Local Notes: Ballintubber ladies enjoy evening in Corley's.

Killawalla Community Council AGM:Prestigious final for Breaffy NS:National Denim Day on Friday 28.
Local Notes: Ballintubber ladies enjoy evening in Corley's.

A group of ladies from across the parish enjoying a recent social evening in Corley’s Lounge in Ballintubber.

Carra County

Ballintubber GAA lotto

Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,900 on Sunday night, February 16. The numbers drawn were 11, 18, 22 and 34.

There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Carmel McGreal, Chloe Corrigan, Colm Mannion, Michelle and David Lally, Tom Bourke and Kevin Bourke. The jackpot stood at €9,000 on last Sunday night, February 23. 

Bereaved

Sincere sympathy is extended to Brian McConnell, former principal of Ballintubber NS on the recent passing of his father, Tom McConnell, Raheny, Dublin. May he rest in peace.

Bord na nÓg

Ballintubber Bord na nÓg are urgently seeking additional volunteers for a variety of roles. If you are interested in getting involved, phone Ronan Mannion at 087 464 6495 or email the secretary - ballintubber.mayo@gaa.ie.

Healthy Club Committee

Ballintubber GAA are looking to establish a Healthy Club committee, they will be responsible for the delivery of the Healthy Clubs initiatives and establishing a healthier community in Ballintubber. Those interested in being a part of the committee are asked to contact Deirdre Donnelly or email ballintubberinjuriesofficer@gmail.com.

Ballyglass FC Lotto winners

The Drum Inn, Clogher, was the venue for Monday, February 17, Ballyglass FC lotto draw. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 26 and 33. There was no winner of the €11,100 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Paddy Burke, John Boyle, Charlie O’ Malley, Jason O’Regan and John Corbett. Play now to be in with a chance of winning. The weekend jackpot stood at €11,200. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.

Ballyglass Card game winners

Ballyglass card game winners from Monday, February 17 were 1st Mary Boyle and Declan Murphy; Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin; Chris Turner and Pat Griffith, 2nd Sean and John Reilly and 3rd Tomas Solan and Peter Glynn. The last 10 winners were Breege Jennings and Noel Costello. The raffle prizes went to Sean Reilly, Breege Jennings and Noel Costello.

Racquetball classes

Racquetball classes for ladies and men has commenced in Carnacon Centre. No racquets or goggles required. Contact Thomas at 087 2041967 for details. Eircode for Carnacon Centre F12 NY 38.

Pastoral Council meeting 

There will be a pastoral council meeting in the Dorter room of Ballintubber Abbey on Tuesday, February 25, at 8pm. All members are requested to be in attendance.

Farming for Nature

Field margins and good riverside buffer strips help to reduce impacts from slurry. They prevent excess nutrients from the slurry reaching streams and rivers. The run-off can result in water pollution causing some plants and algae to take-over. This robs the oxygen from fish and other aquatic life. Avoid spreading if the weather isn’t suitable as then a lot of the nutrients will wash away into streams and the lake.

If possible, get a contractor who uses lower emission machines For more easy tips to help nature, go to the website. https://buff.ly/4hCvQOG.

Medjugorje Easter Pilgrimage

Medjugorje Easter Pilgrimage will be a fully escorted trip, departing from Dublin, on April 19 to 26. The cost is €895 and a deposit of €200 secures your booking - 7 nights pilgrimage with Carmel and Mick Summerville. Fr Brendan Kilcoyne will be the spiritual director.

Badminton Club

Ballintubber / Killawalla Badminton Club are open to new members and beginners are most welcome. The sessions take place at Ballintubber Community Centre on Tuesdays from 8 to10pm. Please contact Laura on 089 4011720.

Tóchar Phádraig Walks

“A pilgrim’s journey is not just about the steps taken, but the reflections along the way. Join Ballintubber Abbey participants next Easter Monday for a spiritual walk that connects past, present, and faith.” The Abbey team are busy getting the Tóchar Phádraig Walk - St Patrick's Pilgrim Path. Thanks to funding received through The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) by the South West Mayo Development Company CLG they were able to replace 15 stiles, upgrade some of the walkways and replace a bridge.

Listed are the Tóchar Phádraig group walks in 2025 organised by Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo. Easter Monday, April 21 (as part of Pilgrim Paths Week) half Tóchar from Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower , distance 15km; Saturday, June 21, full Tóchar (as part of Irish Pilgrim Journey Week) distance 30km; Saturday, July 26, (Reek Saturday) full Tóchar, distance 30km and Saturday, August 30, full Tóchar, distance 30km.

Booking is now open at ballintubberabbey.ie. Payment is required at the time of booking. If you wish to cancel your booking refunds are available for up to 7 days prior to the event. The cost of this year's group walks are €30pp for half Tóchar’s and €35pp for the full Tóchar, booking fees may apply.

Individual walks are €25pp (self-guided). Volunteers, leaders and back up drivers are needed for the 4 group Tochar Walks yearly. If you can help out on any of the above dates, call the office 094 9030934 to put you name down. A donation will be given to the Leader and back- up driver to cover the costs.

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Along the Partries

The late Carmel Walshe

The death has taken place of Carmel Walshe nee Stokes, Moate, Ayle, Westport on February 17. Carmel was in her in her 91st year and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Michael, she is deeply regretted by her family, daughters Maura (Tim Hollins), Pauline (Padraic Heraty) and Rose (Michael Davitt), sister Teresa, eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.

Carmel’s remains reposed in Killawalla Community Centre on last Wednesday evening, February 19, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St. Patrick's Church, Killawalla. Her requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12 noon, with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the local cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.

Tourmakeady CLG notes

Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €15,900 on February 15. 6, 16, 17 and 18 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The weekend jackpot on Saturday, February 22, stood at €16,000. 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.

New GAA Rules workshop

An FRC New Rules workshop, with Jerome Henry, is taking place in Ballinrobe Community School on this Tuesday, February 25, at 7pm.

To register for this workshop, complete the form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx... This event is being held by Mayo GAA Coaching & Games.

First Responder Course

CFC course - a First Responder course will take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Saturday, March 1, from 9-1.30pm. Participants attending will receive a qualification on completion of course that is recognised everywhere. Cost of course is €55. Interested persons can book a place by calling 094 9544295 or email eolas@tourmakeady.com.

Tourmakeady NS lotto

The winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto ball on Saturday, February 15, was ball number 11. Congrats to the winners Ann-Marie and Paul Lydon.

Storm Éowyn Assistance Scheme

Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support households directly affected by Storm Éowyn. The scheme provides income-tested financial assistance to alleviate hardship, following a three-stage approach:

Emergency payments for immediate needs (food, clothing) are not income-tested. Replacement of essential items like white goods and furniture /assistance with primary residence repairs and losses covered by insurance are excluded.

Income limits for the scheme are: €50,000 (single), €90,000 (couple) +€15,000 per dependent (with reduced support above limits).

For support, contact emergency Community Welfare Services by email - DNCWS@welfare.ie. There are forms available in the Halla for government assistance due to damage caused by storm EOWYN. Forms can also be downloaded at www.gov.ie/HAS. Further information is available from 0818607080 Completed form can be submitted to the local Intreo office. https://assets.gov.ie/.../92faa7b2989d442c9359b57771888d4...

Social Club Meeting

Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, February 20, from 2-4pm.

Hedge cutting season ends

Mayo County Council has issued a reminder to all land and property owners/occupiers that the hedge cutting season ends on next Friday, February 28. From this date until the end of August hedge cutting is not permitted.

Killawalla Community Council AGM

With all the events of past few weeks the Killawalla Community Council decided to push back the AGM date to Friday, February 28, at 8.30pm. The council have extended thanks to the people for nominating new members. At the AGM, a new committee will be elected and they will review all the achievements of the past term and look forward to laying out new plans. All residence are invited to the meeting to see how important the council is to the area - from the playschool to running events and linking with TUS and RSS and applying for necessary funding. Without a community council none of these services or events would be possible.

Glass Painting in Partry

Partry Women’s Circle invites you to try glass painting on Thursday, March 13, in the Mons Horan Centre in Partry. Tea and treats will be provided. Bring a vase, glass or bottle to paint on. The event is confined to Over 18s and there is a €5 fee to cover costs.

Partry FC lotto

Congratulations to Daniel Duffy who has been announced as part of the Mayo FC U14 team. Over the years Daniel has played brilliant for Partry and Partry FC wish him and the entire squad and management all the very best for the season ahead.

Partry Residents draw

Congrats to Paddy Horan and Charlotte Duignan who were recent €100 winners in the popular numbers draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, February 22.

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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra

Christmas Crib donations gratitude

Sr Mary O’Malley has acknowledged with deep appreciation to all who contributed a generous total of €3,885 in Christmas Crib donations in Belcarra and Balla. Sr Mary writes ‘The monies raised will help victims of human trafficking, children out of secondary school, floods and hunger to name just a few. Your donations will make a great difference and salve some of the wounds of extreme poverty. I believe education is one of the best means to eradicate poverty and its ramifications for generations in the future. Thank you’.

Drum Inn table quiz

There will be a table quiz Saturday, March 8, in The Drum Inn, Clogher. The event will start at 9pm. Tables of 4 required at a €40 fee. All proceeds to support the Breege Canavan Return Home Fund.

Belcarra lotto

Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €10,600. The jackpot stood at €10,500 on Sunday, February 16. The numbers drawn were 1, 18, 26 and 32. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Jimmy Murphy, Deirdre Moran, Bernie Martin and Anna Meaney. On February 23, the jackpot stood at €10,600.

Breaffy GAA lotto

Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €28,800 for the February 18 draw. The numbers drawn were 10, 26, 28 and Bonus number 3.

The jackpot stands at €29,000 for tonight’s February 25 draw.

Prestigious final for Breaffy NS

Breaffy National School were among the winners at the inaugural VEX Robotics North West Regional Finals, held recently at the AIM Centre at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo in partnership with AbbVie.

Breaffy National School, from Castlebar has qualified for the VEX Robotics National Finals, which are set to take place in MTU Cork on February 27. The winning teams will compete for a chance to advance to the prestigious VEX Global finals in Texas, representing Ireland on the international stage. Best wishes to the Breaffy students and staff for continued success in the high-status event.

Rounders Open Day

Breaffy Rounders club are inviting folk to join up over the next few weeks. These open days will run again in Castlebar Celtic 7 a side AstroTurf pitch from 3 to 4pm on March 2. You’ll learn about the game, meet the team, get active and most importantly, have real fun.

GAA Club registration

Breaffy GAA registration portal is now open for the coming 2025 membership year. Members should go to www.foireann.ie to register. Remember to read through the membership options carefully before making your selection. All players involved in county team training (underage and adult) must renew their playing membership for 2025 immediately. Breaffy Club will be hosting a membership evening in the coming weeks at the clubhouse for both new and existing members. For any issues, contact Martina at 087 272029.

Gold Circle draw

The Gold Circle membership package is as follows: Breaffy GAA Membership for 2025, 1 weekly entry into the club's lotto and 1 Mayo County Board Draw ticket (six draws with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €200). Support your club and stand a chance to win amazing prizes, including €50,000 cash, exciting weekend packages to the All-Ireland finals, a holiday voucher worth €2,500, and many more. The draw date is March 26.

Country Music Festival

Ballyheane Goes Country Music Festival will take place once again in 2025. This year’s summer festival will run from June 6 to 8, with 3 amazing nights of music and dancing. Some of Ireland's top Country Music bands will be on stage, Friday, June 6 - Jimmy Buckley and Band and Gavin Gribben; Saturday, June 7, Derek Ryan and Band and Stacey Breen and Sunday evening, June 8, Nathan Carter and Band and Mylo and Vinny. Tickets are on sale from at www.ballyheanegoescountry.com.

Mayo FC Soccerthon

Mayo FC are hosting a 24 hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation on March 14 and 15, from 6pm-6pm. The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24hrs. Players participating must be 16 or older. Why not get your club, business, friends, family, work colleagues or even an all-star team together and support Mayo FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Click the link below to register your team’s interest. Contact mayofcsoccerthon@gmail.com for more information.

Bereavement Therapy

HopeSpace operates throughout the year. HopeSpace CLG provides a free one-to-one listening service for children and young people (4 -17 years old) who are impacted by grief caused by bereavement. See hopespace.ie, contact Áine at support@hopespace.ie or call 091 342566/087 4667506 for more details.

National Denim Day

Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Denim Day is being held on Friday, February 28. Wear your denim to school or work and donate to support people living with dementia. More information and registration details for your free pack can be found on www.alzheimer.ie.

David Staunton checks on the safety of his passengers before the start of the recent Ballintubber tractor run. Picture by Tom Quinn.
David Staunton checks on the safety of his passengers before the start of the recent Ballintubber tractor run. Picture by Tom Quinn.

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Balla / Manulla

The late Francis Dunne

The death occurred last week of Francis (Frank) Dunne, Monard, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris. Francis passed away suddenly at home and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family, relatives and many friends. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Bridget and niece Paula, he is deeply regretted by his brothers Michael (London) and Christy, sisters Marion and Angela (Kildare), sisters-in-law Kathleen and Peggy and brothers-in-law Billy and James, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, many cousins, neighbours and friends near and far to whom sincere condolences ate extended.

Francis’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Wednesday evening last week from 5pm with removal at 7pm to the home of his nephew Neil, Rathduff, Balla. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning at 11am in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey, with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the local cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.

GAA Lotto Jackpot winner

Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, February 13, in Flukies for a jackpot of €10,300. 1, 3, 8 and 9 were the numbers drawn and congrats to online jackpot winner: Darragh Lyons who had the lucky numbers and scooped the attractive jackpot. Congrats also the lucky dip consolation prizewinners on the night, Martin Brennan (online), Niall Nestor (online) and Tommy Fahy (cash sale). The latest draw was held on Thursday, February 20, in the Railway Tavern when the jackpot commenced again at €3,000. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.

Balla GAA Club celebrate

Balla GAA/LGFA Clubs are hosting a club social in Breaffy House Hotel on Saturday night, March 1. Tickets are a modest €20 and doors are open from 7.30pm. The club are eager to celebrate what was a very successful 2024 across all the senior and junior teams. Saturday, March 1, is the date and a bumper attendance is anticipated. The wonderful musically talented Concord Entertainment is lined up for the social night. Pre order the tickets from club executive members, team managers or DM on Instagram.

Monster Manulla FC lotto

The latest Manulla FC jackpot stood at a massive €18,400 on last Sunday night, February 23. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link below: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/.

Manulla Table Quiz

A table quiz will take place in the Railway Tavern, Manulla, on February 28. Tables of four are required and 1st prize is €160. Funds raised are in aid of Manulla Centre and all quiz enthusiasts are welcome.

Fundraising Bingo Night

Mayo Abbey National School and Mayo Gaels GAA Club are hosting a fundraiser with the help of Balla bingo committee. They are having a monster Bingo night on March 5 online and in Balla Community Centre. The funds raised during this event will be directed towards the development of an all-weather astro pitch (80ft by 40ft) that will serve Mayo Abbey National School / Mayo Gaels GAA club and the broader community groups and parishes.

Top student award for Anna

Congratulations to Anna Heaney, Leaving Certificate Class, Balla Secondary School 2024, who has received an Entrance Scholar Award at University College Dublin. The award recognises academic excellence at its highest achievement and we wish Anna every success in her future studies.

Died in USA

The death has taken place in the USA of Vera O' Connell, Bolingbrook, Chicago, USA. Vera was predeceased by her sisters, Nancy Commons, Derrowel, Balla, Bridie Murphy, Tavnagh, Balla, and her brother James Tunney, USA. She is survived by her sister Lena, Nottingham, England. Sincere sympathy is accorded to all who mourn her passing.

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Errew and Clogher

Community Futures in Clogher Clogher 

Environmental Group and Community Council supported by Mayo Community Futures are embarking on a Community Action Plan. The purpose of the Community Action Plan is to give our community a chance to identify priorities and ideas for the development of the area over the next five years. A key component of the process is to give everyone in the community an opportunity to engage with the plan and to put ideas forward. Representatives from all the groups in the community and interested individuals are encouraged to attend the meetings which take place on Thursday nights at 8pm in the Community Centre.

Clogher Cards

Card results from Clogher card game on February 14 were as follows; 1st Margaret Mannion and Teresa Loftus and Jimmy Conor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Mary McDonagh and Breege Blake, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Grifith and Bernie Heneghan and Majella Loftus, last 10 Eileen Moran and Eileen Donnelly . The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.

Active Age outing

Active Age Group members enjoyed a half term outing this week to the Bowling Alley at Castlebar followed by lunch and shopping at Horkan’s Lifestyle and Garden Centre. Thanks to the organisers and to the staff at the Bowling Alley, Horkan’s, the Bay Leaf restaurant and to Dermot the highly efficient driver.

Errew Wellbeing

Sage Wellbeing is holding a 4 week course which starts on Tuesday, March 4, from 7.30-9pm. All seated this is a teaching course to achieve a calm, focused mind. The venue is the comfortable confines of Errew Community Centre. Contact Carmel on 087 6972726 to book your place.

Errew National School

Errew NS is only 7km from Castlebar. There are small classes and great teacher/pupil ratio and a unique school culture with a caring learning environment. Contact the school secretary on secretary@errewns.com or ring 0949030615 with any enquiries or to make an appointment to come and view the facilities. Check out what the children have been doing at school lately via the website errewns.com.

If your child is finding large, busy classes challenging, this may be the school for you. The new Breakfast club from 07.30 and the After School facility open until 17.30 has greatly helped working parents. Located in Errew Community Centre directly opposite Errew NS there is no need for a bus. Please come and visit the recently upgraded school - Eircode F23 P903 and it is less than 10 minutes from town.

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