Petty Harbour’s Colin Walsh named St. John’s Athlete of the Year

Colin Walsh. (File photo.)

By Mark Squibb

Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove native Colin Walsh was named the Male Athlete of the Year at the City of St. John’s 2025 Applause Awards gala held May 1 at the St. John’s Convention Centre.

“It’s a great honour,” said Walsh. “There’s a lot of great athletes here in Newfoundland and Labrador, and specifically the St. Johns area…It’s a great honour to win the award.”

If you size up Walsh’s achievements from this last year, it’s no surprise his name was pitched for the award. He earned Regular Season MVP, Playoff MVP, and All-Star Pitcher honours in the St. John’s Senior Men’s Fastpitch League, leading in both wins and strikeouts, and was also a key player on the league’s championship team. Walsh was named Tournament MVP at the Men’s Senior Fastpitch Provincial Championship and finished off the year with a Gold Medal at the Senior Men’s Nationals, where he once again earned Playoff MVP honours. Walsh also competed with Bear Creek Express at the International Softball Congress’s 2024 Men’s Fastpitch World Tournament.

Walsh, 33, has been playing ball for as long as he can remember, and got his start playing with rec leagues in the Goulds and Petty Harbour.

More recently, Walsh was one of five Newfoundlanders and Labradorians named to the 2025 Men’s National Team. Also named to the team are Shane Boland of the Goulds, Sean Cleary of Harbour Main, Brad Ezekiel of Holyrood, and Jordan Pomeroy of Placentia. Les Howey of CBS serves as an assistant coach with the team.

“The biggest honour, in any sport, or in anything you do, is to represent your country,” said Walsh. “So, I’m looking forward to it, and we’ve got a great group of guys… some veterans, and some new, young players coming through the ranks.”

Also on the award front, The Galway Hitmen, who boast a number of players from the Goulds and Petty Harbour, including Walsh, was named Team of the Year at that same Applause Award gala.

The Hitmen went undefeated (9-0) to win gold at the 2024 Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The Hitmen outscored opponents 77-17 (+60), with a .339 team batting average and a 2.10 Earned Run Average.

Saints Peter and Paul Parish donation to community food pantry

Members of Saints Peter and Paul Parish made the first ever donation to the Bay Bulls community food pantry. Donations were collected by parishioners over a number of weeks and dropped off at the pantry, located just outside the Town Hall, by youth from the church’s Living Faith Program last month. Resident Margaret Dinn is credited with bringing the idea of a community pantry to town staff for consideration, and last November council purchased $1,000 worth of materials and partnered with the Carpentry Program at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary to bring the idea to life. Pictured, from left are Parker Clowe, Joel Windsor, Patsy O’Brien, Nathan Windsor, and Jack Clowe. Town of Bay Bulls photo

Speed humps to be placed near retirement centre

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council has approved the installation of a number of speed humps throughout the community, as well as a number of other road maintenance contracts, a sure sign that spring is on its way.

Two speed humps will be installed near the recreation grounds along Southside Track, one on either side of the grounds, and two will be installed near Alderwood Estates Retirement Centre on Harbour Road, one on either side.

Council approved the new speed humps unanimously.

During the same meeting, council also awarded the traffic line painting contract to lowest bidder Three-In-One Contracting Inc., at a cost of $1,850, plus HST, and the road sweeping contract to lowest bidder Clean Sweep Property Maintenance Ltd., at a cost of $1,200 plus HST.

Both votes were unanimous.

Witless Bay approves firefighters social

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council this past April approved an expenditure of $2,000 to host a social for members of the Witless Bay Volunteer Fire Department.

Councillor Ralph Carey said the event will be similar to the annual Firefighters Ball of years past.

During the April Fire Department committee report, councillor Justina Nawaz noted the department is looking forward to doing more outdoor training as the spring approaches, and that all equipment, including vehicles, is currently undergoing inspection to make sure everything is up to scratch.

The department boasts a membership of 31 volunteers and a paid chief.

Bay Bulls awards curb sweeping contract

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council approved two routine contracts during last week’s public meeting.

Council awarded curb sweeping services to Baird’s Asphalt at a cost of $1,050, plus HST, and waste disposal services to O’Brien’s Trucking for $2,300, plus HST. Council also approved the purchase of $3,166, plus HST, worth of maintenance tools and equipment.

On the development front, council approved the demolition of a home at 15-21 Irish Town Road and the construction of two new homes on the same property, as well as a business application for a new retail store on 131 Winnonish Drive and another business at 63 Southside Road.

Council also gave single-purpose approval to a developer who had submitted both a residential and commercial application regarding property at 710 Southern Shore Highway, meaning the developer can choose one use or the other.

Mayor Keith O’Driscoll noted that it was nice to see some new businesses opening up in town.

Biscay Bay hosts a first for Canada with sighting of rare Sand Plover

This cute little creature photographed in Biscay Bay on the southern Avalon between Portugal Cove South and Trepassey is a rare sight in North America. It’s only the third time a Greater Sand Plover has been spotted on this continent. Photo by Richard Thomas.

Saturday April 12 was a day that avid Portugal Cove South birder Richard Thomas will never forget. Late that afternoon he spotted a small plover – a type of shorebird – on a sand bar upstream of the Biscay Bay River bridge. Since any small plover is a rarity on the southern Avalon in spring, he checked its field marks using his binoculars and then a spotting ‘scope.

“I almost fell over with shock,” said Thomas. “It was a Sand Plover – a bird I’d only seen previously in the Middle East, Thailand and Australia.”

Overcoming his astonishment, Thomas set about obtaining the photos necessary to prevent his sighting claim being met with universal disbelief by the birding community.

There are two basic, closely related types of Sand Plover, Thomas explained; the Lesser and Greater. Determining the identity of a lone Sand Plover can be a tricky business especially, as in the case of the Biscay Bay bird, it shows a mix of Greater and Lesser characteristics. After some debate, Greater Sand Plover has emerged as the consensus identification. The species breeds from Turkey across to Central Asia and winters on the coasts of East Africa, Arabia, India, Southeast Asia and Australia.

“One can only wonder where this bird came from and why on Earth it ended up at Biscay Bay,” said Thomas.

If accepted by the relevant ornithological authorities, this will represent the first record of a Greater Sand Plover for Canada and the third for North America, after lone birds were spotted in California in 2001 and Florida in 2009. Thomas said that after birding for 40 years this is by far the biggest rarity he has discovered and seriously doubts he’ll ever be able to top it.

The next morning, from 6 a.m. onward, a couple of dozen birders and bird photographers gathered at Biscay Bay. In Britain, where Thomas hails from originally, travelling to try and see a rare bird is called “twitching.” Thomas said one thing he appreciates about Newfoundland is that any twitches are comparatively small in scale, whereas in Britain the occurrence of a rarity of equivalent magnitude would undoubtedly have resulted in a couple of thousand people trying to connect with the bird.

As it was, the behaviour of a few of the participants in the Greater Sand Plover twitch left a lot to be desired in terms of field craft, common sense and respect for the star attraction itself, according to a report. In one case, a dog was let out of a vehicle and flushed the bird.

But Thomas remains excited and is happy to have been able to share the discovery with the rest of the birding world.

“The bird was last reported on Saturday, April 19 but might still be in the area,” Thomas said.

St. Kevin’s High School students recognized for artistic talents

Two St. Kevin’s High School students have recently been recognized for their artistic talents. Grade 10 student Meredith Parsons, above, was awarded the provincial Arts and Letters Junior Division (15 & Under) Visual Arts Award for her gouache painting “Fish Studies.” The winning artwork is currently on display at the Rooms. Grade 11 student Alyssa Byrne was awarded second place in the Royal Canadian Legion Poster Design contest’s Senior Black & White category. As part of her prize, Byrne, along with seven other students, will travel to Beaumont Hamel at the end of June. Pictured below is Bill Hickey of the Ferryland Legion presenting Byrne with her certificate.

24th annual Art Hicks Memorial Basketball Tournament

Stella Maris Academy hosted the 24th annual Art Hicks Memorial Basketball Tournament this past week. Between team registrations, door prizes, and 50/50 ticket sales, organizers raised just over $2,000 for the school’s sport program. The family of the late Art Hicks made a financial donation and also donated a number of team hats, while members of the Trepassey 50 plus club volunteered to cover the door all weekend. Five teams participated and Sable Contracting nabbed tournament gold. Plans for the 25th annual tournament are already underway. From left to right are Kyle Collins, Trevor Ivany, Brant Williams, CJ Clowe, Conor McCarthy, Nathan Mulcahy, and Noah Power. It was the first time in some years that the tournament was held. Hicks was a respected businessman in Trepassey who operated a hardware supply business and was a big supporter of the community’s sports teams.

Goulds Elementary staff at Ronald McDonald House

Goulds Elementary staff members served up a delicious dinner for sick children and their families at Ronald McDonald House this last March through the organization’s ‘Home for Dinner’ program. On the menu was lasagna, garlic bread, rolls, and lots of desserts, including cakes, muffins, cookies, and ‘dirt cups’— cups filled with cookies, gummy worms, and other tasty treats. The meal was sponsored by Frontier. From left to right are Donna Dalton, Krista Finn, Allison Lee, Jaime Snow-Parsons, Wanda Cassell, and Jill Hann. Those interested in participating in the ‘Home for Dinner’ program can contact Ronald McDonald House Charities NL. Submitted photo

Petty Harbour fielding new microbrewery application at old church site

By Mark Squibb

Members of Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove town council will once again be voting on whether or not to approve a microbrewery at the former Roman Catholic Church on Cribbies Road.

The previous application was narrowly defeated last November after three members of council voted in favour of the application and three members voted against it. A tie-vote, according to provincial legislation, results in a defeated motion. Deputy Mayor Richard Raymond, councillor Ed Dyke, and councillor Irene Stack voted against the application. Councillors Agatha Balsom, Kayla Parsons, and Dave Balsom voted in favour of the motion. Mayor Ron Doyle was unavoidably absent from the meeting.

Petty Harbour resident Nancy Hannaford, who last year circulated a petition signed by 118 residents opposing the microbrewery application, said that minor adjustments found in the new application do not address concerns such as increased traffic, inadequate parking, increased noise, light, and odour pollution, and potential environmental impacts.

In a letter addressed to the Town she also argued that, given the building’s history as a church property, the “proposed development desecrates a sacred or historic site, erasing its cultural significance.”

Town staff could not tell the Irish Loop Post how many letters council received in regard to the application until that information has been tabled at an upcoming council meeting.

While the window for public comment has closed, council is still undertaking a preliminary review of the application.

Witless Bay Kin Club hosts provincial conference

By Mark Squibb

The Witless Bay Kin Club hosted the All Newfoundland and Labrador Spring Zone Conference in Gander this last month.

Over 130 Kin members, including District Governor Bill McFadden of Nova Scotia and Vice Governor Craig White of St. John’s, attended.

Witless Bay Kin Club President Adam Carey said the conference is an opportunity for Kin members to meet with other Kin, discuss the club, hold meetings, enjoy some live music, and have a bit of fun.

Carey said fellowship and camaraderie are a big part of being a Kinsman, but the main goal is to serve the community, and, true to the Kin spirit, members raised over $3,000 in memory of Aurora Keats, a Grade 9 student killed in an ATV crash in Gander this past March, during the conference. The family asked that the money be donated to the local gymnastics club of which Aurora was a member.

One of the topics at the conference was how to entice younger folks into joining a Kin club. To that end, the Kin Club of St. John’s is looking to begin a Kin Campus Club at Memorial University for students. It will not be limited to Memorial students only.

Carey said that interestingly enough, the Witless Bay Club boasts a younger demographic than some of the other clubs across the province.

The Witless Bay Club is busy throughout the year, from organizing the annual Santa Claus Parade, hosting dart tournaments and selling 50/50 tickets for different community causes. Just recently, the club opened a new, walk-in community pantry, free of charge to those in need.

“There’s a little bit of work involved in it, but at the end of the day it makes you feel nice that you can help people out and do things for your community,” said Carey.

The club currently boasts 8 full-time members, and anyone interested in joining it can email witlessbaykin@gmail.com for more information.

U11 Southern Shore Breakers girls’ hockey team undefeated

The U11 Southern Shore Breakers girls’ hockey team has gone undefeated this season, with a record of 24 wins, one tie, and zero losses. The girls capped off their phenomenal season by taking home the U11A Girls Metro Hockey League championship banner by besting Paradise Warriors in Paradise. The girls also went undefeated in the Paradise Ice Breaker and the Christmas Cup tournaments. In the back, from left, are Larry Sullivan, Regan O’Rielly, Kevin Whelan, Ian Kieley, and Hailey Drew. In the middle, from left, are Melia Costello, Amelia Trahey, Jada Noseworthy, Cierra Frampton, Claire Whelan, Allison Drew, Macy O’ Rielly, Charlotte Chubbs, and Mary Costello. In the front, from left, are Emma Dort, Maddyn Kieley, Danica Picco, Natalie Earle, Lauren Sullivan, Abbi Ward, and Olivia Frampton. Missing from the photo is Junior Coach Kate Sullivan. Susan Marie Photography

Goulds Lions Club celebrated its 49th Charter Night

The Goulds Lions Club celebrated its 49th Charter Night this past March, marking nearly a half a century of volunteer work in the Goulds and beyond. A number of Lions were recognized during the event. Barbara Hearn was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Pat McGrath was awarded the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship, Pat Putt was named Lion of the Year, Trudy Condon was named Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rideout was awarded Life Membership, and Carl Chafe was awarded the Lion Max Simms Memorial Camp Fellowship. Derrick Rideout, Clev Ingram, Lloyd Gillard, Jim Linthorne, and Ron Pond received service pins, while Clev Ingram, Emily Chafe, and Danny Campbell received President’s Appreciation awards. Zone Chair Judy Sparkes, District Governor Brad Moss, and chairperson and past president Jeff Marshall acted as Master of Ceremonies. Pictured in the top photo, are, from left: Lion Danny Campbell, Lion of the Year recipient Pat Putt, and Lion Dawn Hynes. And in the bottom photo, from left: Lion Dawn Hynes, Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient Lion Barbara Hearn, District Governor Brad Moss, and Lion Danny Campbell. Goulds Lions Club Photos

Goulds charity game raises over $15,000

By Mark Squibb

Residents of the Goulds and beyond raised a total of $15,280 to split among three different charities at the 9th Annual St. Kevin’s High Alumni Hockey Charity Classic on March 7.

The lion’s share — $11,680 — will be donated to the Curtis Hudson Memorial Fund. Some $3,000 will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, while $600 has been earmarked for the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society.

This year’s amount pushes the total donation amount raised over the last nine years to just over $60,000.

A number of door prizes— including an autographed Mitch Marner jersey and Shoreline Epoxy gift certificate valued at $3,000 — were also awarded.

Organizer Jason Snelgrove said the organizers are thankful for the tremendous community support and are looking forward to the 10th annual event next year

Witless Bay approves hose and ladder testing for firefighters

By Mark Squibb

Witless Bay council earlier this month approved a round of hose and ladder testing for the Wit-less Bay Volunteer Fire Department to be completed at a cost of $1,487, plus HST.

Council also approved the purchase of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) pack to a maximum pur-chase price of $500, HST included, for the department.

RIT packs contain important fire rescue tools.

Council also directed Fire Chief Jack Gatherall to visit a property to determine if emergency ve-hicle access was impeded by the storage of materials on an adjacent property. If so, the proper-ty owner will be advised to move the material. Council did not identify either address.

Bay Bulls approves additional bills for Northside Road project

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council last week approved two change orders for the Northside Road upgrade project.

The first was for installation of additional culvert and additional rockfill at a cost of $6,885, plus HST. The second was to increase the area of the retaining wall installation to match the supplier’s pre-cut paneling. This move increased the area by 65.2 metre squared for a cost of $63,244 plus HST.

As the original tender came in underbudget, the change orders will be absorbed by surplus funding.

The $1.8 million project has been split between all three levels of government, with the province footing 50 percent of the bill and the federal government footing 40 percent of the bill, leaving the Town on the hook for only 10 percent ($184,088.)

Fermeuse church sold to numbered company

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic church in Fermeuse.

The St. Charles Borromeo Catholic church in Fermeuse has been sold.

The church was sold for $43,000 to a numbered company that was incorporated in February of this year.

The provincial government’s Companies and Deeds register names 8 Hayward Avenue, St. John’s as the company’s address. The company also boasts a Churchill Square mailing address. Sijith Mayyattil Antony is listed as company director. He could not be reached for comment by press time.

The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of St. John’s confirmed the sale, which closed on February 21.

Neither Fermeuse Mayor Jerome Kenny nor the Holy Family Parish, which oversees church functions from Cape Broyle to Renews - Cappahayden, would comment on the sale.

Construction of the church was completed in 1926, and the building was recognised federally as an historic place in 2006.

Master Mariner eager to steer the course in Avalon for the Conservatives

By Mark Squib

Branden O’Brien, 30, has announced his intention to seek the Conservative nomination in the district of Avalon.

O’Brien was born and raised in the Goulds, and now resides in Paradise. A graduate of St. Kevin’s High School, O’Brien went on to pursue a career in the marine sector, earning a Nautical Science diploma from the Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland. In 2023, he achieved his Master Mariner’s designation, and in 2024, captained his first vessel. O’Brien is currently completing a Master of Maritime Management at the Marine Institute while also teaching at the Offshore Safety and Survival Centre in Foxtrap.

“I was very fortunate in my career and very fortunate with my upbringing, but I found that it’s getting harder and harder to get by,” said O’Brien. “And I thought that it doesn’t need to be this way. And hearing so many people complain about the way things are going, I’ve always been someone to think, ‘If there’s something to do to improve it, why aren’t we improving it?’ I saw the issues we were having, and I didn’t agree with the course we were on, and I had this ‘Eureka’ moment and thought, ‘If I’m not willing to throw my hat into the ring and try and do something to change things and try and help us out, why should I expect anyone else to do it?”

He believes that his nautical experience would benefit him in Ottawa.

“You take all this counsel into consideration, but at the end of the day, the captain is the one who has to make the final call,” said O’Brien. “Indecision, or flip-flopping on an issue is one of the worst things you can do for the crew, or, in this case, a riding or a constituency… I’ve had a lot of experience with oil and gas, search and rescue, science exploration. I’ve spent the last eight summers in the Arctic… I think we can use some of that experience to help solve some of the issues we’re facing as a country.”

O’Brien allowed it’s a gamble to seek the nomination, but said he has always had both a desire to help others and an interest in public policy.

“I said to myself, if I don’t do this now, will I ever do it, and will I have that regret that I could have done something differently?” said O’Brien. “If in four years time things haven’t changed, and I didn’t step up to try and change things, I would be almost resentful of myself for not putting my name forward. At least now, if I go for it, I know I’m going to give it my best effort and do everything in my power to make the riding, the province, and the country better. It sounds a little idealist, I suppose, but truly, that’s what I think.”

Should he be elected, O’Brien said he would champion the province’s natural resources sector.

“I’ve had lots of friends that have had to move away to find work opportunities, and I don’t think there’s any need for that,” said O’Brien. “We’re natural resource rich. There should be lots of opportunities here for high paying jobs. There should be lots of opportunities for industry. And over the last little while seeing how almost apathetic and indifferent the federal government has been to Newfoundland and Labrador’s resources, I think that’s a huge, huge mistake, and a detriment to the people of the riding. The Conservative Party is committed to sustainable, natural resource development and that’s who I align most with.”

O’Brien said when it comes to the country’s leadership, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is the man for the job.

“I think Poilievre is consistent,” said O’Brien. “From day one, he’s been a champion for Newfoundland and Labrador’s natural resources. He’s a big believer in developing industry, in developing manufacturing, in getting Canada back to where Canada should be.”

An advocate for community involvement, O’Brien has volunteered with the Heart and Stroke foundation since he was 12 and is a member of the Goulds chapter of the Knights of Columbus.

He also volunteered with the St. Kevin’s Parish 2017 Chase the Ace fundraiser, which drew massive crowds to the Goulds each week in search of the elusive Ace. His mother Carol was the announcer.

As of print deadline, the Conservatives had not set a date for the nomination vote.

U23 Men’s Softball Pan American Championship

Ryan Maher (left) of Petty Harbour Maddox Cove will represent Canada at the 2025 U23 Men’s Softball Pan American Championship from May 1-11 in La Pampa, Argentina. Maher, who has already competed in a number of national tournaments in recent years, is following in the foot-steps of his father Chris, who played for Team Canada in 1997, and cousins Mitch and Mark Stack, who played for Team Canada in 2016 and 2023 respectively. Adrian Green of Carbonear has also been named to Team Canada. Picture, from left, are Ryan Maher, Mitch Stack, and Mark Stack.

Speed humps to be located in same spots as last year

By Mark Squibb

Bay Bulls council has approved the installation of a number of speed humps in recreation and playground areas.

Approval for the work came at the March 11 public meeting of council, which saw just three of the five person council in place as councillors Corey Ronayne and Jason Sullivan were both absent.

Deputy Mayor Jason O’Brien said the speed humps will be installed along Sheldon Drive, Island Cove Road and Cemetery Lane West in the same locations as last year, and that no other speed bumps will be installed this calendar year.

There are two slated for Sheldon Drive near the playground, two near the Island Cove Road playground, four at the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre parking lot, and two along Cemetery Lane West in front of the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre.