Local news: All the latest news from Claremorris

Housing projects, tributes paid to those who have passed away, and local entertainment in Claremorris. 
Local news: All the latest news from Claremorris

Over the bars/Balmoral Show 2026" by Brendan Smyth, Mount Street, Claremorris was adjudged as the winner of the "Capture the Moment" online photography Class 501 at this year’s Claremorris Agricultural Show. 

Conditional planning for housing project 

Mayo County Council has issued a conditional decision to grant planning permission for a residential development of 52 homes on a site between Kilcolman Road and Ballyhaunis Road in Claremorris. 

The development, proposed by Sayvale 24 Ltd, received the council's decision on October 15th, subject to 20 conditions. 

The developer estimates that the project will involve an investment of approximately €17.5 million and could create or support at least 200 jobs during construction.

The scheme comprises 36 apartments and 16 houses. 

The apartments, consisting of 24 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units, will be accommodated in three buildings ranging from two to three storeys. The 16 three-bedroom houses will be arranged in four terraces of four two-storey dwellings.

The brownfield site adjoins the Lidl supermarket and Claremorris GAA grounds, with the Cluain Ard residential development to the south and the N60 to the north. 

It also borders lands behind Hillside Service Station and a neighbouring private residence. Vehicular and pedestrian access will be provided from Kilcolman Road through an extension of the existing access road serving Lidl, while a separate pedestrian and cycling connection will link the development to Ballyhaunis Road.

The plans include internal roads, footpaths, car and bicycle parking, landscaped areas, communal and private open spaces, public lighting and associated services and infrastructure. 

The site already has planning permission for 44 apartments. The revised scheme increases the number of residential units to 52 and introduces a mixture of houses and apartments to accommodate different housing needs.

In its planning statement, Sayvale 24 Ltd highlighted the demand for additional housing in Claremorris, referring to previous shortfalls in housing provision and targets contained in the Mayo County Development Plan. 

The company estimates that approximately 130 people could be accommodated in the completed development. The proposed investment would also generate economic activity during construction, with potential benefits for local contractors, suppliers and service providers. The council's conditional decision remains subject to the completion of the statutory planning process.

Ann (Dolly) Cummins, RIP 

The death has occurred of Ann (Dolly) Cummins (née Penston) of Seefin, Hollymount, and formerly of Tubberjarlath Road, Tuam, and Birmingham, UK. Dolly died peacefully on October 24th, 2026.

Dolly was predeceased by her husband PJ, her parents and brother Tommy. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Suzanne, son Peter, grandchildren Josh, George, Orla and Conal, sisters Josephine and Doloures, sisters-in-law Peggy, Ann and Patsy, Suzanne’s fiancé Keith, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Dolly’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Tuesday evening, October 27, with removal afterwards to St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine. Dolly’s Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.

Violin concert at Knock 

Norwegian violinist Mari Samuelsen will perform with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at Knock Basilica on Saturday, November 7th, at 7.30pm. The programme will feature Max Richter's 'Vivaldi Recomposed – The Four Seasons', a contemporary interpretation of Vivaldi's composition.

Ms Samuelsen has performed internationally and has worked with musicians across classical and contemporary genres. She has released three albums on the Deutsche Grammophon label, including her latest recording, 'LIFE'.

The concert is presented by Knock Basilica and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. It is not recommended for children under seven.

Josephine (Josie) Nally, RIP 

The death has occurred of Josephine (Josie) Nally (née Waldron) of Cullatinny, Knock. Josie died unexpectedly but peacefully at Galway University Hospital on October 24th, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Josie was predeceased by her parents John and Vera Waldron and grandson Jason. Josie will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Michael, daughters Lorraine (Killeen) and Madeline (Hunt), son Michael, sons-in-law Patrick and Ray, grandchildren Chloe, Dylan, Madison, Bronagh, Finnon and Saoirse, sisters Tina (Kilduff), Maggie (Fitzgerald) and Rita (Mooney), brother Liam, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Josie’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Tuesday evening, October 27th, with removal afterwards to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.

Mayo pair reach All-Ireland Handball Final 

Mayo handballers Paddy Murphy and Vinny Moran reached the final of the All-Ireland Senior Hardball Doubles Championship, where they were defeated by Kilkenny's Kyle Jordan and Ciaran Neary.

Four Mayo players competed in this year's championship, with Paddy Murphy partnering Vinny Moran, while Dessie Keegan teamed up with Shane Heraty. The Mayo players faced opposition from Kilkenny, Kildare and Galway during the competition.

Paddy and Vinny secured their place in the All-Ireland final following victories over Kilkenny and Kildare opposition in matches played at Fahy, Co Offaly. The final took place at Croke Park, where they faced the Kilkenny pairing of Kyle Jordan and Ciaran Neary. The Kilkenny duo emerged victorious following an entertaining contest, leaving Paddy and Vinny as All-Ireland runners-up.

Lourdes Fundraising Dance

A night of live music and dancing will take place in the McWilliam Park Hotel, on Friday, November 20th, with all proceeds going towards helping children and young people travel to Lourdes at Easter.

Popular entertainers Shaun Loughrey and David Connor will provide the music for the evening, which gets underway at 9pm. The event is being organised in support of Group 95, a local group operating under the Rise and Shine Trust, which helps bring children and young people to Lourdes each Easter.

The local group consists of 15 volunteers drawn from Claremorris, Castlebar, Milltown and Tuam, who are working together to raise the funds necessary for the trip. 

Group 95 will be bringing young people from Claremorris and surrounding areas to Lourdes next Easter.

The Rise and Shine Trust operates nationally, with similar groups throughout Ireland undertaking their own fundraising activities to support the children and young people travelling with them.

The annual pilgrimage provides an opportunity for young people to visit Lourdes as part of an organised group, supported throughout their journey by volunteers. 

Considerable fundraising is required to make these trips possible, and events such as the forthcoming music night play an important part in meeting the costs.

The organisers are hoping for strong local support for the November 20th event, which offers an opportunity to enjoy an evening of music and dancing while contributing to a worthwhile cause. Tickets are €15, with all proceeds supporting Group 95's Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Christmas Fair 

Davitts GAA and LGFA are seeking stallholders for their Christmas Fair on Saturday and Sunday, December 5th and 6th, from 12 noon to 5pm each day. 

Local craftspeople, artists, small businesses and producers are invited to book tables to sell their goods in the run-up to Christmas.

The fair will also feature a visit from Santa Claus, face painting for children and daily raffles. 

Organisers hope to attract a range of traders and provide an opportunity for people to shop locally.

Spaces are limited. Anyone interested in booking a table should contact Barbara on 083-8576936.

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