Local Notes: Ballintubber U16's get off to a winning start in the league.
Ballintubber U16 team got off to a winning start to Div 1 of the league with a victory over Claremorris in a hard fought game played in Ballintubber Centre pitch on Saturday week last. Picture by Tom Quinn
The Seamus Corbett 8k Memorial Road Race will take place on Easter Monday, April 6, at 12 noon in Carnacon and Environs. The entry fee is £20 and there are generous family discounts available. Participants can run, walk or jog and there will be children’s entertainment at the community centre. Refreshments will be provided.
The 36th annual Passion Play will take place at Ballintubber Abbey tonight Tuesday, March 31, and tomorrow night Wednesday, April 1. Those attending are requested to be in place before 9pm and wear clothing suitable to the weather pertaining.
Ballyglass FC are holding a table quiz in the Drum Inn at 9pm on Friday, April 3. Expect a night of top bins trivia, dodgy answers, and a fallout between team-mates when it all goes wrong. There will be no diving tolerated, no VAR just pure entertainment and craic. It promises to be a hugely entertaining night and teams of four from across the region would be hugely appreciated.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, March 23, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 9, 16, 18 and 29. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Gary Browne, Dean Loftus, Mary Burke, the Philbin family and Matthew and Kieran Corbett. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €16,900 up for grabs.
Ballyglass Community Childcare Service has situations vacant with an Assistant Manager position available. Benefits include pay above ERO rate, CPD support, Employee Assistance Programme, Christmas Bonus, time in lieu for staff training and meetings, €20.80 per hour (level 5/6), €22 per hour (level 7/8). An Early Years educator position available - €17.79 per hour (level 5/6), €19.70 (level 7/8) and an Afterschool Assistant position is also available with payment from €15.50 per hour.
Please apply to the manager for all positions above before April 3, to ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com.
Thanks to all who took part in the recent Ballyglass Community Futures household survey. The Community Day, which is the next step in the process, will take place on April 12 in the community centre, from 2-4pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy a fun community occasion, while also voting on which priority project you would like to see carried out. More details to follow.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,500 on Sunday night, March 22. 11, 13, 23 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Tommy McGreal, Eileen Hallissey, Peter Tuohy, Joanne Kelly, Martin Brady and Paul and Miriam Quinn. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,600 last Sunday night, March 29.
Youthful Ballintubber teams showed some sparkling form in recent weeks with impressive victories over Louisburgh, Breaffy and Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin in the early rounds of the Kelly Cup. Neighbours Balla GAA were expected to provide tough opposition at the semi-final stage in a match played on Sunday last in Clogher.
Ballintubber U16s were in fine fettle on Saturday week last as they defeated Claremorris 3-10 to 1-10 in an exciting match played at Ballintubber Centre pitch. Ballinrobe away were the latest opposition on Saturday morning last.
Ballintubber Minor (U17s) side short a number of county panellists suffered a six point defeat against a determined and skilled Belmullet side at Clogher pitch on Sunday week. This was a highly enjoyable quality game in which both sides showed wonderful skills on occasions.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to James Rafter, former principal of Burriscarra National School on the recent passing of his father, Mr James (Jimmy) Rafter, Bofield, Bonniconlon, Ballina, Co Mayo. May he rest in peace.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Niall Corbett, Castlecarra on the death of his father-in-law John Neylon, Tubber, Co. Clare. Condolences are also extended to Lisa Corbett Rostigue (niece) and Vincent Mahon, Newtown (brother-in-law) on the passing of Willie Ralph, Rinshinna, Castlebar.
The Tochar Phádraig is returning for the 2026 season.
This ancient pilgrim path has been walked for centuries, linking Ballintubber Abbey with Croagh Patrick and weaving faith, landscape, and tradition into one shared journey.
With guided walks taking place throughout April, June, July, and August, 2026 offers the chance to step into a living piece of Mayo’s heritage and experience the Tochar.Tickets: www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
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The newly developed Tourmakeady Ambush Memorial will be officially unveiled at Srah Bridge, Tourmakeady, on Sunday, May 3, at 6pm.The unveiling will be carried out by Tom McGuire, son of the late Commandant Tom McGuire, and Stephen O’Brien, nephew of the late Michael O’Brien, who was killed during the ambush. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place and the Last Post will be played. The three men who lost their lives—Michael O’Brien, Padraig Feeney, and Tom Horan will also be honoured with the unveiling of commemorative benches at the site.
Following the ceremony, the event will continue at Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Noted historian Sinéad McCoole will deliver a talk on the role of women in the struggle for Independence. In addition, the grandson of local man Tom Lally from Srah-Ultan Lally will launch his book, The Ambushes at Kilfaul and Tourmakeady called The Tan War in Ballyovey Partry/Tourmakeady, South Mayo.
The evening will conclude with tea and refreshments. All are warmly invited to attend, especially the families and communities connected to the IRA volunteers.
Due to delays in the construction of the memorial, costs have increased. The committee would greatly appreciate any donations to help cover these additional expenses. Contributions can be made via the GoFundMe page on Ambush website www.cltme.ie or by donating on the day to any member of the committee. The organising committee are proud to present this fitting tribute to the brave volunteers and Cumann na mBan members of 1921.
The death took place last week of Michael Cox, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo and formerly of Mitchelstown, Co. Cork (ex Coillte Teo). Michael passed away on March 24, peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his loving family and many friends. Predeceased by his siblings Mary, Nora and Peter, he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary Jo (nee Feehan), his family Sinead (Heffernan), Danny, Aoife (McGee), and Gary, his adored grandchildren Charlie, Oscar, Lewis, Isabelle, Quinn, Audrey and Silas, sons-in-law Barry and Johnny, daughters-in-law Emma and Mary, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
His remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on Thursday evening from 5.30pm until 7pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady on Friday at 12 noon and a cremation service was held at Shannon Crematorium on Saturday, March 28 at 3pm. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Tour Mhic Éadaigh Ladies Football Team is hosting a quiz night in O’Toole’s, Tourmakeady on Saturday, April 4, at 9pm. It will be a fun-filled quiz, great craic, and a host of prizes to be won. Strong support is urged for the event.
SN Tuar Mhic Eadaigh Parents Council is hosting this year’s Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4. There will also be a draw for a fabulous Easter hamper. Tickets are available from all students and at the hunt.
The Makers Market
An indoor market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will continue on the 1st Saturday of every month from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo. The next date is Saturday, April 4 from 11am to 3pm in the Halla. The market will feature a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts, to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts. For further details make contact by email to: makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to the family, relatives and friends of Nancy Gibbons, St Louise and late of Killawalla. The deceased was a sister of the later Lily Keane, Cloonee. Sincere condolences are also extended to Bridie Meeneghan, Carheen on the death of her brother, Peter Feeney, Inverin, Galway. The deceased was a former employee in Gaeltarra Knitwear, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. May they rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, March 28, stood at €20,000. 2, 14, 16, and 20 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winner was John Gibbons. 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.
A LCCA public meeting will be held on this Tuesday,March 31, at 8pm in Partry Community Centre. The guest speaker will be Kate McAney of The Vincent Wildlife Trust on the topic “The Secret Life of the Lesser Horseshoe Bats and why they matter to Lough Carra and the Catchment”. Are you curious about wildlife, interested in conservation and want to stay updated on local projects? There will also be updates on LCCA recent activities and news from the Lough Carra LIFE Project. Everyone is welcome and enquiries to info@loughcarra.org.
Killawalla Community Council are organising a litter pick campaign from Good Friday, April 3, running until Saturday, April 11. A rubbish pick up is available or drop bags to the shelter. For information contact Siobhan on 087 671 3940 or Carmel on 087 2879701.
Killawalla Easter Egg Hunt is back…and the organisers hope to see lots of participants again this year. It will happen on Easter Sunday from 11am to 12 noon. Meet at Killawalla Community Centre and the modest fees are, €5 per child or €10 per family.
Tickets for the Ballinrobe Musical Society's production of Frozen: can be purchased online via their Facebook page or Instagram page or by phoning Tacú on 094 954 2907. The musical takes place in Ballinrobe Community School from Easter Sunday, April 5, to Saturday, April 11.
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The death has taken place of Alacoque Joyce (nee Sweeney), Station Road, Castlebar and formerly of Ballyheane. Alacoque passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Predeceased by her husband John, son Seamus, parents Dick and Una Sweeney and her brothers Sean and Richard, she is deeply regretted by her daughter Annette (Mellett), daughter-in-law Clare, son-in-law Johnny, grandchildren John, Jane, Joe, Heather and Niall, brother Seamus, sister Marie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
The removal of her remains from her daughter’s residence at Cottage Road, Breaffy, took place on Tuesday, March 24, to repose in Ballyheane Community Centre at 6pm, with removal to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane at 8pm. Requiem Mass for Alacoque was celebrated on Wednesday last at 11am followed by burial ceremonies in Ballyheane Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Get your thinking caps on and join Breaffy GAA for a great night of fun, laughter and friendly competition at the Breaffy Senior Team Fundraiser quiz night. The event will take place on Friday, April 3, at 9pm in Breaffy GAA Clubhouse. The modest fee is €40 per table of 4. Bring your teammates, friends or family and test your knowledge while supporting the Breaffy senior team.
Breaffy GAA had the numbers 12, 19, 20 and bonus number 6 drawn in the draw held on March 24. The jackpot stands at £19, 900 on March 31 this current week.
The death has taken place of Willie Ralph, Rinshinna, Castlebar. Willie passed away on March 23, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Gerard Ralph, sister Agnes, brothers Raymond, Kenneth and Patrick and grandson Ethan, he is deeply regretted by his wife Ann, daughter Jacinta, sons Derek, Kenneth and John, brothers Gerald, John, Tom, Kevin and Declan, sisters May (Cresham), Joyce (O’Connor), Margaret (Kane), Caroline (Tierney) and Stella (Halligan), daughters-in-law Denise, Michelle and Alma, grandchildren Keegan, Riley, Rachael, Dillion, Blaine, Evan, Sophie, Matthew, Cian, Milo and Arlo, great grandchild Tommy, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Willie remains reposed in Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on last Wednesday, March 25, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to his residence. Removal from his residence took place on Thursday morning at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Willie was then laid to rest in Breaffy Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
All local families are requested to join the Parents Association in Belcarra for their annual Eileen’s Easter Egg Hunt.
It’s all happening in Belcarra recreation Park on Easter Sunday April 5, at 12 noon. This is always a lovely event in memory of an amazing lady Eileen Costello who did so much for Belcarra and Belcarra NS. Some great raffle prizes on the day and refreshments in the community centre.
School going young people are requested to take up the game of handball, no experience needed, it’s just fun, games, and a chance to make new friends. It takes place every Sunday for 6–8 years from 10am-10.45am, U10s from 10.45am-11.30am and U12s from 11.30am – 12.15pm at Belcarra Sport Centre.
The next 25 drive in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday night, April 6. New and experienced players welcome.
Belcarra Community Council have begun the process of formulating a Belcarra Area Community Action Plan 2027 to 2032. The first step in this process is hearing from the community. From April 10, volunteers will be calling to homes to deliver the community survey and they will return to collect it on the 17th.
Your feedback is very important, so please take the time to complete the survey and have your say in shaping the future of Belcarra. The community council are also looking to gather photos of the Belcarra area that will be included in the ‘Belcarra Area Community Action Plan’. Photos should be high quality with the focus on places rather than faces. You must also own the photos and be happy to have those used in the publication. Please make contact or email photos to: belcarracommunitycouncil@gmail.com.
The annual Belcarra 8km Fun Run will take place on Sunday, June 28. It is always a great event for all the family and the local community.
Ballyheane AFC Soccer Academy will be starting back on Sunday, April 12, at 11am at Ballyheane FC pitch. The Academy will cater for boys and girls born from 2018 to 2020. Learn new skills; make new friends - boys and girls welcome. For further details call Martin on 086 1642309 or see club social media pages.
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It was a week to remember as Balla Secondary School’s production of “Grease” lit up the stage and left the large audience captivated. From start to finish, the energy was electric and with every show sold out, the atmosphere was simply amazing.
The staff and pupils are incredibly thankful to everyone who came out to support the event. Your enthusiasm and encouragement made all the difference. Special plaudits are extended to the amazing students, who truly shone on stage and made everyone so proud.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors for their generous spot prizes over the three nights – everyone associated with the school are very grateful for the outstanding support.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, March 19, in The Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €8,500. 6, 7, 24 and 28 were the numbers drawn and the €30 consolation prize winners were Gavin Jennings (Cash Sale), Sarah Heneghan (Standing Order) and Shona Kilkenny (Standing Order). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, March 26 in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €8,600.
Holy Thursday, April 2, Balla Church, 8pm; Good Friday, April 3, Belcarra Church, 8pm; Holy Saturday, April 4, Belcarra Church 8pm; Easter Sunday, April 5, Belclare Church, 11am. Balla Church, 11.30am.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €5,500 for last Sunday nights, March 29 draws. Congrats to Manulla U16 girls who won the Connacht Trophy semi final on a scorline of 3-1 over Ballymote Celtic. Best wishes for the Connacht Trophy final in May after such a hard fought match. Well done to Amelia Duffy with all 3 of the Manulla goals and big thanks for all the support and to the parents who helped out in the clubhouse.
Manulla FC are delighted to be hosting the first Mayo FC camp for two days during the Easter holidays, packed with coaching, games and skill development for young players. The camp will take place in Manulla FC on April 7 and 8, and it will be run by current Mayo FC coaches and players. This is a great opportunity for young players to learn, improve and enjoy their football in a fun, supportive environment.
Ruaile Buaile is coming to Manulla FC to headline the 50th celebrations on Saturday, May 2. Tickets are on sale now at €25 and they are selling fast. A night not to be missed - https://www.eventbrite.com/.../marquee-in-manulla-ruaile...
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Huge congratulations are extended to former Errew NS pupils Aimee Murnane and Isobel Hoban and to all their fellow St Joseph’s Secondary School Castlebar Gospel Choir members and the choir director Ms Aoife Durcan. The choir won first place in their category at the Feis Ceoil Youth Choir Competition and went on to win the overall ‘Folens Publishers’ School Choir of the Year 2026’ title receiving a €3,000 award and 2 trophies in the RDS Dublin. Following this win, the choir have been invited to perform in the National Concert Hall in June as part of the Feis Ceoil Gala Concert. Well done to all for this amazing achievement.
Congratulations to all the participants and winners of the Carra Community Games. Community Games covers a wide range of activities including handwriting, model making and art, as well as handball, swimming, music, chess and other activities. The winners were, U10 art girls: 1st Natalia Boyle, 2nd Abby Gillespie, 3rd Roisin Flannery and 4th Chloe Nestor;U14 art girls - 1st Delia Mai Malone; U14 handwriting girls, 1st Emma Kilboyle; U12 handwriting girls, 1st Kate Nestor, 2nd Sarah Devlin and Roisin McGinty and 3rd Ria Killeen; U10 girl’s handwriting, 1st Charlotte Larkin, 2nd Abby Gillespie and 3rd Chloe Nestor and Aoibhinn Murphy; Boys Art, U14, Donal McGinty; U12, 1st Aiden Boyle and U10, 1st Darragh Vahey; Handwriting boys U14, 1st David McGuinness and 2nd Donal McGinty; Handwriting boys U10, 1st James Devlin, and 2nd Ted Daly. Congrats to all the boys and girls and good luck to all going on to the Mayo finals. Many thanks also to the organisers and judges.
The results of the card game on Friday, March 20, in Clogher hall were 1st, Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith shared with, Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett and also Joe Thomas and Breege Blake. 2nd, Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick shared with Kathy O'Toole and Mary Jo Cannon. 3rd prizes went to Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran and Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons. The last 10 winners were, Tommy Fahy and Derek Quinn. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
Congrats to local boys Ethan Nally and Cian Brady who have been selected to represent Mayo U17s in handball and to Ciara Hallinan who is selected on the Connacht U17 handball team this week.
Clogher National School and the Clogher Environmental Group are working together to raise €40,000 for a modular facility that will provide a Breakfast Club, Pre-School and After-School service for local families. The project aims to create much-needed childcare and sessional places for children aged 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. It is hoped the facility will be in place for the 2026/2027 school year. Any support from local businesses or the wider community would be greatly appreciated, with all funds going directly towards the modular building.
