Local Notes: All the latest news from East Mayo
Dr Fred Sargaison, son of Dr Margaret O'Grady and Dr Andrew Sargaison, Ballinasloe, and grandson of the late Bill and Maureen O'Grady, Kilmore House, Kilkelly, who was conferred with MB BCh BAO degrees at University of Galway recently. Fred was educated at Lawrencetown Primary School, Co Galway and Clongowes Wood College, Co Kildare. He has taken up an appointment at University Hospital Galway.
Judge Sandra Murphy, with strong ties to Kiltimagh, has been appointed as the new District Court judge for County Mayo.
A native of Ballinrobe, Judge Murphy has a well-established connection to Kiltimagh, having worked as a solicitor at Gilmartin & Murphy Solicitors in the town before beginning her judicial career.
Judge Murphy is married to Charlie Gilmartin, a highly-respected Kiltimagh solicitor, and is the daughter of Patsy Murphy, the former Mayo County Registrar, highlighting her deep roots in the local community.
Judge Murphy was appointed to the bench in October 2020 and initially served as a mobile judge. Since December 2021, she has been working in District 2, covering South Donegal, Sligo, and Leitrim. She is now assigned to District 3 - County Mayo - where she will succeed Judge Fiona Lydon, who left earlier this year to take up a position in her native Galway.
Although the appointment takes effect immediately, Judge Murphy is expected to take up her new role in Mayo in September as she has cases to conclude in District 2.
The local community in Kiltimagh and beyond welcomes this appointment, recognising Judge Murphy’s long-standing service and local ties. Her experience both as a solicitor in Kiltimagh and as a district judge across multiple areas positions her well to continue contributing significantly to the administration of justice in Mayo.
Just hours before they were due to face Castlebar Celtic last Thursday, Kiltimagh Knock United confirmed their withdrawal from the Elverys Sports Mayo Super League – the top tier of men’s soccer in the county. The announcement follows the club’s earlier decision to pull their 'B' team from League One in May.
The withdrawal marks the end of a difficult and disrupted campaign for the club.
A combination of factors contributed to the club’s decision. The retirement of several key players at the end of last season left gaps in the squad that proved hard to fill. Others moved away from the area, while some opted to join rival clubs. A delay in appointing a manager at the beginning of the season added further disruption.
Dual commitments also placed pressure on players involved in both soccer and other sports, with many being asked to prioritise elsewhere. Morale within the squad took a hit following a heavy defeat away to Westport in April, leading to further disengagement and difficulty fielding a full team.
Despite efforts to steady the ship under interim manager John Tarpey, who had stepped up from the 'B' team, player availability remained a persistent issue.
The club will now look to regroup and rebuild with a view to returning to the Mayo League (through the lower tier) in the future. Underage and ladies’ teams are unaffected by the withdrawal.
A talented young trio, Luke Conlon, Alannah Burke, and Dylan Walsh, have been crowned winners of this year’s Coillte Come Home Busking Festival, earning both a €100 prize and the coveted opportunity to perform as the opening act for The High Stool Prophets on Friday night.
The group, made up of musicians from across east Mayo — Alannah hails from Knock, Luke from Kiltimagh, and Dylan from Derryvohey — impressed the judges and audience alike with their performance, standing out among a strong field of 12 entries.
Their win not only recognises their musical ability but also gave them a platform in front of a packed audience, setting the tone for a memorable evening of live music. The Coillte Come Home Festival continues to grow in stature, offering a welcome spotlight for young, emerging talent from the region.
Congratulations to Alannah, Luke and Dillon on their well-deserved win.
There was another enjoyable night of cards at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with strong performances and a good atmosphere throughout.
Top prize went to the duo of James Walsh and Paddy Carney, who secured first place with a consistent showing. Joint second place was shared by Philip Moore and Ciaran McDonnell, along with Denis Regan and Aidan McDonagh, following closely behind the winners.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was split between Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley, and the pairing of Michael Carney and Michael Costello.
Teresa Coleman and Hilary Foley took home the spot prize on the night, while raffle winners were Mary Carney, Hilary Foley, Aidan McDonagh and Pius Forde.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is holding a scrap metal collection to help raise funds. The event takes place at Gilmartin Park on Sunday, August 17th, with a skip on-site from 9am to 5pm.
This is a great opportunity to tidy up around the house, farmyard, workshop or business premises while also supporting the continued growth and development of your local GAA club. All types of metal can be donated. Whether it’s a single piece or a trailer full, it will all make a difference.
The initiative is part of the club’s fundraising efforts, with proceeds going directly toward supporting activities for all within the club - from underage boys and girls, to adult teams, and a growing cohort of coaches and volunteers.
If you are unable to deliver your scrap to Gilmartin Park, collection can be arranged on the day. Just ring Karen on 087-0612079, Joe on 086-8077209 or Paddy on 085-1744117 to make arrangements.
Reigning champion Isaac Boyle made a triumphant return to the Summer Poker League when he claimed first prize in Round 6 at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night. It was his first appearance of the season, and he showed no signs of rust as he outplayed the field to take the top spot.
The runner-up was AN Other 1, with Pat Boyle finishing in third and Michael Higgins in fourth. The remaining finalists were Michael Sheridan (5th), Gerry Groarke (6th), Kieran McGee (7th), Nigel Maughan (8th), and John Reynolds (9th).
Despite not winning on the night, AN Other 1 remains well clear at the top of the leaderboard with 132 points, followed by John Reynolds on 109 and Michael Higgins on 101. Also in the top 12 after six rounds are Gerry Groarke (98), Michael Sheridan (96), Pat Boyle (91), Enda Ruane (88), AN Other 2 (78), Nigel Maughan (78), Kieran McGee (77), Paul Walsh (70), and Nicky Cunnane (67).
The league continues every Wednesday night at 8pm for a total of 15 weeks.
The first event in the Road to Killarney poker series was held in Teach O’Hora on Sunday, July 5th. Dave Brennan and Michael Higgins emerged as the big winners, each securing €150 entries to the main satellite in September. Third place went to Derry O’Sullivan.
The Road to Killarney continues with several small buy-in mini satellites over the summer, culminating in a main satellite tournament in early September.
The 2025 Mayo GAA Club Development Draw has been officially launched, marking the beginning of a vital fundraising drive for GAA clubs across the county.
Kiltimagh GAA Club, like every other participating club, has been assigned a fundraising target, and once that target is reached, a significant 90% of all additional ticket sales stays directly with the club. This makes the draw not just a countywide initiative, but an essential fundraiser at local level.
For Kiltimagh GAA Club, the Development Draw plays a key role in supporting the running and development of its many teams across all age groups. From underage boys and girls to adult men’s and ladies’ teams, funds raised through the draw go directly towards maintaining and improving facilities, providing equipment, supporting coaching, and covering the day-to-day costs that come with fielding multiple teams in a busy GAA calendar.
The draw also strengthens the community fabric, with the club providing an important social and sporting outlet for people of all ages. In a town where the GAA club is at the heart of local life, the support of the wider community is crucial to ensuring the continued success and growth of Kiltimagh GAA both on and off the pitch.
There will be six draws in total, taking place weekly from August 9th to September 13th. Tickets cost €100 and are available both in person and online. Each draw features substantial cash prizes, with the opening and closing draws offering a top prize of €10,000, while the four middle draws carry a first prize of €5,000. Each week will also see dozens of other cash prizes awarded.
All draws will be broadcast live on the Mayo GAA Facebook page, allowing supporters from near and far to tune in and be part of the excitement. With community backing, the 2025 Development Draw will continue to be a cornerstone of club fundraising, helping to secure a bright future for the next generation of players.
The Kiltimagh Community First Responders (CFR) group is currently being reactivated, with progress underway to restore this important local service. Led by John Conlon, the group aims to provide immediate assistance during cardiac and other medical emergencies, helping in the critical minutes before professional emergency services arrive.
While not yet fully operational, efforts are focused on recruiting and training local volunteers to respond quickly when needed. John Conlon will lead upcoming training sessions and encourages both former responders and new volunteers to get involved.
The group will soon announce training dates and details on how to become certified responders. Interested residents can contact the team at kiltimaghcfr25@gmail.com for more information.
As part of the relaunch, the group has also shared the locations of defibrillators around Kiltimagh. These devices are currently placed at Youth Reach, Kiltimagh GAA pitch, the Church, the Community Centre, Teach O’Hora, and Cleary’s. Residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these locations.
The Kiltimagh CFR group thanks the community for its support and looks forward to building a strong network to enhance local emergency response.
Padraic Shannon from Kiltimagh was the winner of Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €340. Padraic purchased his ticket locally, contributing to the club’s ongoing efforts to fund youth teams and essential equipment.
The club warmly thanked all who support the draw through purchases in town shops, pubs, and online platforms. Regular ticket sales are crucial to the club’s sustainability, and everyone involved is sincerely appreciated.
The death has occurred of John (Jack) Corley of The Pines, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Knock and the USA. Jack passed away peacefully on July 8th, surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was predeceased by his grandson Martin Jnr, his parents Jim and Nora, and sisters and brothers. Jack will be sadly missed and forever loved by his wife Ruth, daughter Linda (Murphy), son-in-law Martin, grandchildren Chloe and the late Martin Jnr, great-grandchildren Ellie, Alayna, Leanna and Jack, sisters Maureen, Bernie and Josie (McNulty), sisters-in-law Trish, Claire (Corley) and Bernie (Nolan), nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Jack’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Friday evening, July 11th. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning at the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
