Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Edel Falvey, from Ballindine, is pictured at the Mary Immaculate College (MIC) Conferring Ceremonies in Limerick. The two days of conferring ceremonies saw over 1,200 graduates conferred with academic awards across the College’s 50-plus undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Education and Liberal Arts.
Huge congratulations to Marion and Jackie Duggan who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a weekend away in Connemara. The couple were married in St Colman's Church, Claremorris on October 25, 1975, with their reception held at Churchfield House in Knock, just two days after Marion’s 21st birthday.
Marion and Jackie first met when Marion (nee Hughes) was 16. Jackie worked with the Department of Agriculture and also farmed, while Marion was well known locally from her years in O’Brien’s Pharmacy and, more recently, through her involvement in the family Irish dancing academy.
They have four children: Caroline, Kevin, Jacqueline and Angela. Caroline, a former bank manager, now runs the family’s dancing school alongside her sister Angela, a speech and language therapist in Claremorris. Kevin teaches in Breaffy, and Jacqueline works as a nurse in Cavan. The couple are grandparents to eight - Ruby, Jack, Lily, Aoife, Chloe, Casey Mai, Pat and Robert.
Irish dancing has been a long-running feature in the Duggan household, with all the girls taking part over the years before Angela and Caroline established the academy in 2005. Jackie is also fondly remembered in the community for his long association with local bingo, where he called numbers in Claremorris for more than 40 years.
Knock Basilica will once again be the setting for a performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday, November 22, at 7.30pm. The oratorio will be presented by the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Chalmers, with soloists Aoife Miskelly, Anne Marie Gibbons, Andrew Gavin and Rory Musgrave, together with the Resurgam vocal ensemble.
This will be the third time the Messiah has been performed at Knock, following sell-out events in 2017 and 2018. The Basilica has become recognised as a significant venue for large-scale choral works, and the return of the Messiah continues that tradition.
The soloists bring wide experience from international stages. Soprano Aoife Miskelly, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music in London, has performed with major opera companies including La Monnaie in Brussels, Oper Köln and the Festival d’Aix-en-Provence.
Mayo-born mezzo soprano Anne Marie Gibbons studied in Dublin and Manchester and has appeared at Covent Garden, the English National Opera and concert halls across Europe, Australia and the United States.
Tenor Andrew Gavin, a graduate of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, has sung leading roles with Irish National Opera and Wexford Festival Opera, while baritone Rory Musgrave from Cleggan, Connemara, has developed an active international career, performing in Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Conductor Nicholas Chalmers is well known for his work in opera and choral performance and has led a number of education and outreach projects across the United Kingdom. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra, founded in 1948, has a long history of performing both classical and contemporary music and continues to bring orchestral works to audiences around Ireland.
The choir for this performance is Resurgam, directed by Mark Duley. Since its founding in 2003, the Galway-based ensemble has established a reputation as one of Ireland’s leading professional vocal groups and has collaborated with many of the country’s orchestras and festivals.
Handel’s Messiah was first performed in Dublin in 1742 at Neal’s New Music Hall on Fishamble Street. It has since become one of the most widely performed choral works in the world, valued for its combination of chorus, solo voice and orchestra in a setting of biblical texts.
The performance in Knock offers audiences in the west of Ireland the opportunity to hear this much-loved work in the Basilica’s distinctive acoustic setting. Tickets and further information are available from Knock Shrine.
The annual general meeting of Garrymore GAA Club took place on Thursday, November 6, in Garrymore Hall. Members gathered to review the past year’s activities and to elect officers for the year ahead.
Pat Dixon was elected president, with Pat Hession taking up the role of chairperson and Andrew Heaney as vice chairperson. Mary Lydon was appointed secretary, assisted by vice secretary Laura Commins, who also continues as club registrar. Sarah Tierney was elected treasurer, with Jimmy Walsh as assistant treasurer. Sharon Corcoran will serve as public relations officer, while Joanne Forde takes on the position of Oifigeach na Gaeilge.
Jamie Burke was appointed Alcohol and Substance, Health and Wellbeing Officer, and Colm Walsh will act as Children’s Officer. John Farragher will represent the club on the County Board, and Padraic Corcoran will serve as South Board Delegate. Fintan Jennings was confirmed as Coaching Officer, and Mary Lydon will also act as Designated Liaison Person. Club patrons are Fr Flynn and Fr Murphy.
A special word of thanks was extended to outgoing treasurer Elaine Heaney and assistant treasurer Jamie Burke for their commitment and cooperation during their time in office. Their contribution to the smooth running of the club was warmly acknowledged by members in attendance.
Claremorris AFC has announced Imelda Flynn as the winner of the club’s recent draw. Imelda received two tickets to see the Republic of Ireland take on Portugal at the Aviva Stadium, along with an overnight stay in Dublin.
The club extended its thanks to everyone who supported the draw and helped raise funds for ongoing activities at Claremorris AFC.
It was a winning week for Jane Devane, who took home €518 in the Claremorris AFC weekly 50/50 draw. Jane purchased her ticket online.
The club congratulated Jane on her win and extended thanks to all who continue to support the draw. Each ticket sold helps fund player development and ongoing improvements at the club. Tickets remain available online and from local shops and pubs around Claremorris.
The Claremorris South Responder Group is calling on members of the local community to join its team of volunteer first responders.
No previous experience is required, as full training will be provided to all new recruits. Volunteers will gain essential life-saving skills and the confidence to respond to medical emergencies within their community.
The group, which operates on a voluntary basis and covers a 25km radius around Claremorris, plays a vital role in supporting the National Ambulance Service and providing early assistance during emergencies.
By joining, volunteers will have the opportunity to support their neighbours, develop valuable emergency response skills, and become part of a dedicated and caring local team.
Those interested in finding out more or getting involved are encouraged to contact the Claremorris South Responder Group directly or send a message via the group’s social media channels.
Together, the group says, the community can continue to make a real difference - and help save lives.
Mayo County Council has said it hopes to have the new houses on Mount Street occupied by Christmas. The development consists of two 1-bed houses, and four 2-bed apartments, with access archway and an open landscaped courtyard.
The street has seen huge redevelopment in the past couple of years, greatly improving its appearance.
Preparations are well underway in Brickens for the annual Christmas Market, which will take place on Sunday, December 14, from 10am to 3pm at Brickens Community Centre (F12 RX04).
The event, held in aid of Brickens Meals on Wheels, supports an essential local service while bringing residents together for a celebration of the season.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has announced two exciting new programmes beginning this month — a Furniture Upcycling Workshop and Building Emotional Resilience Workshops for Children.
The five-week Furniture Upcycling Workshop offers participants the chance to give new life to old furniture through hands-on paint techniques, creative design ideas, and practical upcycling skills.
The course begins on November 17th, running Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm at the Claremorris FRC. Funded by MSLETB, the cost is €30 per person. Places can be booked by phoning 094-9377838 or emailing info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Following the success of a recent programme for older primary pupils, the centre is also launching a new round of Building Emotional Resilience Workshops for children in 3rd and 4th classes. The five-week course takes place on Wednesdays from 4.30 to 5.30pm, also at the Claremorris FRC.
Parents interested in registering their child can contact the centre at 094-9377838 or info@claremorrisfrc.ie for more details.
The death has occurred of Brigid (Bridie) Lynch, of Raheny, Dublin, and formerly of Claremorris.
Bridie (nee Fleming) passed away peacefully on November 9, surrounded by her loving family in the kind and gentle care of the staff at St Francis Hospice, Raheny.
Bridie was predeceased by her beloved husband Fintan (December 2021), granddaughter Anna, and brothers John and Frank. She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her children Fintan, Deirdre and Fiona, cherished grandchildren Aoife, Seán, Darren and Rosa, sister Ann, son-in-law Adrian, daughter-in-law Saren, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Bridie’s Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday morning last at Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace Church, Raheny, followed by cremation at Glasnevin.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Rose Mary (Rose) Charles of Lisbaun, Claremorris.
Rose will be sadly missed by her daughter Jacqui, sons William and Noel, sister Maryann, brother Oliver and their families, neighbours and many close friends.
Rose’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, on Wednesday evening last followed by a memorial service in the funeral home. A private cremation took place at a later date.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Austin Ruane of Knockaunakill, Mayo Abbey. Austin died peacefully at Abbeybreaffy Nursing Home, Castlebar.
Austin was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Margaret, and his brother Tommie. Austin is deeply regretted by his sisters Mary Loughlin and Kate Greville, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Austin’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Friday November 14th with removal to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. RIP.
