Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Winners in the Winter League and Christmas Scramble at Balla Golf Club. Picture: Trish Forde
A special Mass was celebrated in Knock Basilica on Sunday, February 22nd, to mark European Day for Victims of Crime and Trauma, drawing what organisers described as a significantly larger attendance than in previous years.
The ceremony, now in its fourth year, was organised by Victim Assistance, the national charity based in Kiltimagh, which provides support to victims of crime across Ireland. Mass was celebrated by Fr Richard Gibbons, Parish Priest and Rector of Knock Shrine.
A huge crowd filled the Basilica, with attendance reported to be hundreds higher than last year’s gathering of approximately 1,000 people. Representatives of numerous emergency and voluntary services were present, creating a strong visual display of solidarity and support for victims and their families. Among those represented were An Garda Síochána, the ambulance service, the fire service, the Coast Guard and search and rescue teams.
Adding a memorable touch to the occasion was ‘Bailey,’ a dog from the Search and Rescue Dog Association, who made his presence felt with the occasional bark during the ceremony. Fr Gibbons acknowledged Bailey warmly, offering him a special welcome from the altar.
The readers at the Mass reflected the wide range of services involved in supporting victims of crime. They included Eadhmonn MacSuibhne of the HSE Ambulance Service, Leanne Keely of Restorative Justice, and Adrian McHugh of Kiltimagh Fire Service, representing Mayo Fire Service.
Addressing the congregation, Tom Brophy, Chairperson of Victim Assistance, welcomed those present in the Basilica and those joining via webcam from across Ireland and Europe. He reminded the gathering that February 22nd marked European Victims Day, established 36 years ago to recognise “the plight of victims right across Europe and indeed across the world”. He extended a particular welcome to first responders and frontline personnel. He said that the Gardaí, ambulance services, fire service, Coast Guard and rescue units provide essential supports at times of crisis. He also highlighted the role of specialist Garda dog units at ports and airports, describing their work as “absolutely amazing” in detecting illegal activity and protecting the public.
“Victim Assistance has worked closely with Garda Victim Service Offices around the country on a daily basis, and there is no question or doubt that they do a great job on behalf of victims of crime,” Mr Brophy told the congregation. “The charity values its cooperation with statutory agencies, doctors, nurses and voluntary groups in towns and villages nationwide.”
Victim Assistance, he said, has been advocating on behalf of victims of crime and trauma in Ireland for more than 21 years. With its head office in Kiltimagh, the organisation has supported thousands of people during that time. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by victims, saying the anxiety, trauma and daily challenges can make recovery a hard road to travel.
Quoting an old saying, he remarked that if you want to know about the road ahead, you should ask those who have travelled it. People who have experienced crime and trauma, he said, understand how difficult that journey can be.
“We in the organisation feels privileged to have worked with so many victims over the past two decades,” Mr Brophy said “and we will continue to provide assistance going forward, working alongside other agencies to improve outcomes for victims, and ease difficulties where possible.”
He made a direct appeal to anyone suffering in silence: “If there are people affected by crime who have not yet come forward but need help, contact us and we will provide support. Look up Victim Assistance, make contact in confidence, and we in the organisation, working with others, will ensure they receive the help and support they deserve.”
Mr Brophy finished off by expressing gratitude to Mary McNicholas, National Coordinator of Victim Assistance, for organising the event in conjunction with Fr Gibbons, whom he described as a strong advocate for victims. He also thanked all those who took part in the procession and represented the many groups that provide support in local communities on a daily basis.
Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in St John’s Rest and Care Centre, allowing attendees an opportunity to meet and reflect together.
Organisers said the annual Mass provides a space for reflection, remembrance and solidarity, while also recognising the dedication of frontline and voluntary services throughout the country.
As European Day for Victims of Crime continues to be marked across the continent, the gathering in Knock once again placed Mayo at the heart of a message of compassion, awareness and support for those affected by crime and trauma.
The Federation of Victim Assistance can be contacted on freephone 1800 277 477 or on 094 9000251. The organisation can be contacted by email on support@victimassistance.ie.
Clann Machua Drama Group is set for a busy March as its production of ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ by Frank McGuinness tours the All-Ireland Drama Festival circuit with eight performances across the country.
The group will take to the stage in Newtownstewart on this Saturday, March 7th, followed by Enniskillen on Sunday, March 8th, Kildare Town on March 12th, Doonbeg on March 13th, and Claregalway on March 16th. A key date for local audiences will be March 20th when the production comes to Claremorris. The tour then continues to Rathangan on March 27th and concludes in Holycross on March 28th.
The production features a seven-strong cast drawn from the local area: Maura Murphy, Elaine Reagan, Paul Kelly, Finola Mellett, Rory Quinn and Séamus Corry, with Colette McGinty in the title role. Direction is by Rebecca Farrington.
As the group prepares to travel the country, there is particular anticipation around the Claremorris performance, which will give local supporters an opportunity to see the cast in action during their All-Ireland run.
Kiltimagh GAA Club will host its presentation dinner on this Saturday, March 7th, at the Kiltimagh Park Hotel, celebrating the club’s achievements during the 2025 season.
The evening will begin at 7.30pm and will include dinner, the presentation of awards, and music and entertainment.
Club members, supporters and friends are invited to attend what promises to be a special night recognising the efforts and successes of players, management and volunteers over the past year.
Tickets are priced at €50 and are available from members of the club executive.
There was a fine turnout once again at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of competitive play and good spirited rivalry across the tables.
First place went to Jack Ryan and Danny Walsh, who came out on top after a strong performance on the night. Joint second was shared by three pairings: Mary and Liam Moran, Manus Kilcoyne and Chris Flatley, and James Walsh and Martin Regan, all finishing level after some closely fought hands.
The Last 10 prize was shared between Mary and John Ward and Aiden McDonagh and Denis Regan. Mary and Jimmy Doyle claimed the spot prize, while the raffle winners were Manus Kilcoyne, Danny Walsh, Aiden McDonagh and Tom Conroy.
A prize pool of €770 was contested by 22 players in Round 3 of the Spring Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, with newcomer Nigel Sweeny taking first place.
Nigel saw off Michael Higgins in the heads-up stage, with Michael Higgins finishing runner-up. Paul Walsh secured third prize and Adam Earley took fourth. The remainder of the final table comprised Michael Sheridan (5th), Gerry Groarke (6th), Andy Quinn (7th), David Sweeney (8th) and Martin Regan (9th).
At the top of the league standings, Enda Ruane and Keith Lydon are joint leaders on 62 points. They are followed by Gerry Groarke and Michael Higgins, both on 53 points. The rest of the top twelve are Michael Sheridan (50), Adam Earley (49), Marcella Gilmartin (49), Paul Walsh (47), Andy Quinn (38), Martin Regan (36), Conor O’Hanlon (35), with Martin Regan and John Reynolds level on 34 points.
The league runs for 15 weeks, with a €50 entry each round, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From every entry and rebuy/add-on, €5 is allocated to the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the series, the top 12 players plus two qualifiers will contest a grand final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Darragh Faherty was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €310. Darragh purchased the winning ticket online, as the club’s weekly fundraiser continues to attract support both digitally and through local shops and pubs.
The club congratulated Darragh on the win and conveyed its thanks to all who entered. All proceeds go towards the development of teams and the maintenance of club facilities.
Zara Quinn was the lucky winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, collecting €609.
The weekly draw once again enjoyed strong backing from the community, with tickets available online and from retail outlets and pubs around the town. The club extended warm congratulations to Zara and expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who supports the fundraiser, which plays an important role in sustaining underage coaching and ongoing improvements.
