Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Members of the Groarke, Lydon, Byrne and Bennette families are pictured at the recent Claremorris Darkness Into Light walk in aid of Pieta. Picture: Trish Forde
Cúram Family Centre is calling on the Claremorris community to help secure vital financial support through the AIB Community Fund, which will distribute €1 million to charities and community organisations across the country.
The local centre, officially registered as Claremorris Social and Family Centre, is asking individuals to nominate it for support under the fund’s 'Social' theme. Nominations can be submitted online at aib.ie/community by clicking the “nominate here” link. Those nominating should include the centre’s charity name and registration number (20065485) and a short note on why Cúram deserves to benefit from the funding.
Cúram has played a key role in Claremorris and the wider area for many years, providing a wide range of essential services, family supports, and inclusive programmes. Every nomination will strengthen their chances of being selected for funding, which will help the centre continue to deliver meaningful, community-based work.
The team at Cúram has expressed their sincere thanks in advance to all who take the time to nominate them.
Infinity Photo Group has extended its sincere thanks to Aontú councillor Deirdre Lawless and Independent councillor Richard Finn for their recent contributions through GMA (General Municipal Allocation) funding.
The group, which continues to grow in popularity among local photography enthusiasts, acknowledged the councillors not only for their financial support but also for their ongoing encouragement and interest in the group’s activities.
According to a spokesperson, the GMA funding will help sustain and develop the group’s workshops and activities, which take place regularly in the Claremorris area and beyond. The funding, the spokesperson said, plays a vital role in supporting community-based artistic activity and helps ensure that opportunities for creative expression are available to everyone.
“We are especially grateful to Cllr Lawless and Cllr Finn for recognising the value of what we do,” the group said. “Their backing allows us to continue offering a space for photographers - both experienced and beginner - to come together, share ideas, and learn.”
Infinity Photo Group hosts regular photo walks, tutorials, and themed projects throughout the year and welcomes new members of all levels. The group has recently launched a series of outdoor workshops focusing on composition, landscape, and visual storytelling.
With continued support from the wider community and local representatives, Infinity Photo Group looks forward to another successful season of creativity.
Stephen Murphy was the lucky winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw, claiming a fantastic jackpot of €1,072. Stephen purchased his ticket in Heaney’s, continuing the tradition of strong local support for the draw.
The club extends warm congratulations to Stephen on his win and a sincere thank you to everyone who continues to support the draw week after week - both in-person and online.
Funds raised through the draw go directly towards supporting club activities and improving facilities for all members.
Alan Veldon was celebrating this week after his name was drawn in the Claremorris Soccer Club’s 50/50 draw. Alan scooped a prize of €437 with a lucky ticket bought in Warde’s. The club has thanked all its supporters and retailers for helping to keep the draw going strong.
Weekly 50/50 tickets are available in local pubs and shops across the town, and now increasingly online too - a handy option for those who want to support their club from home.
Cúram Family Centre is offering vital support to local families through its dedicated Family Support Service, designed to assist parents and guardians navigating a wide range of everyday challenges.
Whether you're struggling with managing your child’s behaviour, going through a personal crisis that’s affecting family life, or facing communication and relationship difficulties at home, this service provides a confidential and compassionate space to seek help.
As part of the initiative, a weekly Family Support Drop-In Clinic is now running every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm at Cúram Family Centre in Claremorris. No appointment is necessary – parents and guardians can simply call in to speak with family support project worker, Maria Cribbin.
Maria is on hand to offer guidance, a listening ear, and practical support tailored to each family's circumstances.
“Sometimes people don’t know where to turn,” Maria explained. “Our goal is to let families know they’re not alone, and that help is available when it’s needed.”
The service is grounded in early intervention and aims to support families before issues escalate. Those who attend the clinic can expect a warm welcome, free of judgment, and the reassurance of being supported by a trained professional who understands the pressures family life can bring.
For more information, or to arrange a separate appointment if the drop-in time doesn’t suit, contact Maria directly at 087-9119714.
Mayo were beaten 5-4 on a free-kick shoot-out after normal and extra time couldn’t separate them from great rivals Galway, in the Connacht LGFA Minor ‘A’ Football Championship Final in Bekan last week.
It was heartbreak for local ladies Emma Higgins, Isobel Phillips and Ahleagh Sammon of Claremorris, Anna Roche of Davitts and Lilly Hession of Hollymount. The game ended Mayo 1-11 to Galway 2-8.
Parents, guardians, and grandparents of children with autism are invited to join a new Autism Parents’ Peer Support Group in the Claremorris area, which will hold its next meeting this Thursday, May 29th, at 7pm in the Cúram Family Centre.
The group offers a safe and welcoming space for family members to connect with others who share similar experiences. It is an opportunity to share stories, offer support, and find understanding in a relaxed and informal setting.
The initiative is being supported through the Family Support Project at Cúram, with Maria, the family support project worker, facilitating the group. She emphasised that the group is open to all – whether you're newly navigating a diagnosis or further along the journey – and that all voices are welcome.
“There is real value in families having a chance to talk to others who understand the challenges and rewards of parenting a child with autism,” Maria said. “This group is about building connections and supporting one another in practical and meaningful ways.”
Meetings are expected to cover a variety of topics based on the needs and interests of the group, ranging from accessing services and navigating education supports to sharing everyday tips and celebrating milestones.
Those interested in attending or finding out more are encouraged to contact Maria on 087-9119714. The organisers ask that people book in advance if possible, to help with planning and to ensure everyone is warmly welcomed.
Tom’s Lane Trail, established in the heart of East Mayo during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, has gone from strength to strength thanks to a blend of community spirit, volunteer commitment, and consistent financial support from local and national bodies.
The Brickens Trail Committee has expressed heartfelt thanks to local councillors Richard Finn (Independent), Deirdre Lawless (Aontú), and Alma Gallagher (Fine Gael) for their recent GMA (General Municipal Allocation) funding allocations. This vital funding will go directly toward the maintenance and upkeep of the trail, ensuring it remains a safe and enjoyable amenity for all who use it. The councillors’ continued support, the committee said, reflects a wider recognition of the trail’s value to health, wellbeing and community connection in rural Mayo.
Beginning at the Brickens Community Centre, the trail comprises three looped walking routes of approximately 2km, 4km, and 6km. It was formally recognised by Sport Ireland in October 2022 and added to the National Trails Register, having met all required criteria. The Lurgan loop is now fully wheelchair accessible, making the trail inclusive and suitable for all ages and abilities.
What sets the Brickens Trail apart is the richness of its setting. The route passes through areas of historical and cultural interest, including the old Crean estate and burial ground, the Ballinavilla children’s graveyard, and parts of a disused Famine-era roadway. Though steeped in history, the trail has been carefully developed to be relevant and usable today, with an emphasis on safety, accessibility, and scenic value.
The initiative originally sprang from community demand during the first Covid-19 lockdown when interest in local amenities soared. Volunteers, working with support from Mayo County Council, Pobal, Sport Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development, South West Mayo Development Company, and Tús, helped transform what was once an overgrown and inaccessible stretch into a vibrant walking amenity.
Funding has allowed for the installation of seating and picnic areas, a children’s Fairy Trail, and general improvements to signage and accessibility. The development has been carried out with sensitivity to the surrounding land and history, using both public pathways and minor roads to create a scenic but secure walking environment. Some sections even trace old lanes once used for farm access, now reclaimed as part of the community’s shared space.
More recently, the trail has secured support under the 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which will enable further improvements including drainage work and upgraded surfaces - enhancements that will make the trail safer and more durable, particularly during the winter months.
While Brickens may be a small rural community, the success of the trail is a clear example of what can be achieved through grassroots initiative and cross-sectoral collaboration. The local Tús scheme has contributed enormously, despite limited availability of workers, and regular upkeep - such as strimming and maintenance - is a testament to the commitment of volunteers.
With three looped walks, two designated picnic areas, additional seating, and historical points of interest, the Brickens Tom’s Lane Trail is not only a practical amenity but also a space that fosters a strong sense of place and pride.
The Brickens Trail Committee encourages everyone - locals and visitors alike - to experience the trail for themselves. With community support and ongoing funding, this treasured local resource is set to serve generations to come.
Claremorris-based Harvest Moon Theatre Group has continued to develop on the Irish amateur drama circuit, thanks to the generous backing of local councillors through General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding.
The group has extended its sincere thanks to Cllr Alma Gallagher (Fine Gael), Cllr Richard Finn (Independent), Cllr Deirdre Lawless (Aontú), and Cllr Patsy O’Brien (Independent) for their recent financial support. The funding plays a crucial role in helping the group stage ambitious and high-quality productions, and bring fresh theatrical experiences to audiences both locally and across the country.
Harvest Moon has built a strong reputation for introducing new plays and offering bold reinterpretations of well-known works. Made up of seasoned performers from across Connacht - many with previous experience at All-Ireland level - the group consistently challenges itself to push boundaries in performance and presentation.
Their 2023 production of ‘God of Carnage’ by Yasmina Reza was met with critical acclaim throughout the country and earned them a spot in the All-Ireland Finals. The success of that production was followed in 2024 by ‘Now and Then’ by Sean Grennan, which once again saw the group reach the finals of the national competition.
Outside of the competitive circuit, the group has also found success with a summer residency in Westport, bringing contemporary drama to wider audiences in the region. Harvest Moon continues to prioritise work that is both thought-provoking and accessible, contributing significantly to the cultural landscape of the west of Ireland.
The councillors’ support ensures that the group can continue investing in artistic expression, and the many practical elements that go into staging professional-level productions. With future projects already in planning, the group looks forward to bringing more compelling theatre to audiences, all made possible through a blend of creativity, experience and vital community and local authority support.
The retirement of Hollymount native Jimmy Coen has marked the end of an era for communities across south Mayo, following 37 years of service as a postman.
Jimmy, who followed in the footsteps of his late father Pake, built up a strong rapport with residents throughout Hollymount, Kilmaine, and the wider Claremorris area.
Known for his friendly manner and dedication, Jimmy became a familiar and welcome face on doorsteps across the region. His postal route included areas such as Robeen, Scardaune, Knock, Mace, and Cloonmore became more than a job - it was a vocation deeply rooted in rural community life. He was known not only for delivering letters but for his frequent visits and watchful eye on elderly and isolated neighbours.
Jimmy’s final day on his route was met with warm tributes from local residents and a flood of well-wishes on local radio. His career was celebrated at a special gathering in Connolly’s (Finnerty’s) of Hollymount, where he was joined by his wife Kathleen, family members, friends, colleagues from An Post and retired postal workers.
Representatives from An Post included Pat Butler, Seán Murphy, Padraig Hughes, and Connie Fitzpatrick, while fellow retirees such as Christy Heneghan, Gerry Brennan, Jimmy Tully, Austin Lyons, and Gerry Prendergast were also in attendance.
As he steps into retirement, Jimmy is fondly remembered not only for his long service but also for the kindness and care he brought to his daily round.
The next Women’s Social Gathering hosted by Cúram Family Centre takes place this Thursday, May 29th, at 7.30pm.
All women in the community are invited to come along for an informal evening of conversation, connection, and a cuppa. The gathering is open to all and offers a warm and welcoming space to relax and meet others.
Clár ICH participated in the recent Mayo Social Enterprise Network event, hosted by Cairdeas Kilmovee Family Resource Centre.
The event brought together a number of local organisations to explore best practices and share experiences. A particular highlight was the presentation by Tommy Horan and Trisha Duffy, who outlined the wide-ranging services delivered through their social enterprise, from social housing and Meals on Wheels to training, heritage and family support.
John Logue of SERIreland and Dr Clodagh O’Reilly of Social Enterprise Solutions both shared insightful contributions, providing invaluable perspectives on the future and scalability of social enterprise in the region. The event was a collaborative effort, with thanks extended to Rita Hopkins of Mayo North East and Olivia Ketterick of South West Mayo Development Company for their support and coordination.
It’s been an inspiring few weeks at St Colman’s College with students across several years taking part in meaningful extracurricular activities.
Recently, a number of fifth-year students travelled to Knock to attend the Donal Walsh 'Live Life' day, joining over 2,500 young people in an uplifting celebration of life, resilience and hope. Students from St Colman’s played a central role in the concluding Mass, with involvement in readings, offertory gifts, and Eucharistic ministry.
Meanwhile, in the school’s Graphics Department, first-year students have completed an impressive engineering project, using 3D software and printing technology to construct a 14-foot geodesic dome. The dome’s timber frame was connected by 3D-printed joints, showcasing not just creative design but practical problem-solving skills.
Transition Year students marked the end of their programme with a memorable pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick. Twenty-six students made the challenging climb in glorious weather, with Mass celebrated at the summit by Fr Shane Costello. The day served as a time of reflection and gratitude for a year of growth and achievement.
The school extends thanks to staff members Declan Hurley and Diarmuid McNulty for leading the trip alongside Fr Costello.
Congratulations to the U15 girls of Hollymount LGFA who were crowned Division Two Féile champions in Castlebar last week.
This marks the club’s third consecutive year winning the Mayo Féile at U15 level - an extraordinary achievement that reflects the dedication of players, coaches, and the wider club community.
Their next outing takes place on June 28th, with the venue to be confirmed. Anyone interested in supporting the team on their journey can contact Margaret Walsh (087-8170343) or John Stagg (087-2517358).
The club also marks an important milestone this year, as Hollymount LGFA celebrates its 40th anniversary. Plans are in motion for a celebration event on October 4th, 2025, and the club welcomes stories, photos, and memorabilia at hollymountlgfa40@gmail.com. Volunteers are also being sought to assist with preparations.
In further good news, club members Chloe Stagg and Faye Tierney played key roles in helping the Mayo U14s secure an All-Ireland semi-final place with a hard-fought win over Kildare. Mayo U16s, featuring Katie Corcoran, Emma Stagg and Sari Vahey, were also victorious, claiming the Connacht title in style.
Well done to all involved!
Registration for the Garrymore Cúl Camp is now open on the Cul Camp website, www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
The camp will take place in Garrymore from Monday, June 30th to Friday, July 4th.
The death has occurred of James Francis (Jim) O’Neill of Lohan Park, Brickens, and formerly of Ballydavid, Cloyne, Co Cork, and Manchester. Jim died peacefully on May 19th at Mayo University Hospital.
Jim was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, brothers Thomas and Michael, sister Frances, and his beloved daughter Bridget. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Barbara, sons John, Richard and Michael, daughters Noreen, Patricia and Barbara, brother John, sisters Margaret and Kathleen, 18 grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, extended family, and a wide circle of friends.
Jim’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris on Thursday evening, May 22nd. Removal took place from his residence on Friday morning for Requiem Mass in St Therese’s Church, Brickens.
Cremation followed at Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Nally of Meelickmore, Claremorris. Pat died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.
Pat was predeceased by his parents John and Ellen, brothers Jimmy and John, sisters Kathleen and Delia, and nephew Michael. He is deeply mourned by his brothers Tom and Michael, sister Mary (USA), brother-in-law Joe, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, neighbours, and many dear friends.
Pat’s remains reposed at his home in Meelickmore on Friday evening, May 23rd. Funeral Mass took place in St Colman’s Church, Claremorris on Saturday, May 24th, with burial afterwards in St. Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
