Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Students from Balla NS at Splash & Dash with Mayo Sports Partnership in association with Triathlon Ireland at Lough Lannagh, Castlebar. Picture: Alison Laredo
Work is ongoing on a colourful mural on Main Street by Klim Bohatyrov and his father, Yuri Bohatyrov, with completion expected in the coming days.
Klim Bohatyrov, aged 20, originally from Ukraine, is a former student of St Louis Community School. He is currently attending Mayo College of Further Education, Westport, where he is studying Level 6 Art. He has previously completed a number of murals on the Kiltimagh school grounds.
Speaking about the project, Michael Roache of the Kiltimagh Tidy Towns Committee outlined how the initiative developed. He said the wall had been unused and permission was sought locally to carry out the work. Initial plans involved students from the school, but this was not possible due to timing. The project then progressed following discussions with a teacher and the artist.
“The design of the mural was chosen by the artist,” Michael told the . “The emphasis was on allowing creative independence. The intention was to provide a visual feature in the town that would be accessible to younger members of the community.”
Michael said that a previous project at the same location involved local youth participation. He explained that the materials for the mural were provided by the committee from donations received, and confirmed that the artists did not seek payment for their work, with support to be provided through the Tidy Towns Committee.
Michael also outlined his involvement with the committee, linking it to family connections with the area and a long-standing interest in community development. He said he has been involved locally for a number of years.
A new Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others team is set to begin in Kiltimagh, offering an opportunity for participants to take part in Ladies Gaelic Football in a social setting.
The initiative will be based at Kiltimagh GAA Club and is open to all levels, including those with no previous experience of the game. The focus of the programme is on participation in a relaxed and non-competitive environment, with an emphasis on learning skills and engaging in group activity.
The Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others programme is designed to encourage involvement in sport while supporting social connection and physical activity. New members are welcome to attend and take part as the team gets underway.
Darkness Into Light will return to Kiltimagh on Saturday, May 9th, with participants gathering at 4.15am for the annual walk in support of suicide and self-harm prevention services. The event, organised in aid of Pieta and supported nationally by Electric Ireland, marks its second year in the town.
Organisers in Kiltimagh are hosting the event in collaboration with the Swinford group, which is taking a break this year. The local launch and registration evening took place at Ryan’s Bar, where early interest in the walk was evident.
The Kiltimagh route will begin and end at the Bocce Courts, taking participants on a loop of just under 5km through the areas of Cordarragh and Kilcon before returning at dawn. The walk follows the established format of beginning in darkness and continuing into daylight, reflecting the theme of moving from difficulty towards support.
The local organising committee is led by chairperson Joe Corry, supported by a group of volunteers coordinating the event. The launch evening was attended by Gda Sgt Regina Carley, Dr Diarmuid Murray, and members of the Murphy family, who spoke about their experience following the loss of their son, Red Óg Murphy, the renowned Sligo footballer.
Speakers at the event highlighted the role of community-based initiatives in supporting awareness and access to services. Funds raised contribute to Pieta’s provision of free support for individuals at risk of suicide or self-harm, as well as those affected by suicide. The organisation continues to provide a 24-hour service, responding to a high volume of calls and supporting thousands of people annually through its programmes.
Registration is open to individuals who wish to take part in the Kiltimagh walk or support the event.
Margaret Gallagher was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €584.
The draw continues to enjoy strong support from the local community, with tickets available online as well as through shops and pubs around the town. The club congratulated Margaret 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.
Packie Waldron from Knock was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €342.
Tickets for the weekly draw are sold online as well as through local shops and pubs, and the club congratulated Packie on his win. KKU extended sincere thanks to all who support the draw, highlighting that proceeds help fund coaching, teams and the ongoing development of the club’s facilities.
A lively and competitive evening of cards was held at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close hands and familiar faces enjoying the friendly rivalry.
First prize went to Seamus Larkin and Manus Kilcoyne, who performed consistently to finish ahead of the field. Joint second place was shared by Mary and Richard Carney and Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle, both pairs finishing level after a series of closely contested games.
The Last 10 prize was claimed by Mary and Jimmy Doyle, while Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas took the spot prize. The special Easter raffle saw a number of winners, including Aiden Lydon, Mary Moran, Richard Carney, Pius Forde, Joe Boyle, James Walsh, Aiden McDonagh, Seamus Larkin, and Mary Moran.
Andy Quinn recorded a third consecutive victory in the Spring Poker League, taking first prize in Round 9 at Teach O’Hora last week.
Adam Earley finished runner-up, with Martin Regan in third and Alan Sheridan in fourth. The remainder of the final table comprised Michael Higgins (5th), Marcella Gilmartin (6th), Pat Boyle (7th), Julian Keane (8th) and Aoife Brennan (9th).
In the league standings, Enda Ruane remains in top position on 188 points, with Quinn moving into second on 162. The rest of the top twelve are Keith Lydon (147), Conor O’Hanlon (146), Paul Walsh (126), Michael Higgins (115), John Reynolds (111), Gerry Groarke (108), Alan Sheridan (103), Nicky Cunnane (102), Adam Earley (99) and Marcella Gilmartin (96).
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.
An event to mark Mayo Day will take place at Kiltimagh Museum under the theme 'The Connected County'. The programme will feature contributions from Kiltimagh Writers Group, including poetry, stories, songs and music. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd, from 3pm to 5pm.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
A Youth 2000 Day Retreat will take place at Knock Shrine on Saturday, April 25th. The event is open to those aged between 16 and 35.
The programme will include talks, personal testimonies and group activities, along with opportunities for discussion and reflection on aspects of the Catholic faith.
The retreat is organised by Youth 2000 Ireland and operates on a donation basis.
Registration is available online, with further information also available by email at connaught@youth2000.ie.
