Special distinction for great east Mayo GAA personality Martin Grogan
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THE GAA has announced the recipients of Gradaim an Uachtaráin 2025.
These prestigious annual awards, presented by the GAA president, acknowledged outstanding commitment and long service across the club and county network.
Among those selected is Martin Grogan of Warwickshire GAA, a native of Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, who received this year’s International Award.
Martin was born in 1950 to Clarence and Delia Grogan and grew up in Clare Street alongside his five sisters (Mary, Martha, Patricia, Anna and Helen) and his two younger brothers (Clar and the late Joe).
After leaving school he worked locally in Donnellan's and played for the local club.
In 1974 Martin traveled to Coventry with Ballyhaunis GAA for a weekend trip. Over 50 years later he is still there!
Not surprisingly, Martin joined Coventry Roger Casement's GAA Club and became club treasurer.
The Coventry club has always had strong links with Ballyhaunis, with several Ballyhaunis natives – Bernard Keane, Sean, Michael and Bernard Waldron, and the Benson brothers – among its players and officers. Martin played a major role in the club’s growth and development, both on and off the pitch.
Over time, his involvement in the GAA expanded, taking on key roles at county and provincial board levels.
He played a significant part in the development of Páirc na hÉireann in Solihull, a facility that has become a focal point for Gaelic games in the region.
Martin remains deeply committed to Ballyhaunis GAA, Roger Casement's GAA, and the wider GAA community.
He continues to stay active, managing the clubhouse and maintaining the grounds at Páirc na hÉireann. His influence is still very much felt today, with a legacy built on hard work, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to his heritage.
Ballyhaunis GAA congratulates Martin on this well-deserved accolade, extending best wishes to his wife Mary (a native of Bruckless, Co. Donegal) and their children Donal, Vincent, and Clara, his sister Martha, and the entire Grogan family of Clare Street.
Martin now joins fellow Ballyhaunis GAA stalwarts Johnny Biesty and Hugh Rudden as a recipient of this illustrious award.
VINCENT'S COMES TO TOWN
It is said that charity begins at home. With this in mind, one of the area's leading organisations in providing charity and help where it is most needed, Ballyhaunis St. Vincent de Paul Society, launched its charity shop on Bridge Street pn February 4 with the aim of raising funds to help support the ever growing demands been placed on the society in recent years.
The shop is located next door to The Gem newsagents and supermarket, and by all accounts there are fantastic bargains to be got, all items in top class condition.
Why not drop in at the Bridge Street store and see for yourself the fine selection of items on sale. You will not be disappointed, you will also be helping the less well of off in our community.
PUBLIC SPEAKING CHAMPION
Huge congratulations this week to Ballyhaunis Community School student Christina Ruane, who has won her place into the national final of the Soroptimist public speaking competition for girls. Christina competed and emerged as a winner in the regional final, which took place in Ballinasloe recently.
This was ahotly contested competition with schools from across the region taking part.
The national final of the Soroptimist public speaking contest will be held on April 5, in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar. Christina is wished the very best of luck in this very prestigious event.
The aim of the Soroptimists is to empower and enable girls to reach their full potential, with public speaking being central to their philosophy.
Well done also to Christina's teachers Ms. Mulroy and Mr. Bradshaw for all their encouragement and support in helping Christina to reach this stage of the contest.
FIRST FOR CHARLIE!
Congratulations and well done to Ballyhaunis Golf Club's most recent new club member, Charlie Finn, who came home with a whopping 44 points on his first weekend competition to win first prize and the overall winner of the days competition in the gents section.
Category prize winners were Brian Phillips, Michael Horan, Gavin Potgieter and Michael Glackin. The ladies' overall winner was Kathleen Heneghan.
HURLING INTO FINAL
Congratulations to the Ballyhaunis Community School senior hurling team, who clinched a spot in the Connaught final last week following their hard fought victory over Coláiste Crói Mhuire, Spiddal, in a match played in Annaghdown, Co. Galway. BCS ran out the winners by 3-14 to Spiddal’s 0-13. We wish the boys every success in the provincial decider.
FRANCIE CRUISE
The death occurred recently at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, of Francie Cruise of Coolnaha, Ballyhaunis.
Francie was a well known gentleman throughout the local area and indeed throughout the country having worked in the livestock trade over many years.
A great character with a big heart, Francie was held in very high esteem by everybody who had known him through his life in Ballyhaunis and beyond.
Predeceased by his brother Tommy, Francie is deeply regretted by his wife Irene (née Heaney), daughters Helen (Boston), Ann-Marie (Carrowbehy) and Sinéad (Taughnara), brother Jimmy, sister Mary Cregg, grandchildren, sons-in-law, relatives and friends.
The funeral Mass for Francie was celebrated in Cloonboniffe Church on January 27. He was laid to rest afterwards in Castlerea Cemetery. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.
COUNTRY/FOLK CONCERT
The Community Hall on Main Street is the place to be on Saturday (February 15), where there is a feast of top class entertainment guaranteed.
Proceeds from the night of music and dancing will go to the continued refurbishment of the Community Hall as well as to the Mayo SPCA.
Artists performing include Gerry Carney, David Connor, Julie Healy, Kieran Lundy and Patsy McCool. The concert is sponsored by Jenny Glow Top Fragrance, with the concert running from 8 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.
Refreshments will be served through the evening and there will be many quality spot prizes up for grabs on the night as well. Admission is just €10.
BEY PROJECT
The BEY Project, Ballyhaunis, are seeking volunteers to work in their local youth project. Volunteers are an essential part of the team in running their programme. They are looking for people who are interested in and passionate about making a positive impact on young people's lives and in the local community.
Those who volunteer will gain vital work experience, obtain skill development, share their talents with others, meet new people, and make a difference in other peoples lives.
If this might be for you, contact Laura as soon as you can for all information on (086) 7791878.
MIXED LUCK
There was mixed luck for Ballyhaunis Community School basketball teams last week when the first and second year girls were pitted against the girls of Davitt College, Castlebar, at the west Mayo venue. The first year girls earned their first win of the season with a winning score of 29 points to Davitt's 19 points.
The second year girls put in a fantastic performance but luck was not on their side this time as the Castlebar girls ran out winners on this occasion winning by 24 points to 19 points.
GAA 50/50
The winner of last week's Ballyhaunis GAA Club 50/50 draw was Jeanette Leckey, c/o Murt Hunt, Lecarro. The jackpot was valued at €460. The winning envelope was sold in Murphy's Gala, Devlis.
Envelopes are on sale at most local retail outlets at €3 each or €5 for two. All support goes to the ongoing development of the club's Knock Road facilities. All support is most appreciated.
BALLYHAUNIS NOTES
Items for inclusion in Ballyhaunis notes can be sent to Michael Byrne, Gurteen, Ballyhaunis. Get in touch at (086) 4500706 or byrnemikej57@gmail.com.