Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Pictured at the Green-Schools Flags Awards Western Region 2026 at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, were students from Balla Secondary School, with their teacher Adrian Philips, and Mary Forde (Environmental Awareness Officer, Mayo Co Council). Picture: Trish Forde
Clann Machua Drama Group is looking forward to another busy and exciting year following its annual general meeting, which took place on June 3rd.
A new committee was elected for the season ahead, with Sean Langan appointed chairperson, Michael D. Freeley as secretary, Seamus Corry as treasurer, Elaine Regan as PRO, Fiona Campbell as assistant secretary and Maura Murphy as assistant PRO.
The group says plans are already underway for the coming year, with a number of exciting projects in development. An open night will be announced in the near future to cast upcoming productions and provide both existing and new members with an opportunity to become involved in the group’s activities.
Meanwhile, congratulations have been extended to the Clann Machua Youth Theatre Group, which recently entertained audiences with a lively and humorous Wild West production entitled ‘Locozade’ at the Town Hall Theatre in Kiltimagh.
Written and directed by Adrian Lavan, the production featured a talented cast of young performers including Niamh Curtis, Pippa Groarke, Teegan Wagner, Sierra Wagner, Lily Doyle, Emma Forde, Holly Gallagher, Hannah Horkan, Jaida O'Reilly, Bobby Doran, Mia Gibney and Cameron Farrington.
The cast took on a variety of colourful roles including gunslingers, saloon bar staff, a local doctor and an undertaker, delighting a large audience with their performances and comic timing.
The production received an enthusiastic response from those in attendance and showcased the wealth of young theatrical talent currently developing within the group.
Clann Machua Drama Group praised the efforts of Adrian Lavan and the entire cast, describing the show as a great success and another example of the vibrant arts scene that continues to thrive in Kiltimagh.
There was a great turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close games and friendly competition throughout the evening.
Top honours went to Mary and Richard Carney, who finished in first place after a strong performance. Joint second place was shared by Mary and Jimmy Doyle and Brian McNulty and Tom Durkin, with both pairings ending the night level on points.
The Last 10 prize was won by Jack Ryan and Pius Forde, while James Walsh and Paddy Carney claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Paddy Carney, Aiden Lydon, Patricia Hyland and Jack Ryan.
Preparations are continuing at pace in Kiltimagh for the return of the popular Coillte Come Home Festival, which will take place from July 8th to 13th and promises six days of music, entertainment, sport, family activities and community celebration.
Organised by Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, the annual event has become one of the highlights of the summer calendar in Mayo, attracting visitors from across the county and further afield while also welcoming home many members of the Kiltimagh diaspora. A packed programme of events is planned across a range of venues throughout the town, with organisers promising something for all ages and interests.
Among the headline attractions confirmed for this year's festival is the return of Ruaile Buaile, who will perform live in Kiltimagh on Saturday, July 11th. The group has become a firm favourite with festival audiences and is expected to attract another large crowd for what is traditionally one of the busiest nights of festival week.
Comedy fans will also be well catered for with the return of the Coillte Come Laugh event, featuring a stellar line-up including Karl Spain, Ger Staunton, Martin Angolo and Aideen McQueen.
Other highlights of the programme include fireworks, Live on Main Street entertainment, the Interpub Quiz and Poker Tournament, Race2Glory, a Soccer World Cup competition and the ever-popular Kids Tractor Run, which continues to be a favourite among younger festival-goers.
Family entertainment will once again play a major role in the festival. Murray's Funfair will return to town, while obstacle courses, sack races and a variety of community activities will ensure there is plenty to keep children and families entertained throughout the week.
The programme will also feature wellness and recreational activities, including Pilates in the Sculpture Park and jiving workshops with Sandra Ganley. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to the inaugural Shane Peach Freeman Junior Coillte Cup competition, which is expected to become a significant addition to the festival programme.
Music will remain at the heart of the festival, with sessions and live entertainment planned in pubs and venues throughout Kiltimagh during the week, creating the lively atmosphere that has become synonymous with Coillte Come Home.
One of the festival's most popular events is also set to return, with organisers now inviting singers, musicians and performers to enter the Coillte Come Home Festival Busking Competition.
The competition will take place on Thursday, July 9th, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and is open to solo performers, duos and groups. The event provides local and visiting performers with an opportunity to showcase their talents while helping to bring the streets of Kiltimagh to life during festival week.
The competition has developed into one of the standout events of the festival and has proven to be a valuable platform for emerging talent. Organisers point to the success of last year's winners, who went on to form the band Creole. The group has enjoyed significant success since and will return to festival week this year as the opening act for Ruaile Buaile.
Festival organisers are encouraging performers of all ages and musical styles to get involved and become part of what promises to be another memorable week for the town.
In addition, local clubs, businesses and community organisations are being invited to submit details of any events, workshops, sporting fixtures, fundraisers or community gatherings taking place during festival week for inclusion in the official festival brochure.
Anyone wishing to register for the Busking Competition or submit event details for the festival programme can do so by emailing kiltimaghtourism@gmail.com.
Further announcements and programme details are expected in the coming weeks as excitement continues to build ahead of one of Kiltimagh's biggest and most anticipated annual events.
A field of 24 players competed in Round 2 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last, playing for a prize pool of €820.
Thomas MacDonagh emerged victorious, defeating Richard Trench in the heads-up stage to claim first prize. Gerry Groarke finished third, while Pat Boyle took fourth place. The remaining finalists were Majella Gilmartin (5th), Tiernan Burke (6th), John Reynolds (7th), Michael Higgins (8th) and Paul Walsh (9th).
With two rounds completed, Gerry Groarke has moved to the top of the league table on 46 points. Keith Lydon and Thomas MacDonagh are tied for second place on 40 points. The remainder of the current top twelve is Michael Sheridan (37), Majella Gilmartin (37), Michael Higgins (36), Paul Walsh (32), Richard Trench (30), Pat Boyle (29), John Reynolds (29), John Borza (26) and Tiernan Burke (24).
The Summer League runs over 15 weeks, with a €50 entry fee each round that includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from every entry and rebuy contributes to the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players in the standings, together with two qualifiers, will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool expected to exceed €3,000.
There will be no Summer League game this week as attention turns to the Spring League Grand Final, where 14 players will compete for the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion and a share of the €3,310 prize fund.
Enda Ruane takes the chip lead into the final with 40,500, followed by Brian Quinn on 36,900 and Keith Lydon on 34,700. The remaining finalists and their starting stacks are Paul Walsh (29,300), John Reynolds (27,500), Gerry Groarke (25,600), Conor O’Hanlon (25,000), Kieran McGee (24,400), Majella Gilmartin (23,100), Michael Sheridan (22,800), Michael Higgins (21,500), Nicky Cunnane (20,700), Adam Earley (17,100) and Conor Byrne (5,700).
The final promises to be a closely contested affair, with a strong field chasing both the championship title and the season’s biggest prize pool.
The death has occurred of Bernie Reilly of Churchpark, Kiltimagh. Bernie died peacefully at Brookvale Manor Nursing Home, Ballyhaunis. She was predeceased by her loving husband Brendan, parents Jack and Marie, and her sisters and brothers.
Bernie will be sadly missed by her nieces and nephews, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Bernie’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home on Wednesday evening with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday afternoon, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May she rest in peace.
