Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Balla Community Centre recently hosted a celebration to mark 20 years of Mayo Community Futures. Pictured, from left, were: musician Martin Woods, John Cannon, Chairperson of Community Futures Management Committee; Sr Maureen Lally, founding member of the Community Futures Programme and musician Breege Gleeson from Swinford. Picture:Trish Forde
There was good news for Kiltimagh last week when the 2026 SuperValu Tidy Towns national results were announced.
The town has increased its score in the competition by 13 points, scoring 367 out of a possible 600, compared with 354 last year. The town, competing in Category C, received an encouraging adjudication report following an inspection on July 15th. This was Kiltimagh’s 21st year participating in the competition.
In a statement, the organisation thanked all the volunteers who worked so hard over the year to achieve the result, with a special mention to Brian Raftery and all at the Community Employment Scheme for their help.
“We are delighted with the judges’ adjudication report. The feedback is very positive,” the committee said.
The organisation’s sponsors and everyone who donated money to the cause were also thanked.
The town increased its marks in all eight categories. The adjudicator acknowledged the work of the four-member committee, its 12 regular volunteers and the involvement of local businesses, schools, Scouts, Foróige and Community Employment workers. Particular praise was given to the project to restore historical names to the town’s lanes, boreens and walking routes through bilingual signage. The adjudicator suggested that this could form the basis of a heritage trail.
The murals on James Street and Main Street were also commended, along with the presentation of several business premises, the Market Square and the Community Park.
However, the adjudicator repeated last year’s suggestion that reducing or eliminating parking spaces in the Market Square would create more opportunities for community use. The former cinema building was identified as needing repainting, while dereliction and vacant properties remained concerns.
The town’s parks featured prominently in the report. The Railway Sculpture Park was praised for its combination of art, literature, history and recreational facilities, including the Velorail. The Emigrant Park received particular recognition for its biodiversity work, including the planting of more than 2,000 native trees, sand martin nesting facilities and its use as an outdoor classroom. The Wetlands Park was also commended, while the planting of another 2,000 native trees at Glór Mills was highlighted. The adjudicator encouraged more public talks and guided walks to increase awareness of the town’s natural heritage.
In the sustainability category, the report recognised recycling initiatives, the water refill station, bicycle facilities and the book exchange. Further development of composting, rainwater harvesting, community gardening and renewable energy was suggested.
The town’s weekly clean-ups were acknowledged, although participation in the national An Taisce Spring Clean was recommended. Kiltimagh was described as almost litter-free, with generally good weed control and street maintenance. Some overflowing bins and the number of small bins in the Emigrant Park were identified as matters requiring attention.
Residential areas, including Altbawn Crescent, Station View, Rath Cluain, Thomas Street and James Street, received favourable comments. Additional tree planting in newer housing estates was suggested. The approach roads were considered well maintained, with particular recognition for the CE workers. The vacant garage on the Balla Road was identified as a property whose appearance could be improved.
In its concluding remarks, the adjudicator recommended that future submissions include more photographs and details of projects, together with a more structured long-term plan aligned with the competition categories.
Mary and Jimmy Doyle shared first prize with Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas at the latest weekly 25 Card Drive in Kiltimagh. Michael Sweeney and Tom Begley finished third.
The Last 10 prize went to Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle, while Patsy Flatley and Bridie Costello collected the spot prize. Raffle winners were Bridie Costello, Paddy Carney, Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley.
With the long winter evenings now upon us, the weekly 25 Card Drive provides an opportunity to get out of the house, meet friends and enjoy a few hours of cards in good company. The game takes place every Thursday night in the Parish Centre, starting at 9pm sharp, and has become a regular social occasion for those who enjoy playing cards.
While there is always an element of friendly competition, and everyone likes to finish among the prize-winners, the social side of the evening is just as important. For many of those attending, it is an opportunity to catch up with friends and neighbours, exchange a bit of local news and enjoy the company of others. There is plenty of conversation around the tables, along with the usual good-natured rivalry that is part and parcel of a game of 25.
The card drive also serves a worthwhile local purpose. Any surplus funds remaining after the weekly prizes have been paid are donated to the Kiltimagh Church Refurbishment Fund. In this way, those attending can enjoy their weekly game while also contributing towards the upkeep of the parish church.
All the work involved in organising and running the card drive is undertaken by volunteers, who give their time each Thursday to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The game is open to anyone who enjoys playing cards.
The St Vincent de Paul Pius X Conference in Kiltimagh reminds anyone who may be experiencing difficulties or needs assistance that help may be available. All calls are treated in strict confidence. Anyone wishing to contact the conference can telephone its helpline on 086-8899077.
Derry O’Sullivan and Marcella Gilmartin shared first and second prizes in the weekly Texas Hold’em poker tournament at Teach O’Hora last week.
Gerry Groarke finished third, with Martin Regan taking fourth place. The remaining finalists were John Reynolds (5th), Thomas MacDonagh (6th), Michael Higgins (7th), Michael Collum (8th) and Aoife Brennan (9th). In the side event, Dave Brennan and Keith Lydon shared the prize money.
The weekly Texas Hold’em tournament continues at Teach O’Hora, with an entry fee of €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on and a €10 bounty.
Nine drama groups will compete in the Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival at the Town Hall Theatre from Friday, November 13th, to Sunday, November 15th. The festival is part of the national competition circuit, with groups hoping to qualify for the All-Ireland Finals in December. Irene O'Meara will adjudicate the performances.
Friday's programme begins at 7.30pm with Balally Players presenting 'One For The Road', Shannonside Drama Group performing 'Aubade' and Doonbeg Drama Group staging 'The Tinker's Wedding'.
Saturday's performances, also at 7.30pm, feature Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group with 'No Romance: A Desperate Business', Clann Machua with 'Babysitting Calvin' and Charlestown Drama Group with 'The Donahue Sisters'.
Sunday's programme begins at 5pm with Castleconnor Drama Group presenting 'After', Shed by the Road Productions performing 'Elegy For A Lady' and Carraig na bhFear staging 'Lucy In The Sky'.
The festival concludes with the adjudication and announcement of results. Admission is €10 per session or €20 for a weekend pass. Tickets will be available at the door.
Kiltimagh GAA is seeking young people under 17 to represent the club at the Mayo Scór na nÓg County Final in Ballyvary Central National School on Sunday, November 15th.
The competition promotes Irish music, song, dance, drama and culture, with categories including solo singing, recitation, ballad groups, instrumental music, figure dancing, sean nós dancing, set dancing, novelty acts and Tráth na gCeist. The quiz competition begins at 2.30pm, with stage performances starting at approximately 4pm. A number of Gaeltacht scholarships will also be available.
Anyone interested in taking part or finding out more about the scholarships should contact Aingeal Uí Mhaicín on 087-9885165.
Kiltimagh Tourism is inviting stallholders to take part in the town's Christmas Market, which will be held in Market Square on Sunday, December 6th, from 2pm to 5.30pm. The event, supported by Mayo County Council, will provide an opportunity for local craftspeople, artists, bakers and small businesses to sell their products in the run-up to Christmas.
Organisers are seeking a variety of stalls offering handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork, candles, homewares, baked goods and other products. Stall spaces cost €30 and must be booked in advance. Applications are available through the Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals social media pages. Bookings will be confirmed when the completed application and payment have been received.
Elaine Gill was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, collecting a prize of €593.
The club congratulated Elaine on her win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the popular weekly fundraiser. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the money raised helping to finance the club’s activities and development at all levels.
The death has occurred of Celia Mullaney (née Boyle) of Pulronaghane, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Kilnagower, Claremorris. Celia died peacefully in her 90th year, surrounded by her family, in the loving care of Mayo Hospice, following a sudden illness.
Celia was predeceased by her beloved son Brendan Mullaney, parents James and Mary, brother Fergus and sister Madeline Maloney. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Frank, children Bernard, John, Marian, Kevin and Hilary, grandchildren Ruth, Brian, Barry, Seán, Rachel, Sarah, Katie, Shane and David, daughters-in-law Eithne, Regina and Svetlana, Hilary’s partner Scott, sisters Kathleen, Mary Ellen and Noreen (San Francisco), brothers-in-law Francis and Bob, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Celia’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Kiltimagh, on Sunday evening, October 25th. Her Funeral Mass was held on Monday in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Teresa O’Callaghan (née Power) of Bekan, Claremorris, and formerly of Cork City.
Predeceased by her husband Charles, Teresa will be deeply missed by her son Charles, brother Martin (Kiltimagh), sister Mary (Cork), relatives and friends.
Teresa’s remains reposed at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, on Friday evening. Her Funeral Mass was held on Saturday morning in St Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, Bekan, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Evelyn Deegan (née Byrne) of Raheny, Dublin, and formerly of Kiltimagh. Evelyn died peacefully at Beaumont Hospital on October 26th, 2026.
Evelyn was predeceased by her daughter Pearl in 2015, parents Michael and Kathleen Byrne, and sisters Sheila and Teresa. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband John, children Sharon, Niall and Declan, sisters, son-in-law Stephen, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Evelyn’s remains reposed at Jennings Funeral Home, Springdale Road, Raheny, on Thursday, October 29th. Removal took place on Friday morning to Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace Church, Raheny, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Dardistown Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
