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. This weekend we had 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. Thanks for all you donations. Any outstanding donations can be made at your convenience.
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, Reuben Aien Bhandar, son of Elena & Himanshu, Boru Court, 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.
Ar Shli na Firinne: Remember in your prayers the soul of Marie McInerney, Limerick, sister of Betty Young, Garrynatineel, who was buried this week. Rest in Peace.
Intermediate Hurlers: The intermediate hurlers managed to survive a strong challenge from a very determined Shannon Rovers team and were lucky to get a one point victory in the end. Having to start without the services of Stephen and Brian Stritch and Brian O Connor, Ballina found it difficult to come to terms with the Rovers in the first half and found themselves with a 4 point deficit at the interval. Sean McKeogh and Brian Stritch were sprung from the bench and helped to bring Ballina back into the game. Mike Breen got the all important goal and Sean McKeogh scored the winning point with just 2 minutes from the final whistle.
Ballina play Ballinahinch next weekend. All support is vital for this game. The minor footballers had a one point victory over Burgess last Wednesday and our Junior hurlers were defeated by the same opposition in Shallee on Sunday morning.
