Local Notes: Ballintubber Bord na nÓg celebrate after U16 county championship success.

Ballintubber Bord na nÓg personnel celebrating after a recent U16 County Championship success. Picture by Tom Quinn
In a rather remarkable feat Ballintubber B U16 team recorded a 2-12 to 1-5 victory over Ballinrobe B in the Homeland U16 Development Championship Final in McHale Park on last Sunday week. The victory is astonishing considering Ballintubber U16s have already won the U16 Division 1 ‘A’ championship title. The win illustrates the strength in depth of Ballintubber club at this particular grade and it a good omen for further club success in the future. Congrats to the team and dedicated mentors on a very successful season.
Ballyglass Active Age group is back in action after the summer break. Exercise classes have resumed on Tuesday mornings at 11am, followed by a cuppa and chat. The monthly meeting is on the first Tuesday of each month after exercise class. Yoga classes have started up again on Wednesday mornings at 10am. The group has just returned from its annual trip. This year’s trip was all the way to Clonakilty, Co. Cork, where the group enjoyed 4 days exploring the stunning scenery, nightly entertainment and wonderful food. They took a trip to Garnish Island and Mizen Head and thankfully the weather was beautiful all the way. Thanks to Maureen, Mary, Aggie and all of the organisers for putting the trip together. A big thank you is also extended to Tony the bus driver for his assistance and thoughtfulness as well as his excellent driving. Anyone interested in joining this busy, vibrant group is very welcome. Come along and join in the friendship, encouragement and support, as well as great fun and laughter. The group is now planning activities for the coming season, so there will be plenty to look forward to in the winter months for Ballyglass Active Age group.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €12,100 on Sunday night, September 28. The numbers drawn were 12, 19, 29 and 34.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Eileen Dillon, Bernadette Murphy, Denis Dunleavy, James Jennings, Hannah Gill and Mackey Heneghan. The jackpot stood at €12,200 on last Sunday night, October 5.
A sincere ‘thank you’ has been extended to all who supported the recent 5k family fun run in Ballintubber. Congrats to all who ran, jogged and walked the route. Congratulations to everyone who crossed the finish line in very impressive times - 1st male Kevin Malone, 1st female Lisa Lally, 1st U16 male Kris Lally, 1st U16 female: Katie Lally, family entry Sharon McConnell and her boys: Most rewarding participants: Eva and Brendan Walsh on a Buggy Run with their beautiful girls Katie and Leah. It was a triple win for the Lally’s from Balla and fantastic to see them running together as a family A special thank you is extended to the Order of Malta for their presence and thanks also to Minister Alan Dillon for calling in to show his support. And thanks also to the volunteers and organisers for putting on this event. Special thanks to the committee members for your delicious bakes and not forgetting @craveatthecottage for their fabulous treats. The Ballintubber Tractor Run will take place on Saturday, December 13.
Simon Casey will be coming to Ballintubber Abbey for a magical Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 18, at 8pm.
Join the audience for an evening of festive cheer and inspirational music as Simon performs his 5-star rated show “Christmas Time”, featuring classic Christmas favourites and songs of inspiration. From O Holy Night to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Feet of a Dancer, and Old Rugged Cross and each song will be brought to life in the Abbey’s breath-taking acoustics.
Simon Casey became a household name after the “You’re A Star” in 2003, with his debut single A Better Plan reaching triple platinum, and recording the iconic rugby anthem Ireland’s Call. Known for his deeply emotional and heartfelt performances, Simon’s music resonates with audiences of all ages. Tickets which cost €25 are available online at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
All proceeds go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund, helping care for the historic and sacred site. Come and start your Christmas celebrations in the heart of Mayo with an unforgettable night of music and magic.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association September meeting took place on a recent Tuesday. A huge thank you was extended to guest speaker, Dr. Elaine McGoff, for her compelling talk on the impacts of nitrates and governance on Irish water quality. It was fantastic to see a full house at the September public meeting in Carnacon and such strong community interest. Updates were given on recent LCCA activities and the Lough Carra LIFE Project.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw on Monday, September 29. The numbers drawn from the drum were 10, 14, 23 and 33. Nobody matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winners were Fintan Moran, Tom Quinn, Charlie O’Malley, James and Leona Gibbons and Mags Egan. The latest draw had a jackpot of €14,400 up for grabs.
Ballyglass Childcare Service will hold its AGM on Wednesday, October 15, at 7pm. All parents are warmly invited to attend this important meeting to meet the team and other families in the community. As the service is community based, your input is vital. We ask that one parent from each household using the service to please attend. There will be refreshments served on the night.
Ballyglass Foróige is currently recruiting new leaders. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Friday evening and enjoy working with young people, contact Sheila on 087 6704916.
The next market in Ballyglass Centre will take place on October 25. This is the gala Halloween Market and a packed attendance is assured.
Bookings are open for a Tap and Toddle Halloween event which will take place in Carnacon Community Centre on Saturday, October 27. The cost for this spooky event is €15. Follow the Instagram page(@tapandtoddle) or contact 085 738837 for further details.
The annual rosary in the graveyards ceremonies will take place on November 1 in Killawalla at 11am, Ballintubber at 12 noon and Burriscarra at 1pm.
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Údarás na Gaeltachta is collaborating with five other organisations from Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Croatia and Finland to establish an online course for people over 50, who wish to start their own business. This will be achieved by providing them with modules that will help them develop their entrepreneurial skills. This course will be made available as part of the EU Project Chance, with objectives to create retraining and upskilling streams, including prioritizing digital transformation and providing high-quality, flexible, and recognized education for this cohort of learners. Details of the course are available on the Tourmakeady Centre Facebook page
Recent winners of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball school fundraising draws were: John and Niamh Ui Mhaoineachain, Paul and Anne Marie Ui Luideain, Ger and Carmel Ui Luideain, Mike and Cristin Stundún and Michael John O'Cathasaigh. Thanks to participants for your ongoing support.
Farming folk are requested to come along to the NPI information events held in each of the local areas over the coming weeks to see what actions are available and what will help improve the habitat score on farms. The closing date for NPI applications is October 17. Contact your advisor as soon as possible to discuss.
Ar mhaith leat do ghrianghraf a fheiceáil i bhFéilire 2026 Ghaeilge Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Thuar Mhic Éadaigh? Would you like to see your photo in the 2026 Gaeilge Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Calendar? Send your photo with your name, address and phone number to opt.cdst@gmail.com or by Post. 12 photos will be selected for the calendar.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, October 4, stood at €19,200. 19, 22, 24 and 26 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week.
The 38th Annual Edition of Waterfall Magazine will be published again this backend. The editorial committee would welcome contributions on community matters, history, photographs and articles of interest. All contributions should be emailed to waterfalltme@gmail.com. Outstanding payments would also be welcomed as soon as possible. The next committee meeting will be on next Tuesday, October 14.
A new Demand Responsive Transport Bus service (DRT) is commencing in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh and will run every Tuesday and Thursday to Castlebar. Passengers that would like to travel on this Local Link service are asked to please contact the office on 094 9005150 or email mail@locallinkmayo.ie to register. It is a pre book service the day before travel. Free Travel Pass will be accepted.
Irish classes will continue again tomorrow on Wednesday, October 8, in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. F12C6F2. Beginners are from 10am to 11 and Intermediate from 11am to 12 noon. All are welcome to the informal sessions.
The beautiful south-west Mayo lakeside community of Tourmakeady has celebrated establishment of its Parkrun on Saturday mornings at 9.30. Parkrun is a free, community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
The annual tea evening in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice will take place in Tourmakeady hall on next Friday, October 10 from 7 to 9pm. The event is being organised by the local branch and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
Training for Ballyheane/Ballintubber First Responders takes place in Killawalla Centre every second Thursday at 8pm. New people would be most welcome to join. Contact Rita at 086 8632145.
Persons would like particular issues or ideas to be discussed at the next Killawalla Community Council meeting should contact Siobhan on 087 6713940 or Carmel on 087 2879701.
The Mayo Branch of Down Syndrome, Ireland has expressed huge gratitude to the parishioners of Ballyovey Parish for their enormous generosity. €98.47 was raised by the parishioners of Partry church and €114.70 was raised by the parishioners of Tourmakeady church during the church gate collections on September 13 and 14.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Cathal and Niamh Flannery and Michael Kilcoyne who were recent winners of the popular weekly draw with number 2.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Sean and Cathal Horan and to Donal and Helen O’Mahony, Partry who were recent winners in Partry Residents weekly draw with number 20. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, October 4. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement. Tickets are on sale from Jim O’Neill at 087 2860565.
Dementia Café The Dementia cafe continues on the first Tuesday of every month in Tacu Resource Centre in Ballinrobe from 11am -12.30pm. The next one is on October 7, and the guest speaker is a Nutritionist from Treacy's Pharmacy, Ballinrobe talking about nutrition, health and wellness. All are welcome and refreshment will be available.
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The death took place recently of Kevin Gallagher, Aughadrina, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Kevin passed away on September 24, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family. Kevin had worked as a caretaker in Davitt College, Castlebar where he was popular with staff and students. Predeceased by his parents Charlie and Kathleen and nephew Lorcan, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Sara, daughters Emma and Lily, sisters Ann (Reynolds, Ballindine), Bernie (Murray, Windsor, Castlebar), Marian (Deasy, Errew), Lorraine (Oldale, USA) and Anne (Borland, UK), brother Noel (Ballintubber), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Kevin’s remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on Sunday, September 28, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday morning at 11am followed by burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Join the Breaffy Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) for the official launch of the Energy Master Plan on next Saturday, October 11, from 11am to1pm in Breaffy GAA Clubhouse. Discover how Breaffy is powering a greener future with expert talks, grants info, and hands-on experiences. Introduction: Tom Carolan, Breaffy SEC lead, Breaffy Energy Master Plan, Fergal Gilmartin, Watt Footprint, SEAI Home Energy Grants, Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEC Mentor, SEAI One Stop Shop Services, Pat Coyle, Churchfield Home Services, Solar PV Costs and case studies, Fintan O Hora, Verde Environmental and test drive electric cars Please turn out and build a sustainable Breaffy together.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, September 30, had the numbers 5, 7, 13 and bonus number 4 drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Phyls Fitzpatrick was the €250 match 3 winner. The jackpot stands at €17,400 on this Tuesday, October 7.
A reunion night for staff who served in Breaffy House Hotel from its opening in 1963 up to the end of the 1980s is being planned. The event is due to happen in November at Breaffy house Hotel and interested persons should contact Frances at 085 1138932 or Ger at 087 1267018 for details of the gala event.
The jackpot on the weekend of September 28 stood at €3,200. The numbers drawn were; 4, 8, 21 and 31. There was no winner of last week's lotto jackpot. Consolation prizes went to Keith Monaghan, Mary Shine, Bernie Martin and Karyn O' Malley.
Pilates classes have commenced in Belcarra Community Centre. Pilates can help with core strength, improved posture, flexibility and mobility, injury prevention and rehab and much more. Come along and give it a try. Contact Natalie to book your place 087 2340695
Beginners Handball for Kids in Belcarra Sport Centre are as follows; Sunday 10am-10.45 for 6-8 years, Sunday 10:45am-11.30 for U10s and Sunday from 11.30am – 12.15 under for U12s.
David Cunningham is in concert with Mayo Concert Orchestra and Vocalessence Ladies Choir directed by Kathy Fahey on Friday, October 17, at 8pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Doors will be open at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on eventbrite.ie, Cunningham's Costcutters, Moran's Butchers, Belcarra and Roaches Centra, Balla. Directed by the acclaimed Kathy Fahey, this is a musical celebration you won’t want to miss.
The Juveniles 60x30 court and mixed doubles showdown will take place on Sunday, November 2. These Belcarra Handball Championships for the Corley Cup will provide top dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Mayo Road Safety Office and Mayo Older Person’s Council in conjunction with the Mayo Local Community Safety Partnership invites you to Active Living and Safe Driving, a community event tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8, at Breaffy House Resort, Breaffy, Castlebar, from 9.30am to 1.30am.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, September 25, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €6,100. 5, 7, 18 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Margaret Connolly (cash sale), Donal O'Flaherty (online) and Jody Kilkenny (standing order). The latest draw was on Thursday last, October 2, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €6,200.
Balla Centre is delighted to welcome Sacred Circles to Balla Community Centre on Tuesday, October 14, from 7.15-8.45pm upstairs over the Credit Union. Sacred Circles is a gentle and supportive space where women can come together in community, to pause, reflect, and connect. Through simple practices, shared conversation, and moments of stillness, it offers a chance to slow down and nurture wellbeing. More info / bookings: 087 3936174. Everyone is welcome - come as you are and be part of this uplifting gathering.
There was great news for Balla Tidy Towns recently who have been invited to the National Tidy Towns Awards in Croke Park on October 24. The group have expressed gratitude to Mayo County Council, their magnificent volunteers, Community Foundation Ireland, schools, residents' associations, as well as local community organisations and businesses who have all played a vital role in making Balla ‘a truly inspiring place’.
Irish dancing classes commenced on October 6, in Balla Centre from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The fees are €7 per class with a pay as you go system. Call Caroline Duggan ADCRG on 086 9191340 for details.
A retirement party for Dr James Broderick will take place in Balla Community Centre on Friday, October 17, at 7pm. All are cordially invited.
There are limited places available on the Basket Weaving Course. These courses are always in high demand – don’t miss your chance to take part in this fantastic hands-on workshop in the future. To book your place, contact Sheona on 087 1850860 | 094 9365846.
Congratulations to Balla Secondary senior girls football team on a fantastic victory over St. Mary’s, Ballina. With a hard-fought 3-point win, the girls put in a brilliant performance in their first round of the division. The final score was Balla Secondary School 5-12 - St. Mary’s, Ballina 3-15. In the Flanagan Cup round, Balla Secondary School recoded a 1-23 to 3-16 victory over Headford. Congrats to the senior footballers on a high scoring one point win in their opening Flanagan cup match.
Best wishes to Peter Tonra and JP Reilly will be doing the Brave the Drop Croke Park Abseil on next Friday, October 10, to raise funds for Mayo Cancer Support Association. Thanks have been extended to all who supported the fundraising night in The Shebeen. Strong support is urged for the worthy cause. Find a donation link below: https://eventmaster.ie/.../Balla_Belcarra_Brave_the_Drop...
Interested persons are invited to join pilates classes in Balla Centre led by a qualified physiotherapist – suitable for all levels of ability. It is osteoporosis-friendly, safe, supportive, and effective - strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and support your wellbeing in a friendly community setting. For more information or to book your place:
089 4203098 | durcan.physio.pilates@gmail.com.
Manulla FC Club Lotto jackpot stood at €3,000 for last Sunday nights, October 5 draws. The club are deeply grateful for the support of patrons. Congratulations to Manulla FC U18 Eleanor Quigley Shield Champions 2025 after beating Westport United B 2-1 in extra time.
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Errew and Clogher.

Congratulations to the four former Errew NS pupils and their Ballintubber GAA teammates for winning the Homeland U16 Development Championship Final in McHale Park last Sunday. Congrats to Seán Prendergast (Captain), Ciaran Earley, Cian Brady and Devin Bourke.
Catherine Hoban and Bernie Thomas extend thanks to everyone who supported Errew’s recent Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation coffee morning fundraiser. Donations are still coming in so the final total will be announced soon. It was a real community effort in remembrance of all those who have needed and benefited from the wonderful, local hospice, especially in recent days.
Jeremy Scheme of www.inchantedjourneys.com and some friends from the USA were welcomed to Clogher on Sunday, September 28. Members of the group who had walked from Balla through the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail enjoyed some refreshments at the Clogher Community Centre before being given a tour at the Heritage Complex.
Thanks to the members of the community, the Active Age Group and the card game group all of whom donated generously to the recent tea/coffee day for Mayo Roscommon Hospice which was held in the community centre.
Card results for Friday, September 26 were 1st Margaret Mannion and Peter O Malley, 2nd Jimmy |Connor and Tommy Lyons and Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey, 3rd Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Donnelly, Gay Conway and Joe Thomas, and Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick. Game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Congratulations to Robert Feeney who is the September winner of the Clogher 500 Club draw. If you would like to have a chance to win €500 and also to support the Clogher Community it costs just €60 for one year (12 draws). Details are on the following link https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership or tickets can be purchased from any committee member.