Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Well done to James Hawkshaw, Ms O’Brien and the Chaplaincy team at St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh for raising €1,000 for the Dogs for the Disabled charity.
Kiltimagh’s St Patrick’s Day parade drew a strong turnout this year despite difficult conditions, with organisers expressing satisfaction at how the day unfolded, even if numbers were slightly back on 2025.
Ann Moran, Chairperson of Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals Committee, said the weather played a role in shaping attendance.
“It was a good crowd considering the weather,” Ann told the . “While the attendance did not reach the levels of last year, the response from the public was encouraging. Considering the day that was in it and the weather we were delighted with the crowd.”
The parade, which carried the theme ‘Heroes & Legends’, took place on March 17th at 2pm, remaining in its traditional slot despite some discussion around scheduling. Ann said the decision to keep the event on the day itself was deliberate.
“I don’t agree with moving it. I think it should be on the day,” she said, dismissing suggestions that a weekend parade might attract larger participation.
She pointed instead to the timing within the week as a factor in reduced float numbers. Entries were down compared to previous years, something Ann attributed to the challenges of a Tuesday event. She said that many people are away during the week, particularly those working in larger towns and cities. In her view, this had a direct impact on the number of groups able to take part.
Despite that, the standard of entries remained high. The overall winners were the Kiltimagh Scouts, who impressed judges with their display and were awarded the top prize of €1,000 along with the Brendan Killeen Cup. Ann had no hesitation in praising their effort.
“The Scouts were excellent. Their float was clearly the best,” she said.
St Aidan’s National School claimed the Mary Diamond Cup, continuing their strong record in the parade, while Kiltimagh Fire Brigade finished second overall and St Louis Community School took third place.
Ann took on a judging role this year in the absence of regular judge Tom Jordan. She explained that her involvement was intended as a contingency.
“I was to be the deciding person if there was a tie,” she said, though no such situation arose on the day.
Beyond the parade itself, the festival programme included a number of additional events over the weekend. A concert held in the Town Hall proved popular, drawing a large attendance. Ann described it as a successful night, with strong support from the community. Fireworks followed later in the weekend, adding to the overall atmosphere and extending the celebrations beyond the parade.
The ‘Heroes & Legends’ theme encouraged a wide range of interpretations, from figures rooted in Irish mythology to contemporary role models and local personalities. Organisers had called on schools, clubs, businesses and families to take part, with the aim of showcasing creativity and community spirit. While the number of floats may have been lower, the variety and effort on display ensured the event retained its character.
Ann took the opportunity to acknowledge the many groups and individuals who contributed to the success of the day. She thanked the judges for their work, as well as the participants who entered floats. She also expressed appreciation to the public for turning out in challenging weather, and to the businesses and sponsors whose support underpins the event each year.
Recognition was also given to the Grand Marshals, whose presence added significance to the occasion, and to the parade marshals who were responsible for setting up barriers, managing signage and ensuring the safe movement of crowds along the route. Ann also paid tribute to An Garda Síochána and Mayo County Council for their assistance in organising and overseeing the event.
With the St Patrick’s Day celebrations complete, attention now turns to the next major date in the Kiltimagh calendar. Ann confirmed that preparations are already underway for the Coillte Come Home Festival, which will run from July 8th to July 13th.
The programme is expected to follow a familiar format, with live music planned for the Friday and Saturday nights, along with a comedy night earlier in the week and the popular inter-pub quiz. A family day is scheduled for the Sunday, with a golf event set to round off the festival on the Monday.
Ann indicated that much of the structure will remain consistent with previous years. Planning is ongoing, with further details to be confirmed closer to the time.
For now, she said the focus is on building on the momentum of the St Patrick’s Day event and maintaining community engagement. While challenges such as weather and scheduling can affect turnout, the continued support from local groups and residents remains central to the success of events in the town.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is set to host its Multi-Activity Easter Camp from March 30th to April 1st, 2026, at Gilmartin Park in Kiltimagh (F12 PN79). The camp will run each day from 10am to 1pm and offers young participants an opportunity to enjoy a range of fun and engaging activities over the Easter break.
The cost of the camp is €35 for one child, while families with two or more children can avail of a reduced rate of €70. Those wishing to register or seek further information are asked to contact Natalie on 086-3752891.
St Louis Community School has paid tribute to student Elzbieta Klonowska following a series of outstanding achievements in design competitions at both national and international level.
Elzbieta, known as Ela, has once again secured a place in the Grand Final of the ReLoved competition with her original creation titled 'Rock them, Madonna'. Her design will feature in an exhibition at the Rediscovery Centre during the first two weeks of April, ahead of the final, which is scheduled to take place at The Venue in Dublin City University on April 15th.
In addition to this success, Ela has also been shortlisted for the prestigious Stitch It! competition in London, which forms part of the Stitch Festival. As part of that event, she will showcase her own design on the catwalk. The competition attracts entries from across the UK, with just ten candidates shortlisted in each category, making her inclusion a significant achievement.
The school community has expressed great pride in Ela’s accomplishments, recognising both her creativity and dedication, and has extended best wishes to her as she prepares for both upcoming competitions.
There was another lively night at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a strong turnout and plenty of competitive play on display.
Top honours went to Seamus Larkin and Joe Corry, who finished in first place after a consistent performance. Second place was secured by Michael Carney and Michael Costello, while Patsy Flatley and Trish Hyland took third.
The Last 10 prize was shared by three pairings: Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne, Mary and Richard Carney, and James Walsh and Paddy Carney.
Raffle winners on the night were Michael Carney, Denis Regan, Chris Flatley and Jimmy Doyle.
Isaac Boyle secured his first win of the Spring Poker League in Round 6 at Teach O’Hora last week, defeating Keith Lydon heads up. Conor O’Hanlon finished third, while Kieran McGee took fourth place. The remainder of the final table comprised Nicky Cunnane (5th), Gerry Groarke (6th), Paul Walsh (7th), Enda Ruane (8th) and John Reynolds (9th).
The result follows Round 5 the previous week, when Enda Ruane recorded his third win of the series. He overcame Michael Higgins heads up, with Derry O’Sullivan finishing third and Julian Keane fourth. The rest of that final table included Kieran McGee (5th), Isaac Boyle (6th), Paul Walsh (7th), Conor O’Hanlon (8th) and John Reynolds (9th).
After six rounds, Ruane remains well clear at the top of the league standings on 127 points. Keith Lydon is second on 106, with Conor O’Hanlon in third on 90. The remainder of the top twelve are Michael Higgins (85), Paul Walsh (82), Gerry Groarke (81), Nicky Cunnane (71), Isaac Boyle (70), Pat Boyle (63), Michael Sheridan (62), and Adam Earley and Alan Sheridan, both on 60 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 conclusion of the league, the top twelve players plus two qualifiers will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
John Cronin was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €558.
The draw continues to receive strong backing from the local community, with tickets available online as well as through shops and pubs around the town. The club congratulated John on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who entered, noting that funds raised help support underage coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
