Tug-of-war over Mayo sports event is escalating

An elected member of Mayo County Council, Donna Sheridan, has expressed her ‘disgust’ that the Women’s Mini-Marathon could be re-directed to Ballina next year after the 'huge success' of the event in Castlebar earlier this month.

Councillor Donna Sheridan firstly wanted to thank all involved who helped to make the mini-marathon and Mayo Day a huge success, and to all of her fellow councillors for putting GMA funding towards it.

“It was a brilliant success, and a well done also to Music Generation, the Lions Club, the Chamber of Commerce, everyone came together,” she said.

However, Councillor Sheridan expressed disappointment that there is a consideration it will go back to Ballina next year, noting that it was online for two years during Covid, but that it began and ran for 10 years in Castlebar.

She said: “We are not an incubator for festivals. When I put a proposal for the Fleadh to be given a year to Castlebar, I was told no way.

“I’m disgusted with the movement of this. We have to fight to keep this in our town.”

Councillor Blackie Gavin added his support.

“I second that. Everything you have said about the weekend in Castlebar - the weather, the mini marathon - it was a great credit to you cathaoirleach. Everyone I talked to was delighted it’s back in Castlebar, the Mall was so clean, the Municipal District pulled out everything."

Councillor Gavin highlighted the success of Mayo Day on the Mall.

“I’ve never seen so many young families before in the Mall. I was there 'til 7 p.m. The sun was shining, the talented young people playing music, it was one of the best days ever in Castlebar.

“All young families came from all over for the buzz and excitement. There is no better place than having it here in our town, credit to all of the staff," he added.