Local Notes: Ballyglass Community Futures voting day.
The Ballyglass Community Futures Survey distribution team pictured in the local centre - (Front) Breege Jennings, Bridie McIntyre, Bridie Killeen, Leona Nestor. (Middle) Mena Mahon, Patricia Nestor, Rosaleen Halligan, Margaret O' Dowd. (Back) Joan Walsh, Rita Nestor, Mary Brennan, Nora Conroy, Danny O' Toole and Mike Bonar.
The Ballyglass Community Futures team thank the large number of householders who came out on Sunday, April 12, to vote for the projects they would most like to see carried out in the area. As part of the Community Futures Action Plan renewal process, this important stage determines what improvements will be planned for the next 5 years. The community centre was busy for the 2 hour voting window, with lots of community businesses and groups giving information on what they do. The steering committee - Nora Conroy, Breege Jennings, Danny O’Toole, Mike Bonar, Patricia Nestor and Leona Nestor were aided by Geraldine Leneghan and Marie Reilly Davey from Mayo Co Council Community Futures programme.
The action plan will be launched in June and then the work begins in earnest. Special thanks to the pupils from Mountpleasant NS for their imaginative drawings of Ballyglass in 30 years, to the ladies who helped with refreshments and to Paddy and Mike on traffic control.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,800 on Sunday night, April 12. 8, 21, 28 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Alan Larkin, Martin Finnerty, Geraldine Champion, Jane Naughton, Darragh Fahey and John King. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,900 last Sunday night, April 19. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballyglass Heritage Group invite the public to celebrate the unveiling of a new Heritage Information Board at Ballyglass Community Centre, on April 24 at 7pm. The project was grant aided by Heritage Keepers. The unveiling will be followed with a talk by Seán Hallinan on the history of Mountpleasant House, one of the heritage sites highlighted on the information board. All are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the centre.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, April 13, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 4, 8, 10 and 18. Tony Corbett matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Zach Coyne, Mike Hargreaves, Nora Conroy and Helen Malone. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,200 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.
The Ballyglass card game winners from Monday, April 13, were as follows; 1st Gus and Mattie Sweeney; Richard and Mary Carney; 2nd Noel Costello and Dave Gibbons; Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes; Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings and 3rd Peter Glynn and Tomás Solan; Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford. The best of last 10 prizes went to Majella Corbett and Tom Fitzpatrick and the raffle winners were, Noel Costello and Dave Gibbons.
Ethna Kelly, Clinical Nurse Manager ICPOP, will give a talk on Ageing Healthily in Ballyglass Community Centre on April 21, starting at 12.15pm. All are very welcome to attend what promises to be an interesting and informative talk.
Ballintubber Community Council Spring clean-up event will take place on Saturday, May 2. Participants will meet at 11am at the Abbey, carpark B.
Mass on Monday night, April 27, in Carnacon Church at 8pm is for the deceased members of Carra Ladies Club. There will be a meeting after the Mass in the community centre at 8.30. Refreshments served. This is the last meeting until September; (date to be confirmed). We welcome new members. If anyone needs more information on what the Ladies Club is about, contact Phil Gibbons on 086 0852063 or Ann Corbett on 087 6752668.
The 2026 First Holy Communion Ceremonies will be held in the local churches on the following dates; Carnacon on May 2, Killawalla on May 9 and Ballintubber on May 16.
An excellent talk by Dr Kate MacAney of the Vincent Wildlife Trust on the Lesser Horseshoe Bat took place at a recent public meeting of the LCCA. Thanks have been extended to Kate and to everyone that attended. They are an amazing species and the Lough Carra Catchment is a very important location for them.
The Christian Community in Ballintubber has welcomed its newest members, Jane Elizabeth Durcan and Meabh Maggie Durcan who were baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Monday April 6. Congratulations to their parents and family.
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 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 Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark were scheduled to officially receive its UNESCO Global Geopark accolade on last Thursday, April 23 at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris. The decision was announced last September after a UNESCO Global Geopark council meeting in Chile and has now been ratified. That means that the region can be called a UNESCO Global Geopark and use the UNESCO logo as well.
Each of the score approx. of communities involved in this Project has their own unique heritage – there is a rich and abundant folklore, tradition and legend. The countryside is also dotted with the ruins of once majestic castles and great houses, lakes and a varying landscape of huge world-wide geological interest.
The importance of the application has increased dramatically among the communities with a reinvigorated interest in the natural landscape, terrain and abundance wildlife. Geopark status represents a great opportunity to revitalise the rural villages and small towns and further enhance the local economy. The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geo Park project has a huge role to play in this region in that regard in the decade ahead. Comhghairdeas mór and warm congratulations are extended to the hard working staff and the visionary organisers who sterling efforts over the years for Geopark status has been duly rewarded. A series of events in the Geopark region has been organised this coming weekend to celebrate this historic announcement. All are welcome to attend.
The death has taken place of Patrick Lydon (Paddy), Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Paddy passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by his family on April 14. Predeceased by his brothers John (Louisburgh), Seamus (Annaghdown), Michael (Killateeaun) and his sister Mary Dolan (Churchfield), he is deeply regretted by his sister Nora Gilmore (Ballyheane), sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Paddy’s remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on last Friday evening from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in the Churchfield cemetery. Suaimhneas na síoraíochta ar a anam uasal.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, April 11, stood at €20,000. 4, 15, 21 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the special Easter give-away draw were; €200, John O Brien, Treenlaur and €100 each went to Cait Gibbons, Tawnagh, Anna Staunton, Tawnagh and Padraig Ó hÉanacháin, Goirtin Mor. 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/ Nó sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/Máire Luke’s/Lough Mask Inn.
The death has taken place of Martin Paul Casey (better known as Paul) Cloonkeen, Castlebar and formerly of Greenaune Tourmakeady. Paul passed away on April 8, at Mayo University Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Michael and Sarah, his sister Mary Molloy and brothers Michael Joe Casey and John Casey, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Eileen (nee Brogan), his daughters Oonagh and Eibhlín, grandchildren Sean, Cillian, Aoife and Casey, brother Padraig, sisters Nancy Margaret, Teresa and Catherine, sons-in-law Dean and Charlie, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, cousins, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
His remains reposed at St. Aidan’s Room; St. Patrick’s Church Islandeady on Friday evening, April 10, from 7 o’clock until 8.30pm and was taken to St. Patrick’s Church Islandeady on Saturday morning for Funeral Mass at 11am. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Islandeady Cemetery.
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 Mr Tom McGuire, son of the late Commandant Tom McGuire, and Mr 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.
In the Halla, Tourmakeady, the Knitting Circle meets up on Mondays 7.30 to 9.30pm. Yoga classes take place on Tuesdays at 6.30pm for 5 weeks. The social club meet on Thursdays at 2pm.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws takes place on Saturdays. Recent winners were; John and Marie Uí Bhriain, Andi Mac an Tailliura agus Paul agus Ann Marie Uí Luideain. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, please contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
In Partry Community Centre, Bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30; guitar classes are on every Tuesday at 5pm and Irish Dancing classes on Thursday evening and the Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday. The community centre is available for meetings/ activities. Bookings can be made through any member of the community council. Event organisers and providers are required to have their own insurance. There is defibrillator at the back of the community centre.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Sean and Cathal Horan and Helen O’Mahony who were recent winners of €200 in the special Easter draws. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
Congratulations to Hugh Molloy, Killawalla, who won an All-Ireland boxing medal in the boy 2 68kg category in the national stadium in Dublin on a recent weekend. In the Boy 2 category, Hugh, boxing out of the St Anne's Boxing Club in Westport claimed glory when he overcame John Keenan from the Glen in Cork. Huge congratulations to Hugh’s family and his coaches Tom Moran, Paul Mullen and Danny Coughlan. An all-round sportsman Hugh also plays U14 for Ballintubber GAA and all his friends and playmates rejoice at his tremendous achievement.
Killawalla Community Council has launched a super new 50/50 lotto fortnightly draw. The first draw will take place on May 3, and there will be a guaranteed winner every two weeks thereafter. Online and annual tickets are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. All who enter before May 2, will be entered in a special draw with a prize fund in excess of €1,000. Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s and from Community Council members.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Frank and Neasa Burke, Portroyal who were recent draw winners.
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The annual Ballyheane Goes Country music festival kicks off from June 5 to June 7 this summer. There is a top line-up with on all three nights with Michael English and Andy Feery getting the festival underway on the Friday night. Derek Ryan and Olivia Douglas are the top attractions on the Saturday night followed by the High Kings and the super-talented Milo and Vinny on the Sunday night. Tickets which are sure to be in brisk demand are available from the Ballyheane Goes Country Festival Website or from The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for April 14 - the numbers drawn were; 4, 16, 25 and bonus number 4. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £20,200 on April 21, this Tuesday night. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA. http://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/.
The death has taken place of Ellen (Nellie) Regan nee O’Brien, Cloonaghmore, Breaffy and late of Tawnyshane, Cremlin, Castlebar. Ellen passed away peacefully in the care of the staff of Ballinamore Nursing Home, Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo. Predeceased by her parents James and Anne and brother John, she is deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband Patrick, sons Francis, David and Gerard, brother Paddy (O’Brien), daughters-in-law Angela and Joanne, grandchildren Dillon, Alex, Darcy, Donnacha, Ellen, Réaltín and Nainsi, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Ellen’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral home, Castlebar, on Sunday, April 12, from 4.30pm with removal at 6pm to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday at 11am followed by burial ceremonies in Castlebar New Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Belcarra Tidy Towns Annual Spring Litter Clean-Up is currently taking place. The campaign to clean and care for the Belcarra townlands runs from Monday, April 20 to Monday, April 27. Belcarra Tidy Towns committee are asking all volunteers to collect high-vis vests, bags and gloves before getting started This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in the community, meet neighbours and take pride in keeping Belcarra looking its best. All are welcome to work together and keep Belcarra clean and beautiful.
Congrats to the superb U13 girls’ team for the Balla/Belcarra Community Games soccer who are overall Mayo champions. These amazing girls are through to the Connaught finals in May. Best wishes for continued success.
The winners of the Easter Monday night card game in Belcarra centre were 1st Sarah Gilligan and Rita Armstrong, 2nd Tom and Mary Ansbro, Derek Quinn and Kitty Rumley, 3rd John McCormack and Mary Jo Cannon, Breege Blake and Mary McDonagh. The last 9 winners were Cathal Hennelly and Kathy O’Toole, Tommy Fahy and Michael Costello. The raffle winners were Jimmy Hughes, Conor Heaney and Tom Ansbro.
An appeal has been made to the young people of the Belcarra – the community council wants to hear from you. They are looking for 12-16 young people to take part in a workshop exploring what they would like to see in Belcarra in the future. The workshop is on Monday, April 27 at 7-9pm in the community centre. Contact the community council Facebook page if you or someone you know would like to sign up to be a part of this.
School going young people in the region are requested to take up the game of handball, no experience needed, it’s just fun, games, and a chance to make new friends. Every Sunday come along and give it a try; 6–8 years from 10-10.45am, U10s from 10.45-11.30am and U12s from 11.30-12.15pm at Belcarra Sport Centre.
Mayo Male Voice Choir Annual Concert 2026 will take place on Friday next. Join the many friends of the Mayo Male Voice Choir, as they celebrate 26 years of music with a truly special evening of rich, uplifting song at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar on Friday, April 24 at 8pm.
The night promises to be unforgettable, with the return of acclaimed Mezzo Soprano Anne Marie Gibbons and Bass John Molloy, whose performances are sure to captivate and inspire. Tickets are €20 and are available on the door, from choir members, or online:
https://www.eventbrite.com/.../mayo-male-voice-choir...
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Monday, April 13 were 10, 11, 18 and 19. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The consolation prizewinners were Charlie O’Malley, Mick Cunningham, Lorraine Ryan Jennings, and Katlyn Bourke. The weekend jackpot stood at €6,100 on last Sunday night, April 19th. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and also online at https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2628#Anchor.
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.
Members of Ballyheane Foróige recently presented Leah Conway, a 5th year student from St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar with a €400 donation raised by the club.
This generous contribution supported a group of 5th year students who travelled to Lourdes on Easter Sunday morning with the Rise and Shine Trust. The funds went towards flights for the young people and children with additional needs, helping make this special week-long pilgrimage possible. Ballyheane Foróige are incredibly proud of their members for their kindness, effort, and community spirit.
Irish Dancing classes continue in Ballyheane Community Centre every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The classes cater for ages 4 plus. Contact Molly Hughes on 087 6562094. Classes are ideal for competitions, grade exams, displays, shows, fitness and fun. New students welcome.
National Epilepsy Week 2026 takes place from May 18-25. For further information, visit www.epilepsy.ie/ content/national-epilepsy-week -2026-epilepsyweek.
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Congratulations to Finnian Brady who was nominated for the Mayo Football League U17's Team of the year for 2025 where he represented Ballyheane FC and attended the recent awards ceremony in the Travellers Friends Hotel.
In conjunction with Mayo Co Council and as part of Mayo Day there will be a Come Home to Clogher for the Mayo Day Heritage Event at the Clogher Heritage Complex, Newtown (F12 PF99) on Saturday, May 2. Activities which will include traditional crafts, stalls, music and dance and refreshments will commence at 10am and continue throughout the day with something for young and old. The day will round off with a traditional music session. Everyone is welcome.
Do you want to learn Irish Sign Language? Beginners in ISL course of 6 classes will commence in Clogher Community Centre starting on Tuesday, May 26. Anyone interested in this course should contact Bernie at 087 2721574 to book a place. This course is being partly funded by the MSLETB. This course will be facilitated by Cuileann Bourke.
Results of the card game played on Friday, April 10 in Clogher were; 1st Majella Corbett and Gus Sweeney, 2nd Michael Giblin and Eileen Moran, Last 10, Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Errew Ladies Group meets up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities on Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm. Last week the group hosted a Reflexology demonstration with Jane Cawley. It was a nice opportunity to relax and enjoy her demonstration. All welcome. Contact Eileen on 087 922 7567 with any enquiries!
Errew NS is currently enrolling for 2026/27. Contact the school secretary via email for more details- office@errewns.com Or check out the school Instagram page.
