Local Notes: A lady and her dogs during Storm Amy on Enniscrone beach.
Storm Amy on Enniscrone Beach with Bernadette Ginty from Rathkip Ballina with her dogs Ziggy Stardust and Peppie G. Picture: John O'Grady.
The death has taken place unexpectedly on October 6, of Tommy Battle, Dún Ard and formerly of The Athlantic Hotel, Enniscrone. He was predeceased by his adored wife Angela, brother Mike and George, sisters Annie and Una and parents Bridget and Michael.
Tommy was the dearly loved and cherished father of Karin (Garvey), Tommy, Niki, Barry and Steven. He will be missed by his grandchildren Emma, Luke, Angela, Rebecca, Joshua, Hannah, Thomas, Jonathan, Isabella, Alexander, Matilda, Blaise and Theo, sister Brid and brothers John and Anthony, daughters-in-law Rohna and Sarah, son-in-law David Garvey, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and wide circle of friends.
Tommy reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina, on Friday evening, October 10, from 5 to 7pm and his funeral arrived at The Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Enniscrone, on Saturday, October 11, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass, Enniscrone. May Tommy rest in peace.
All in Kilglass Enniscrone Utd FC were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Enniscrone legend Tommy Battle Snr on Monday, October 6. It is difficult to put into words the esteem that Tommy was held in by the people of Enniscrone and beyond. Just last week, club stalwart Pat McKeown was out for a walk in Enniscrone and met Tommy at the promenade. Tommy, a former president of Enniscrone United and Pat had a long chat reminiscing on days gone, Tommy's 56 years in Enniscrone and indeed the present day – chatting about the fortunes of the various premier league teams. As Pat recalled, 'it would sadly be the last time he would talk to Tommy’.
Tommy began his soccer career as a player for Ballina Town in the 1960s before moving to Enniscrone to take over the Atlantic Hotel and the iconic Tom’s Top Ten bar. When Enniscrone United reformed in 1978 Tommy would be one of the club’s biggest supporters. In those early years Tommy was part of the fledgling clubs committee. He hosted all club meetings, dinner dances and fundraisers. The reformed club restarted a previously extinct tournament ‘the Manchester Utd Memorial Cup’ and Tommy sponsored that tournament for 20 years.
In the 80s and 90s Tommy sponsored all the Enniscrone United team kits and when he handed over to Tommy Jnr, the relationship continued – one of these is framed and hangs on the clubhouse wall today. Many will remember the great nights in Toms Top Ten whether it be darts tournaments, snooker tournaments, karaoke or the famous New Years Eve parties. The equally famous Married v Singles beach soccer matches on New Years Day were also a regular event in Enniscrone, with all back to Tommy's afterwards for soup and sandwiches.
Tommy’s sons Niki, Barry and Stephen all went on to play for the club with distinction for many years. All in Kilglass Enniscrone United FC pay their deepest condolences to Tommy’s children Karin, Tommy, Nikki, Barry and Steven, his sister Brid and brothers John and Antony, along with all their extended families and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam’.
Ballina Stephenite’s GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Tommy Battle, Dún Ard and formerly of The Atlantic Hotel, Enniscrone.
‘Tommy was a lifelong and devoted member of our club – a former player, secretary and one of the true Stphenite’s stalwarts. For many decades, Tommy was a constant presence at James Stephens Park and rarely ever missed a club or Mayo game. His passion, loyalty and good humour made him a cherished figure throughout the Stephenites community'.
Born in Corcoran Terrace, Tommy attended Culleens National School before winning a scholarship to St Muredach’s College. Alongside his late wife Angela (nee Nicholson) of Enniscrone, he ran the well-known and much-loved Atlantic hotel and Tom’s Top Ten entertainment centre, which became a cornerstone of social life in the region for many years’.
‘The Ballina Stephenite’s Club extends it heartfelt sympathy to the entire Battle family at this sad time. Tommy’s contribution to the Stephenites’s will never be forgotten, and his spirit will live on in the next generation. His grandchildren Blaise and Theo are both proud Stephenites Young Knight players'. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
‘One of the founding members of Ballina Town FC, Tommy Battle, has passed to his eternal reward. Tommy, of Dún Ard and formerly of the Atlantic Hotel, Enniscrone, will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the Town’ said club chairman Mark Beattie. Tommy was born in Corcoran Terrace and attended Culleens NS and St Muredach’s College and was there at the very start of the Ballina Town FC journey – a journey that began in 1961 when the club was founded as St Patrick’s FC. ‘He was a club legend’ said Mark Beattie and it is a sentiment shared by all at Ballina Town FC. May Tommy’s gentle soul rest in peace’.
Jennifer Scott Howley is hosting a Gratitude Gala in aid of the Acquired Brain Injury Unit in Sligo on Saturday, November 22 in the Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone. Jennifer is feeling grateful 10 years later and a life that she thought she would never have without the help of her family, friends and the wonderful Aquired Brain Injury Unit and their team in Sligo. Jennifer is hoping to raise €10,000 for the 10 years of gratitude, 10 for 10.
Gala tickets are costing €50 or donation and raffle tickets are €20 and are available from Jennifer on 086 8931350, and there will be full tables of 10 or 12 available by booking on the link https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1758518268479?aff=oddtdtcreator. The evening will commence with a champagne and cocktail reception at 7pm followed by a delicious dinner by chef Marcin at 8pm. MC on the night is Kieran O’Malley and live music by the legendary Hi-Fi til late.
Easkey Christmas Market is back for another year on Sunday, December 14, from 11am to 4pm and are now accepting stall holders. Send Easkey Christmas Market a message for further details.
The death took place of Richard (Dick) Morrissey, Rathleel, Fortland, Easkey and formerly of Friary Street, Kilkenny, on October 5, peacefully at Sligo University Hospital, surrounded by his family. Richard (Dick) was predeceased by his parents Martin and Ellen Morrissey, siblings Josie, John, Paddy, anna, Mary and Martin. He was the beloved husband of Mary and loving father of Michaela, Joanne, Mary Clare and Richard, sister Ellen, in-laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Richard (Dick) reposed at his residence on Tuesday from 1 to 8pm and his funeral arrived at St James’ Church, Easkey, on Wednesday, October 8, for Requiem Mass at 11.30am followed by cremation at McGowan’s Crematorium, Collooney. May he rest in peace.
West Sligo Athletics Club are very thankful for the incredible day of running, energy and community spirit that was shown on Sunday morning, October 5 last for the annual O’Dubhda Challenge. They were so lucky with some amazing dry weather after storm Amy, and it helped bring out the best ever turnout with nearly 210 participants on the day.The club extend thanks to everyone who came out and took part.
Winners of the 10k were; 1st Lorcan Murray,2nd Caroline Coulter, 3rd Aiden Banaszak, 4th Fionnuala Mulroy, 5th Joseph Forde. Winners of the 21.1k were 1st Eoin Nagle, 2nd Dessie Bourke, 3rd Denise White, 4th Carl Harney and 5th Rachel Burke. Winners of the 20m were 1st Eoin Callaghan, 2nd Enda Murtagh, 3rd Eoin Gallagher, 4th Alan McDonnell, 5th Eoin Rowan.
Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone, are holding their open night on Thursday, October 23, from 7-9pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the school, meet the staff and students and discover all that Jesus and Mary has to offer. The principals address will be at 8.20pm. For further details contact 096 36496 or office@jmsschoolenniscrone.ie.
The Easkey Scarecrow Festival returns from October 18 to 21, when the charming coastal village will once again come alive with a wild and wonderful array of scarecrows. The amazing festival brings so much fun to the village and brightens the dark days of October.
This year there are four categories – individual, family, community group and school, to choose from and the organisers are welcoming all the community to get involved. There will be cash prizes for the best scarecrows.
Whether you are a local legend or a first time visitor, the Easkey Scarecrow Festival 2025, is the perfect way to celebrate community, creativity, and a touch of rural madness. Bring your friends, your family and your best scarecrow game - you won’t want to miss it. Application forms are available locally or to download from Facebook. Entries close and scarecrows in place by Tuesday, October 14 and winners will be announced on Sunday, October 18.
****************.
Miggymoos Spooktacular Halloween Camp will be held from Monday, October 27 to Thursday, October 30, from 8.30am to 6pm and 9.30am to 3.30pm at Castleconnor Community Centre. NCS accepted and there are limited spaces, so book early to avoid disappointment. For more information and booking contact Marie at 083 3853158.
The Castleconnor Drama Groups One Act productions will be held in Castleconnor Community Centre on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 . The casts have been selected and they are working away behind the scenes to bring to the stage, two one act plays ‘A Night to Remember’ by Jimmy Keary and their entry for the one act circuit ‘In the Shadow of the Glen’ by JM Synge.
