Local Notes: Ballintubber ladies enjoyed an evening of elegance at Corley's Abbey Lodge.
A selection of the large group of Ballintubber ladies who recently enjoyed an evening of elegance and camaraderie at Corley’s Abbey Lodge.
Storm Éowyn will be remembered for quite a time. Its intensity was of hurricane standard and comparable to “Debbie” which we experienced on September 16, 1961. Thankfully there was only one fatality on this occasion but huge trees were uprooted and flattened to local roads. Local country lanes were like scenes from Armageddon with knocked walls, trees, branches, brambles and shrubbery strewn all over. Powerlines were destroyed leaving many houses without electricity. Water schemes also encountered problems with their pumps out of action and leaving dry taps for some days. Tiles, slates and children’s outdoor swings and things littered driveways. Electronic gates remained in the locked position. Masses were cancelled in local churches, some shops closed being without electrical power. Luckily families were indoors for the main nigh time/early morning duration of the storm. People did indeed experience real hardship being unaccustomed to the absolute fury and power of the elements. Particularly hard hit were young families in modern houses with no chimneys and therefore with very restricted cooking options.
Still thankfully there were no recorded casualties and communities rallied to clear roads and make them at least passable for traffic. Community hubs were open in Balla, Ballyglass and Tourmakeady Sports Hall to provide services such as showers, phone charging and broadband access. Killawalla Community Council arranged with Castlebar Social Services to provide a limited number of subsidised dinners and providing facilities to cook them in the community centre. ESB and Co Council and Irish Water Workmen especially deserve plaudits for working in very adverse conditions. Hopefully it will remain a once in a half-century experience.
Ballyglass Community Centre has been operating as a registered emergency response since Storm Éowyn caused significant damage to the electricity and water supplies in the area. If anyone needs help with charging phones, wifi access or just want somewhere warm to have a cup of tea and a chat, call to the centre between 10am and 8pm for as long as the need arises. All are very welcome.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto on Monday, January 27, were 4, 22, 25 and 30. There was no winner of the €10,800 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Tricia Morley, Fahy family from Hollymount, Richard Carney, Anna Heverin and Kevin Brett. Play now to be in with a chance of winning next week’s jackpot of €10,900. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.
Winners from the game which was played on January 27: 1st Liam Davin and Michael Loftus, 2nd Patricia Jennings and Cathal Hennelly Chris Turner and at Griffith and 3rd Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley; Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan. The last 10 winners were Francey Conway and Denny Mc Donagh and the raffle prizes went to Liam Davin and Michael Loftus. The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
A series of 6 art classes started on Monday, February 3, in Ballyglass Community Centre. The classes start at 6.45pm and cost €50 for the 6 weeks, payable at the 1st class. Contact Nora to book your lace.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,500 on Monday night, January 27. The numbers drawn were 26, 31, 33 and 35. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Christina Finnegan, Carmel Kelly, Geraldine Kelly, Des and Eileen Murphy, Martin Larkin and Maura King.
The jackpot stood at €8,700 on last Sunday night, February 2. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber Bord na nÓg continues to grow and they are thrilled to have many young players. For the first time it will be necessary to field two teams in U10, U12, U14, and U16 categories for the 2025 season. More helping hands are needed to ensure the smooth running of Bord na nÓg. Whether you are new to the club area or have some limited experience everyone is welcome to get involved.
The club are urgently seeking additional volunteers for a variety of roles. An hour or two of your time could help to create a fun, safe, and organised environment for the young athletes.
By volunteering, you’ll not only play a vital role in the club but also become part of a vibrant and supportive community. This is a wonderful chance to give back, meet new people, and positively shape the future of Ballintubber GAA.
If you’re interested in getting involved, phone Ronan Mannion at 087 464 6495 or email the secretary - ballintubber.mayo@gaa.ie.
Coillte staff is working hard to clear storm damaged trees across forestry estates as a priority and to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. Hazards arising from storm damage may not be visible and it will take time to assess and treat damaged areas. As a result, Coillte asks members of the public to not enter forests in many counties including Mayo until further notice. Where operations are ongoing in forests in other areas to clear storm damage, visitors are asked not to approach any operations during this time.
Check out the latest Carra Life Newsletter. Hard copies will be distributed throughout the catchment area over the coming weeks, but an electronic version is available on our website now. https://loughcarralife.ie/news-and-events.
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 – 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 30 km. Booking is now open at ballintubberabbey.ie, and 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.
The blessing of St Brigid’s Crosses, candles and throats will take place at all Masses until Friday, February 7.
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Along the Partries
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 Completed form can be submitted to the local Intreo office.
https://assets.gov.ie/.../92faa7b2989d442c9359b57771888d4...
The annual general meeting of Coláiste Muire, Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Teoranta will be held on this Tuesday, February 4, at 7.30pm in Coláiste Muire. All parents and interested parties are requested to attend.
To celebrate the 60th year of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club (1965 to 2025) a dinner dance will be held on February 15, in The Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. To ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone please note the following age requirement: all attendees must be 17 years or older. Those aged 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It promises to be a historic and memorable night in the annals of the club. A huge response is anticipated and tickets should be promptly purchased as they will be in huge demand.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto stood at €15,600 on January 25. 2, 24, 25 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The weekend jackpot on Saturday, February 1, stood at €15,700. 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. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne Ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/. Ticéadaí ar díol freisin sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/ Maire Luke’s/ Lough Mask Inn.
Ireland’s Light Up/Steps Challenge walks will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until February 12. Club members have a target to reach a combined 4000km over 5 weeks to be in with a chance to win prizes of €2,500. For more information visit: https://mylife.irishlife.ie/every-step-counts-2025.
A new session of yoga classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Tuesdays from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The classes will run up until late February. If interested email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295 with your name and contact details.
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo (CDS Teo, the Geopark host organisation), invites applications for the post of Geopark Manager for Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark. This will be a 12 month fixed term contract (4 days a week). Operations base is Tourmakeady, Co Mayo or Corr na Mona, Co Galway.
Send your application and CV, with the subject line “Geopark Manager”, to meadbh.seoighe@udaras.ie. For more information on the contract or the job specification, use the same email address. Closing time for the application is 5pm Thursday, February 13. https://joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie/.../recruitment-of.../.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, February 6, from 2-4pm. The group missed last week due to difficulties resulting from the recent storm. Come along for social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
The Tourmakeady NS lotto winners on Saturday, January 18, was Number 22, Rita and Ruari Chonaire.
Irish classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh every Wednesday morning. Beginner’s class is from 10-11am. The Intermediate class runs from 11 to 12pm. Phone 087 397 0227 or Rphost: opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Tagann an Grúpa Cniotáil le chéile gach oíche Luan i Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 7.30-9.30 i.n. Fáilte roimh baill nua. The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30-9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
Killawalla annual lotto tickets are now due for renewal. You can renew them by contacting any member of the Killawalla Community Council. The support of the community is appreciated.
The annual general meeting of Killawalla Community Council will be held on February 11, as the 3 year term of the current council is up. A community council is vital for the area to address any issues, make improvements and bring the community together for different events.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Ciaran Hennelly, Tooreen, who was a recent winner of the popular numbers draw. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year and the support of club patrons is deeply appreciated. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Austin O’ Neill, Kilkeel, who was a recent €100 winner in the popular numbers draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, February 1. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
Tickets for Ballinrobe Musical Society’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame have been on sale online since Saturday, February 1. The link to purchase tickets is available on the society’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Tickets can be bought from Tacú from Tuesday, February 4, by calling 094 954 2907.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €28,200 for the January 28 draw. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 27 and Bonus number 8.
There was no jackpot and no match 3 winner. Congratulations to the weekly prize winners. The jackpot stands at €28,400 for tonight’s February 4 draw. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play Online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/.
Congratulations to Davitt Neary who made his competitive debut for Mayo against Dublin on Saturday week. He was also the recipient on the ‘Man of the Match Award’ on the Mayo GAA blog. Quite an achievement a proud day for Davitt, his family and the club Breaffy GAA 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. Stay tuned for details.
Membership payments are crucial for the day-to-day running of the club. For any issues, contact Martina at 087 272029. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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.
There will be a meeting of Breaffy Sustainable Energy Community on February 15, from 11am-1pm in Breaffy GAA clubhouse. All households are welcome to join for this very informative morning.
Breege Canavan has been a dedicated and beloved member of the Belcarra community for many years. Through her tireless work on various committees and involvement in numerous local development projects, charity events, and fundraising effort, most notably the establishment of the Belcarra lotto, Breege has made a lasting impact.
Breege is also a devoted mother and in December 2023, Breege faced an acute medical condition that resulted in permanent, life-changing consequences. This condition has affected her mobility and functionality, making it impossible for her to fully participate in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
After completing a rehabilitation program, Breege is now preparing to return home. While her family are excited for her return, they face significant challenges in adapting their home, securing transportation, and providing full-time care.
The Belcarra community, who has benefited so much from Breege’s selfless contributions over the past 30 years, has come together to support her and her family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the ongoing costs associated with Breege’s care and the necessary adaptations to her home and transportation.
Contributions to help make Breege’s return home as comfortable and manageable as possible for her and her family would be greatly appreciated. Your support means the world to them as they navigate this next difficult chapter.
Thanks’ is extended in anticipation of your kindness and for giving back to someone who has given so much to the community. Please support this most worthy initiative at https://gofund.me/dac9f72a.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €10,300. The jackpot stood at €10,200 on Sunday, January 26. The numbers drawn were 8,12, 27 and 32. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Alan Larkin, Zara Keane, Gay Conway and Geraldine Lester.
On February 2, the jackpot stood at €10,400. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
Congrats to Alan Dillon TD who has been appointed to serve in the new Government as Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, with special responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail. He will also have responsibility for the Circular Economy at the Department of Climate, Environment, and Energy. Alan is wished well in his endeavours.
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. On 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 is delighted to announce that they are hosting a 24 hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The Soccerthon will be held on March 14 and 15 from 6pm-6pm. The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24 hours. 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.
A pilgrimage takes place to Medjugorje from August 6 to 13, with flights from Dublin to Mostar. This airport is 30 min from Medjugorje. The cost is €845. Contact 087 6660032/086 8455447 for further details.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
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‘Know your Locality’ is an upcoming free hybrid course (online plus an in person field trip), commencing on Tuesday, February 11. The course will take you step-by-step through the available online sources that will allow you to paint a picture of the geological, archaeological, and historical events that happened close to where you live Register: https://iafs.ie/know-your-locality-mayo-february-march-2025/.
The latest jackpot stood at a massive €18,100 on last Sunday night, February 2. A reminder that the lotto income for two weeks is donated to the Breege Canavan Gofundme fund organised by the Belcarra Community Council group (Belcarra Ireland.) The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link below: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/.
The numbers drawn in the lotto which was held on Thursday, January 23, in The Rendezvous, were 3, 8, 27 and 34. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 consolation winners were Rodney Lyons (online), Thomas Cunnane (standing order), and Brian Wilson (cash sale). The latest draw was held on Thursday, February 6, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €10,100. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
Congratulations to Balla Secondary School student, Sean Kavanagh who is the new holder of the boy’s school record in the fitness test. Sean (LC) completed his last fitness test with an outstanding score of 12.12.
A rejuvenating wellness retreat will be held in Balla Community Centre on February 16, where relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care await you. Call Kathryn or Carol 087 9281301/087 0548161 for further details.
Monday, sewing classes at 10am, Yoga at 6pm; Tuesday, Sheer Fitness Class at 6.30pm, Balla Healthy Club Walk at 7pm; Wednesday, Bridge Club at 7pm; Thursday, Knit Wits at 7pm; Friday, Yoga with Ann at 9.30am; Saturday, 25 card Drive at 9pm. Contact Balla CRD info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for details.
Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome.
Also Hot Desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further details.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. There was a generous €15,000 prize fund at the Bank Holiday weekend session. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New 25 card players are always welcome.
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