Would you believe this man? This is one of the two men who claim to have had visions of the Virgin Mary. Keith Henderson - is pictured below. I know what I’d think if this man told me he was seeing things. He probably needs medical help. Picture taken from http://www.irishtimes.com/indepth/slideshows/knock-apparition-virgin-mary/ where you can see more of the activity at knock on 31st October 2009. Nothing happened apart from a few thousand crazy people running around and looking at the sun. I looked at the sun for no more than 2 seconds that day - and I could see loads of circles ringed in blue for minutes afterwards. It was no miracle - just my eyes being nearly blinded by looking at the bloody sun. Read an eye wittness report from Knock here... Similar posts

Sales Representative (Meat Products) required to establish a new customer base and sell meat products in UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy. This position may require the applicant to travel to these destinations, however the main base for the applicant will be Ballyhaunis. Is is preferable that the successful candidate should have a Degree in one of the following disciplines : Business Management, Business Studies, Accounting or Marketing. Hours per week: 40 Start date: Nov 2009 Experience Required: Some Experience. Minimum Salary : 9.00ph Euro Maximum Salary: + Commission Euro Other Benefits: Commission will be minimum double the salary figure. Location : Ballyhaunis Closing Date 12/11/2009 To apply please contact : Hazim on 094 96 30647 Employer: Iman Casing &... Similar posts

Another non event today at Knock apparently. Expecting an apparition promised by a self proclaimed “visionary” - thousands of people turned up in Knock - many in camper vans and transit vans . According to reports on the local radio station today - the main basilica was full with people and the doors were closed to prevent overcrowding. Joe Coleman and a couple of “followers” started off praying the Rosary around 2.30. At around 3.20 the reporter said he heard aloud noise (like thunder) - and everyone ran outside - some climbing over seats to get out. He said it was dangerous behaviour and it was lucky no one was hurt. Joe Coleman stayed inside while the people wer looking at the sun (again). The reporter said there were some “strange activities ” in... Similar posts

This is a video of what really happened in Knock on October 11th. Apparition , Sun Dancing , Visions ? Nothing happened. Expect more of the same today. Nothing Happened Great news for the local hotels and B&Bs - not a vacancy within 30 miles of Knock tonight. I wonder if Joseph Coleman has any relatives in the B&B trade? The stalls selling cheap made in China tat will do a roaring trade. Expect a few fireworks too...... Similar posts

What a day - the wind must be 100mph over here. We had a power cut earlier - and the power kept gong on and off all the time. Took the opportunity to go to Claremorris for a swim and a bite to eat. I like power cuts sometimes - it gives me an excuse to leave the housework - because there isn’t a lot you can do without electricity is there? Went to Aghnas in Claremorris after a swim - and had some nice pumpkin soup and brown bread (nice staff there too). Quick shop in Tescos - and by the time we got back the power was back on. The wind is getting stronger - so I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more power cuts tonight. Better get the candles...... Similar posts

A man who claims to be a clairvoyant and healer (apparently charging €60 a sitting) has forecast that the Virgin Mary will appear in Knock this Sunday at 3pm. Ballyfermot man - Joe Coleman is also linked to alleged visions in Donegal near Dungloe . (latest supposedly on the eve of the Lisbon referendum) He has a website that lists testimonials about these Dungloe visions - at the moment there is a grand total of 1 testimonial from a 10 year old boy! . (Hardly a reliable source?) The only named witness to the latest Dungloe vision is this boys father (quoted in the Irish Independent) . The Dungloe parish priest, Father Seamus Meehan, was quoted as saying “But I would be kind of sceptical about it myself” Many people will probably flock to Knock when they hear this rumour... Similar posts

The newly built swimming pool and gym is almost ready in Claremorris. It is expected to open on September 1st - if all goes to plan. Membership details and prices are still not available - but there should be details available soon. The leisure centre is only a 15 minute drive from Ballyhaunis and means there are now 2 in Claremorris (one at the McWilliam Park hotel). Whilst it is a pity there are no such facilities in Ballyhaunis yet - at least we don’t have to travel too far to have an indoor swim or use a gym. With the proposed new cinema in Claremorris and the Lidl , Tesco ,Smyths and Elvery’s stores - there will probably be more people making the journey to Claremorris instead of...... Similar posts

These are the Mayo County councillors elected in the Swinford area . 2009 Town of the Hardy Bucks. Sinn Fein topped the poll and Fianna Fail have only one councillor in the Swinford area. Figures shown are votes after 4th count Murray Gerry SF 2218 - Elected Lavin Eugene FG 1847 - Elected Maloney Jimmy FF 1771 - Elected Mellett Joe FG 1563 - Elected Caulfield John FF 1173 - Eliminated Healy John NP 210 - Eliminated Henry Cathal FG 544 - Eliminated Smyth Michael FF 1508 - Eliminated Spain Sylvia NP 221 -...... Similar posts

It’s soon going to be the local council elections - so we can expect more of the ugly posters of smiling, usually overweight men (mostly men) looking for our vote. Some of them might even call to our doors looking for support. Over in Roscommon - one councillor Luke Flanagan was on Today FM recently talking about how useless most councillors are and how little power they actually have. The real power seems to be with the council officials and managers. Councillors get paid around €17000 a year plus expenses . Not bad money really. On Today FM one speaker mentioned that it was common for councillors to sign up for conferences in all corners of Ireland so they can claim big travel expenses. It was also reported that the majority usually don’t even stay for the conference -... Similar posts

20 Boners wanted : Duties will include boning carcass beef. Full training may be given if required. Previous experience is desirable. Contract type: Permanent / Full Time Days per week: 5 - Hours per week: 39 Start date: Immediate Experience Required: Some Experience. Salary: 8.65 per hour Euro Closing Date 06/06/2009 To apply please forward CVs to : Dawn Meats (Ballyhaunis), Clare Road , Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, Fax No: 094 9630561 E-Mail: wcampbell@dcm.ie. Alternatively please telehpone : Tel No: 094 9632400 for further...... Similar posts

BALLYHAUNIS INTERCULTURAL YOUTH GROUP ‘TALKING HEADS PRODUCTIONS’ invites you to the Premiere of their short puppet animated films. A reception will be held in Ballyhaunis Library at 8.30pm. on Tues. 28th April, after which the films will be projected outdoors. All are...... Similar posts

Some good news this week for all of us living in rural or semi rural Ireland . Amazon are now delivering electronics and video games to Ireland. For those of us living outside large cities - buying cameras or laptops or DVd recorders - anything like that - usually means taking at least half a day and a round trip of maybe 80 miles to get something decent. Even then - the prices and selection available are not great. There are a few websites delivering certain things to Ireland - but now Amazon has changed it’s rules it is a one stop shop for loads of great things - at prices way lower than you will usually get in Ireland. See for yourself here. Now you can get your Cds Dvds Video Games at the same site you buy Consoles, Cameras, Laptops etc With delivery charges lower than many... Similar posts

Health Care Assistants (Part Time) Vacancies Health Care Assistant required in a Tooreen Nursing Home for the day to day care of patients. Good working conditions. Manual handling qualification is an advantage but training can be provided if required. This position is permanent long term to cover sick leave and holidays. This position will be located 4 miles outside of Ballyhaunis therefore own transport is necessary. No. of Jobs: 2 Contract type: Permanent / Part Time Days per week: 5 Hours per week: 20 Daily Hours: 4 Start date: Immediate Salary: Neg DOE Euro Location : Ballyhaunis Apply Before 01/04/2009 To apply please apply in person or forward CVs including references to : Ave Maria Nursing Home, Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. Tel: 094 9639999...... Similar posts

A Claremorris woman claimed in court to have kleptomania - but was still sentenced to two four month prison sentences for a spate of thefts and a public order offence. Winnie McDonagh, 35 Luí na Gréine, Claremorris, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty to three separate incidents of theft in court. She admitted to stealing 200 cigarettes from a Londis Shop in Ballyhaunis on October 8 2008, She admitted to stealing €12 worth of items from SuperValu in Claremorris on March 17 2008, and on July 4 2008 she was found in possession of a pair of shoes valued at €120 which had been stolen a number of days earlier from McGuire’s shoe shop in Ballina. She also pleaded guilty to a public order offence on June 26 2008 in Claremorris when she was arrested for being threatening and abusive on the...... Similar posts

The special 2009 Saint Patrick’s day episode of The Simpsons features a town called Dunkilderry in Ireland. It is a fictional town - so it seems - but someone has set up a blog for this town soon to be made famous by the Simpsons. I wonder how many Americans will be planning to visit next year. Happy St Paddys day when it comes. Maybe Ballyhaunis could ask the Simpsons to visit here next year - we have plenty of pubs for sale and Homer could get work in the Meat Factory. Not sure how Bart would cope in Ballyhaunis Community school - or how the teachers would cope with him. Episode to be shown in Ireland 17th March Sky...... Similar posts

It is going to be one of those years.  Taxi drivers are on strike from time to time to stop new licences being issued.  They know how to bring Dublin to a complete stop....... Similar posts

The old saying is - there are two certainties in life - Death and Taxes . Well , looking after the dead is a growing concern in Ballyhaunis. Local councillors have given the o ahead to plans to extend Abbeyquarter Cemetery, Ballyhaunis. Funding is in place for the work, which is to go ahead as soon as weather permits, according to senior engineer with Mayo County Council, Mr. Patsy Bourke. Councillor John Cribbin said he had been inundated with calls about the shortage of space at the cemetery, which he said was currently ‘at a...... Similar posts

Nurses required for part time work in nursing home. This is a new facility -excellent conditions and rate of pay. Premium shift work at weekends. Fluent English essential. Starting Date: Immediate Minimum salary: Negotiable Hours per week: 16 Employer Name: Ave Maria Nursing Home Address: Tooreen, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, IE Phone: 094 9639999 Email: info@avemarianursinghome.com Information: info@avemarianursinghome.com How to apply: Applicants please email CV to info@avemarianursinghome.com or phone 094 9639999 to arrange interview. Last date for application:...... Similar posts