Local Notes: Ballintubber GAA Club pay tribute to Fr Ulick Burke.
Fr Ulick Bourke (Newtown, Clogher) and currently living in New Jersey being interviewed by Anthony O’Connor, Chairperson of Ballintubber History Club. Picture by Tom Quinn
Carra County.
Ballintubber GAA Clubrooms at Clogher was the venue on Sunday week last, September 22, for a special tribute and presentation to local priest, Fr Ulick Bourke. The clubhouse was packed for the event which was organised in recognition of Fr Ulick’s life as a Missionary Priest and his sporting background which featured GAA exploits with his home club Ballintubber, Ballina Stephenites and soccer in North America.
Ballintubber Club Elder Sage and chairperson of the Club History committee Tony O’Connor was MC and the interviewer for the occasion. Aged 89 years and in wonderful spirits and good health, Fr Ulick outlined his days growing up and going to school in Clogher NS, the pathway to his vocation, his sporting days with GAA, soccer and boxing, intermittent emigration and working in construction, his education in Ireland and America, his Mission experiences in Liberia and his eventual elevation as Provincial Superior of the SMA Order in America.
It was a very special occasion laden with respect and affection for a modest pastor who has spent his life in the service of others and the spreading of Christ’s Gospel. Ballintubber GAA has expressed their appreciation to all who attended.
The death has occurred of Joanne Tuohy, late of Ballintubber House, County Mayo and formerly of Westport and Louisburgh. Joanne passed away peacefully in the care of Our Lady's Hospice, Harold’s Cross, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her mother Mary and father Patrick, she is deeply regretted by her husband Peter, her daughters Jane and Clare, Jane‘s partner James, her sisters Concepta and Patricia, brothers John and Brendan together with nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at her residence in Ballintubber on Sunday week, September 22. The removal of her remains from her home took place on Monday, September 23, for her Funeral Mass at 2pm in Ballintubber Abbey. Burial ceremonies then took place in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir held the official launch of their new fundraising album / fundraiser CD ‘Dóchas ‘s Grá’ – Hope and Love in Ballintubber Abbey on last Thursday week, September 19, at 7.30pm. The album features songs and traditional Irish music reflecting the church calendar year together with an introductory ‘Message of Hope’ by Fr Frank Fahey.
An attractive commemorative booklet with images of the famous ‘Abbey that refused to die’ and surrounding grounds is also included in the package. Ballintubber choir, together with local sponsorship, have funded this musical endeavour themselves allowing all proceeds to go directly towards the East wing restoration project match-funding and the ongoing upkeep of the historic Abbey.
A large attendance present heard Fr Michael Farragher, Fr Joe McGuiness, Sue Ellen McKenna, Manager Ballintubber Abbey and Con Lydon of Ballintubber Abbey Trust pay fulsome tributes to the Abbey Choir for their excellent work and immense dedication to bring the project to fruition. All proceeds from the sale of this album will go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Centre East Wing Restoration Project and the ongoing upkeep of the Abbey.
The choir first came together in 2012 and have gone from strength to strength, growing in numbers to 30 current members currently led by Janine Hoban and Maria Spelman who also addressed the large gathering most eloquently on the auspicious occasion. The idea of recording a keepsake album first came about in 2019 but the Covid-19 pandemic halted all plans. The project was resurrected last summer and with the generous help and musical direction from Fr Joe McGuinness, based in Maynooth, their dream has become a reality. Purchases can be made from the Ballintubber Abbey Gift Shop, or by making contact on 094 9030934 or by emailing manager@ballintubberabbey.ie.
On last Sunday week, September 22, the Ballintubber GAA Club jackpot stood at €6,800 and the numbers drawn were 9, 11, 18 and 36. There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to Tommy McGreal, Oliver Mortimer, Cormac McGreal, Patrick McGreal, Denise Tuffy and Padraic Connor.
The jackpot stood at €6,900 on Sunday, September 29.
Ballintubber GAA Club Executive and supporters have warmly welcomed the allocation of €166,106 from the Sports Capital Fund announcement last week by Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne for Mayo Sporting organisations. They have extended sincere thanks to all associated with the successful application which will be of great assistance in financing club infrastructure going forward.
Congrats to Oscar Diffily, Johnny Feeney, Cathal Staunton, David Keane and Conor Molloy, who competed in the skills challenge in the Connacht GAA Air Dome recently.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC Lotto on Monday, September 23, were 1, 10, 11 and 16. There was no winner of the €9,000 jackpot and Rebecca McNeely was the Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Bridie Morley, Ray Prendergast, Caroline Heneghan, Fergal Burke and Eileen O’Neill. Play now to be in with a chance of winning the fast accumulating jackpot, a whopping €9,100!
Ballyglass FC Club officers and supporters are deeply appreciative of the €122,303 allocation from the Sports Capital Fund announced last week by Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne. The grant will be of huge assistance in upgrading club facilities and enhancing sporting opportunities for young people in the club catchment area.
Save the date for the Hallowe’en market in Ballyglass Community Centre, Saturday, October 19. It is a day not to be missed! More details to follow.
Ballyglass celebrated Culture Night 2024 on Friday, September 20, with a very enjoyable evening of stories, poems, drama and songs, courtesy of the Black Pudding Club. The club was revived for one night only, having been a popular feature in many hostelries some years ago. The talented performers on the night were Nora Conroy, Rita Nestor, Mena Mahon, Christine Chapman, Sheila Gilligan, Damhnait O’Malley White, Nuala Heneghan and Sean Hallinan. There was a break halfway through for everyone to enjoy black pudding on delicious homemade brown bread. Thanks to Fiachra Moran, Belcarra for the very tasty black pudding and special thanks to Breege Jennings for making the beautiful loaves of bread. Well done to all the organisers and to all who attended and supported this unique event.
The next “What’s the Story?” storytelling event in the popular series will be on Saturday, October 26, when Ballyglass Community Centre (F12D500) welcomes the renowned singer songwriter, John Spillane. There will be a very special song-writing workshop on the day from 11am to 2pm. In order to book your place and for further information, text Fiona 087 6562042 or Nora 087 9729672. This series of events is supported by Mayo County Council.
Yoga classes with Emma, from I Am Me, Wellness, will start on this Tuesday, October 1, in the community centre from 7.30 to 8.30. The fees are €50 for 4 weeks. Contact Emma on 087 9973357.
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the community centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for a clean-up. Sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. are the light duties required. If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087 6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools, gloves and high-vis jacket is asked to bring them along.
The death took place last week of Agnes (Aggie) Ryan (née O’Malley), Houndswood, Cross, Co Mayo and formerly of Ballintubber, Corofin, Co Galway and Ballintubber Abbey, Co. Mayo. Agnes passed away on September 22, and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family and many friends and relations. Predeceased by her parents and brothers Martin and PJ, she is deeply regretted by her husband John Joe (62 years married life), her sisters Kathleen (USA) and Mary (Cummer), nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom condolences are tendered. Her remains reposed in the Cross Roads Community Centre, Cong, on last Thursday evening from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to The Sacred Heart Church, Cross, Co. Mayo. Her Funeral Mass took place on Friday at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Cross East Cemetery, Cross. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Walk and Talk with Castlebar Toastmasters and get a flavour of what Toastmasters is all about. This year marks the 100th Anniversary of Toastmasters Worldwide. To celebrate there is a Walk and Talk on Sunday, October 6, meeting at 2pm in Lough Lannagh Carpark. Why not have a leisurely walk with us. Find out how Toastmasters can help you develop self-confidence and overcome your fear of public speaking. Walk and talk or just walk with us hopefully in the ‘sunshine’. If you wish to hear more contact Caitríona 087 2369702.
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The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on September 21, for a jackpot of €13,800. 18, 21, 24 and 26 were the numbers drawn. There was no jackpot winner. The online consolation winner was Maura Gibbons. The jackpot stood at €13,900 on last Saturday night, September 28. 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/.
Congrats to Cathal Prendergast, Eoin Aodh Hession, Paddy Walsh, Daniel Duffy, the four U13 players who represented CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh in the South Mayo region skills test in The Dome on a recent Tuesday evening. The boys performed brilliantly and finished in second place.
Congrats to Noel and Noreen Gibbons, Gortnacullin, and John and Marie O’Brien, Treenlaur, who were €200 winners in the latest Mayo GAA Club Development Draw.
Fresh from major expenditure on their magnificent new ‘Ben Astro Turf’ facility CLG Tuar Mhic Eadaigh were delighted to receive news last week of a €96,011allociation from the Sports Capital Fund. Few clubs in Mayo, or indeed nationally, have achieved the magnificent facilities that CLG Tuar Mhic Eadaigh has due to their own outstanding efforts and fundraising in recent years. The finance is deeply appreciated by the club and very necessary for the ongoing upgrading of facilities.
Tourmakeady Knitting Club has resumed their activities once again on Monday nights from 7.30 to 9.30. Phone 087 7657191 for details.
Féilire 2025/2025 Calendar: Seol do ghrianghraf do Féilire 2025 chuig opt.cdst@gmail.com roimh 1ú Samhain 2024. Would you like to see your photo in the 2025 Gaeilge Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Calendar? Twelve pictures will be chosen for the 2025 calendar. Send your photo with your name, address and phone number to apt.cdst@gmail.com or by post to Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga, CDS Teo, Corr na Móna, Co. na Gaillimhe, F12 PT02. Forward you photo to opt.cdst@gmail.com before November 1.
The Waterfall editorial committee is once again compiling that wonderful annual community Magazine ‘Waterfall’ 2024. This is the 37th edition of the popular festive publication. Articles of interest, history and heritage material, photographs, sports reports, advertisements etc. should be emailed to waterfalltme@gmail.com.
The winter season of Irish classes commences in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on October 2. On Wednesdays, at 10am there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a seisiún comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday). Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Walkin (Castlebar), Gibbons (Tom and Martin, Killawalla) and Prendergast (Drimcoggy) families on the recent passing of Christina Walkin, daughter of Jack and Eileen Gibbons, Rowan Drive, Castlebar. Christina is survived by her husband John, family Tara, Aoife and Shane, the extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Christina was laid to rest in Castlebar Cemetery after 11.30 Requiem Mass on a recent Friday. May she rest in the eternal peace and happiness of heaven.
Partry Athletic FC are one of the most active rural soccer clubs in Mayo fielding teams at many levels and able to complete with the best. Last week Partry Athletic was delighted to announce that the club has been awarded €38,376 under the Sports Capital Programme. This money will be used to maintain and improve the playing surfaces on their pitches and to make improvements to the clubhouse. Special thanks to Donal Bourke for his expertise in putting together a successful application for the club. This is a great boost for the club and they acknowledge the contribution of local politicians for their support.
The Partry Athletic FC Club lotto is now at renewal stage. New players are welcome to join even if overseas. The draw is based on the main National Lottery draw with an assigned number to each player allocated at the start of the term. The yearly subscription is €120 and the support of the broader community is greatly appreciated.
Renew online via the secure dedicated PayPal link. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Congratulations to Barry Burke and Michael McAlpine, who were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €24,800 for tonight’s draw on October 1. The numbers drawn last week on September 24 were 13, 24, 25 and bonus number 10. There was no jackpot winner and there was no match 3 winners. Congrats to the lucky dip winners.
Breaffy GAA Club was overjoyed to hear the news of a €153,648 allocation from the Sports Capital Fund announced last week by Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne. The club has facilities at Breaffy and Ballyheane and an ever growing population and the funding will be of great benefit in financing necessary ongoing development. Gracious thanks have been extended to all who assisted with the successful application.
Congratulations to Aidan O'Shea on yet another All Star nomination. The shortlisting of the Breaffy Clubman was indeed well deserved after another fine season in the Green above the Red on the national playing fields for Mayo.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €8,400 on September 22. The numbers drawn were 8, 14, 16 and 27. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 each were Rebecca McNeely, Charlie O'Malley and Mairead Keane x 2. The jackpot stood at €8,500 on Sunday, September 29.
Yoga and Aromatherapy returned to Belcarra Community Centre on a recent Thursday after 10am Mass. Contact Virginia at 087 2831400 or Kathy on 087 6712225 for further details.
The next monthly card game in Belcarra Centre will be on next Monday, October 7.
€149,495 was allocated in the recent Sports Capital Funding announcement for Ballyheane FC. Minister for Sport, Thomas Byrne announced this much needed finance allocation to Ballyheane FC for dedicated female dressing rooms and a gym. It was excellent news indeed for one of Mayo’s most successful go-ahead soccer clubs. Congrats to all.
Ballyheane Community Council have extended a most appreciative ‘thank you’ to Pat Staunton, Michael Walshe and Seamus Sweeney for the fabulous work they did on the Bell tower at St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Thanks have also been extended to those who supplied the scaffolding.
HIB 24’ will go ahead on the following dates; Friday, October 25, Full Horror 7pm to 8.45pm. On Saturday, October 26, 6 to 8.45pm - Full Horror show. On Sunday, October 27, from 5 to 7pm - Children U12 accompanied by an adult at 7pm - 8.45pm - Full Horror. The ticket price remains at €20 plus a booking fee through Eventbrite. The dates of ticket sales are to be announced at a later time. All proceeds are allocated to worthy local charities.
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The official opening of Errew Community Centre will take place on next Friday, October 4, at 5pm. Errew NS and Errew Community Centre have transformed since March 2021. The past few years saw initial improvement works carried out by the community committee volunteers thanks to the response from the local community to the GoFundMe page established in 2021.
The support of Castlebar Mayo County Council Councillors, the DRCD- Community Centre Investment Fund Capital Grant was a huge plus for this small, rural area. Sincere thanks has been extended to Minister Alan Dillon TD and Minister Heather Humphreys Department of Rural Community and Development. Bringing the Old School back to life has certainly enhanced community spirit and kept the proud history of the community alive.
The official opening will be carried out by Minister Alan Dillon. Errew community are congratulated on the suburb completion of this project which will be of tremendous benefit to the local community in the decades ahead. All are welcome to come along and enjoy real and unique Errew hospitality.
Errew ‘Pay as you Go’ Breakfast Club and After School facility welcomes children from the surrounding area; 7.30-9.10am and 2-5.30pm. It is a drop-in child care service with no weekly or monthly set fees. Contact Ríona Lawless on 087 9005099 for more information and click on the link below. https://errewns.com/breakfast-club-and-afterschool/.
A beginner Yoga 6 week series of Yoga classes has commenced in Errew Community Centre. The yoga classes are held in Errew Community Centre every Monday and Tuesday from 7-7.45pm for the next 6 weeks. If you are interested in joining the next block of 6 week classes contact Lorraine on 087 6835623 or lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com.
There was a plethora of talent and interests on display at the Clogher Culture night in the community hall. Finian Bourke acted as MC for the night and proceedings opened with traditional Irish music from Ciara and Ruth Hallinan and Alannah McDonagh who contributed again at intervals during the night. Tom Delaney gave a demonstration of basket weaving. He told the audience that the tradition of willow weaving has been handed down from his grandfather and father. Over the course of the two hours Tom completed a basket but explained that the weaver never shows exactly how he starts or finishes an item. Tom had a large number of baskets, skibs, Bridget’s Crosses and other wares on display and he is also available for classes.
A past pupil of Holy Angels primary school, Cuileann Bourke, told how she has recently won the Ladies A Doubles Handball World title and came second in the Ladies A Singles World Handball title. Handball too is a sport which has been part of the Irish culture for generations when people played against school walls and there were many handball alleys around the country in the past. Cuileann has recently graduated from Trinity College and locally is a member of Belcarra Handball Club.
Tom McEveney gave a talk on some very ancient stones which he had on display, some of which were found in the Newtown area. Tom is an avid collector of rare and unusual items and he also had some on display and asked the audience to guess what they made have been used for in the past.
Tom Heneghan of Doonamona read from his latest book ‘Life is a Mystery’. Tom is the author of two other books ‘The Crane and Are the Daffodils up yet?’ All of Tom’s books are available from Mayo Books. Interspersed through all of this there were songs from Bernie McGreal, Mary McDonagh, Dick Garry and Finian Bourke as well as tunes on the whistle from Denis Wright. Tea and refreshments were provided by Mary McDonagh and Sharon Bermingham. All in all everybody had a very enjoyable night and thanks to everybody who took part and also to the people who helped with the set-up of the hall and the wash up afterwards.
Inter Active School Talks As part of the Lough Carra Catchment Association's Education and Awareness programme, a series of interactive school talks for both primary and secondary students has commenced. In collaboration with the Lough Carra LIFE Project the group are inspiring young minds - both within and beyond the catchment - about the importance of Lough Carra's water quality, habitat protection, and the incredible species that flourish there.
A big thank you has been extended to the Holy Angels National School in Clogher for an amazing first day of the school talks. These young nature enthusiasts welcomed module personnel and showed an incredible understanding of the beautiful environment
right on their doorstep.
