Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Winners of the Junior and Mary B Prendergast-sponsored event at Balla Golf Club were, front row, from left: John Walsh, Club President; Maureen McDonnell, Mary B Prendergast (Sponsor), Lady Captain Nora Heraty. Back row: Billy O'Donnell, Kathleen Minogue, Martin Moylette, Marie Cresham and David Walsh. Missing were Geraldine O'Malley, Jimmy Sheridan and Mary B O'Donnell. Picture: Trish Forde
Preparations are well under way for this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in Kiltimagh, with a packed programme of events planned across the weekend and into Tuesday’s national holiday.
Ann King-Moran of the Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals Committee outlined the schedule, which will include music in the town’s pubs all weekend. The festivities will begin in earnest on Sunday night, March 15th, with a variety concert in the Town Hall at 7pm.
“It’s a local variety concert,” Ann said. “It’s all different local acts. We have Louise Ward, who is currently preparing for her Leaving Certificate at St Louis Community School, singing. We have the Coleman Dancers and other local acts, including the local Choral Society.”
Following the concert, a fireworks display will take place at approximately 9.30pm in the Sculpture Park, rounding off Sunday night’s entertainment.
Over the weekend, local pubs will host live music and entertainment each evening. Ann said that while the committee does not organise those events directly, visitors and locals can expect music in venues throughout Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
On St Patrick’s Day, celebrations will begin with Mass at 10.30am, followed by the parade at 2pm. This year’s Grand Marshals are Liam Kelly and Matthew Commons, captain and vice-captain of the local football team.
The parade will feature a range of floats and community groups, with judging once again carried out by Tom Jordan, Mags Connell and Frankie Forde Waldron. An overall prize of €1,000 will be awarded to the winning float, continuing the format of previous years.
Ann said the committee is looking forward to another strong turnout and a festive atmosphere in the town as Kiltimagh comes together to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
Mayo County Council will host a waste electrical and electronic equipment recycling event at Kiltimagh GAA Grounds on this Thursday, March 12th, from 10am to 4pm.
The initiative gives householders the opportunity to recycle unwanted electrical items free of charge. Items accepted include anything with a plug, lead or battery that has reached the end of its useful life, from large appliances to smaller household gadgets. Waste batteries and energy-saving lightbulbs can also be dropped off on the day.
Residents are encouraged to bring their items to the GAA grounds between 10am and 4pm and take advantage of the free recycling service.
There was another well attended and enjoyable 25 Card Drive during the week, with a great atmosphere and plenty of tight scoring throughout the evening.
First prize went to James Walsh and Aiden McDonagh, who put together a series of strong hands to finish on top. Joint second place was shared by three pairings: Mary and Richard Carney, Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell, and Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, all ending the night level after keen competition.
The Last 10 prize was won by Martin Regan and Danny Doherty. Raffle winners on the night were Tom Conroy, Patricia Hyland, Joe Corry and Joe Boyle.
Clann Machua Drama Group continues its All-Ireland Drama run with a visit to Kildare Town on this Thursday, March 12th.
The group brings its production of ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ by Frank McGuinness to Doonbeg, Co Clare, on Friday night, March 13th, and Claregalway on March 16th.
Local audiences will get a chance to see to the production on March 20th when comes it 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.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is offering local members the opportunity to attend the Gaeltacht this summer, with four scholarships valued at €250 each available towards a recognised Gaeltacht college.
The initiative, organised by CLG Coillte Mach, is open to club members who are planning to take part in a summer Irish language course. The scholarships are intended to support young players in developing their Irish while enjoying the cultural and social experience of the Gaeltacht.
Those interested in applying are asked to text 087-9885165 by 5pm on Friday, March 20th.
Rosie Walsh was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €664.
The weekly fundraiser once again received strong support from the local community, with tickets sold online and through shops and pubs around the town. The club congratulated Rosie on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who continue to back the draw, noting that the proceeds play an important role in supporting coaching, facilities and underage development.
Another strong turnout produced a prize pool of €735 in Round 4 of the Spring Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, with Pat Boyle emerging as the winner.
Boyle defeated Conor O’Hanlon in the heads-up stage to take first place. Enda Ruane finished third, while Douglas Wicks claimed fourth. The remainder of the final table comprised Enda Ruane (5th), Nicky Cunnane (6th), Keith Lydon (7th), Conor Byrne (8th) and Gerry Groarke (9th).
In the league standings, Enda Ruane remains in front on 86 points, followed by Keith Lydon on 77 and Gerry Groarke on 66. The rest of the top twelve are Conor O’Hanlon (59), Michael Higgins (58), Michael Sheridan (57), Paul Walsh (57), Marcella Gilmartin (52), Pat Boyle (51), Andy Quinn (50), Adam Earley (49), and Alan Sheridan and Nicky Cunnane on 48 points.
The league runs for fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry each round, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From each 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 plus two qualifiers will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Meanwhile, the inaugural Sunday Superstack tournament at Teach O’Hora attracted a full house of 33 players, generating a prize pool of €2,805. After nine hours of play, the final two players - Alan Sheridan and Michael Higgins - agreed to split first and second prize money, with Sheridan going on to claim the trophy. Aiden Cullinane finished third, Enda Ruane was fourth and Dara Reidy took fifth place.
The death has occurred of Elizabeth (Liz) Burke (née Woods) of Brookvale Manor Nursing Home, Ballyhaunis, formerly of Aughamore, Co Mayo, Manchester and Mohill, Co Leitrim. Liz died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital after a short illness. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Anthony (Ken), parents Thomas and Elizabeth, brothers Mike, Patrick and Frank, and sister Molly.
Liz will be sadly missed by her sons John and Tony Joe, daughter Marie, grandchildren Catherine, Charlotte, Paul, Daniel, Melissa, Liam, Kieran and Sean, great-granddaughter Beatrice, daughters-in-law Anita, Jeanette and Mary, son-in-law Roger, lifelong and best friend Vera, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Liz’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Kiltimagh, with removal to St Joseph’s Church, Aughamore. Funeral Mass was followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May she rest in peace.
