Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Members of the Finn family and other guests at the Western People Mayo Sports Stars in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar. Kiltimagh native Hazel Finn received the Basketball award, although she was unable to attend as she had a match on the same evening. Picture: Michael Donnelly
Kiltimagh Community Alert will hold its annual general meeting on this Friday, February 27th, at 8pm in the Parish Centre, and all members of the community are invited to attend.
The group plays a key role locally in supporting the Seniors Alert Scheme, which provides monitored personal alarms to older people to help them live safely and independently in their own homes. The scheme is available to people aged 65 and over who have limited means and who live alone or are alone for long periods, live with another older person with limited means, or are caring for someone in their household.
Under the scheme, the alarm equipment and installation are provided free of charge. The monitoring service is also free for the first year, after which an annual monitoring fee applies, typically in the region of €70, depending on the provider and type of alarm. In some cases, a small additional charge may apply where a mobile signal is used instead of a landline.
The alarm is worn as a pendant or wrist device and connects to a 24-hour national helpline through a base unit in the home. When activated, the system allows an operator to speak directly with the user and arrange assistance from local volunteers or emergency services if required.
Community Alert representatives say the AGM will give people an opportunity to learn more about the work of the group and the services it supports, as well as to get involved in helping to improve safety and wellbeing for older people in the Kiltimagh area.
Before taking a break for the summer, Pen and Ink Writers are putting on one more special event, in association with the Folk Café in Kiltimagh. A St David’s Day Welsh Night will be aimed at providing a sample of Welsh culture and cuisine (vegetarian/vegan diets catered for).
In addition to the Welsh dishes available, there will be featured musicians and writers, an Open Mic and a quiz with a prize voucher for the overall winner. Following the success of the group’s Burns Night event in raising funds for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, the St David’s Day event will also be raising funds for the same charity. A donation is included in the ticket price.
Pen and Ink Writers look forward to welcoming those who would like to take part in the open mic and those who just wish to enjoy the entertainment.
The St David’s Day Welsh Night is on Sunday next, March 1st, at 7.15pm for 8pm. Tickets are €10 and are available in The Folk Café, Main Street Rear, Kiltimagh, and from Pen and Ink Writers on 086-0738368 and by email at penandink.comayo@gmx.com.
Clann Machua Drama Group is preparing for a busy and exciting spring as its latest production, ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’, heads onto the All-Ireland Drama Festival circuit with a run of performances across eight venues around the country.
The comedy-drama, written by Frank McGuinness, will tour a wide range of towns between early and late March, bringing the group to stages in Newtownstewart, Enniskillen, Kildare Town, Doonbeg, Claregalway, Claremorris, Rathangan and Holycross. The tour includes a performance in Claremorris on March 20th, which is expected to attract strong local interest.
Set in Donegal in 1967, the play explores a period of change in Irish society, as old traditions begin to give way to new ways of thinking. At the centre of the story are two troubled marriages, a determined mother struggling to keep her family together, and a young girl determined to take control of her own future. Hovering over their lives is the distant but powerful presence of Greta Garbo, whose mystique adds an unusual and intriguing layer to the drama.
Blending sharp humour with warmth and emotional depth, the play has been praised for its richly drawn characters and engaging storytelling. McGuinness’s script offers both comedy and insight, creating a piece that resonates with audiences while providing plenty of entertaining moments along the way.
Clann Machua’s production features a cast of seven, drawn from the local area, including Maura Murphy, Elaine Reagan, Paul Kelly, Finola Mellett, Rory Quinn and Séamus Corry, with Colette McGinty taking on the title role. The production is directed by Rebecca Farrington, who has worked closely with the cast to bring the play’s subtle humour and emotional themes to life on stage.
The next meeting of Kiltimagh Women’s Group will take place on Monday, March 2nd, at 7pm in the Parish Centre.
The group also hosts afternoon tea in the Folk Café on the third Tuesday of each month at 2pm, while weekly crafting sessions continue every Monday at 11am, also in the Folk Café.
New members are always welcome to attend and take part in the group’s activities.
Darkness Into Light will return to Kiltimagh with the local walk confirmed for Saturday, May 9th.
The event will begin at 4.15am from the Bocce Court in Cordarragh, and is part of the national initiative that supports suicide and self-harm prevention services.
Organisers are encouraging people to save the date, with registration expected to open in the coming weeks. Further details on how to take part will be announced closer to the time.
Kiltimagh Knock United Women’s team is inviting new and returning players to get involved ahead of the coming season.
The club, which currently competes in Division 1 of the Mayo Women’s League and are reigning Mary Walsh Cup holders, offers access to three full-size pitches and modern training facilities.
The women’s section is focused on developing players at all levels, with an emphasis on providing meaningful game time for younger players. The coaching team is led by a UEFA B–qualified coach with extensive experience in the women’s game.
Training takes place every Saturday evening from 6 to 7.30pm. Anyone interested in joining or looking for further information can contact Michael on 086-2018066.
Kiltimagh will celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2026 with its annual parade on March 17th at 2pm, themed ‘Heroes and Legends’.
This year’s Grand Marshals are Liam Kelly and Mattie Cummins, who have been selected in recognition of their leadership and contribution to sport and community. The team captain and vice-captain enjoyed a successful season and will lead the parade through the town.
The theme invites schools, clubs, businesses and community groups to draw inspiration from Irish folklore, sporting greats, historical figures and everyday local heroes, with organisers encouraging colourful and creative entries for the day.
Another enjoyable night of cards was held at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a good turnout and plenty of close contests across the tables.
Top honours went to Mary and Richard Carney, who finished in first place after a strong and steady performance. Second prize was claimed by Michael Costello and Michael Carney, while Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy secured third place following some keenly fought games.
The Last 10 prize went to Mary and Jimmy Doyle, while James Walsh and Paddy Carney picked up the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Mary Doyle, Joe Corry, Mary Ward and Kathleen Gill.
Enda Ruane has made a strong start to the Spring Poker League, winning the opening two rounds of the series. In Round 2 at Teach O’Hora last week, he overcame Marcella Gilmartin heads up to secure back-to-back victories.
Michael Higgins claimed third prize, with Keith Lydon finishing fourth. The remainder of the final table was Adam Earley in fifth, John Reynolds in sixth, Andy Quinn in seventh, Nicky Cunnane in eighth and Gerry Groarke in ninth.
After two rounds, Enda Ruane leads the standings on 62 points. Keith Lydon is second on 50, followed by Marcella Gilmartin on 46. The rest of the top twelve are Gerry Groarke (36), Michael Sheridan (31), Michael Higgins (29), Nicky Cunnane (27), John Reynolds (26), Adam Earley (25), Conor O’Hanlon (24), Paul Walsh (21) and Andy Quinn (20).
The league runs for fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry each round, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From every entry and rebuy/add-on, €5 goes towards the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the end of the series, the top twelve players on the table, along with two qualifiers, will compete in a Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Eoghan Lavin was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, collecting a prize of €577. Tony Cunnane was the previous week’s winner.
The weekly draw enjoys strong support from the local community, with tickets sold in shops and pubs around the town as well as online. The club congratulated Eoghan and Tony on their wins and expressed its appreciation to all who took part. The funds raised continue to support underage coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
