Local Notes: An evening of Irish Folk Songs in Errew Community Centre.

Janine Hoban, James Kilbane and Éadaoin Earley pictured at an evening of Irish folk songs, acoustic music and storytelling in the intimate setting of the new Errew Community Centre.
Carra County.
Ballintubber GAA jackpot stood at €7,700 on Sunday night, November 24. The numbers drawn were 13, 19, 30 and 35.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mike Murphy, Martin Larkin, Michael and Jean Duffy, Padraic Hughes, Brian Donnelly and Sean Lee. The jackpot stood at €7,800 on last Sunday night, December 1. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
On Saturday, December 14, a great show of multi-coloured lights and revving engines will commence the annual Christmas celebrations in Ballintubber. Registration for the Tractor Run is from 2pm at the Abbey Car Park. The entry fee is €20. A mini tractor run for the “small set” will take place in the Abbey grounds once the main event has departed after 4pm.
There will be prizes for the best dressed and decorated tractors. Santa’s Grotto will be open for little visitors with a special appearance by the big man himself. Book signings by local authors Edwin McGreal and Eva Naughton will be held in the Abbey gift shop where you can get a signed copy of their books on the evening. Also be in with a chance to win some great prizes in the super raffle.
Food trucks and refreshments will be available while you enjoy listening to Christmas carols by the fabulous Abbey Choir. Meet up with family, friends and neighbours at this fun and entertaining community event. Proceeds are in aid of Ballintubber Community Council, with half going to The Celtic Furrow to assist with the big refurbishment.
Carnacon Community Development Association CLG will hold their annual general meeting in the Carnacon Parish Hall on Wednesday, December 11, at 8pm. All members are requested to attend.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto on Monday, November 25, were 1, 5, 9 and 26. There was no winner of the €9,900 jackpot. Match 3 winner was John Boyle. Consolation prizes went to Seamus Macken, Declan Bourke, John McGreal, Joe Sheridan and Eileen O’ Neill. The weekend jackpot stood at €10,000. Go to smartlotto.ie. Thanks to all loyal club supporters.
The card game winners on Monday, November 25, were 1st Tom Fitzpatrick and Patricia Jennings, 2nd Richard and Mary Carney and 3rd Tomás Solan and Peter Glynn. The last 10 winners were Kevin Burke and John E Burke and the raffle prizes went to Mary Boyle and Cathal Hennelly. The progressive 25 games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
Joe Kelly, who sells fresh vegetables at the monthly Ballyglass markets, has organised a weekly vegetable box delivery service to Ballyglass Community Centre. He delivers boxes of fresh seasonal organic vegetables, to be picked up on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 5.30pm at the community centre. The boxes cost €20 each. If you would like to order a box of Joe’s vegetables, call him on 089 4519198.
Irish Dancing classes for children aged 4 and upwards in the community centre continue every Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30, and cost €5 per class, pay as you go. Beginners are very welcome.
Congratulations to local swimmer Naoise Ramsey, who won a gold medal in the recent Connacht 200m Fly competition. Naoise is the daughter of Carmel and Neil Ramsey, Curlisduane. Well done Naoise, all of Ballyglass is proud of your fantastic achievement!
Ballyglass Active Age group enjoyed their Christmas Party in the Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone, on Saturday, November 23. A great night was had by all, consisting of a tasty three-course meal, followed by a night of singing, dancing, and great fun and banter. As always, a huge thank you to the organisers and the bus driver for a great night.
A new mother and baby/toddler group has been formed in the Childcare Centre, Carnacon. A large number of mothers and toddlers are enjoying the superb facilities. The group usually meet on Wednesdays from 10am to 12 noon but if attendees want to change to any other day they will be able to do so. All mothers from the parish and beyond are welcome to avail of this wonderful facility. For further details contact 087 6752668.
A 25 Drive (singles hands with 16 games) started in Carnacon Community Centre on Thursday night, October 17, at 8.30pm.
There is a raffle and refreshments served after the game. There is a special prize for the person with the greatest number of games, and the least number of games at Christmas. All card players are welcome.
Mass for deceased members of Ballintubber GAA club will take place on Friday, December 6, in Ballintubber Abbey at 7.30pm.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Peter Prendergast, Newtown and Mary O’Dea, Cloonboora, on the recent passing of their sister, Helen Prendergast, Liverpool. May she rest in peace.
The Christian Community in the parish has welcomed its newest members Julia Chaves Dermody, Jack Patrick Calvey and Grace Denise Heneghan who were baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber and also Séamie Dean Loftus, baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, on Saturday 23rd November. Congratulations to their parents, families and friends.
Congratulations to Michael McHale, Liscunnell, Ballyheane, who recently celebrated a big roundy birthday. Michael who has been a stalwart worker for Ballintubber GAA, Carnacon Ladies and Mayo LGFA, a referee and superb family man for decades is wished ongoing good health and profound happiness in his golden years.
The Habit Store presents Eco Pop up market at Crave at the Cottage in Ballintubber on Friday, December 13, from 5-8pm, with local handmade gifts, arts, crafts, preloved clothing, and delicious food and good vibes. F12 A8N9 Christmas Carols.
Christmas Carols at Ballintubber Abbey with Ballintubber Abbey Choir and Castlebar Male Voice Choir will take place in Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday, December 15, at 7.30pm. Donations welcome at the door.
Avoid the traffic chaos in major urban centres, shop local and support local this Christmas. Ballintubber Abbey Gift shop has a great selection of products and gifts ideal for Christmas presents. They are fully stocked with beautiful Hawthorn Handmade Skincare Giftsets and they also stock a fantastic range of products, gits, candles, books and toys from local suppliers. The gift shop is open daily. Guided tours are available 7 days a week including Sundays after Mass. Monday - Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093 9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie. A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the Gift shop. Support is greatly appreciated.
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The death has taken place last week of Carmel Garvey (née Spain), Gorteen Mor, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Carmel passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff in Friars Lodge Nursing Home, surrounded by her family on November 23. In her 79th year her passing is a great loss to her family and many friends and peers who held her in the highest esteem. Carmel was predeceased by her husband Tom, parents Bridget and Christy, brothers George, Pascal, Kieran and Brendan and she is deeply regretted by her sons Micheal and Brian, sister Margaret, daughters-in-law Gretta and Karen, grandchildren Dillon, Thomas, Jack, and Dillon, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Her remains reposed at Halla Thuar Mhic Èadaigh on last Monday evening from 6pm with removal at 8pm to Partry Church. Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon, with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Tourmakeady cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The AGM of CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh will be held on Thursday, December 5, at 8.30pm. The annual general meeting will be held in Tourmakeady Community Hall and is open to all. The club strongly encourage and welcome club members and non-members alike to attend the AGM and support the club which has done magnificent work for the community.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €14,700 on November 24, and the numbers drawn were 2, 6, 10 and 25. There was no jackpot winner. The online winners were Mary Gavin and Sarah Mulroe. The jackpot stood at €14,800 on last Saturday night, November 30.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne Ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/.
The death has taken place of Peter Garry, 19 Drumnavanagh, Cavan Town and formerly of Partry, Co. Mayo, on Sunday, November 24. Peter passed away peacefully at his home in the loving care of his family. Predeceased by his son Anthony, Peter is deeply regretted by his wife Grace (O'Malley), daughters Sinéad, Gráinne, Louise and Petrina, his son Shane (Lauren), his adored grandchildren Aisling, Oisín, Neil and Saoirse, his siblings Seamus, Mary, Teresa, John (all USA), Martin and Una Burke (both Partry), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and all his extended family, and also his ex-colleagues in An Garda Síochána, fellow volunteers (Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association and Access for the disabled), his neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
His remains reposed at the McMahon Funeral Home, Farnham Road, Cavan, on Tuesday evening from 4pm until removal at 6pm to the Cathedral of St’s Patrick and Felim, Cavan arriving for 6.30pm. Peter's Funeral Mass was celebrated on last Wednesday morning at 11am. Funeral prayers took place in St Mary's Church, Partry, Co. Mayo on last Thursday at 12 noon followed by burial in Ballyovey Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
A Christmas Wreath making workshop with Martina and Lil will take place in the Mons Horan centre in Partry on this Wednesday, December 4, at 8pm. Bring your own materials, (wreath ring, roll of wreath wire, greenery, ribbon, scissors, decorations and gloves if using holly). Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available. The modest fee is €5 and details can be had from 097 9036676 or 087 2820623.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme applications are being invited across a diverse range of initiatives with a community benefit including: events, education programmes, promotions, publications, exhibitions, development of conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational measures, maintenance measures that support conservation measures, monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects, invasive species and fire control measures, anti-littering initiatives to local environmental improvements in the area of the designated sites and other peatland areas.
Successful applicants for this year’s assistance will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project's eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 designated sites and up to €20,000 for Non-Natura 2000 peatland sites.
Further details of the scheme are available on the NPWS Website: https://www.npws.ie/.../peatlands-and-natura-community...
The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, January 24, 2025.
The annual Christmas tree will be erected once again at Tourmakeady Church Grounds. A limited number of cards will also shortly be available at €5 each, with three Mass’s celebrated on each card. All proceeds will be in aid of Tourmakeady Church.
St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady, is currently closed for renovation and some repair and decorating works. The work is expected to take until December 15 (approximately) to complete. Mass is at the usual times, and funeral ceremonies will be celebrated in Tourmakeady College Hall.
The Christmas Curry night out at Máire Luke’s Bar and Restaurant will take place on Saturday, December 14. Music on the night will be by Jonny Moran and details can be had from 087 9403430 or 094 9544080.
Tourmakeady Knitting Club has resumed their activities once again on Monday nights from 7.30 to 9.30. Phone 087 7657191 for details.
Tourmakeady Parent and Toddler meet in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Tuesdays from 10.30 to 12.15pm. There are lots of toys for the children and a chance for adults to chat and have a cup of tea, Details are available from 094 9544295 or 083 3600770.
Tuar Mhic Eadaigh Social Club meets from 2 to 4pm on Thursdays and new members are made most welcome.
Santa is to visit Tourmakeady on next Sunday, December 8. The most generous, saintly and jovial man in the world is expected in the Halla at 2pm. There is sure to be huge excitement among the younger set in the community.
Expressions of interest are requested in order to run a local monthly market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh early in the New Year. The market would be inside in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Persons involved in arts, crafts, and jewellery skills or product manufacture should make contact. If you are interested contact Catherine at 085 2534266.
The winter season of Irish classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Wednesdays each week - at 10am there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12 noon. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
A clothing collection to raise funds for St Mary's NS will be held on December 17. If you wish to contribute used/unwanted clothes, shoes (pairs only) handbags and belts, please drop them off at the school before December 17.
St Mary’s National School would welcome consignments of returnable bottles and cans. Donations of the returnable bottles and cans can be made during school hours and outside of that time people can phone 087 3141868 to arrange access. Strong support for both ventures would be highly appreciated.
Killawalla Community Council have invited all and sundry on this Thursday, December 5, to the Christmas lighting ceremony in the village. The event is on just after 7pm Mass. If anyone would like a loved one’s name added to the seasonal Christmas tree please send a message ASAP to the secretary or any member.
At the gala “Killawalla - turn on lights” there will be carol singing, hot chocolate, treats and remembrance of all parishioners who passes away during the year.
Monday nights - Bingo runs from 8.30; Wednesday evenings - ukulele and guitar lessons for Partry Music Group (groups are all full at the moment); Wednesday nights - Yoga with Candice, 7.30pm to 9pm; Thursday mornings - Yoga with Candice 9,30am -10.30am; Thursday evenings - Junior Irish Dancing with Catherine Coleman School of Irish Dancing. Additionally, the new remote working hub is up and running. Bookings can be made through Connected Hubs. Visit https:// www.connectedhubs.ie/hubs/profile/5001 for more information and to reserve a place. Contact a member of Partry Community Council for further information on any of these events.
Congratulations to Partry AFC U12s, for their victory in the Ben Duffy Cup. The club have extended thanks to the team and managers for their incredible hard work and dedication, and determination throughout the tournament. It takes a lot of skill, determination, and teamwork to come out on top, and the team and mentors have all shown that in abundance. Keep up the great work and continue to make your community proud. Well done, Partry AFC.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Tom and Eileen Byrne, Portroyal who were recent winners of €100 in the club lotto. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Congrats to Michael Corrigan, Ballintubber, who was a recent winner of €100 in the Partry Residents Association Saturday night draws. The numbers lotto draw takes place on Saturday nights and all funds raised go towards local projects and village enhancement.
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The death occurred last week of Geraldine Jordan née Jordan, Kilkenny Cross, Castlebar and late of Breaffy, Castlebar. Geraldine passed away on November 26, peacefully after a short illness in the care of the staff of Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary Ann, husband Michael, brothers Paddy, Brendan, Christy, Vincent and Kevin and her sister Jo Walsh, she is deeply regretted by her son Kenneth (Galway), daughter Toni (Castlebar), grandchildren Amy, Tyrone, Oisin, CJ, Chelsea and Ronan, brothers Michael Jordan (Balla), John Jordan (Southampton, UK) and Gabriel Jordan (Southampton, UK), sisters Roseleen Heverin (Castlebar) and Bridie Winter (Castlebar), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Geraldine’s remains reposed in Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on last Thursday, November 28, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to her residence. The removal from her residence took place on Friday morning at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11am in Saint Aloysius Church, Breaffy. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
On next Sunday, December 8, Handel's Messiah will be performed in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. Join all those present for a special performance of Handel's Messiah, led by Kathy Fahy and start the festive season in style. This live performance will take place in Belcarra Church and will feature local, national and international talent. This will be an evening not to be missed. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has reached a whopping €9,400. The jackpot stood at €9,300 on Sunday, November 24. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 4 and 8. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Lucy McNamara, Gay Conway, Michelle Cunningham and Frank McNamara. The weekend jackpot stood at €9,400. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
All members in the Belcarra Community Co-Op area are asked to check for water leakages in the scheme as usage has increased over the past few weeks. High usage/wastage affects water bills so it is in everyone’s interest to be vigilant and watch out for leaks.
Castlebar Regional Pioneers Christmas dinner will be held in Traveller’s Friend Hotel on December 8, at 4pm. Pioneers and their friends are welcome to attend. Contact Pat Mc Donnell 087 9915229 or a member of your local centre for details.
Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €26,400 for the November 26 draw. The numbers drawn were 14, 16, 21 and bonus number 9. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. Congrats to the consolation prizewinners. From now until December 10, every Breaffy GAA lotto ticket you purchase gets you an entry to win an unforgettable experience at the stunning Lodge at Ashford Castle. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/. http://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/. The jackpot stood at €26,600 for tonight’s draw on December 3.
There will be a ladies presentation evening with food, bar and music on December 14. The Christmas Community Gathering with bar, music, nibbles and a raffle will take place on December 7. On December 15, there will be a community Mass in the hall at 3pm followed by music, refreshments and treats. A “Battle of the Villages” in memory of David Gavin will take place on St Stephen’s Day, December 26, with a Christmas Jumper Walk, bar and refreshments afterwards. Strong community support would be greatly appreciated.
Kieran Kelly commenced dance classes on Mondays in Ballyheane Centre. Solo dancer are welcome and refreshments will be served. The fees are €15 per class. Call 087 7414968 for more details. The Over 55s Active Age Group meets in Ballyheane Centre on Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm. New members are welcome to join and participate in the wide range of activities and outings that occur. Details are available from Pat at 087 7412516.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served. Mayo Yoga sessions with Aromatherapy takes place on Thursdays at 7pm and 8.15pm in Ballyheane Community Centre. Booking information available at 087 2831400.
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