East Africa Drought: You are aware from the press and television of the heightening crisis in Somalia, Ethopia and Kenya, where famine is emerging because of a failure in the seasonal rains over the past two years. Now up to 12 million people are at immediate risk, more than half of them children. All the classic indications of famine are visible. This has been a slowly emerging crisis which has reached “tipping point”. Trocaire is engaged in the area at present funding drought projects in the region, bringing food to affected communities and supporting livestock projects and best use of water supply. Next weekend we will have our usual YELLOW BUCKET collection in the church grounds before all Masses for Trocaire. No matter how bad the situation in Ireland, the world’s poorest remain locked in poverty. Please give generously.
Friday Church Services in Ballina: After 10am Mass, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed until 5pm. Prayer of the Church and Benediction at 1.05pm. Why not come along and pray awhile with us?
Recently Baptized: We welcome into God’s family, Patrick Daniel Gallagher, son of Mark and Rachel, Shoreside and Tom Joey Meskell, son of Thomas and Carol, Ard Coillte, who was baptized recently.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock: This pilgrimage will take place on Sunday August 7th. A bus will leave Ballina at 9am. For more information contact Margaret on 376925, Raphaela on 376621 or Liz on 375562.
Senior Citizen’s of Ballina/Killaloe: The Annual Holiday to Lahinch will take place from Wednesday, August 10th to 15th. Those wishing to travel should hand in their names to any committee member before July 30th. The Annual Pilgrimage to Holycross takes place on Wednesday, August 24th. More details later.
Cul Camp: The Cul Camp project for 2011 was held last week. It was attended by more than 100 children and the highlight of the week was the visit of Tipperary star Brendan Maher. A great week was enjoyed by everyone and the club would like to thank all the coaches and officers of the Juvenile club who insured that everything ran smoothly and that all who attended derived maximum enjoyment from the week. Thanks also to FAS who had the facilities in pristine condition every morning.
Super Camp: In conjunction with the VHI/GAA Cul Camps, the County Board will be holding a Super-Camp for the 13-16 year old boys and girls. One super camp will be run in each division with the
North camp taking place in Dolla between August 3rd and 5th. The cost is €40 per head and Michael Keely will provide for further details.
Junior A Hurlers: This team returned to winning ways with a deserved three point victory over our neighbours, Portroe. The game was played in Nenagh and marked the return from injury of Sean McKeogh and Sean Collins. Both players contributed handsomely to the victory but the major feature of the game was the two goals scored by Brian Hurley. Final score was Ballina 3-10 – Portroe 1-13. They will again be in action next weekend meeting Burgess. The Intermediate team will be out against Shannon Rovers and the minor football team play Burgess in Portroe on Wednesday evening.
