Local Notes: Ballintubber Abbey received a CIE Tours merit award
Stephen Cotter, Interim CEO, CIE Tours presenting the Merit Award to Lucai Murphy and Muriel Barry, Tour Guides at Ballintubber Abbey.
Two Mayo attractions were honoured at the recent CIE Tours Awards of Excellence. Ballintubber Abbey received a CIE Tours Merit Award for the quality of visitor experience. The historical site gives visitors a rich experience into the heritage of the historic abbey. Fr Farragher PP and chairperson of Ballintubber Abbey Trust says ‘he is very proud of the hard work and dedication from the team at Ballintubber Abbey, from the tour guides and the tour coordinator and the grounds keeper at the abbey, they work hard to ensure that the Tours they deliver are an exceptional experience for the visitors.’ The Abbey is truly one of Mayo’s hidden gems, and a tour of this historic abbey is truly a memorable experience. A lot of work is being done this year to enhance the visitor experience.
The giftshop has expanded in recent months and staff is so happy with the arrays of local based products we now stock. They still stock religious' merchandise, souvenir and gifts for Baptism, Communion, Confirmation and weddings. Now the shop also has books from local authors such as ‘The Merchant of Alicante’ a fascinating read all about the Moore’s from Moorehall, and also ‘Lord Mayo’ by Ann Chambers which of course is about Tiobbott na Long son of Grace O’Malley who is buried in Ballintubber Abbey. There are toys, soaps, candles, books, handmade blankets to name a few of the products now stock. The Abbey staff are delighted to support small local businesses and they will continue to do in the future.
This year 2024 will see work carried out on the visitor centres with more information on the history of the Abbey, along with historical links with Crough Patrick and other historical locations in the area.
The Darkness into Light walk will take place in Ballyglass on May 11, 2024, in aid of Pieta House. As this year’s event is an official event, where large crowds are expected, volunteers will be needed to ensure the event is run safely and smoothly. The first in a series of planning meetings will take place on Tuesday, February 20, at 7pm in the community centre. Anyone who would like to lend a hand is very welcome to attend.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Jim and Ann Twohig and family on the death last week of Jim’s mother, Annie Twohig, Castlewhite, Waterfall, Co Cork. In her 96th year Annie passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her loving family. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Sunday, February 4. 8, 17, 21 and 29 were the numbers drawn and the winners of the consolation prizes of €20 special €52k draw tickets on the night were Mary Kelly, Mary Hallinan, Caroline and paddy Malone, Tommy McGrath, Christina and Sean Chambers and Mary Burke.
On Sunday, February 11, the jackpot stood at €3,600. All lucky dip winners get a ticket for the 'Win 52k' draw.
Epilepsy Ireland, have extended sincere thanks to all who gave so generously to the recent church gate collection held for the organisation. Just over €500 was collected from the three local churches, Carnacon, Ballintubber and Killawalla. Patrick Barrett, Cathaoirleach CLG Baile an Tobair has also extended thanks to all who supported the worthy cause.
Ballintubber GAA Club is offering a lucky winner the chance to earn €1,000 a week for a year in their recent ‘Win €52K’ fundraiser. The attractive fundraiser will see one lucky winner claim a cash prize of €52,000 paid out at €1,000 per week into their account. Tickets are reasonably priced at €20 each or three for €50 and can be purchased through the club fundraiser website www.win€52k.ie or from any of the club’s executive. The winner will be drawn in the club’s Clogher clubhouse on Sunday, June 2, and will be broadcast live on the club Facebook page.
Congratulations to all involved with the Ballintubber Bulls U16 boys who won the cup final on a recent Saturday, defeating Castlebar Comets 66-36. The players from Ballintubber GAA were Jack Diffily, Nathan Heneghan, Sean Feerick, Noah Donnelly, Christopher Feeney, Cillian Reilly and Eoghan Lyons.
All are invited for a lively and scenic Half Tóchar Group Walk from Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower on April 1. Registration takes place in the visitor centre/shop located at the back of Ballintubber Abbey at 8.15am on the morning of the walk. The Tóchar Phádraig represents a venerable Irish pilgrimage route that dates back approximately 1500 years. This sacred journey commences at Ballintubber Abbey. This trail, which follows the path of an ancient chariot road, traverses over 100 stiles within the picturesque landscape of west Mayo. Along its meandering course, it unfolds before pilgrims, revealing fairy hills, ancient relics, and enigmatic locales where the enduring legends of St Patrick continue to thrive.
The Tóchar Phádraig is one of the 5 pass ported trails of the Pilgrim Paths of Ireland. These are a collection of ancient religious routes with well-documented claims of having been used by pilgrims since ancient times. Walking these ageless trails not only offers the opportunity for spiritual renewal, but also provides a link to our past while contributing to sustainable tourism and community development in each area. Registration is €20 per person and is payable when booking (Booking fees may apply). A registration document will need to be completed on the morning of the walk in the Chapter House/Gift Shop. Walkers will need to bring a packed lunch with you on the day, water refills will be provided. There will also be a support driver on the route and they can carry any bags you required. Hi-viz jackets must be worn by all walkers at all times. We have a small number available for hire on the day. A cash deposit of €10 is required to hire a hi-viz jacket and it will be refunded once returned. Buses will return from Aughagower to the Abbey once all the walkers have boarded.
The numbers drawn from the drum last week were 22, 23, 29 and 30. There was no winner of the €5,700 jackpot. Consolation prize winners were Noreen McNamara, Colm Burke, Tom Jennings Jnr, Heather Burke and Jimmy Killeen.
Congrats to all Ballyglass FC award recipients at the recent 2023 Mayo Football League Awards. The club are extremely proud and extend their congratulations to all. Congratulations Alan Plunkett - Westaro Masters Division 2 Player of the Month, Westaro Masters Division 2 Golden Boot Award winner and Westaro Masters Division 2 Footballer of The Year 2023 winner; to Liam Hughes - Castlecourt Hotel Premier League Player of the Month for April; Josh Mahon -who was selected on the Castlecourt Hotel Premier League Team of the Year and finally congratulations also to John Boyle Clubperson of the Year.
Congratulations also to John Murray, Jimmy Killeen, Alan Plunkett and John Walsh on their selection for the Westaro Masters Division 2 Team of the Year – team captain Jimmy Killeen accepted the Westaro Masters Division 2 winning medals.
The senior team also received the Premier Division Team of the Month Award for April. On the night Ballyglass FC also received recognition from the FAI of the Clubmark Entry Level achievement.
The club have extended thanks to the Mayo Football League and the FAI.
The results of the card game held on Monday, February 5, in Ballyglass Community Centre: 1st Richard and Mary Carney; Chris Flatley and Philip White; Mary White and Breege Jennings. 2nd Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and best of last 10 prizes went to Kevin Burke and Mary Morrin. The raffle winners were Chris Flatley, Philip White, Patricia Jennings, Margaret Mannion. The games continue every Monday evening from 9pm.
2024 Carnacon LGFA Club Registration is now open for all ages on Foireann. U10 players up to seniors are requested and required to register. Club coaches are looking forward to seeing you all back with the club for the coming season.
Do you fancy winning a pair of tickets to see Manchester United and Liverpool in April? The simple way is to purchase tickets for the Ballintubber 'Win 52k' draw before February 14. The winner will be announced after the lotto draw on February 18.
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The Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on February 3, for a jackpot of €10,500. 1, 2, 12 and 27 were the numbers drawn. The online prize winners were Caroline Heneghan and Seamus Gibbons. The jackpot draw was held again on February 10, with a highly attractive jackpot of €10,600.
Last weekend was the official launch of Daffodil Day 2024 in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Hollymount Ladies GAA Club Margaret and Sinead Walsh have been chosen as the faces of the campaign. Both Margaret and Sinead have been and are continuing their battles against cancer.
Sinead’s grandfather was Pat Walsh, a native of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, brother of Phil and Frank Walsh and sister to Anne Lally (nee Walsh). We wish them both well in their journey. Go raibh biseach ort go luath.
Yoga classes commenced on Tuesday, February 13, for 6 weeks from 6.30-7.30pm. To book your place call Nora on 094 9544295 or email: eolas@tourmakeady.com. Cost €60.
The next conversational Irish class will take place again on this Wednesday morning, February 14, from 11 to 12 noon. An evening class also takes place on Thursday nights from 8 to 9pm in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. All are welcome and more information and details is available from Stiofán opt.cdst@gmail.com / 087 3970227.
Congrats to Philip Walsh, Adam Lydon and Luke Durkin as craobh cispheile Mhaigh Eo faoi 16 a bhuachan an deireadh seachtaine seo caite. Congratulations to the Mayo U16 Basketball Cup Champions on their wonderful achievement.
Sympathy is extended to Geraldine and Christine (Cullintra), on the recent passing of their brother, Joe Reilly, R.I.P of Murrisk, Westport. Joe passed away peacefully at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. He was predeceased by his daughter Joanne, his parents John and Nora and his brothers Jackie and Steven. His funeral took place from Navin’s Funeral Home, Westport, and following requiem Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Lecanvey, he was laid to rest in Murrisk Cemetery. To his family, wife Noreen, daughters Ruth (Westport), Sandra (Liscarney), sons Brendan and Conor (Murrisk), grandchildren Chloe, Keelan, Caitlin and James, brothers Tommy (Murrisk), Paul (London) sisters Mauna (Mullagh), Julia (Falduff), Geraldine and Christine (Cullintra), nieces, nephews and cousins sincere sympathy is extended. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Killawalla Ladies Group continues their meetings with ‘Move It or Lose It’ class which takes place on Wednesday night’s at 7.30pm in the community centre. The classes cost €8 pay as you go. Facilitators Rita Corcoran and Julie Staunton will continue to give First Aid, CPR, and defibrillator classes at the community centre on the evenings of February 20, and 27 (Tuesdays). This is a renewal class for those who were previously trained or anyone interested in learning this very important life-saving skill can give their name and the date that suits them to Louise on 086 6034601 as soon as possible as places are limited.
The death has taken place of Margaret Malone (nee Hoban), Derreenascobe, Killawalla, Westport, Co. Mayo. Predeceased by her husband Paddy, son Eoin (The Neale) son-in-law Tom Ryan, brothers Pat and Jimmy Hoban, Margaret is deeply regretted by her family, sons Martin ( Derreenascoobe), Joe (Castlebar), Paid and Mike (Chicago ), daughters Mary (Westport), Noreen and Catherine (Foxford) Brigid ( Derreenascoobe), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Margaret remains reposed in Killawalla Community Centre on last Friday evening, February 9, from 6 until 8pm. Her Funeral Mass took place on Saturday, February 10, in St Patrick's Church, Killawalla, at 12 noon. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Killawalla Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
Updating work was carried out recently on Killawalla Community Centre including floor work, painting and storage cupboards and the addition of Wi-Fi. There's are lots of events now on in the community centre including jiving, multiple classes, ladies group events, family occasions, meetings etc. Glad to say now the centre is looking better than ever including having WiFi. With that in mind and so much on there are now dedicated contacts and key holders. If you wish to book the centre for anything at all, be it group or personal use contact Rita 086 8632145 or Claire 086 1555901 or email killawallacommunitycouncil@gmail.com. There is also an online calendar to see availability. Anyone using centre is asked to please sign in.
Jiving lessons have commenced in Killawalla Community Centre and will continue for the next few weeks. For details contact 087 2879701.
Tickets are currently on sale for inclusion in the Killawalla Development Lotto for the next calendar year. Contact any member of the community council if you wish to be included in the two weekly draws. Anyone wishing to renew their annual subscription should contact Carmel Carter on 087 2879701, Siobhan Jennings on 087 6713940 or any committee member.
My Favourite Waterbody photo competition is held in celebration of #WorldWetlandsDay. You are asked to submit a pic of your favourite river/ lake/ beach/ estuary to be in with a chance of winning a €500 voucher for Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection Resort and Spa in Co Wicklow. We want to know what connects you to this special place and why you love it. Don’t delay; deadline for submissions is 5pm Friday, March 15. To enter and for T&Cs visit: https://lawaters.ie/press-release-local-authority-waters.../.
Partry Community Centre is close to being ready to open as a WiFi hub which will enable the centre to be used for many projects including working from home. With assistance from the Department of Rural and Community Development and Mayo County Council, the first stage of the project is close to completion. The next step will be the development of a community garden close to the soccer pitch.
Partry Athletic (Underage) FC registration night will take place at Partry Community Centre on Sunday, February 18, at 6.30pm. School going children up to U18s may register. Mayo FAI League competitions start mid-March so it is important to register early so that the club can field teams at each age group. Presentations will also be made to league winners from 2023.
Congrats to Rory Conroy and Jim Durkin who were recent winners of the Partry FC weekly Wednesday bonus number draw with number 43.
Congrats Michael Heneghan, Ballinrobe and Jonathon and Theresa O’ Neill who were recent winners of Partry Residents weekly draw. The winners received €100 on number 30.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €18,200 on February 13. The numbers drawn last week were 6, 15, 22 and Bonus: 8 and there was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners. Congrats to the Lucky Dip winners.
Belcarra community have organised an attractive fundraiser with all proceeds going towards the completion of the new MUGA / AstroTurf facility in the village. Tickets are on sale now and online https://member.clubforce.com/tickets_m.asp?LL_ID=2628 and are available in local retailers and from committee members. The first prize is a hugely attractive 2 flights to New York, 4 nights’ accommodation, 2 tickets to the New York v Mayo match and €500 spending money. Tickets are €10 each of 6 for €50. The draw takes place on March 16. Please support the draw to finance the fabulous local facilities in Belcarra.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Eileen O’Brien, Kilkelly (Parish Secretary in St Anne’s, Belcarra) on the death last week of her sister, Margaret Mary (Peggy) Murphy (nee Carney) R.I.P, Drumacoo, Kilcolgan (Galway), originally of Arderry, Aghamore, Co Mayo.
Eileen passed away suddenly and peacefully at UHG, Galway, on Saturday, February 3. May she rest in peace.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €5,100 on February 4. The numbers drawn were 1, 12, 15 and 27 and there was no winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Sharon and Louise Redmond, Marie Finnerty, online, Gene Reilly, Belcarra and Tony Hetherington, online. The latest jackpot on February 11, was €5,200.
Calling all communities - there is 100% funding for community/not-for-profit groups within the county to take climate action at a local level.
Register here for the information workshops: https://mayoppn.ie/mayo-ppn-funding-information-workshops.
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Craggagh NS is currently accepting enrolment applications for the 2024/25 school year. A coffee and play morning will be held at the school on Friday, February 23, from 9.20 to 11am. All are welcome! For any queries contact principal@craggaghns.ie. Enrolment forms are available to download from their website www.CraggaghNS.ie or can be obtained by contacting the school on 094 9365177 or secretary@craggaghns.ie.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €4,900 for the draw on Thursday, February 1, in The Shebeen. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 21 and 36. The €30 winners were Gerard Flanagan (online), James Dempsey (standing order) and Alan English (annual).
The death took place last week of Mary Joyce, R.I.P (nee Maguire) Coolmeen, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Mary passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by loving family. Predeceased by her husband Isidore, her parents Tom and Kathleen, and sister-in-law Kathleen Ruddy, Mary is deeply regretted by her family, sister Helen Greene (Cloonfad) and brothers John, Tom, Larry and Gerald, nieces Caroline, Catherine, Teresa, Maria, Margaret, Mary, Kathy, Christina and Elaine and nephews Michael, Sean, Michael, Kevin, Tom and Brian, her adored grandnieces and grandnephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Mary’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 6, from 5 until 7pm followed by removal to The Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Her Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday, February 7, at 11.30am with burial afterwards in Mayo Abbey Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
This year's Senior Scór county final will be held in Balla Community Centre on Friday, March 22. The night gets underway with the quiz at 7pm. This will be followed at 8.15pm approx by stage events incorporating music, song, drama and dancing. Clubs are encouraged to do their best to enter at least one act into the competition. Further information is available from local GAA clubs or by emailing scor.mayo@gaa.ie.
The death has taken place of Bernie Brophy (née Fallon) MPSI, 1 Sycamore Road, Rathnapish, Carlow, and formerly of Main Street, Balla, Co. Mayo, Bernie passed away on February 8, (peacefully) at home surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of Ted and much loved mother of Eamonn, John, Enda and Sinéad (Holmes) – she is deeply regretted by her loving husband, sons, daughter, son-in-law Martyn, daughters-in-law Marian, Orla and Julie, adored grandchildren Conor, Aideen, Eimear, Niamh, Anna, Ellie, Ted, Finn, Luca, Cara and Livia, brother-in-law Paddy, sister-in-law Josephine, nephews, nieces, neighbours, carers, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed in R. Healy & Son Funeral Home, Pollerton Castle, Carlow on last Friday from 4pm concluding with prayers at 8pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 11am in the Holy Family Church, Askea. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Carlow. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The numbers drawn on February 4, were 7, 12, 17 and 29 and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of €25 were Michael Mullaney, Cartron, Mateo Serantes, Belcarra and Maura Lyons, Manulla. The latest draw for a €13,000 jackpot was on Sunday, February 11.
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The following were the winners of Clogher card game on Friday, February 2; 1st Joe Thomas and Mary McDonagh, 2nd Bridie McDermott and Michael Giblin, Last 10 Mary Kelly and Gay Conway. Best wishes to regular player, Bridie Mc Dermott for a very happy birthday and many more joyous occasions.
Active Age group meetings have resumed on Wednesday after their mid-winter break. There are many activities and outings to look forward to in 2024. The meetings run from 11am to 1pm every Wednesday and include a light lunch.
