Ballinasloe & District Pioneer Youth Club

Dear Parent /Guardian,

Thank you for supporting your child’s membership of the above club.

The purpose of this page is to provide you with updates etc. regarding club developments, decisions, activities etc. We trust it will prove useful to you and to ourselves (Adult Club Leaders) in maintaining good communication.

CURRENT UPDATES (18th June)

At request of some Youth Club Members we will have two meetings before our summer break.

Friday 20th June
Clonfert Family Centre
8 – 9.30 pm

We’re planning a relaxed evening that will embrace a discussion on a summer outing in August. 

Three suggestions have been offered:

1. Visit to Emerald Park
   Emerald Park | Ireland’s Only Theme Park and Zoo | Meath
2. Visit to Wildlands
   Wildlands | Indoor & Outdoor Activity Centre | Moycullen,…
3. Visit some tourist attractions closer to Ballinasloe, e.g. Ahascragh Distillery, Aughrim Interpretive Centre

Parents very welcome to participate in this discussion.

Friday 4th July
Clonfert Family Centre
8 – 9.30 pm

We will have our Annual Awards Night … integrating presentation of club hoodies.

PREVIOUS UPDATES (18th June)

June 12th Mass & Social Get Together

Mass

Every year during June we have a special Mass, usually on the Feastday (Solemnity) of the Sacred Heart.  As this feastday is falling on the last Friday in June, a day when many schools have end-of-year religious ceremonies, we have changed to the evening of Thursday 12th June.  The starting time of our Mass will be 7.30 pm.

This Mass will include an opportunity for young people from many parishes to enroll as Young Pioneers, and for club members and other Young Pioneers to renew their pledge, and to ask God to them to be true to their pledge.

Bishop Michael Duignan will preside, and he will be glad of the assistance of all club members, leaders and parents who are available to assist. 

The list jobs / duties are as follows:

1. To welcome people as they arrive & distribute hymn sheet (3)
   
   
2. Altar Server(s)
   Pupils of Ballymacward NS who are enrolling as Young Pioneers
   
   
3. To be part of a small choir that will lead the singing
   Sophia, Maja, Ronan, Aisling, Joyce & Abbie, Victoria, Irene and Justin
   
   
4. Opening Address / Welcome everyone
   Francis H. (as current Youth Club Leader)
   
   
5. Reader of First Reading & Psalm
   Sophia
   
   
6. Reader of Second Reading
   Ronan H.
   
   
7. Readers of Prayers of the Faithful (2)
   Maja
   
   
8. Persons to help with the offertory (2)
   Abbie & Joyce
   
   
9. Person to read Post-Communion Reflection
   Choir to sing instead.
   
   
10. Closing Address / Vote of thanks
    Aisling (as currentt Deputy Youth Club Leader)
    
    
11. To distribute Youth Club brochure to young people as they leave the Church (3)
    Daniel & Francis.

Social Get-Together

We will also have a social gathering with the young people who enroll as Young Pioneers and their families in The Emerald Ballroom, immediately after Mass.  Crisps, biscuits, fruit, drinks etc. will be served  as people arrive, and we plan to play some interactive games for c. 20 minutes.  We will also offer those who come a short presentation on our Youth Club, offer those who come an opportunity to purchase a Pioneer pin, enroll on Pioneer Database, and register their interest in our Youth Club so we can contact them in late August / early September.

The related jobs / duties are as follows:

1. Welcome people at the door of the Emerald Ballroom (3)
   
   
2. Serve hot drinks to parents
   Francis & John Harney
   
   
3. Serve cold drinks, crisps etc. to young people
   Maja,
4. Operate Registration Table
   (& ask if they would like to be contacted in August re: Youth Club)
   
   
5. Operate Purchase of Pins Table
   
   
6. Introduce Games
   (i) Justin
   (ii) Maja
   (iii) ?
7. Offer a brief introduction to Youth Club (Leader & Club member)
   (i) Maja
   (ii) 

Please contact Justin if you or your child is willing  to assist.   Thank you.

PREVIOUS UPDATES (28th May)

Hoodies or Trophies?

All replies to my query of 18th May (see below) favoured hoodies, so we will go with the hoodies.

What will Hoodie look like?

Thanks to all who replied with suggestions etc.    We have a consensus.

Colour
French Navy

Style of hoodie
Unisex
One with a large pocket at the front, accessible from left and right.  
Please visit Regatta Outdoor Utah Shop, Main St. Ballinasloe, to view a sample.

Crest / Logo
Here is a picture of our crest.  It will cover a space c. 10 cm squared.

Slogan on the back
Here is a picture of it:

Other Important Information
We recognise that many club members value ‘self-expression’.  We propose to invest in some red and some gold bandanas / neckerchiefs, which club members can individually decorate etc. and in this way complement the hoodie.  They can also choose how they wish to wear them (if at all).

Correct Size
So as to ensure that we will have hoodies for our Awards Night, our order needs to be placed next Saturday (31st May).  Please advise Justin by text or WhatsApp message which size hoodie your child / or club member requires.  You may choose from either set of sizes:

Young Person Sizes
M (7-8 years), 30 -32 inches
L  (9 – 11 years(, 32 – 34 inches
XL (12-13 years), 34 – 36 inches

Adult Sizes
S   34 – 36 inches
M   38 – 40 inches
L   42 – 44 inches
XL    46 – 48 inches
XXL    50 – 52 inches
3XL   54 – 56 inches
4XL    58 – 60 inches

Cost
Free to young people in the club.

Unfortunately our funds will not extend to offering a free hoodie to Club Leaders or Parents.  The cost to us (parents and leaders) will be €40.00.  Please contact Justin with  your size, if you would like to be included in the order.

PREVIOUS UPDATES (18th May)

Please read through with your son / daughter.

1. Next Meeting – Bowling Night Out

We have booked two lanes of the bowling alley in The Planet Entertainment Centre, Athlone, for 8.15 – 9.15 pm on Friday 30th May.  The bowling alley staff advise us to come early (8 pm) so we can organise teams etc.

Those of us living in or near Ballinasloe  can car pool, leaving the Family Centre at 7.30 pm.  Others can meet us at the bowling alley.

We (leaders) also propose to go to Eddie Rockets or Kintucky Fried Children, Athlone, afterwards for some chips etc.

The club will meet the cost of lane hire in the bowling alley.  Families are asked  to look after food and drink costs.

2. Hoodie or Trophy?

Our last meeting of this school year will take place on the evening of Friday 4th July.  It will include our end-of-year Youth Achievements Awards ceremony.

Last year we presented everyone with a trophy.  This year it has been suggested tha we present everyone with a club hoodie?  Which would you prefer?

3. What will Hoodie look like?

Following requests some months ago that we have a club hoodie, Sophia and her mum, Auriene, Matthew and his mum, Charlotte, and I have been doing some work on the design of a hoodie.

To begin, we would like to recommend that it have the following crest on the front:

The crest, which is c. 10cm by 10cm  is very rich in symbolism, and I hope the following points will help you engage with it:

Our Youth Club is part of an Association that is 127 years ago and it draws both its inspiration and life from Jesus, who is represented by his heart (as he revealed it to a French Saint, St. Margaret Mary Alacaque). 

Jesus’s heart is both a symbol of his great love for everyone, and his call to his followers to be loving too.

The words in Latin under the heart can be translated, ‘For the love of Christ urges us on’, or, ‘For the love of Christ impels us ‘.  They are taken from Chapter 5, verse 14 of St Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians.  They encourage  and remind us to be loving and kind, even when it is difficult.

Having the words in Latin creates a talking point with those who see the crest. For example, someone might ask,  ‘What do those words mean?’  

The two laurel branches are also significant.  The historical meaning of the laurel branches, going back to Roman times, relates to achievement and success.  When they are placed each side of Jesus’s heart, they communicate  that we (Pioneers) do not take credit for abstaining from alcohol or drugs, or for praying for people who struggle because of addiction.  Rather, we give the credit to Jesus, who helps us to be true to our promises.

The white circle at the bottom represents where you would place your own pioneer pin, and where adult leaders would place their pin.  We might make this a little smaller and change its colour.

Sophia, Auriene, Matthew, Charlotte and I also like the idea of having some words in a cool font on the back of the hoodie.   We invite you to offer your suggestions via WhatsApp or email over the next week or two … and we can discuss suggestions in the bowling alley.

Here are two examples, to help get us thinking:

Example 1

Example 2

We would also like your thoughts on the colour of the hoodie.  Should we go with navy, or light blue, or green, or grey, or yellow?

4. 7th June Celebration in Dublin

On the 7th June 1925 (one hundred years ago) a Pioneer by the name of Matt Talbot died in Dublin. Click here to read a short account of Matt’s life: Life Story of Matt Talbot

Justin and Sean (Leaders) will be representing our club at a special Mass to celebrate the centenary of Matt’s death in the Pro-Cathedral in Dublin at 4 pm on 7th June.  They will also visit Matt’s Tomb in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Sean McDermott St., Dublin where there is an exhibition about Dublin during the years of Matt’s life.

If any youth club member and / or parent would like to  accompany them, they are most welcome.  Justin is happy to drive, or the group could take the train if more than three are interested.  The outing could also include a visit to Collins Barrack … or some other acivity that youth club members would like.  Suggestions welcome.

Please contact Justin if interested.

5. Trócaire Request

Trócaire have requested a photo linked to our recent donation of €328.  we will take one in the Bowling Alley.  Please wear Pioneer Pin.

PREVIOUS UPDATES (11th May)

1. Galway Gardai Divisional Youth Awards

Thanks to Aisling, Sophia, Francis, Daniel and Matthew for representing us, and picking up our club’s merit award last Thursday night.  They are pictured here with George Osborne, Regional Manager, Supervalu (sponsors) and Garda Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche.

Thanks also to leaders and parents who accompanied them. 

Club Insurance

Since May 1st it has been necessary for our club to have its own insurance.  This has cost €501.95, and covers us from May 1st 2025  to 30th April 2025.
So as not to leave the club without resources for recreational activities, we are seeking a contribution of €30 from each club member’s family.  The money can be given to Sean Kelly or Justin Harkin at any forthcoming meeting / gathering.   Receipts will also be issued.

Recognition as an Adult Club Volunteer

Our new insurers have encouraged us to register parents who help out with meetings and events register as Club Volunteers.  This is also considered best practice in terms of Safeguarding. 
  If you wish to register as a club volunteer please contact Justin and he will initiate the process with you.

Club Events between now and end of June / early July

Club Meeting, Friday 16th May
Weather permitting we will have an outdoor games night.  Please come to the picnic tables beside The Emerald Ballroom (venue of recent quiz).  We encourage club members to bring along any outdoor game they wish to engage in.  Club will provide a volley ball and frizbee.

Friday, 30th May Meeting
We propose to have a Bowling Night Out in the Bowling Alley, Athlone, followed by a trip to McDonalds / Supermacs.  Club will cover cost of bowling lanes.  Parents asked to cover cost of food.  We will also car pool.
It would be helpful to know  our proposed date suits families.  We are conscious this Friday night marks the beginning of the June Bank holiday weekend.

Thursday, 12th June Meeting
Every year, during June, we have a special Mass at which young people and adults have an opportunity to join the Pioneer Association, and existing members, including youth club members, renew their membership.
This Mass will take place in St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe, at 7.30 pm, and be followed by a social gathering in The Emerald Ballroom.  
Bishop Michael Duignan will preside and will be very glad of the support of club members who are happy to assist (serving, beinging Ministers of the Word, helping with prayers of the Faithful, singing and reflections).
Ms Francis Egan, President of the Pioneer Association will also participate.
Family members of club members are also very welcome.

Youth Achievement Awards 2025
We would like to finish us the year with presentation of Pioneer Youth Achievement Awards, celebrating our young members’ participation in various workshops and activities.  Does the evening of Friday 4th July suit … or should we go with  Friday 20th June (27th June not available)?

Summer Outing
Options will be explored with club members over the next meeting or two.  Suggestions welcome, and an indication of dates that will not suit.

Previous Updates (May 5th)

2. Sitting in on meetings, participating in once off events

The club has recently been through a major audit.  Going forward, in terms of  insurance and safeguarding procedures, it will be necessary for parents who join us for meetings, or for some special events, to register as Club Volunteers.  Club Volunteers Forms can be completed before or after tonight’s meeting, or I can post a copy once you forward your address.

3. First Aid Workshop

Damien Farrell (one of the Club Leaders) will integrate this into tonight’s meeting.  It was very enjoyable last year.  Parents welcome to participate.

 

PREVIOUS UPDATES (25th April)

1. Invitation to Awards Night

Some weeks ago Club Leaders were invited to nominate our club for An Garda Síochána’s Galway Divisional Youth Awards 2025.   We did so, and have received a letter informing us that each club member is to receive a certificate of merit, and that we are among the clubs shortlisted to win their Group Award (i.e. groups that make a positive contribution to their community).  

The winners will be announced at their Awards Ceremony in The Galway Racecourse Millennium Stand, Galway,  at 7 pm on Thursday 8th May.  Unfortunately the organisers are unable to issue invites to all club leaders, members and parents / guardians, but they have issued us with eight invites for youth club members, and five for youth club leaders and parents.  They have also asked us to check if anyone has any special dietary requirements.

The organisers have also requested that we RSVP before next Thursday. 

If your child would like to participate (and it should be a lovely experience for them), and you can travel with them, or make arrangements for them to travel with another parent in locu parentis, please call, text or WhatsApp Justin (087 6171526) before 5 pm on Wednesday, and we will put you in a draw for the available places.

Should our club be awarded the Group Award, we will be automatically entered in the Gardai’s National Youth Awards 2025 Scheme, leading to another outing!

2. Trócaire Collection
We mentioned that contributions received at our Good Friday meeting would be passed on to Trócaire (see below).  To our great surprise €298.76 has been raised.  We will also give contributions from our next meeting.  A Trócaire box will take the place of our usual money box.

3. First Aid Workshop
Damien Farrell (Club Volunteer)  has kindly agreed to provide this during our next meeting (Friday 2nd May).  Given his years of nursing experience in emergency care and volunteer work with other organisations, this promises to be very engaging.  

 

Previous Updates  (6th April)

1. Quiz Night

We have three teams competing in this year’s Ballinasloe Community Faith Area’s Pioneer Schools and Clubs’ Quiz Evening in The Emerald Ballroom (H53 KC98) next Thursday (10th April), 8 – 9.30 pm.

We would appreciate if all team members could be with us at 7.45 pm and please convey that the club’s adult leaders would like them to wear their Pioneer pins  (Justin or Sean will have some if they cannot find them).

You are also very welcome to sit in and enjoy the quiz.  Currently we are expecting ten teams.

We would also welcome your child’s assistance tidying up afterwards and for this reason suggest a pick-up time of 9.45 pm

2. Good Friday Meeting 

Our club’s next meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday 18th April, which is Good Friday.  We plan to offer a youth-friendly Taizé ‘Prayer around the cross’ experience from 8 to 8.50 pm, followed by an opportunity for club members to engage in board games until 9.30 pm.

If the word ‘Taizé’ or ‘Taizé style prayer’ is new to you, and you can spare twenty minutes, I encourage you to watch the following YouTube video:  Taizé: Communion in Prayer – Catholic Focusl

By googling the phrase ‘Taizé chants’ you can also encounter some simple chants associated with this style of prayer.

Our young members €2 contributions for this meeting will also be passed on to Trócaire as a gesture of solidarity with those less fortunate than ourselves.

3. Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross

Every year on Good Friday representatives of local Christian communities (Catholic, Protestant, Methodist and Orthodox) undertake an outdoor way of the cross between 12 noon and 1 pm.  It begins at the entrance to the GAA Grounds that face on to the Fairgreen in Ballinasloe.

Last year representatives of our club carried the cross for one of the stations.  We hope to do so again this year.  If your child would like to participate they are most welcome.  If she or he is accompanied by an adult family member then the club’s safeguarding procedures will not apply.  If they will be presenting without an adult family member please make this known to an adult club leader in advance his / her participation.

4. Some Good News Regarding Club Finances

Many parents and adult club leaders kindly supported a Pioneer Raffle at Christmas time.  There has been a wonderful return in so far as our club has won €400.oo.  Our club was also recently awarded a development grant of €1,300.00

5. Foróige Affiliation Update

We have been advised that we should have a response from Foróige before the end of April.

 

Previous Updates (15th March) 

Welcome / New Members

We are delighted to welcome Rebecca O’Driscoll (Newbridge) and her dad, Joss, and siblings Ruth, Ronan and Colm Dennigan (Kilbride) and their mother, Ann Marie, to the club.  Owing to distance Ruth, Ronan and Colm will only be with us on an occasional basis.

Next Meeting (21st March)

Mary Rose, Joyce’s mum, has kindly agreed to lead another drama workshop.   Mary Rose’s previous workshop was thoroughly enjoyed by all and we thank her for this second opportunity.

Youth Club members may bring a friend but the parent / guardian of the friend must provide a note stating they are happy for their child to participate and providing a telephone number we can ring in case of an emergency.  We would also be grateful if they reached out to Sean Kelly (086 1647970) or Justin (087 6171526) in advance of the meeting, especially if they or their child is not known to us or another current club leader.

Club Outreach

Part of the mission of our club is to promote awareness of the Pioneer Association, and to encourage young people who have parental / guardian support to join.

Recent Presentation

We congratulate our youth member, Maja, and her parent’s, Katarzyna and Romuald, on Maja’s wonderful presentation in Clontuskert Church on Temperance Sunday (2nd March) on what a Young Pioneer is and does, and what the club is like.  We are also grateful that other club members are open to presenting in the future.

Competitions

In terms of outreach we work in partnership with the Clonfert diocese’s Pioneer Council.  The Council, through the good work of Damien Farrell (another leader), recently launched three competitions:
*  Children’s Art Competition
     Closing date:  Friday 28th March
   www.creideamh.ie/ptaa-art
             and
*  Primary Schools & Youth Clubs Quiz Competitions
      Thursday 10th April
   www.creideamh.ie/paa-quiz f

We encourage all our Youth Club members of Primary School age who live in the art competition’s catchment area to enter.  

We discussed the quiz night  with our Youth Club members at our last meeting.  The majority have indicated that subject to parents being able to bring them, they would like to participate.  Others have indicated they would prefer to be helpers, and we will be glad of their help.

DRUGS AWARENESS INITIATIVE

Last year we (Clonfert Pioneer Council and Club) also partnered local parishes in offering 6th Class children and their parents / guardians a learning opportunity regarding the contemporary illegal drugs scene through age-appropriate workshops.  Some club members kindly assisted by welcoming people, distributing handouts, helping Fr. Garve with a prayer service.

We hope to have a similar event in The Emerald Ballroom, Ballinasloe, on Thursday 3rd April.  If you haven’t had an input on what young people now navigate vis-a-vis  illegal drugs, we encourage you to participate. 

Looking Ahead to Next Year

We hope to have an update from Foróige by next Friday (21st March) regarding our application to affiliate with them.  We are hopeful that we will be accepted.

We have also applied for a Youth Club grant so as to meet related some costs going forward.

When we formed our club two years ago all young people who joined were of Primary School age, and the majority were in Sixth Class.  Mindful of the different developmental needs of young people in 5th / 6th Class in Primary School and Second /Third Year in Secondary School, we are currently exploring the possibility, from September, of have a meeting with young people of Prmary School years (and parents / grandparents who wish to accompany them) from 6.30 pm to 7.45 pm every second Friday, and of continuing our current practice of meeting current club members from 8 to 9.30 pm.   Much, however, will depend on interest in joining the club, and what is both desirable and manageable for those who are coming into leadership with us (parents etc. who completed Foróige training).   We plan to convene a meeting to discuss this and other matters once Foróige respond.

Current club members have also queried if the club could have weekly meetings.  Whilst this is a lovely affirmation of current practice it also raises alot of issues.  We will be happy to discuss at a  April / May meeting to which all parents will be invited.

Camp Veritas

Maja and Rebecca have confirmed they will participate, and four more club members are in discussion with parents regarding their participation.  The club remains happy to help financially.  Please contact Sean or Justin to arrange receipt of a related cheque.

This Camp will also be promoted among 2nd Year and TY students in Garbally College and Ard Scoil Mhuire, so there is the possibilty of participation by other young people from the greater Ballinasloe area.

Justin will also be present at Camp Veritas, i.e. as one of the adult volunteers.  He is happy to report daily to any parent / guardian who may wish to receive a daily call or text or relay a message to their child. … Mobile phones are discouraged, so as to support young people establish good friendships with other young people … and they do.

Previous Updates (8th February 2025)

Young Pioneer & Accompanying Adults Retreat Day 

This takes place next Saturday, 15th February in Donamon Castle (F42 YE13),  from 10.30 am to  4pm.
We are delighted that most club members are happy to participate and we believe they will have a very enjoyable day.
If you are free to participate with your child, you are welcome to meet us at the Castle.  All everyone needs to bring is a pack lunch.
If you are not free to participate, and you are open to your child’s participation, your child is welcome to travel with youth club leaders or other parents.   We plan to car pool at the Family Centre, Ballinasloe @ 9.35 am and make the journey together.

We expect to be back at the Family Centre at 4.45 pm.

We would be grateful for a contribution toward costs but this is not essential.  The suggested donation is €10 per participating child, and €5 per accompanying child.

If your child has a friend or cousin between the ages of ten and fifteen who would like to participate with them, they are most welcome, subject to their parent’s / guardian’s consent, and the child coming under your charge and responsibility for the duration of the retreat.

More details about the retreat can be found at www.elphindiocese.ie./youth-retreat

PREVIOUS  UPDATES (28th January)

Meeting on Friday (31st January)

Our meeting of 24th January had to be deferred owing to Storm Eowyn.  It has been rescheduled for next Friday (31st January).  Our venue (8- 9 pm) will be Ballinasloe Presbytery, Dunlo St. (H53 EC98), where Maja, Sophia, Aisling and Sean will help us make St. Brigid Crosses that will be sold over the weekend to raise funds for Social Services.
At 9.05 pm we propose to bring the group to the Family Centre, where a 40 Hour Eucharistic Adoration event will be taking place (www.creideamh.ie/40-hours).  Our plan is to introduce the club members to this form of prayer and give them a short experience of it between 9.15 pm and 9.30 pm.  Parents also welcome to be part of this.
We would appreciate if club members could be picked up from the Family Centre at 9.30 pm

Josephine’s Good News

I shared last year, with Josephine’s permission, her request for prayers owing to a health issue.  She is delighted to share that the tumour is benign, that she is enjoying great health, and she expresses thanks for all your prayers.

Affiliation with Foróige Youth Club Network

Our application to affiliate was to be approved last Saturday but owing to Storm Eowyn the relevant meeting was deferred.  We anticipate there will be no problem but must wait for approval.

Once approval has been given we will organise a meeting of all who participated in training so as to discuss the future together.

Forthcoming Retreat Day

A Young Pioneers & Accompanying Adults Retreat Day will take place in Donamon Castle, Donamon, Co. Roscommon on Saturday 15th February, 10.30 – 4 pm.  Here Club Members will meet other Young Pioneers (10 – 15 years) from the West of Ireland.  Club Leaders will be happy to bring club members … and will be even more delighted to be accompanied by parents who are free to participate.
More details @ www.elphindiocese.ie/youth-retreat . 
We will mention this again nearer the time.

PREVIOUS UPDATES (13th December)

Josephine’s news

Many parents will have met our youth club leader, Mrs Josephine Carroll.  Josephine has given  permission for us to share with you and your child that she has had some medical tests recently as she has developed a tumour on her neck.   She remains in very good form and would be grateful for an inclusion in all our prayers over the coming weeks 🙏.  She also looks forward to continuing with the club in the new year 👍😇.  If you would like to send a WhatsApp message to Josephine her number is 087 7579272.

Club Goverance Going Forward

Some issues have arisen in the Pioneer Association regarding the governance etc of all youth clubs going forward.  It is being suggested, for the benefit of our young members and club leaders,  that we affiliate with a well-known and much respected youth club organisation called Foróige, and that from early 2025 we operate under its governance structures.

There are many benefits, including activities with other clubs for our older youth club members, e.g. Christmas disco, summer barbeque,  training etc.    Foróige would also completely respect our identity and ethos as a pioneer youth club.

Currently club leaders are exchanging views about this transition, and in the main, we favour affiliating with Foróige.

The one temporary drawback is that all club leaders would have to undertake Garda Vetting and Safeguarding training with Foróige early in the new year.  In reality this also presents an opportunity!

Foroige’s Regional Youth Officer, Mr Gerry Prior, is open to coming to Ballinasloe on the evening of Wednesday 8th January to provide the relevant Safeguarding Workshop, and to support us with our Garda Vetting applications.  If you or your spouse / partner are open to joining the club’s leadership team, we would be grateful if you completed this workshop with us.  It is scheduled to begin at 7 pm and conclude at 10 pm.  Please let Justin know if you are interested, and he will remind you nearer the time.

 Christmas Mass & Social Get Together

8 – 10.15 pm on Friday 20th December, Emerald Ballroom.  Families of all club members welcome … and Justin will be in contact with parents of club members who have offered to assist with readings and prayers over the coming days.

PREVIOUS  UPDATES (16th November)

2025 Retreat Day

The Pioneer Association encourages all its members, young people and adults, to participate in an annual retreat day.

We will be joining Young Pioneers from Roscommon, Galway and Sligo for such a day on Saturday 15th February in Donamon Castle, Donamon Co. Roscommon. Parents / Guardians also very welcome.

The day will be led by two Dominican sisters from the UK, Sr. Cooey Fowler and Sr. Hyacinthe Defos du Rau. Cooey and Hyacinthe have years of experience of leading youth retreats and residential faith and fun summer camps. It promises to be a lovely day and we actively encourage parents / guardians to be part of the experience.

Special Activities Co-ordinators (3)
– To help the club respond to the rosary letter we received.
– To organise the club’s ‘bring a friend’ night.

Photographer
– To take at least one photo at each of our meetings
– To take some photos during special outings etc. that the club arranges

Mentors
– To help new members get to know everyone in the club
– To help new members get involved
– To respond to queries (with parents) to queries
non-club members and their parents may have.

Youth Club Summer Outing

Subject to sufficient interest, this will take place on Tuesday 13th August.

Outing going ahead. 14 young people and 9 adults, including 4 Group Leaders have indicated their commitment to participating.

The itinerary is as follows:

9.45 am 
Minibus trip to Athlone … leaving from Clonfert Family Centre (H53 NX59)

10.30 am
90 minute cruise / boat trip to Clonmacnois

12 – 1.30 pm
Visit Clonmacnois Monastic Settlement & interpretive Centre

1.30 pm
Minibus back to Athlone

2 pm
Lunch in Supermacs / MacDonalds

2.30 pm
Visit Athlone Castle

3.30 pm 
Shopping

4.30 pm
Minibus back to Ballinasloe … returning to Clonfert Family Centre for 5 pm.

Owing to fundraising the cost per youth club member is €20.

Parents / Grandparents also welcome and the cost per accompanying adult will be €35.

It will also be necessary for everyone to bring a pack lunch or pay for own food.

Brother, sisters and cousins of Youth Club members also welcome once accompanied by an adult family member who takes responsibility for them.

Previous Updates

To reserve a place please contact Justin Harkin (087 6171526) on or before Tuesday 6th August.

As we reach the end of our 2023/2024 year

We propose to have four more meetings / gatherings before summer break:

1. Friday May 24th (usual meeting)
2. Friday June 7th (Solemnity of the Sacred Heart / our special day)
   Holy Mass and Social Gathering with other Pioneers / young people interested in becoming Young Pioneers in Emerald Ballroom, Ballinasloe, 7 – 8.30 pm.
3. Friday 21st June (usual meeting, and welcoming of new members)
4. Friday 5th July (Club’s Awards Night & First Birthday Celebration) .

Fortnightly meetings will resume on Friday 16th August.

The Club’s Adult Leaders will also be having a 2023/2024 Review and 2024/2025 Planning Meeting toward the middle of June (date and time to be decided). Interested parents and guardians will be welcome to participate. An invitation will issue nearer the time.

 

Retreat Day with Sr Kathryn Press ASCJ

 

On Saturday 6th April Sr Kathyrn, who lives and works with young people in Waterford, will lead a retreat day (day or recollection, fun and faith-learning) for Young Pioneers from Galway, Roscommon and Sligo in Donamon Castle. She will be supported by Bishop Kevin Doran, Justin Harkin and members of our Youth Club. More information @ www.creideamh.ie/youth-retreat .

Sr Kathryn appreciates that club members and parents are likely to value an opportunity to chat with her in advance. She is also eager to ask club members for their assistance in running the retreat day … assistance with games, workshops, Holy Mass.

With this in mind we (Youth Club Leaders) have arranged a Zoom meeting with Sr Kathryn as follows:

This Wedneesday (26th March)
8.00 – 8.30 pm

Zoom Link
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8761715260?pwd=TTcxUTc1K3FhNTVOTXZrRlBoNEw3Zz09

Zoom ID
8761715260

Password
270420

We would be grateful if as many Youth Club members and parents as are available could join the meeting, either from the comfort of your own home, or by joining us (Leaders) in the Family Centre (where we normally meet).

We (Club Leaders) also appreciate that some parents are likely to have work commitments on 6th April. At this time we can offer at least six children (three per car) a lift to and from Donamon Castle (retreat venue).

A text reminder of Zoom meeting will issue on Wednesday.

Good Friday Outdoor Way of the Cross in Ballinasloe

For more than twelve years people from Ballinasloe-Creagh and surrounding parishes have undertaken an outdoor way of the cross around Ballinasloe town on Good Friday. There is also a tradition of participating children carrying the cross (with support and under supervision) for the final stage (station) … from the bottom of main street to the top of St. Michael’s Square.
This year Fr. Garvey has invited our Youth Club to participate – young people, adult leaders and parents – and to carry the cross for the fourth station (from Church of Ireland to the presbytery on Dunlo St.). He appreciates that only some will have availability and would like all who choose to participate to be happy about their invovlement.
If your child would like to participate, and you or another adult family member are free to bring them to the entrance to the Duggan Park on the Fair Green (starting point) but you cannot remain with them please alert Sean or Justin and we will adopt a Safeguarding role for the duration of the walk.
The walk usually concludes at the top of St. Michael’s Square c. 1 pm / 1.10 pm.

Camp Veritas – June 25th – 29th 2024, Clongowes Wood College

In recent years Clongowes Wood College near Clane in Co. Kildare has hosted a week long Catholic Summer Camp for teenagers, 12 to 18 years through an organisation called Camp Veritas (www.campveritas.org).
The camp can take c. 240 young people and most young people who participate love to return. Indeed the camp was over-subscribed last year.
Sr Kathyrn, who is leading our retreat day is among those who lead workshops etc. at the camp. We have invited her to speak briefly about it when we meet her via Zoom on Wednesday evening. Justin will also be an Adult Volunteer with the Camp this year.
If your child is twelve years or older and both she / he and you (parents) find you are interested please contact Justin as we have some people willing to contribute toward costs for youth club members.
As Adult Club Leaders we also see a great advantage for the club in connecting with this camp. Firstly, club members who participate will be very well placed to introduce all of us to games, recreational activities etc. they enjoy at camp. Secondly, it offers a networking opportunity with clubs like our own who avail of the camp for leadership training etc. for their young leaders.

***

.Adult Leaders happy to respond to queries etc. regarding any of the above items at our earliest convenience. Please be mindful that we are all volunteers with family, work and other obligations.

Bowling Night Out

On Friday 15th March an outing to the bowling alley in The Planet Entertainment Centre, Athlone, followed by a trip to Supermacs, will replace our regular meeting.

We would be delighted to be joined by club members’ parents for this outing.

The proposed schedule is as follows:

7.30 pm
Gather at Clonfert Family Centre, Ballinasloe (where club meetings take place).

7.35 pm
Travel to Athlone
… We would be grateful if we could car pool.

8 – 9.15 pm
Bowling
Hire of two lanes for an hour is being met through grant received from Knights of St. Columbanus last year.

9.20 – 9.45 pm
Return to Ballinasloe and meet up in Supermacs, Sarsfield Rd.
Cost of food and drinks to be met by parents.

9.45 – 10.20 pm
Supper at Supermacs

10.20 pm
Return to our homes.

Additional Information
Club leaders have invited Fr John Garvey PP to join the club for this outing. If circumstances allow he will join us.

If you have any related enquiries or questions please contact Justin on 087 6171526.

To get to Youth Club page please click here.

Bible Fundraiser Appeal
February – March 2024

This appeal has reached its target. Sincere thanks to all who contributed.

Dear Reader,

In August 2023 the above club was established by way of supporting a rejuvenation of our Association in the Greater Ballinasloe area / Clonfert Diocese and by way of being true to the association’s outreach to young people.   Since then it has grown to have ten members ranging in age from ten to fourteen years.

The young people meet fortnightly for a time of prayer, learning, conversation and games etc..  We also have an occasional outing and celebration of members achievements and are confident we will grow to having twenty members by June.

All have committed to abstaining from alcohol until they reach eighteen years and illegal drugs for life and all have committed to praying the pioneer prayer daily.

It is our custom to begin meetings with a time of scripture-based prayer that is age-appropriate and educational for our young members.  We are keen to support this by acquiring two sets of bibles, a particular set of children’s bibles for our members still in primary school, and a particular set of youth bibles for our members in secondary schools.  Having them will enrich the prayer experience at meetings.  We also look forward to integrating their use into events like our annual retreat day, Christmas and June Masses, quizzes, reading and public speaking challenges, treasure hunts etc..

The cost of the sets of bibles we wish to invest will be c €1485.00 (27 x €55). We are also eager to invest in some additional resources, e.g. icon for sacred space, bringing total cost to c. €1650.00

As of today (17/2/2024) our fundraising initiative has raised, in terms of monies received and pledged, its target amount of €1650.00. 

Our thanks to family and friends, other adult PTAA members and Knights of St. Columbanus who have sponsored bibles. We look forward to remembering your intentions when we use the bibles and take time to pray.

Further enquiries regarding this initiative may be directed to:
Sean Kelly                            
PTAA Youth Club Safeguarding Officer           
Tristane
Aughrim
Ballinasloe
Co Galway
086 1647 970 

Justin Harkin
PTAA Youth Club Co-ordinator
Conna House
Cleaghmore
Ballinasloe
Co Galway.
H53 YR92
087 6171526

Updated: 13/11/2024