Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Celebrating 150 years at Lyons' Pub in Roundfort were, from left: Dawn Nealan, Dean Kelly, Tomas Ackroyd, Sarah Kelly, Matthew Macken and Kate Kelly. Picture: Trish Forde
The Claremorris South Responder Group extends sincere thanks to Claremorris National School for their recent fundraising efforts, which resulted in a generous donation of €550 to support the work of the voluntary group.
The funds were raised through a Bake Sale organised by the school, with proceeds also going to the Claremorris Community Recreational Centre, which likewise received €550.
The Claremorris South Responder Group is a fully voluntary organisation that relies solely on donations and grant funding to meet its running costs. The contribution from Claremorris National School will help cover essential expenses including defibrillators, replacement pads, batteries, first aid equipment, training materials, and uniforms.
As the group does not receive any funding or materials from the National Ambulance Service, community support is vital to ensuring their life-saving work continues. The cost of a single set of defibrillator pads is approximately €90, and it is not uncommon for several sets to be used in a single week.
The group expressed deep appreciation to the children and staff across both school campuses for their efforts. Their support, they noted, plays a vital role in helping local responders remain equipped and ready to attend emergencies when needed most.
The generosity shown through the Bake Sale is not only appreciated but will make a direct difference in supporting the wellbeing and safety of the wider Claremorris community.
Claremorris Swimming Club rounded off the season with its annual awards ceremony, held after the final training session of the year. The event was a fitting celebration of the hard work and achievements of swimmers across all levels of the club.
To mark the occasion, a hearty breakfast was laid on by the club committee, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere for swimmers, parents, and coaches alike. Club chairperson Tom Burke acted as MC for the morning, guiding proceedings with enthusiasm and pride in the club’s accomplishments.
A highlight of the event was the presence of Swim Ireland President Frank Breslin, who also happens to be a long-serving coach and former chairperson of the Claremorris club. He presented the awards to swimmers, recognising their dedication and progress throughout the season.
Special thanks were extended to all those who helped make the morning a success, with particular appreciation given to coach Yvonne Morris. Her efforts in compiling individual achievement certificates for each swimmer were described as “Trojan work” by club members, and ensured that every participant was recognised for their commitment over the past year.
The awards morning brought the curtain down on another successful season for Claremorris Swimming Club, which continues to thrive thanks to the dedication of its coaches, volunteers, and young athletes.
Excitement is mounting across the region as the countdown begins to the 105th Claremorris Agricultural Show and Trade Fair, taking place on Sunday, August 3rd, at the Claremorris Athletic Grounds.
Each year, the Claremorris Show draws thousands of visitors from near and far, and the 2025 edition is shaping up to be no exception. With 275 classes across a wide range of categories - including cattle, sheep, horses, vintage machinery, garden produce, home baking, arts and crafts, and photography - there is something to suit every interest and age group. The ever-popular dog show is also set to return, always a favourite among families and animal lovers alike.
Entertainment will once again be a key feature, with “Music in the Marquee” returning to provide a lively soundtrack to the day. Plans are underway for a second outdoor music stage, bringing even more variety to the show’s musical offerings. Food lovers will be pleased to hear that TV chef Adrian will also be making a welcome return with his much-loved live cookery demonstrations, which consistently draw large crowds.
Younger attendees can look forward to a full programme of free children’s activities, including games, interactive displays, and bouncy castles, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day. The Claremorris Show has long been recognised as an inclusive, community-focused event, and this year’s programme continues that tradition with something to appeal to everyone.
In an effort to make the event more accessible and environmentally friendly, the organising committee is once again rolling out its Smarter Travel initiative. A free shuttle bus will operate throughout the day with regular pick-up and drop-off points at Claremorris Town Square and the Railway Station carpark. Visitors from towns such as Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, and Westport are encouraged to take the train and avail of the shuttle service on arrival. In a new addition for 2025, an hourly pilot shuttle will run from Kiltimagh town centre, helping residents of nearby towns without their own agricultural shows to enjoy the festivities in Claremorris.
Also new this year is Virtual Class 501 - a digital competition category that opens up participation to individuals from anywhere in the world. Whether living locally or abroad, participants will be able to connect with the Claremorris Show in a new and exciting way. Full details on how to take part are expected to be announced soon.
As always, the show remains a celebration of rural life, local enterprise, and community spirit. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a regular attendee, the 2025 Claremorris Show promises a memorable day out in the heart of County Mayo.
For more information, including entry details and the full event schedule, visit www.claremorrisshow.com or follow the show’s Facebook page.
Claremorris Tidy Towns have announced the return of the SuperValu Residents’ Estates Competition for 2025.
Now in its second year, the community-led contest invites local estates to enter by emailing claremorristidytowns1@gmail.com. Judging will take place in September, with results announced later that month.
Last year’s competition saw strong participation, with Cluain Aoibhinn crowned the inaugural winner. Judging focused on cleanliness, biodiversity efforts, and floral displays, assessed by independent experts.
The organisers thank SuperValu Claremorris for their ongoing support.
Plans are underway to possibly include streets and roadways in future competitions, encouraging more residents to enhance their local environment. Recently, the group also unveiled a new insect information sign at Clare Lake, created in partnership with the Clare Lake Committee and funded by Pobal.
Residents are encouraged to get involved and showcase their estates this year, promoting community spirit and environmental care.
Plans are well underway for the highly anticipated 50th-anniversary reunion of the St Colman’s College class years 1970-75, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 2nd, at the Western Hotel, Claremorris, beginning at 6pm.
This special event primarily celebrates those who enrolled in 1970 and formed the Leaving Certificate Class of 1975, but it warmly welcomes anyone who was part of those years at the college, even if only for a brief period. School records indicate that 67 first-year students began in two classes in September 1970, with approximately 14 more joining later either through repeating a year or transferring from other schools. Sadly, six former pupils have passed away since then and will be fondly remembered during the reunion.
The organising committee, consisting of Michael Clarke, Michael McGrath, Alec Morley, Gay McManus, Owen Treston, and Pius Forde, are determined to make this the largest and most well-supported 50th-anniversary reunion in the college’s history. They are actively reaching out to every past pupil from this era and encourage readers to help spread the word to family members, friends, or acquaintances living across Ireland and abroad who were part of those two classes.
The committee is also working closely with Roy Hession, the current principal of St Colman’s College, who has shown great support for the event. Updates and further details will be shared on the school’s social media platforms in the coming weeks.
On the evening of the reunion, attendees will have the opportunity to visit the college, as a bus trip is planned from the Western Hotel to the school and back. Former school bus drivers and teachers from that era are also invited to join in the celebrations.
The programme for the evening includes a 6pm meet-up at the Western Hotel, followed by the bus trip to St Colman’s at 7pm, returning at 7.45pm. Buffet food will be served at 8.30pm, along with a few brief introductory speeches.
However, the main focus of the reunion is to provide a welcoming space for everyone to reconnect, reminisce, and enjoy each other’s company, recalling their days at 'The College' more than 50 years ago.
For further information or to confirm attendance, past pupils are encouraged to contact members of the organising committee directly. Michael Clarke can be reached at 086-8162559, Gay McManus at 087-2202011, Michael McGrath via email at mmcgrath1981@gmail.com, Alec Morley on 086-3194453, Owen Treston at 087-1805818, and Pius Forde on 087-6671773.
The committee looks forward to welcoming as many former students as possible to this milestone event.
The death has occurred of Phil Waldron (nee McGrath), Ballinastanford, Claremorris, following a brief illness borne with dignity.
Predeceased by her loving husband Tom, Phil will be forever in the hearts of her adoring children Deirdre, Orlagh and Eoin, her son-in-law Gareth Tolan, daughter-in-law Ann-Marie (Lardner), and her precious grandchildren Grace, Cara, Siún and Tom. She is also deeply missed by her loving partner Liam O’Dea.
Phil was the daughter of the late Mary and Joseph McGrath and sister of the late PJ, Gerard, Vincent and Geraldine (Courtney). She is sadly missed by her brothers and sisters Mary (Gaughan), Una (Durcan), Cyril, Joan (Shaughnessy), Des and Joe, in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.
Phil’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Tuesday evening last with removal afterwards to her residence.
The funeral cortege arrived at St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris on Wednesday for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Pádraig Cunniffe, Knockbaun, Knock, who died peacefully surrounded by his family in University Hospital Galway on June 29th.
Pádraig is fondly remembered by his loving wife Dorothy (née Lyons), sons John and Kevin, daughters Eimear and Fiona, daughters-in-law Margaret and Patrina, son-in-law Andrew and Fiona’s partner Peter, grandchildren Méadhbh, Caoimhe, Fiachra, Sinéad and Callum, brothers Dom, Joe and Tony, sisters Bríd and Ann, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
Pádraig was predeceased by his brothers John and Peter, and sisters Mary-Jo and Evelyn.
His remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Wednesday evening last followed by removal to St John the Baptist Church, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday followed by private cremation.
May he rest in peace.
