Local Notes: Ballyglass FC team opening day of soccer season.
The Ballyglass FC team that lost out by the odd goal in five to Glenhest on the opening day of the soccer season for the home side. Picture: Tom Quinn
The Seamus Corbett Memorial Run - Carnacon Cara Classic 8k - took place on Easter Monday. It was a welcome return for a very popular event with a large field of athletes and family groups participating. The event took place around the scenic route from Carnacon to Castlecarra and Moorehall. Mayo AC runners finished in the first three places: 1st Dan Charlton 27:26, 2nd Eamonn Joyce 29:37 and 3rd John Brennan 30:16. Colette Tuohy was first woman home in 34:39 – 8th place overall. Congratulations to these prizewinners. There was great running also by Mayo AC finishers, John Reilly 37:31, Michelle McAlpine 38:55 – third woman, Dorothy McHale 41:19, Regina Kieran 50:41.
Dan Charlton won the race the last time it was ran also. He is a super runner. Collette Touhy is an excellent runner also and there were some very good athletes in the 8k. The 2026 Carra Classic 8k was a great success, and it is hoped to make it an annual event.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,700 on Sunday night, April 5. 17, 21, 25 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Liz Hogan, Patricia Gill, Denise Tuffy, Camilla Garáne /Aisling Tuffy, Gerard White and Claire Larkin. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,800 last Sunday night, April 12.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, April 6, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 11, 21, 26 and 31. Joe Sheridan and Mike Hargreaves matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Anna Heverin, Christy Rowland and David Corbett. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,100 up for grabs.
Winners from Monday, April 6 were 1st Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly, 2nd Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin; Patricia Jennings and Kevin Burke. The best of last 10 prizes went to Philip White and Tom Fitzpatrick and the raffle winners were Philip White and Tom Fitzpatrick.
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.
An assistant manager position is available at Ballyglass Childcare Centre. 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). Early Years educator position available. €17.79 per hour (level 5/6), €19.70 (level 7/8). Afterschool assistant position available with pay from €15.50 per hour. Apply to the manager for all positions ASAP. ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com.
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.
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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Warm congratulations are extended Tuar Mhic Éadaigh clubman, Ruairí Conroy who has been appointed the first-ever Chief Executive Officer of Mayo GAA County Board. The historic decision was described as ‘a milestone appointment’ at a recent Tuesday night meeting of the Mayo GAA Board. Ruairí Conroy will officially take up the position from the start of June 2026. As CEO, he will have responsibility for the commercial growth, sponsorship, and strategic planning within Mayo GAA, while also providing professional support to the clubs, volunteers, players, and stakeholders across the county.
Ruairi played with Tuar Mhic Éadaigh CLG at all levels, and is currently coaching underage teams at his local Gaeltacht club. Speaking on his appointment via a statement from Mayo GAA, Ruairí said: “As a native of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, it is an incredibly proud moment for me and my family that I have been appointed as the new chief executive of Mayo GAA. From the moment I take up this position in June, similarly to the men and women who wear the green and red jersey each season, I will do my upmost to help the future prosperity of Mayo GAA and improve the sustainability of our clubs. He is wished every success and good fortune in the prestigious position.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, April 4 stood at €20,000.
8, 19, 23 and 28 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. 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.
Congratulations to Paddy Walsh on coming out on top in a thrilling finish in the recent Last Man Standing Competition based on the GAA National Football League.Thanks to everyone who took part in the exciting event.
In the Tourmakeady Halla, the Knitting Circle meets up on Mondays from 7.30 to 9.30pm, yoga classes take place on Tuesdays at 6.30pm for 5 weeks, and the social club meet on Thursdays at 2pm.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws takes place on Saturdays. 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, contact the school via phone on 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
A new session of yoga classes is due to commence on this Tuesday night, April 14, at 6.30pm in Halla Tour Mhic Eadaigh. Information on the course is available from 094 9544295 or eolas@tourmakeady.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 Women’s Circle is holding a DIY night with Joe on this Thursday night, April 16 in the Mons Horan Centre in Partry. The event gets underway at 8pm and there is a modest €5 charge. Ladies (Over 18s) from across the region are most welcome to attend.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Conor O’Mahony, Ballygarry and Tommie Heneghan, Churchfield who were recent winners. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
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.
Sincere thanks have been extended to everyone who came to the annual Killawalla Easter Egg Hunt. There was a huge crowd again this year which was brilliant to see and the sun shone. It was a most enjoyable event enjoyed by all participants.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Jim Durcan and Ruaíri Conroy who were recent draw winners.
Circle of Security Parenting course will be held in Ballinrobe on Thursdays from 10am to 11.30am from April 16 to June 4. This is an 8-week (1.5 hours per week) Circle of Security Parenting course for parents of children aged 0 – 6 years. It will be held in the Maple Youth Centre, Ballinrobe. The course is a relationship-based parenting programme developed with a goal of improving secure attachment between caregivers and children.
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It is with deep sadness we record the passing Eileen McHale née Commons, Corheens, Breaffy, Castlebar and formerly of Dooleeg, Crossmolina. Eileen passed away peacefully after a long illness at University Hospital Galway, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her family and many friends made down the decades.
She was a former employee of Mayo County Council where she was immensely popular with colleagues and staff. Eileen was also secretary of Castlebar Town FC for several years and she was held in high regard by all those involved in soccer in the town and the county. Predeceased by her father Tim and mother Sarah Commons (née O’Malley) and her brother Christy, she is deeply regretted by her heartbroken family - her husband Kevin and her sons Brian, Damian, Finian, Niall and Cathal and Brian’s partner Sam, her adored grandchildren, her sister Kathleen and her husband Bernie Gilroy (Keenagh) and her brother Tommy and his wife Monica (Boyle, Co. Roscommon), her nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, former work colleagues and many friends to whom sincere condolences ate tendered.
Eileen’s remains reposed at Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on Sunday, April 5, from 6pm with prayers at 8pm. Her Funeral arrived at St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy on Monday week last, April 6 at 10.45am for her Funeral Mass at 11.30am. Eileen was then laid to rest in Breaffy Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for April 7, had the numbers 16, 22, 29 and bonus number 7, drawn. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £20,000 on April 14.
Belcarra Handball Club wrapped up the adult end of the 40x20 season with a fantastic day of sport and community spirit. It was a great few hours of competition with players, parents, and supporters, and plenty of brilliant handball on display throughout. Days like this really show the strength of Belcarra club and the passion everyone has for the game. Well done to everyone involved and thanks to all who came along to support.
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. Every Sunday come along and give it a try – with 6–8 years from 10-10.45am, U10s from10.45-11.30am and U12s from 11.30am-12.15pm at Belcarra Sport Centre.
Belcarra Community Council has begun the process of formulating a Belcarra Area Community Action Plan 2027 to 2032. Volunteers will return to collect the completed Community Survey on the 17th of April.
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.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Monday, April 6, were 17, 23, 25 and 27. The consolation prizewinners were John Nestor, Patricia Walsh, Mary Jo Cannon and Mary Cunningham. The weekend jackpot stood at €6,000 on Sunday, April 12th.
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.
A Women’s summer body fitness boot camp will commence on Friday, April 17, in Ballyheane Community Centre at 7pm. The fee is €90 for a 7 week block. After a successful two blocks of box and tone classes, Adrian will incorporate both indoor and outdoor training, weather permitting. Get summer ready, booking essential. Contact Adrian on 086 0581956.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, April 2, in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €8,700. 17, 27, 32 and 34 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Joseph Lloyd (online), Tony O'Donnell (standing order) and Paul Basquille (standing order). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, April 9, when the jackpot stood at €8,800.
A big thank you to all the children who attended the Balla GAA Easter camp last week, once again it was a great success. On Wednesday the group were joined by All Ireland finalists and Connaught champions with Balla S.S in the Post primary senior lad’s C competition, Ryan O’Donnell and Sean McCann who brought in the silverware which was hugely exciting.
On a recent Sunday, Balla club chairperson Dean Kenny set off for Lourdes for a week-long volunteering trip with the Rise and Shine Trust. The Trust provides young people with additional needs, a truly special holiday, while also giving their families a well-earned break.
All volunteers fund their own travel and work hard to raise funds so their guests can travel free of charge. As part of his fundraising efforts, Dean will also be taking on the Westport Half Marathon on April 18. If you’d like to support, the donation link is below. Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/deankenny1.
Rev up your engines all you bike lovers. Be prepared on April 19, for an exciting Motorbike Show and Run hosted by the West Coast Knights RC. Balla Centre will be open at 11am for the indoor Motorbike show followed by a run to Galway City. It promises to be a fantastic day filled with amazing bikes, great people, and an unbeatable atmosphere. Even better, all proceeds will go to support Station House Adult Residential Care, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, making this an event you won’t want to miss. https://gofund.me/ea83559aa.
Balla Classic and Vintage Show 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 10, at Balla Mart Grounds, Balla, Co. Mayo. It will be a fantastic day celebrating classic, vintage, and modified vehicles. There will be cars, tractors, motorcycles, Auto jumble, food stalls and family-friendly fun and entertainment. All proceeds go to local charities.
Balla Community First Responders Group has launched a fundraiser to help them keep life-saving equipment in top shape. With over 30 volunteers ready to respond quickly in emergencies, your support can make a real difference in saving lives in Balla. Please consider sharing or donating if you can - every bit helps members respond faster and be there when it matters most. https://gofund.me/c40992591.
GM Taekwon-Do is expanding this May with two brand-new locations. Give your child the opportunity to build confidence, improve fitness, and learn a new skill in a fun, disciplined environment. New locations opening this May are Castlebar, at the Tennis Club, 11am to 12pm commencing on Saturday, May 2, and in Belcarra Sports Centre commencing on Thursday, April 30, from 4 to 5pm. Class Info: Ages: 6–12 years old catered for with the focus on coordination, discipline, self-defence, and fun. To maintain quality instruction, class sizes are capped. gmooney@taekwondo.ie.
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team. Just 3 hours of your time once every 6 weeks can make a real difference to the community. It’s a great way to meet new people, have a bit of fun. No experience needed - just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today 094 93-65846 or 087 1850860.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €5,700 for last Sunday nights, April 12 draws. The club are deeply grateful to all who support the weekly lotto.
There will be a marquee disco at Manulla FC (1st and 2nd years) on Friday, May 1, with DJ: iRadio @Sharron Lynskey. For the next three weeks, they will have a winner of 2 x free tickets. See Club Facebook page.
There was a fantastic night in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre, Castlebar on a recent Monday evening at the Mayo Football League Youth awards night. Congrats to Connor Brett and Conall Clarke who were included in the Mayo Football League Teams of the Year. Conall's fantastic talents were recognised as he secured his place on the U17 Martin Keane Division One Team of the Year. While Connor's incredible season and his abilities were celebrated with his place on the U18 Helen Johnson Division One Team of the Year. Thanks to the Mayo Football League for a great night of celebrations.
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...
Balla Active Age Group meets on Fridays at 3pm in Balla Community Centre. New members are always made most welcome.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre on 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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In conjunction with Mayo Co Council and as part of Mayo Day there will be a Come Home to Clogher for 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 on 087 2721574 to book a place. This course is being partly funded by the MSLETB. This course will be facilitated by Cuileann Bourke.
On last Wednesday, April 8, at 7pm the guest speaker in Errew Centre was Michael Kingdon from Clogher Environmental Group. Michaels talk was ‘Walking the Wild Side of Clooncundra and Clogher’, which explored the wildlife, conservation flora and fauna of the local area. Photographs and videos including the Carder Bee, Common Blue, Marsh Fritillary and Peacock butterflies, the ‘Errew coloured’, Cinnabar moth and their respective caterpillars, cuckoo, Irish hare and Pine Martin were displayed in amazing detail and clarity on the screen. Sincere thanks have been extended to Michael and all who attended the talk.
Clogher Active Age Group enjoyed a spring outing this week. The group enjoyed Bowling at Mayo Leisure Centre followed by a lovely lunch and catch up at Breaffy House Hotel. Thanks to the staff at the Leisure Centre and at the Breaffy House Hotel for their professionalism and kindness. Thanks also to Golfmayo and Local Link for providing the bus service.
The Active Age Group are hosting a tea day in support of Western Alzheimer's on Wednesday, April 15, from 12 noon to 3pm. Please support this worthy cause.
Results of the card game played on Friday, April 3, were: 1st Tommy Fahy and Derek Quinn, 2nd Majella Corbett and Gus Sweeney, 3rd Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons shared with Gay Conway and Joe Thomas. The last 10 winners were Eileen Donnelly and Thomas Fitzpatrick. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
On Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm, Errew Ladies Group meet up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities 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 at office@errewns.com or check out the school Instagram page.
