Local Notes: Ballyglass Community Futures Steering committee.
Ballyglass Community Futures Steering Committee. Back l-r, Danny O' Toole, Leona Nestor, Nora Conroy, Brege Jennings. Front l-r, Mike Bonar, Minister Calleary, Patricia Nestor.
Little did I ever expect to be writing these words. The 26th July 2026 will be remembered by every Mayo person, man, woman and child, beyond the toddler stage until their dying day. Profound congratulations are extended to Diarmuid and Cillian O’Connor, and the entire Mayo panel and their manager Andy Moran on a most magnificent achievement, All Ireland Champions, 2026. If ever any two players deserved those medals Cillian, (GAA top scorer in intercounty GAA history) Diarmuid (former dual Young Player of the Year winner) the O’Connor boys who have served Mayo for many years surely do. I am sure Paddy Prendergast, R.I.P, Fr Frank and many other dearly loved personnel and bosom friends who have passed from the parish are now looking down graciously at all our joyous celebrations. They two would surely rejoice that our travails in the 75-year-old barren desert crossing are over. Happy days – Mayo Abu!
Congratulations to Emer Biggins, daughter of Grace and Tommy Joe Biggins, Burriscarra on winning the “Queen of the Lakes” title at Ballinrobe Summer Festival 2026. Emer’s many friends in the parish rejoice in her tremendous achievement.
Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 14, at 7.30pm (weather permitting) on Church Island, on the shores of Lough Carra, to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are warmly welcome to attend.
The Parish Christian Community welcomes its newest members, Sienna Adriana Sheridan McQueen, baptised, in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon and Jacob Peadar Quinn Benitez, baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, August 1. Congratulations to their parents and family.
The death has taken place of Judy Cannon nee Prendergast, Gorthaphuill, Ballyglass, Claremorris. Judy passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital. Predeceased by her husband Eric, sister Veronica, and nephew John-Philip, she is deeply regretted by her loving brother John, sister-in-law Una, brother-in-law Eric, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Her remains reposing at her brother John’s residence the Monday evening from 5pm with the removal on Tuesday morning to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey for Funeral Mass at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, July 28, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 21 and 22. M & T Loftus matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Ryan Connolly, Noah Connor, Ross Burke and Amelia and Isabelle Quinn. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €18,700 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
Ballyglass Clean Up Group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes, and other tools.
Congratulations to Niamh Killeen and Declan McHale on their recent marriage. Niamh is the daughter of Danny and Noreen Killeen, Carrowhall, Ballyglass. Best wishes for good health and happiness to the happy couple in your future together.
Congratulations to David Brennan, who graduated recently as a member of an Gárda Síochána. David is the son of Cathy and Francis Brennan, Newbrook. Best wishes are extended to David as he embarks on his career in the Gardaí.
The next Ballyglass Market will take place on August 22 from 11am to 2pm in the community centre. As the market falls during Heritage Week, there will be a display of old photos in the centre for people to browse through. Stalls will include Joe Kelly vegetables, Bernie Reilly’s beautiful hand knitted items, and handmade soaps. They will have a new coffee truck and of course the ice cream van. There will also be a community shop selling sausage rolls, greetings cards, honey, eggs, sourdough loaves, and sweets. Join all at Ballyglass Market for a fun community day for all ages. All are very welcome.
A new project that will document and preserve local knowledge, memories and traditions relating to Mayo's Cillíní has been launched. The project welcomes information relating to the location, history, folklore and community understanding of cillíní sites throughout Mayo. Researchers would greatly appreciate hearing from you. You can contact the Mayo Heritage Office on 094 9064092 or 094 906 4619 or by email at heritage@mayococo.ie or contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 087 9160730 or by email at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,300 on Friday night, July 24. 8, 16, 20 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Josephine King, Sinead Chambers, Gerry Mulroe, Martin Brady, Killian and Tracy Nestor and Joe Glynn. The lotto jackpot stood at €7, 400 for last Sunday night’s draw..
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool will be providing childcare for children from 2 years and 8 months up to 5 years of age. Opening this September it is an ECCE preschool service, children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play-based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning. To express interest please Siofra on 087 2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
Lough Carra Bioblitz will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 10am-4pm at Moore Hall Co. Mayo. To celebrate National HeritageWeek 2026 they are hosting a free fun-filled nature discovery and species recording day. Sign up via Eventbrite or email info@loughcarra.org or just come along on the day.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/.../lough-carra-bioblitz-at... This event is funded by the @theheritagecouncil as part of@nationalheritageweek 2026.
The Tóchar Phádraig is back for another month of pilgrimage, reflection and adventure. The route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick offers a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of generations who have walked this sacred way for over 1,500 years.
Whether you come for faith, quiet reflection or the challenge itself, the Tóchar is an experience you'll never forget. The next guided walk will take place on August 29. Places are still available, so secure yours today.
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Southwest Mayo Development Company have a vacancy for a Project Development Officer. The Project Development Officer will play a key role in promoting innovative and strategic rural development through the LEADER Programme and the Community Futures Programme. The closing date for applications is Friday, August 7, at 12 noon, with interviews provisionally scheduled for the week beginning August 10.
https://southmayo.com/project-officer/ Further information is available from Southwest Mayo Development Company at info@southmayo.com.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Management are extending the call for expressions of interest for a comprehensive training programme to support new business development in the Geopark's communities. The training (still subject to funding approval – it’s very close to confirmation) is planned for 10 two-hour sessions, starting September, continuing through autumn 2026.
It can include new ideas for start-ups that are broadly related to tourism, and also expansion/broadening of existing tourism businesses and will operate in the Geopark area. The deadline for new submissions is Friday, August 21. Note: submissions already received earlier this year are still valid unless the proposer is no longer available for the training.
Applicants should email the completed form to info@jcwlgeopark.ie by 5pm Friday, August 21. Requests for clarification prior to the deadline can be to this same email address.
The Geopark Management are looking forward to positive responses to this fabulous, fully funded opportunity.
The death has taken place of John (Jack) Joyce (Jack), Maamtrasna, Finney, Co. Mayo. Jack passed away peacefully in Hollymount Nursing Home, on July 26. He is deeply regretted by his wife by his loving wife Dorothy, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. His remains reposed in Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur on last Tuesday from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Finney. The Funeral Mass for John (Jack Joyce) was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Rosshill Cemetery. Go dtuga Dia solas na bhflaitheas dá anam.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will stage the popular fairytale 'The Clockmaker's Daughter' in Ballinrobe Community School from Sunday, March 28 to Saturday, April 3, 2027. Auditions for principal roles in the show will take place on Sunday, November 29.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, July 25 stood at €20,000. 15, 19, 26 and 27 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Ger Lydon was the online consolation prize-winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week.
This year’s Ceol na Locha Festival will take place from August 10-14. Each year this event goes from strength to strength attracting many students, participants and visitors to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Details are available from 094 9544295.
Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail Dhúiche Sheoigheach has a vacancy for a cleaner. Dáta dúnta: 14ú Lúnasa 2026. Contact. Maire Theresa Ni Niadh ag 087-2973623
All walkers are invited to explore the wonderful Tourmakeady-Srah loop walk on the slopes of the Partry Mountains for Heritage Week on Wednesday, August 19. The event is free, but registration is essential. https://www.heritageweek.ie/.../explore-the-landscape-and...
Congratulations to Brian Lally, son of Frank and Julia Lally, Tawnagh, and Larissa Oliveira, Brazil who were recently married in Lecanvey Church. After a most colourful ceremony the newlywed couple hosted a gala reception in Paddy’s Bar and Restaurant, on the scenic shores of Lough Mask. They are wished great joy and happiness in their married life.
Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council fortnightly draws are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. The next draw is in on August 9th.
St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla, personnel have extended sincere thanks to the Walsh family for their generous donation of a memorial seat in St Patrick’s Church in loving memory of Michael Walsh, of Killawalla.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. Michael Corrigan, Ballintubber was a recent winner on number 7.
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Belcarra Annual Sports Day will take place on August 9. There will also be a town-lands tug of war competition. All areas are requested to start training and get your teams ready! Will your town land take home the prize?! As always, a fun filled programme is being devised and the sports day will have something for everyone.
Belcarra has been selected to host one of just six flagship events in County Mayo as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency Cultural Programme 2026. The Belcarra European Cultural Celebration – A Festival of Shared Heritage will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 5pm at Belcarra Community Centre, the Eviction Cottage and Recreational Park. This free family event will celebrate the rich cultural connections between Belcarra and Europe through music, storytelling, heritage and community activities.
Congratulations to Chris and Lynda Huxley on the launch of their beautiful new book, "Living with Swallows". Based in Co. Mayo, Chris and Lynda have devoted years to studying and protecting swallows and other migratory birds. In "Living with Swallows", they share the remarkable story of the thriving swallow colony they have encouraged at their home, alongside fascinating insights into these extraordinary birds' behaviour, ecology, and the unique relationship they have with people. Beautifully illustrated with Lynda's stunning photography, artwork by Deirdre Walsh, and a cover featuring a painting by Lynda's late mother, Freda, this is a book to treasure.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, July 26 was 8, 9, 12 and 28. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Michelle Conway, Adam Ward, Walter Lyons and Linda Cuffe. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,600 on last Sunday night, August 2.
The Christian community have welcomed Kayden Michael O’Kelly and Clarán Murtagh who were baptised recently in St Annes Church, Belcarra. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for July 28 had the numbers 7, 13, 23 and bonus number 1 drawn. There were no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £21,700 on this Tuesday, August 4.
Breaffy GAA Club have congratulated clubmen, Aidan, Jack, Matthew and Robbie on their epic win on Sunday week last. Well done lads!
Michael Walsh from Breaffy won first prize in the Ballyheane FC World Cup sweepstake. Paul O'Shea from Abbeyleix won second and Walter Duffy won third prize. Micheal was presented with his prize from Nellie Duffy, President of Ballyheane FC and Joe Behan. Thanks to everyone who entered the sweepstake.
Calling all the ladies of Ballyheane and surrounding areas, Ballyheane AFC are now recruiting for the upcoming Women's Master's League which will commence in the autumn. Contact Catherine on 087 6195025 or Julie on 087 9846401 if interested in participating.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs on a monthly basis on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a chair yoga session. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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The death has occurred of Cliff Daly, Ballinhoe, Manulla, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Courtown Park, Kilcock, County Kildare and Beaumont, Dublin 9. Cliff passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with illness. Predeceased by his parents Raymond and Frances Daly (nee Gill) and his brother baby Derek, he is deeply regretted by his wife Pauline, his family Derek, Cormac, Roisin, Conor and Aaron; their partners Chiara, Sadhbh C and Sadhbh P, brother Declan, sisters Caroline and Sinead, extended family, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on last Thursday evening, July 30.
Cliff’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, July 31 at 12 noon at St. Cronan’s Church, Balla followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Calling all local makers, growers, bakers, creators and small businesses. Balla Summer Market is back on Saturday, August 15, running from 11am–3pm. Whether you create handmade crafts, grow seasonal produce, bake delicious treats, make pantry favourites, grow flowers and plants, or create goodies for our furry friends, the organisers would love to welcome you.
Last year's market was a wonderful celebration of community and supporting local crafts and business. Stall spaces are disappearing fast and if you've been thinking about joining the Summer Markets on Saturday, August 15, now's the time to book.
To book a stall, contact Balla Community Resources Development on 087 185 0860.
All at Balla Community Centre are thrilled to welcome Mayo Performance Academy back this September with a brand-new term of Speech and Drama classes for children. A free taster class takes place on Wednesday, September 9, giving children the chance to experience the classes before committing to the 10-week term beginning on September 16. If your child loves to perform, tell stories, or simply wants to grow in confidence, this is a wonderful opportunity. To register for a free taster session or to find out more, email june@mayoperformance.ie.
Exciting things are in the works for this year's Balla Summer Festival which runs from August 13-16. The organising committee need your help to make them happen. Persons who would be willing to volunteer to assist get in touch by sending a message on 087 185 0860.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, July 23, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €10,300. 12, 20, 23 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Gary Boyle (cash sale), Danny Bourke (online) and Rodey Lyons (online). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 30 in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €10,400.
Congratulations are extended to Balla junior team who defeated Westport in the West Mayo GAA Junior B final last week in Kilmeena on a scoreline of 2-16 to 0-07.
Balla GAA and LGFA fundraising Bingo has officially launched! This exciting fundraiser is on Wednesday, August 12, and funds raised will help kit out all the underage football teams, ensuring Balla young players have the equipment and support they need to enjoy their football journey.
Books are available now at: https://willwego.com/tickets/balla-bingo/378. On Saturday, August 14, Balla GAA will be celebrating their 140th birthday. It promises to be a gala occasion with quality entertainment guaranteed.
The parish cemetery Masses schedule is as follows: Drum is on Monday, August 10, Guesdian, Tuesday, August 11, Elm Hall, Wednesday, August 12 and Balla, Thursday, August 13. Masses will be at 7.30 on each evening weather permitting.
Get ready for a fun-filled day of tennis, games, and community spirit at Balla Tennis Court on Thursday, August 13. Whether you are a beginner, a club player, or just looking for family fun, everyone is welcome - Kids: 11am–1pm (€5) and Adults: 3pm–5pm (€10) Book your tickets now: https://willwego.com/organiser/balla-community-centre.
Balla Community Centre Committee are looking into the possibility of creating a Community Walking Group – a friendly and welcoming group where people can get active, enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and support their health and wellbeing. Before the next step the group want to hear from you. Would you be interested in joining?
Whether you're an experienced walker or just looking to get out for some fresh air and good company Balla Centre personnel would love to hear your thoughts. See the Facebook page or send a private message. Your feedback will help decide if there's enough interest to get this initiative off the ground.
Manulla FC extended pre-match best wishes and post-match congratulations to Jack Livingstone for the All-Ireland Final against Kerry on Sunday week last in Croke Park. Jack has been a key member of Manulla club for years, playing his soccer in Manulla, progressing through the Youths Pathway along with being senior goalkeeper for the past number of years, until he got his well-deserved call for the Mayo GAA senior team. He is a huge role model for the young children in Manulla FC and all club members and the community are delighted with his amazing achievements to date.
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A pre and after school facility for Clogher was the top project which was identified by the Community Futures Programme in 2025. The good news is that one year on from the Community Futures Day a facility provided by McHale’s in Cloonduane is being put in place in the school grounds this week. The facility will be up and running for the return to school at the end of August. Thanks to all the committees who liaised to bring this great project to fruition. Thanks also to all the volunteers who have also helped on the ground.
Clogher Card results for Friday, July 24, were 1st Martin Moran and Tom Fitzpatrick, 2nd Eileen Donnelly and Gus Sweeney, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, Last 10, Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Cemetery Mass in Drum Graveyard will take place at 7.30pm on Monday, August 10.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for August at 7pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99). There are three different lengths of walk to enjoy along the quiet bog roads. Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For health and safety sturdy walking shoes and hi viz jackets are recommended. The Heritage Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4pm.
