Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Josephine Prendergast (seated) on her retirement day at Heneghan's Pharmacy in Kiltimagh with colleagues, from left: Una O’Brien, Lilly Begley, Tamara Jordan, Sorcha O’Loughlin, Denise Byrne, Henri Grogan and Michelle Brennan. Picture: John Corless
Approximately 1,000 people attended last week’s special mass in Knock Basilica to mark European Day for Crime Victims.
The mass was organised by the Kiltimagh-based Federation of Victim Assistance and was celebrated by Fr Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine. Most counties were represented, amongst them were many people assisted by the organisation.
In a moving ceremony, the congregation heard music from Siobhan Devine and Richella O’Connor, with Harmonise Choir from Dromore, Co Tyrone, led by Fionnuala Colton, joining the Kiltimagh Parish Choir. Angela Reid, from Dromore, sang her own composition, ‘Standing on the Shore,’ inspired by a previous visit to Knock.
Lighted candles, representing the 32 counties of Ireland, a candle for Europe and a candle representing the world, were presented at the start. Another candle, for silent victims who have not yet come forward, was also presented.
Readings were by Eadhmonn MacSuibhne, a paramedic representing the ambulance service, and Cllr Alma Gallagher, representing Mayo Co Council.
Mary McNicholas sang the psalm, and prayers of faithful were read by members of the An Garda Síochána, Order of Malta, and Michael Moran of the Fire Service. Gifts were presented by Kathleen Correia and her children Anna and Lucas. Kathleen, a high profile victim, had spoken to the in recent weeks, praising the role played by the Federation on her journey.
Audrey and Tom from SARDA - the Search and Rescue Dogs’ Association – attended, accompanied by dogs, Bailey and Hershey.
Refreshments were served afterwards in St John's Rest and Care Centre.
The Federation of Victim Assistance is currently running a draw with a prize of a new Nissan Qashqai on offer for the winner. Tickets for the draw are priced at €20 each with three for €50 and can be purchased by calling into their offices at Aiden Street, or by ringing 1800 277 477. They are also available online at www.victimassistance.ie. The draw will be held later in the year.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s Michael Collins has been elected as chairperson of the Mayo Women's League.
Michael has an impressive CV as a coach with Kiltimagh Knock United's girls and women's teams, and also with the Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL. Michael has led the club’s girls/women's section with great distinction, nurturing talent on the pitch and is always hugely encouraging in increasing female coaches’ participation.
The Mayo Women's League has enjoyed huge growth in the numbers of girls and women across the county who are now playing football.
Coillte Pickleballers have moved to Aughamore Sports Centre. The weekly session takes place at 10.30 every Saturday morning.
Pickleball is a paddle sport played on a badminton-size court that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Players use solid paddles and a plastic ball with holes. The paddles are usually made from wood or composite materials.
Pickleball is typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by two points. Points can only be scored by the serving team. It can be played as singles or doubles, with doubles being more common.
Playing pickleball can improve cardiovascular fitness, hand-eye coordination, and social interaction, making it a fun way to stay active. If you’d like to give pickleball a go, you can contact Teresa on 089-4841267.
Kiltimagh Knock United duo, Jack O’Connor and Cormac Caulfield, were instrumental in Mayo’s 4-2 away win over Donegal in the quarter-final of the Oscar Traynor Cup last week. Both came on as substitutes and made a big impact.
Cormac set up Mayo’s fourth goal after putting in a huge challenge in midfield. Jack operated on the left wing and was unlucky not to score.
Alo Langan and Aidan Lydon won last week’s 25 card game which was held in the parish centre. There was a tie for second place between Mary and Jimmy Doyle and Michael Carney and Michael Costello.
The Last 10 went to Flor Higgins and Collete Lavelle, with spot prizes going to Tom Flatley and Francis McNicholas. The raffle winners were Paul O'Shea, Jimmy Doyle and Michael Costello.
Edith O’Hora was last week’s winner of the Kiltimagh GAA 50/50. Edith won €583 in the draw which was held in The Tavern.
Bernie Byrne and Brenda McNicholas came first in last week’s bridge competition. In second place were Mick Dolan and Pat Keary, with Helen Tarpey and Nancy Shannon third.
Bridge is held in the Park Hotel every Tuesday at 7.30. The club is open to new members joining at any time. Casual pairs are also welcome. Bridge classes are available for beginners and anybody interested can contact John McCrohan on 087-2422945.
Martin Regan won first prize in Round 4 of the Spring Poker League in Teach O'Hora on Wednesday night last. Isaac Boyle was the runner-up. Pat Boyle finished third, with Michael Higgins in fourth.
Isaac Boyle is now top of the league table on 73 points followed by Michael Higgins on 64. The rest of the top twelve is, Martin Regan 61, Michael Sheridan 58, Pat Boyle 58, Douglas Wicks 54, AN Other 50, Nicky Cunnane 46, Keith Lydon 44, John Reynolds 41, Derry O'Sullivan 40, Paul Walsh 40.
In the big monthly tournament held in the Cill Aodain Hotel, there was a three-way deal which saw Tiernan Burke and Liam Sweeney share first and second prizes, with Isaac Boyle third. Alan Sheridan was fourth and Paul Walsh fifth.
Tributes have been paid to John Bosco Kelly following his passing, aged 86, on February 2nd at his home in Sale, Manchester, England.
Friends, family, neighbours and acquaintances from Sale and his native Co Mayo, as well as Co Galway where he spent many happy holidays, reflected on his great sense of humour and friendliness, during a celebration of his life at Requiem Mass which was held at St Joseph’s Church, Sale on February 13th.
Son of the late John J. and May (nee Grogan) who ran the Post Office in Kiltimagh, John moved to England in 1956 where he held a number of senior posts including with Aer Lingus, the Irish Tourist Board and National Express Coach Travel.
A man of great faith and compassion, he and Maureen, his loving wife of 62 years, were extensively involved in their local parish, and mourners heard of his many charitable works across the community.
As a keen fisherman, John returned frequently to his brother Tom’s house, in Clonbur, Co. Galway on the shores of Lough Corrib, and although settled in Manchester with an extended family in the UK (of whom he was rightly proud), he was always very pleased to call the West of Ireland his natural home.
John is survived by Maureen, his two sons Sean and Brendan, and their wives Fiona and Sallie, together with their ten grandchildren; and his brother Tom.
The death has occurred of Matthew (Mattie) Forde, Clondra Co. Longford and formerly of Bohaunes, Kiltimagh, and New York.
Mattie died peacefully in Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar with his family by his side and was pre-deceased by his parents Matthew and Nora and by his brother Peter.
Mattie will be lovingly missed by his family; his wife Mary, sons Matt (Dublin), Kevin and Brian (New York), daughters Monica (Ennis) and Teresa (Galway), brothers Michael, John, Pius, sisters Mary, Aine, Eithne and Bernie, daughters-in-law Therese and Joni, son-in-law Michael, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St Brendan's Church, Clondra, Co Longford, and cremation took place in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
The death occurred of Martin O’Brien, of Castleroyan, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Cuiltybo and New York.
Martin passed away on Thursday, February 20th. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Bridget and Tom and his sisters, Mary and Una.
Martin is deeply regretted by his siblings David, Rita, Margaret and John, sisters-in-law Caroline and Eileen, brother-in-law Mike, nephews and nieces Stevie and Rory Caulfield, Tommy, Marian, Roisin, Caoimhe, Paul and Keenan O’Brien, Sean, Dermot and Sinead Ryan; his wider family circle and friends.
Martin was laid to rest in Kilkinure Cemetery after Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh.
