Local Notes: Ballintubber GAA Minor 'A' and U21 'B' champions at 20th Anniversary Reunion night.

The late Sean Coyne, Knockaraha, Clogher:Christmas Festivities 2024 in Ballintubber:Handel's Messiah in Belcarra.
Local Notes: Ballintubber GAA Minor 'A' and U21 'B' champions at 20th Anniversary Reunion night.

Ballintubber GAA footballers, Minor “A” and Under 21 “B” Champions 2004 pictured with their mentors at a recent 20th Anniversary Reunion night in the Drum Inn, Clogher.

Carra County

The late Séan Coyne

The death took place last week of Séan Coyne, Knockaraha, Clogher, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Séan was formerly a native of Glenanane, Leenane, Co Galway. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of the staff at Swinford District hospital. Highly esteemed in his local community as a great neighbour and tradesman he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Anthony and his brother Anthony, he is deeply regretted by his wife of 60 years Julia (nee Halloran), his four children Catherine (Munnelly), Anthony, Séan and Maria (Mulvey), his seven grandchildren Theresa (her husband Kevin Fagan), Marcus, Noah, Emily, Matthew, Laura and Sarah, his two great grandchildren Cadáin and Sheá, his sisters Mary (Murray) and Margaret (Shepard), brother Patrick, sons-in-law Ronan and Mark, daughter-in-law Patricia and Anthony, partner Mary, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Sean’s remains reposed at Ballintubber Resource Centre on last Thursday evening from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to Ballintubber Abbey. His funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.

Ballintubber Christmas Festivities 2024

On Saturday, December 14, a great show of lights and 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. 

Development Association AGM

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.

Ballintubber GAA lotto

Ballintubber GAA jackpot stood at €7,500 on Sunday night, November 10. The numbers drawn were 7, 16, 19 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Una Loughran, Mike Murphy, Maureen Grehan, Seamus Walsh, Chris Barnicle and Seamus Hallinan, Snr. The jackpot stood at €7,600 on last Sunday night, November 17. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.

Club AGM

The annual general meeting of Ballintubber GAA Club has regretfully been postponed for a few weeks. A new date will shortly be advertised. All who support the club and participate in its activities are asked to be in attendance.

'The Big House in the West’

The Big House in the West: Past, Present and Future', is the title of a one day seminar that ATU, Mayo will host on next Saturday, November 23. This event is in association with Mayo County Council's Local Community Development Committee and Mayo North East. Speakers for the day will run until 2.15pm with a lunch break at 1pm and from 2.15pm-2.45pm Robert Coyne (Executive Engineer at Mayo County Council) ‘The Future of Moore Hall/ and the Launch of the Moore Hall Master Plan’. Closing remarks. Booking through Eventbrite at .https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1073027246379?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Ballyglass FC lotto

The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC Lotto on Monday, October 11, were 10, 12, 19 and 31. There was no winner of the €9,700 jackpot. Match 3 winners were David Staunton and Tony Corbett. Consolation prizes went to John McGreal, P and S Philbin, Abbeyrose and Keelan Mahon, Bridie Killeen and Ann Moran, Stonepark.

Ballyglass Cards

Winners of the weekly game played on Monday, November 11: 1st Patricia Jennings and Cathal Hennelly, 2nd Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan; Richard and Mary Carney. The last 10 winners were Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and the raffle prizes went to Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford. After the card games on Monday night, Tomás Solan was presented with a token of appreciation by Mary Brennan, in recognition of his help in setting up for the card games for the past few years in Ballyglass Community Centre. Congratulations to Tomas on his retirement from the RSS.

Christmas Market

Ballyglass Christmas market will be held on November 30 at the later time of 2-6pm. There will be crafts, baked goods, food vans, activities for the children, Christmas tree lighting, carol singing and maybe even a visit from the man in red. Look out for more information on the Ballyglass Community Council Instagram.

Community Mass

A Community Mass will be held in Ballyglass Community Centre on Thursday, November 21, at 7pm.

Storytelling Workshop

Continuing the popular series of storytelling events in Ballyglass Community Centre (eircode F12D500), entitled ‘What’s the Story?’ storyteller Órla McGovern will take centre stage on Saturday, November 23. The event kicks off with a workshop from 11am to 2pm entitled ‘Improvisation in Storytelling’, followed by a storytelling evening from 7.30 to 10pm. The workshop costs €25 and the evening event, featuring stories and tunes from the floor, as well as refreshments, costs €5. To book either part, contact Fiona 087 6562042 or Nora 087 9729672. This series is kindly supported by Mayo County Council.

Vegetable boxes

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 

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.

Art classes 

Art classes have commenced in Ballyglass Community Centre on Mondays at 6.45pm. 6 classes cost €50. Anyone who is interested upgrading their Art skills can contact Nora on 087 9729672.

Mother and Toddler Group 

A new Mother and baby/toddler group has been formed in the Childcare Centre, Carnacon. All facilities are being offered free of charge. Wednesday, November 6, from 10am-12pm was the first well attended gathering 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.

Pastoral Council meeting 

 The next Pastoral Council will take place on 19th November at 8pm in the Dorter room, Ballintubber Abbey. All members are requested to attend.

Hospice Coffee Day

Sincere thanks have been extended to all who supported the Mayo Roscommon Coffee day at Sean and Breege Heneghan’s. A generous total of €1,006 was raised and lodged to M/R for the worthy cause.

Carnacon cards

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. 

Remembrance Mass

Mass for deceased members of Ballintubber GAA club will take place on Friday, December 6, in Ballintubber Abbey at 7.30pm.

Bereaved

Sincere sympathy is tendered to Margaret Corkell, Ballintubber on the death of her mother, Maura Fox, Athlone, Co Westmeath. Sincere sympathy is also extended to the family, relatives and friends of Frances O’Sullivan (nee Mulhaire), Sutton and late of Moorehall, Ballyglass. May they rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.

Set Dancing 

Set dancing classes continue with Chris Oates in the Scioból every Thursday night at 9pm.

Guided Tours 

Have you visited Ballintubber Abbey recently? Why not book a guided tour and hear the fascinating tales of over 800 years of history, explore the landscaped grounds and visit the well-stocked gift shop, which has a fantastic array of Mayo Based Products. Make it a day to remember and explore Moorehall and marvel at the multi coloured waters of Lough Carra, visit The Pine Rack. 

Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre and 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.

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Along the Partries

The late Paddy Lally

The death took place last week of Patrick (Paddy) Lally, Ballinerane, Partry and formerly of Shangorth, Srah, Co. Mayo. Paddy passed away peacefully, at his residence and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Tom and Nora, brothers Sean, Tommy, Martin, sister Philomena, he is deeply regretted by his wife Monica, son Tommy, daughter in law Angela, granddaughter Eve, brother Michael (Sligo), sister Peggy Power (Castlebar), brother-in-law Michael Cafferty (Castlebar) to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on Sunday evening week from 6pm with removal at 8pm to St. Mary’s Church, Partry. Requiem Mass was celebrated on the Monday at 12 noon, with the funeral proceeding to Ballyovey cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís.

Swimming Club Tractor Run

Partry/Tourmakeady Swimming Club Tractor Run fundraiser takes place on Saturday, November 30, at 5pm. It commences from the Athletic Clubhouse. The fees for the Christmas Tractor Run are €20 per tractor or 4 x 4, €5, child’s tractor and super prizes for the best decorated tractor and childs vehicle. Information is available from Martina at 087 2193032, Christine 086 3550181 or at Jen 087 7086193.

GeoEnterprise AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Geopark Enterprise is taking place in Partry Centre on this Tuesday, February 19, at 7pm. Planning for 2025 and the initial stages of a strategic plan for the next 3 years will also be discussed. The Geopark team will also be launching an Education plan which is a very important part of requirements for the UNESCO Global Geopark status.

Tourmakeady CLG lotto

Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto stood at €14,500 on November 9, and the numbers drawn were 9, 19, 21 and 26. The online winners were Noreen Hughes and Bernadette O’Neill. The jackpot stood at €14,600 on last Saturday, November 16.

Public Information Evening

SEC Thuar Mhic Éadaigh are holding a Public Information Evening on Thursday, November 21, ar 7.30pm in Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh. Among the speakers on the night will be Deirdre Swords-Vacant Homes Officer with Mayo Co Council and SEAI SEC Mentor Dr Orla Nic Suibhne both will give information about the grants available to householders at present.

Died in Dublin

Sincere sympathy is extended to Brian McConnell and family, Carheen, Tourmakeady on the recent passing of Brian’s mother, Elizabeth McConnell, Raheny. Elizabeth passed away peacefully on November 2, in the kind and gentle care of the staff of the Bons Secours Hospital, Glasnevin, surrounded by her family. Sincere sympathy is tendered to the extended McConnell families and all who mourn her passing. Her remains reposed in Stafford’s Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Tuesday, November 5, from 5 to 7pm with removal to St Gabriel's Church, Dollymount, Clontarf on Wednesday morning for 10.30am Funeral Mass. Burial ceremonies took place in Balgriffin Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.

Community events 

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 in this Tuesday, October 8, 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 has once again resumed its activities after the summer break. The club meets from 2 to 4pm on Thursdays and new members are made most welcome.

Monthly Market Mooted

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. If you are interested contact Catherine at 085 2534266.

National School lotto 

The winner of the Tourmakeady N.S. Lotto Ball Saturday November 9, draw was No 20 - Rose Mulqueen. Congratulations and sincere thanks for the continued support. The new round started on Saturday, November 16. Please send in payment money ASAP.

Water Development Fund 2025 

Applications are now open for Local Authority Waters Programme Community Water Development Fund 2025. This is a grants scheme to enable community driven projects that will help improve water quality.

Various types of projects are considered including landscape management actions e.g. invasive non-native species surveys and removal, blanket bog restoration projects Link to further details and online grant application portal, which closes on the 20th November: https://consult.watersandcommunities.ie/.../community...

Comhrá as Gaeilge 

The winter season of Irish Classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Wednesdays each week. At 10m there will be a morning session for complete beginners and 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.

St Mary’s NS fundraiser

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. Also 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.

Wedding Bells

Congratulations are extended to Kenneth Carroll and Rebecca Brady who were married on Friday, November 15, in The Cathedral in Galway. They are wished health, happiness and good fortune in their married lives.

Bereaved

Sincere sympathy is extended to Johnny Heneghan and family, Kinuary, on the recent passing of his daughter, Frances Heneghan, England. May she rest in peace.

Kilkeeran Scores High

Congratulations to Kilkeeran Residents Association who received a glowing report in this year’s Tidy Towns competition. The village came 3rd in their category in the county. The judges remarked “This was such a lovely visit and a pleasure to adjudicate Kilkeeran.” Well done to everyone involved.

Killawalla classes 

Move it or lose it gentle exercise classes are held in Killawalla Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm and an optional cuppa and chat afterwards for anyone looking for a way to pass a dark evening. Come along at 7.30pm or contact Louise 086 6034601 for info.

Partry Centre Activities 

Monday nights Bingo runs from 8.30. All welcome. 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.

Partry FC lotto

Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Kevin Dolan, Derryveeney, Thomas Kelly, Kilkeeran and Michael Laing, Carheen who were recent winners of €100 on number 13.

Residents Association lotto

Congrats to Noel Gallagher and Freedom Mobility, Ballinrobe who were recent winners of Partry Residents Association Saturday night draw. The winners received €100 on number 44.

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Paddington Bear relaxing after a stroll in the woods in beautiful scenic Moorehall. Picture by Tom Quinn
Paddington Bear relaxing after a stroll in the woods in beautiful scenic Moorehall. Picture by Tom Quinn

Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra

The late Leonard Malone

The death occurred last week of Leonard Malone, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Leonard was highly regarded among his peers and neighbours and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends in Ireland and internationally. Predeceased by his parents Michael Malone and Bridie Leonard and brother Frank Malone, he is deeply regretted by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives, worldwide friends and the staff and management of Ballinamore Nursing Home, Kiltimagh to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Leonard’s remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Thursday, November 14, from 5.30 until 7pm with removal to St Anne's Church, Belcarra for prayers at 7.15pm. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday, November 15, at 1pm in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. Burial ceremonies took place in Drum Cemetery, Clogher. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.

Christmas in Belcarra

On December 1, the Christmas Lights switch-on and Village Party will take place in the scenic village of Belcarra. All are invited to come and join the gathering as the switch-on of the Christmas Lights takes place. A children's tractor run will be organised around the track at Belcarra Recreational Park. Santa will make a quick stop to turn on the lights. There will be live music with Pete and Dean, and refreshments served in Belcarra Community Centre.

Handel's Messiah in Belcarra

On 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. 

Lough Carra Catchment Association

The Lough Carra Catchment Association November meeting will be held in Belcarra Community Centre on this Tuesday night at 7.30pm. The association are delighted to welcome guest speaker Donal Sheehan, a dairy farmer from the Bride Valley in East Cork. Donal played a pivotal role in establishing the BRIDE EIP Project, and has served as a Farming For Nature Ambassador. Donal believes farmers can make a huge difference in improving biodiversity, lowering their carbon footprint and improving the quality of our water. His journey from an intensive dairy farmer to a biodiversity champion offers an inspiring perspective on sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

The LCCA AGM will also be held and an update on LCCA activities and an update on Carra Life given to the meeting.

Tidy Towns progression

Belcarra Tidy Towns were delighted to announce that they have gained 14 marks in this year's Tidy Towns 2024 competition. Huge thanks is due to the hard working committee and everyone from the community who helped to achieve these incredible results. Congrats to the Tidy Towns committee and their dedicated team of volunteers.

Belcarra lotto

Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has exceeded a whopping €9,000. The jackpot stood at €9,100 on Sunday, November 10. The numbers drawn were 11, 12, 14 and 30. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Michelle Cunningham, Lucy McNamara, Jimmy Connor and Gay Conway. The weekend jackpot stood at €9,200.

Breaffy GAA lotto

Breaffy GAA Lotto stood at a massive €26,000 for the November 12 draw. The numbers drawn were 3, 11, 19 and bonus number 4. The jackpot stands at €26,200 for tonight’s draw on November 19.

U13 winners 

Congrats to Breaffy GAA U13 Homeland Division 9 Development League winners and team mentors. The full time result was Breaffy B, 3-7, Burrishoole B, 1-10.

Language Planning Officer 

Gnó Mhaigh Eo is advertising for the position of Language Planning Officer. The person who will be hired will work with the Gnó Mhaigh Eo team and other stakeholders to implement the Castlebar Language Plan. All information here: https://peig.ie/fol%C3.../oifigeach-pleanala-teanga-3/Send a cover letter and CV to ann@gnomhaigheo.ie before 5pm on Friday, November 22.

Ballyheane Yoga 

Mayo Yoga with Aromatherapy takes place in Ballyheane Community Centre on Thursdays at 7pm and 8.15pm - suitable for all abilities The latest 6 week block started Thursday 14th of November. Message if you’re interested in joining on 087-2831400. Availability is limited.

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