The townland is not mentioned in any song or saying. There are no woods on it. The river Brosna flows past the southern end of it.
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Fiona McHugh, Clonaderig who celebrates her Birthday on 24th September. We also extend birthday a Happy Birthday to Aisling Duffy, Kilgarvan who celebrates her birthday on the same day. Hope you both have a great day.
Parents & Toddler Group
The Parent and Toddler Group Meet every Friday morning in Ballinahown Community Hall from 10.30 to 12noon during school term. It is a fun way for parents, minders and grandparents to meet and have a cuppa while the babies and toddlers play and socialise. There is a modest €3 charge per family that goes towards costs. All welcome.
Line Dancing
Line dancing is back in Ballinahown Community Hall every Tuesday at 8.00pm. So if you want to get fit, lose weight and enjoy yourself all at the same time then make it a date at eight in Ballinahown Community Hall every Tuesday night.
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.
Local News
If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 0876308357.
Ballinahown & District News – 16/09/2022
Grand Opening of Ballinahown Astro Turf and Ballinahown Biodiversity Park
The Official Opening of Ballinahown Astro Turf and Ballinahown Biodiversity Park takes place this Saturday 17th September commencing at 1.30pm.
The investment in the Astro Turf and the Biodiversity totals just over €600,000 and is the largest single investment in the village since Ballinahown Community Development built the walking track in the sports park some years ago.
The event kicks off with music from the Army Band 2nd Brigade, Athlone followed by the official opening by Peter Burke T.D. Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. There is hopefully something to entertain young and old on the day so don’t miss this big occasion for local communities around Ballinahown. See Ballinahown Sportspark, Playground and Walkways Facebook Page for full details.
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 10th September 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 46. Winner: Peggy Quinn, Lackagh.
Congratulations to Ballinahown Community Development who have done great work in having the Community Hall repainted.
Rashina Vintage Club
Unfortunately due to bad weather on Sunday 11th September last The Threshing and Working Field Day had to be cancelled at short notice. It is now planned for Sunday next 18th September commencing at 12.00 noon. The organisers have something for everyone e.g. Vintage Tractors. Classic Cars, Tug-O-War, BBQ & Refreshments, Musicians etc. etc. So, if it’s something different you want to experience then come along on Sunday 18th September to what promises to be a great day. Visit Rashina Vintage Facebook Page for full details.
This week’s Quote
“There are three things you can do with your life: You can waste it, you can spend it, or you can invest it. The best use of your life is to invest it in something that will last longer than your time on Earth.” — Rick Warren American evangelical Christian pastor and author.
Stories from the School’s Collection
We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week tells us about the Ferbane district as recorded by Mary Josephine Kenny a pupil in Ferbane National School in the late 1930’s. Next week we hope to cover other districts around Ferbane.
The story is presented as written at the time.
Ferbane
The name of my townland is Ferbane. It is in the parish of Wheery and Tisaran and the barony of Garrycastle. There are sixty seven families altogether. The approximate number of people is about three hundred. “Kenny” is the family name most common.
All the houses are slated except two which are thatched. There are six old people living here. None of them can speak Irish. Some of them can tell stories in English.
Houses are more numerous than they were. There are ruins of a house on the Ballycumbar Road. A family named O’Connor lived there. There were eleven small thatched houses there, which are replaced by five slated ones. Some of the people emigrated to America in former years. The townland is mentioned in a song called “The Fields Around Ferbane” composed lately.
The land convenient to the town is good but further out it is almost surrounded by bog. The land is not hilly, and there are a few woods, one in Gallen, one in Ballylin, and another in Kilmore. The river Brosna flows through the townland.
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.
Local News
If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis on 0876308357.
Ballinahown & District News – 09/09/2022
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 3rd September 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 18. Winner: Oliver Maloney, Clonfanlough.
Rashina Vintage Club
The Threshing and Working Field Day takes place on Sunday 11th September. This year’s event returns after a three year absence due to Covid-19 and will be held as usual in Moony’s Field, Doon (opposite GAA pitch). The organisers have something for everyone e.g. Vintage Tractors. Classic Cars, BBQ & Refreshments, Musicians etc. etc. So, if it’s something different you want to experience then come along on Sunday 11th September to what promises to be a great day.
If you are willing to help out on the day then please attend a meeting on Friday September 9th in Doon GAA clubhouse at 9.00pm to agree on roles and tasks to be undertaken on the Threshing and Field Day.
This week’s Quote
“If what you have done yesterday still looks big to you, you haven’t done much today” –
Mikhail Gorbachev (March 1931 – 30 August 2022) was a Russian and Soviet politician who served as the last leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to the country’s dissolution in 1991. He served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 and additionally as head of state beginning in 1988, as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet from 1988 to 1989, Chairman of the Supreme Soviet from 1989 to 1990 and the only President of the Soviet Union from 1990 to 1991.
Ballinahown F.C.
Commiserations to Ballinahown FC Senior Team who were beaten 2 -1 by Mullingar Town on Sunday last in the CCFL Westmeath Cup Final played in Willow Park/DPD Park, Athlone. Despite a gallant display by Ballinahown proved too strong on the day.
Gardening Tips for September
Plant Care
- Cut back the leggy stems of faded herbaceous plants
- Support taller plants that are still in bloom
- It’s still too early to divide plants but a general clean-up of beds and borders can take place now
- Mulch over the top of tender herbaceous plants as you cut away dead foliage. Mulch using straw or bark chippings
- Continue to collect the seeds of flowering plants
- This is a good time to cut back evergreen and deciduous hedging, most hedging benefits from being cut back twice a year to ensure a thick but neat hedge
- Cut back late Summer flowering shrubs such as buddleia, hydrangea, potentilla and spirea
- Avoid cutting back plants that bear berries such as pyracantha & holly
- Begin taking hardwood cuttings. You can take cuttings of herbs
- Spring bulbs are available from the beginning of the month, order now and get planting as soon as they arrive. Some good bulbs to look out for would be:
Tulip Negrita, Fritillary Bulbs, Muscari Bulbs,Mixed crocus bulbsDaffodil.
Lawn Care
- All the work is weather dependent as you should avoid working on lawns and soils in wet or freezing conditions
- By the start of the month you can still prepare and sow new lawns but this must be done before the end of September otherwise your grass seed may not survive
- In dry conditions you can aerate and scarify lawns to improve airflow and remove moss and thatch
- Continue to cut your grass every two weeks in September. You will also need to cut at least once more before putting mower away for the Winter
General Maintenance
- Rake up fallen leaves caused by periods of dry weather
- Begin feeding birds. Be sure to first clean your feeders and tables and position them out of reach from predators
- Check tree stakes and ensure they are well secured and ready for the Winter ahead
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.
Local News
If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. You can email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or call Denis Rohan on 0876308357.
Ballinahown & District News – 02/09/2022
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number on main Lotto Draw Saturday 27th August 2022. Winning Bonus Number: 19. Winner: Carmel Rohan, Ballinahown.
Stories from the School’s Collection
We continue with our series of stories from the “School’s Collection” an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. Our story this week was recorded in 1937 Márie Ní Chuinn a pupil in Lemonaghan National School, Co. Offaly and refers to the townland known as Ballydaly. The story is presented as written at the time.
Ballydaly.
I live in Ballydaly, (the townland of the Dalys) parish of Whirraha, Barony of Garrycastle, County Offaly. It is situated about two miles east of Ferbane. There are four families and fifteen people in Ballydaly. Egan is the most common name in it. All the house are three-roomed houses. They are all thatched. At one time all Ballydaly was owned by O’ Daly. And it is from him the place got its name. There are only three people over seventy. Their names are Kelly. There were numerous houses in Ballydaly long ago but they are not in it now. Their names were Larkins, Guinan’s Whelan’s Galvin’s, and Melvins.
Some people went to America and Australia. Micky Larkin went in the early 1860s. A boy and girl of the Larkins also went to America in the bottomless ship named “Jane and Margaret”. Their father dreamed the night they went that they were drowned. He awoke and told the mother they would never see Bridget or John again. He said he saw them both going down in each other’s arms. After events proved he was right.
It’s said that a man deserted out of the British army in the year 1800 and took home to Ballydaly an army charger and him in a cave nearby until the arrow with which he was marked grew out of his hooves; that horse ploughed in Ballydaly afterwards.
The man or the horse was never found by the Authorities. The man that fired the short to release Kelly and Deasy in the British van in Manchester was reared in Ballydaly by the name of Melvin. Ballydaly is both hilly and boggy. There is a wood in the bog called Doreen-na-meel (The oak wood of the insects).
Rashina Vintage Club
The Threshing and Working Field Day takes place on Sunday 11th September. This year’s event returns after a three year absence due to Covid-19 and will be held as usual in Moony’s Field, Doon. The organisers are looking forward to renewing old acquaintances who have supported the event over the years. So, if it’s something different you want to experience then come along on Sunday 11th September to what promises to be a great day.
All volunteers are asked to attend the next meeting of the committee on Friday September 2nd in Doon GAA clubhouse to agree on roles and tasks to be undertaken on the Threshing and Field Day.
This week’s Quote
“You Are Never Too Old to Set Another Goal or To Dream a New Dream” — C.S. Lewis (1898 – 1963) was a Belfast born Novelist, scholar, broadcaster and Anglican lay theologian. He was regarded as one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day.
Ballinahown Community Development – Photography Competition
Would you like to win a One For All Voucher to the value of €100 or indeed other valuable prizes sponsored by local businesses. If so log on to the Ballinahown Community Development page where you will find all the information you need to enter the Ballinahown Photography Competition. The competition is open to all ages and skills. Closing Date is Wednesday 31st August.
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Frank and Ina Dolan, Kilgarvan who both celebrated their birthday in recent weeks.
September Gardening
Things to Do:
In the Fruit & Veg Garden
- Harvest fruit and vegetables regularly to prevent them going to seed or becoming food for pests
- Prepare areas for storing vegetables. Choose an airy & dry place to lay out your harvest
- Loosen onions in the ground 2 weeks prior to harvesting
- Stay vigilant for pests and harvest crops that show signs of attack
- Watch out for wireworms in potatoes
- Keep fruit covered with bird netting to protect from attack
- Keep squash, courgettes and pumpkins up off the ground to keep them dry and prevent rotting
- Plant out Spring cabbage such as the greyhound variety
- You can also plant, Purple sprouting broccoli, Lettuce & other salads, Garlic,
Kale & Spinach
In the Greenhouse:
- Ensure regular watering continues on greenhouse plants as fruits & vegetables develop
- Keep greenhouse door closed in evenings & night to conserve heat
- Clean out used pots & trays and wash with hot water to prevent the spread of diseases
- Ensure greenhouses are well secured as windy weather picks up.
- Prepare pots for hardwood cuttings, ensure they are in a frost free location
Keep an eye out for more gardening tips in next week’s issue.
Local News
If you have any local news – birthday celebrations, wedding anniversaries etc. or indeed old photographs that you would like to share with our readers we would love to hear from you. Please email us at Ballinahownnews@gmail.com or contact Denis Rohan on 0876308357.