Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Pictured outside Knock Basilica ahead of the All-Ireland Football Final were Mayo GAA fans Christina Conway, Dylan McPherson, Cullen O'Reilly, Collette O'Reilly and Katie O'Reilly, Kiltimagh.
Many locals and returning diaspora have commented recently that Kiltimagh rarely looked better than it does now. Most of the credit for this is due to the members of Kiltimagh Tidy Towns organisation who have worked tirelessly over the years to maintain the town and add to its beauty and cultural capital. When the met with the committee last week, the members insisted that they have no intention of slowing down as they continue to develop new projects designed to enhance the town even further, for residents and visitors alike.
Committee members David McNicholas, Frank McNicholas, Mick Roache, Kieran Kenny and Henry Kelly outlined a series of new initiatives that will build on years of work transforming the appearance of the town through murals, public art, biodiversity projects and community improvements.
The latest additions to Kiltimagh's growing collection of murals have attracted widespread praise. The recently completed artwork beside SuperValu, created by artists Yuri and Klim Bohatyrov, joins their earlier murals on Main Street and at the Old Ball Alley, adding another colourful landmark to the town. The committee already has a vision for the next phase of the project.
Plans are progressing for another large mural in the Museum Sculpture Park, where concepts under consideration include scenes to depict Kiltimagh's industrial past, including horse-drawn carts transporting milk churns and timber from the railway station. Committee members believe the mural will celebrate an important chapter in the town's history while complementing the growing collection of sculptures and heritage features already located in the park.
The waiting area at the former railway station is also due to receive a facelift. An existing mural painted by local schoolchildren several years ago will be refreshed and updated. The artwork commemorates the arrival of the first train to Kiltimagh in 1895 and the departure of the last train in 1975. The committee said the artists have been “an absolute joy to work with".
Although they did not seek payment for their work, the local community rallied behind them throughout the project. Businesses and residents provided food, refreshments, fuel vouchers and financial donations as a gesture of appreciation.
“People really bought into the project,” David McNicholas said. “Every time the artists were working someone would arrive with tea, coffee, sandwiches or drinks. It showed just how much the community values what they're doing.”
The committee singled out SuperValu for particular praise, saying the store repeatedly supplied refreshments for the artists throughout the project.
Public art forms only part of Kiltimagh Tidy Towns' wider vision for the town. One of the next major milestones will be the unveiling of the newest addition to the Kiltimagh Poetry Trail.
The latest installation will feature the work of Antoine Ó Raifteirí (1779-1835), one of Ireland's best-known Irish language poets. The piece will be unveiled in the Sculpture Park later this year before guests move to the museum where Dr Colette NicAodha will deliver a lecture on Raifteirí, accompanied by traditional music. Committee members believe the evening will offer something different while celebrating both local heritage and Irish literature.
The Poetry Trail has become one of Kiltimagh's most distinctive cultural attractions in recent years. It continues to grow thanks to the generosity of local man, Bernard Begley and his wife Catherine, now of New York, whose sponsorship has funded both the poetry installations and many of the town's recent murals. The committee also acknowledged the work of local stonemason Domnic Fannon, whose craftsmanship has provided the stone presentation for the Raifteirí installation.
Alongside the cultural projects, volunteers are continuing to develop the Museum Sculpture Park by creating an outdoor display of traditional farming implements and hand-operated machinery.
Many of the exhibits have been donated locally, while others have come from private collections. Information panels will explain the purpose of each implement, helping younger generations understand how previous generations farmed and worked.
“A lot of children won't even know what some of these implements were used for,” Henry Kelly said. “It's important that we preserve that history.”
Henry and Chris Glynn will restore these implements and mount the permanent display.
“If anyone has any old farm machinery or implements that they would be willing to donate to the museum, we’d be delighted to receive it and we will restore it and put it on display, with what we already have,” Henry said. “The machinery must be originally manually operated or horse-drawn. We are concentrating on that. and won’t be able to accept any mechanically or tractor-operated machinery,” he added.
While the committee is proud of everything achieved over the past decade, members admit that maintaining those improvements has become an increasingly demanding task. Keeping murals, flower displays, planters, community gardens, public spaces and heritage features in good condition requires constant attention.
“Our age profile is getting bigger every year,” Frank said. “We need younger people to become involved.”
Despite that concern, the committee believes community spirit in Kiltimagh remains one of the town's greatest strengths.
Members pointed to the outstanding work carried out by local organisations, including Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, the GAA and other sporting clubs and voluntary groups, all of whom continue to contribute to making the town an attractive place to live and visit.
“We're all conscious of what a great community we live in,” Mick Roache said.
Over the past decade, Kiltimagh Tidy Towns has overseen an extensive programme of improvements including the creation of the Community Garden, the redevelopment of the Town Square, new stone walls, floral displays, planters, improved signage and streetscape enhancements throughout the town. The committee also acknowledged the valuable support provided by Mayo County Council, the Tús and Rural Social Scheme, whose workers assist with watering flowers, maintaining planting schemes and caring for the approaches to the town.
Members also reflected on the changing nature of the National Tidy Towns competition. While litter control remains important, they pointed out that judging now places much greater emphasis on biodiversity, sustainability, climate action and environmental initiatives.
For Kiltimagh, however, the focus remains unchanged. The aim is to continue improving the town, preserve its heritage and create a place that local people can be proud of.
With more murals planned, another addition to the Poetry Trail on the way, heritage displays being developed and ongoing maintenance continuing throughout the year, Kiltimagh Tidy Towns shows no sign of running out of ideas as it works to build on the remarkable transformation of the town over recent years. They are doing a fantastic job and long may it continue.
There is a growing sense of anticipation in Kiltimagh as the club prepares for its Intermediate Football Championship campaign following promotion from the Junior ranks last season.
The championship gets underway on Saturday, August 8th, when Kiltimagh welcome Islandeady to Gilmartin Park. Throw-in is at 6.30pm, and a large home support is expected as the club looks to make a positive start to life back in the intermediate grade.
The opening fixture will also provide an opportunity to recognise one of the club's most memorable achievements. At half-time, Kiltimagh GAA will honour the players who captured the Intermediate Championship title in 2001, marking the 25th anniversary of that success. Members of the victorious panel are expected to attend the special presentation, allowing supporters to acknowledge their contribution to the club's history.
Attention will then turn to Round Two, when Kiltimagh travel to face Kilmaine on Saturday, August 15th. The third and final group game will see Kiltimagh take on Ardnaree at a neutral venue, with details to be confirmed.
Following last year's successful promotion campaign, there is optimism that the club can continue to build momentum in the intermediate championship. Supporters will be hoping the team can make home advantage count in the opening round before facing two challenging fixtures against Kilmaine and Ardnaree.
The club is encouraging supporters to come along to Gilmartin Park on August 8th to cheer on the team and join in celebrating the achievements of the 2001 Intermediate champions.
The organisers of Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh have announced that this year's event raised an outstanding €9,490 in support of Pieta's vital suicide and self-harm prevention services.
The committee thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the 2026 fundraiser, describing the level of community support as tremendous. They expressed their sincere appreciation to all who took part, volunteered, donated or supported the campaign in any way. Organisers said the generosity shown by the local community would help fund services that save lives and provide support to people experiencing crisis.
The annual Kilkinure Cemetery Mass will be celebrated this Friday, July 31st, at 7.30pm.
The parish webcam is now available at churchtv.ie/Kiltimagh and can also be accessed through the Kiltimagh Parish website. The new Achonry and Elphin diocesan website is now live at achonryelphin.ie, with the Kiltimagh parish page available at achonryelphin.ie/Kiltimagh.
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje will take place from October 14th to 21st. Limited seats are available from Knock. For details contact 086-2151338.
Holy Face Devotions continue every Tuesday in the Church of the Holy Family from 6.40pm to 7.20pm.
The parish choir is seeking new junior and senior members, particularly male voices. Anyone interested is asked to contact a choir member.
The Parish Office is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 11am and from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. For enquiries contact 094-9253607.
Kiltimagh Pickleball Club is inviting new members and beginners to come along and try one of Ireland's fastest-growing sports.
The club meets in Aughamore Centre on Saturdays from 10.30am to 12 noon and Mondays from 7pm to 8.30pm., Pickleball is suitable for all ages and abilities and offers a fun way to keep active while meeting new people. For further information, text or call 089-4841267.
A strong field of 23 players competed in Round 7 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, playing for a prize pool of €805. Following a heads-up deal, Alan Sheridan went on to defeat Pat Boyle to claim the Round 7 title. Enda Ruane finished third, while John Borza took fourth place.
Boyle's runner-up finish sees him strengthen his grip on top spot in the league standings. He now leads on 162 points, with John Borza in second place on 129. Gerry Groarke is third on 125, closely followed by Michael Higgins on 124. The remainder of the current top twelve is John Reynolds (114), Alan Sheridan (107), Enda Ruane (106), Michael Sheridan (106), Nigel Maughan (100), Majella Gilmartin (100), Paul Walsh (98) and Derry O’Sullivan (92).
The Summer League runs over fifteen 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 balance paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players in the standings, together with two qualifiers, will contest the Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
With capacity continuing to be reached each week, organisers have confirmed that no new players will be admitted for the remainder of the current league.
