Local Notes: Ballyglass hosted its 2nd Darkness Into Light event on May 11 last.
Breege Jennings and Tom McGrath pictured during the Darkness into Light event at Ballyglass Centre.
Ballintubber Abbey Trust is thrilled to welcome the announcement by Minister Heather Humphries of the allocation of €5.842m from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, to the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Project.
This funding a major progression in the ongoing efforts of Fr Fahey, Fr Farragher and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust, who have diligently worked on the Restoration of the East Wing Restoration Project since 2008. It will commence a new era in the history of the Abbey and it will herald a new dawn for the entire community who have worked so hard to ensure the project is gets up and running.
The restoration project will transform the derelict ruins of the East Wing of the Abbey into a state-of-the-art three-story Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre. This exciting development will serve to engage and inspire visitors, showcasing the remarkable historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy of Ballintubber Abbey, nationally known as the "Abbey that refused to die."
The centre will provide a significant boost to the local community and will enhance the Mayo visitor experience. Coupled with other significant investments like the Westport House Estate, Ballintubber Abbey Cultural and Visitor Centre will contribute to Mayo’s growing appeal as a high quality tourist destination. Attracting over 30,000 visitors and pilgrims annually, including those walking the Tóchar Phádraig – St. Patrick's Pilgrim Path - this new development is certain to drive substantial growth in visitor numbers.
Ballintubber Abbey Trust extends warm gratitude to Minister Alan Dillon TD for championing the project, as well as to Deputy Michael Ring for his unwavering support.
The trust also acknowledges the invaluable assistance of all local councillors. They extend their deep appreciation to Mayo County Council management and staff - Kevin Kelly, CE Mayo County Council, Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, and David O’Malley, Executive Engineer, and their team for their tireless efforts in securing the necessary funding.
"We are truly excited to embark on this transformative project and eagerly anticipate commencing construction before the end of 2024", said Fr Michael Farragher, Chairperson of the Ballintubber Abbey Trust.
Minister Dillon said, “I was delighted to work closely with Mayo County Council, Minister Humphreys and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust to secure this significant funding. The capital funding injection of €5.8 million for Ballintubber Abbey is widely welcomed across the county and region.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Monday, May 12. 29, 31, 32 and 35 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes of the €20 special €52k draw tickets on the night were John Concannon, Conor and Mark Mannion, Maureen Mulroe, John Haran, Noelle Horan and Michael Corcoran. On last Sunday, May 19, the jackpot stood at €5,000 for the weekly draw. All lucky dip winners get a ticket for the 'Win 52k' draw.
The death took place last week of Mary T Bourke (better known as Marie), Drummin, Logaphuill, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Predeceased by her parents John and May and her sister Josephine Joyce, Marie is deeply regretted by her brother Billy and sister Kathleen (McWalter), her nieces Sharon, Georgina, Shirley and Sheila also by her nephews John, Declan and Austin, niece-in-law Deirdre, brother-in-law Michael McWalter, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at Ballintubber Resource Centre on last Wednesday evening from 6pm with removal taking place to Ballintubber Abbey at 7.30. Her Funeral Mass on was celebrated on Thursday morning at 11am with burial ceremonies afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
The results from Monday night, May 13: 1st Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes; Richard and Mary Carney, 2nd Tom and Patsy Flatley; Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan and 3rd Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan; Philip White and Christy Flatley. The last 10 winners were Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and the raffle prizes went to Willie Cusack and Mary Brennan. 25 progressive card games continue every Monday from 9pm.
The numbers drawn on May 13, were 10, 18, 25 and 26. There was no winner of the €7,100 jackpot. Match 3 winners were Mena Mahon, TC Connolly, Ryan Connolly and Dee Connolly. Consolation prizes went to Rebecca McNeely, Ella Vahey, Aoife and Alannah Maloney, Michael McGurrin and John Moran.
Two local ladies celebrated milestone birthdays in the past week. Congratulations to Geraldine Walsh, Currykirwan, who celebrated her 60th on May 9, and Mairead Lavin, Rathnacreeva, who was 40 on the May 17. Many happy returns to both of you.
The sun was shining at last for Sunday’s market in Ballyglass Community Centre. There was the usual good mix of locally produced baked goods and vegetables, homemade remedies and toiletries and handmade crafts.
The proceeds of the community council raffle this month went to Pieta House/Darkness Into Life. Raffle winners on the day were: Ria Killeen; James Killeen; Benji Serantes; Bridie Killeen; and James Staunton. The next market will be on the second weekend in June.
Ballyglass hosted its second ever Darkness Into Light event on the morning of Saturday, May 11. The conditions were perfect; it was mild and dry without a cloud in the sky, when everyone gathered at the community centre for the 4.15 start. Following some words of gratitude and encouragement from co-ordinator Elisa Toner, and a warm-up led by local footballing hero Cora Staunton, the group of approximately 100 set off. Every age group and ability was represented. Some chose to jog and others favoured a gentler pace, enjoying the atmosphere and admiring the lights along the 5k route. The sun was just starting to make an appearance over Turlough when the first of the walkers arrived back to great cheers and applause from the committee members. There was tea, coffee and pastries available afterwards in the centre, and even a performance from the ladies from the Carnacon/Ballintubber parish choir. The total amount raised was a fantastic €1,844.35, which will directly help provide counselling and support for someone in their darkest hour.
The Darkness Into Light committee thank everyone who helped out in any way, big or small, to make this event a success.
All enthusiastic walkers are invited to participate on Saturday, June 22, for the Full Tochar Walk along the captivating 35km scenic historic route. This immersive experience is a highlight of Pilgrim Path Week 2024, promising breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the past and forge unforgettable memories.
Just two weeks to the big Ballintubber GAA Monster draw for €52,000. The Ballintubber GAA draw is offering a lucky winner the chance to earn €1,000 a week for a year in their recent ‘Win €52k’ fundraiser. The attractive fundraiser will see one lucky winner claim a cash prize of €52,000 paid out at €1,000 per week into their account. Tickets are reasonably priced at €20 each or three for €50 and can be purchased through the club fundraiser website www.win€52k.ie or from any of the club’s executive. The winner will be drawn in the club’s Clogher clubhouse on Sunday, June 2, and will be broadcast live on the club Facebook outlet.
In 1984 Ballintubber GAA Club celebrated the centenary of the foundation of the GAA with a Lá na gClub spectacle of Gaelic football in the Ray Prendergast Memorial Park in Clogher. Nine local teams were in action on the day which included two adult ladies teams, four adult men’s teams and three underage teams. Thankfully local footballer and photographer Kevin Coyne was on hand to capture all nine teams.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of that wonderful day the club will host an evening of reminiscence and nostalgia in the new Clogher clubhouse on Sunday evening, May 26, from 6-8pm. A vast array of photographs will be on display on the evening and refreshments will be served.
Congratulations and best of luck to Helena and Sinead Chambers on the opening of their new business venture ‘Crave at the Cottage’ in Mary Moran’s cottage, Ballintubber. Freshly cooked healthy food in a welcoming environment is the motto for their new business.
Congratulations are extended to Damien McLoughlin and Elaine Doherty, who were married on last Saturday, May 18, in St James’ Church, Charlestown. They are wished good health and lifelong happiness together.
Volunteers with strimmer's are required to meet up on next Saturday, May 25, at 12 noon at Burriscarra Cemetery. Petrol and cord will be provided.
Ballintubber Abbey are currently hiring a maintenance and groundkeeper personnel. This is a full time position 37.5hrs per week with flexible working conditions. Email: manager@ballintubberabbey.ie for more information. The application deadline is next Monday, May 27.
***********************
Why not visit the beautiful Drimbawn Gardens this June? Originally designed in the 18th century, Drimbawn Gardens have been redesigned and cultivated with many new spaces. Located on the tremendously scenic shores of Lough Mask in Tourmakeady village, there is a beautiful flower garden surrounded by an arboretum, bluebell wood, decorative rhododendron bank, an orchard and woodland areas. New projects are also in progress including a ‘Jungle’ with its tree ferns and stumpery and a bog land walk.
This year’s dates for open days at Drimbawn are Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. The event will run from 12 to 5pm each day and there will be plants for sale.
The Local Authority Waters Program (LAWPRO) and Mayo County Council organised a celebration of Mayo’s Blue Dots on Saturday, May 18, in Tourmakeady. Blue Dots are the high-status objective waterbodies, and there are 48 of them in County Mayo.
The event began at Tourmakeady Recycling Centre at 11am for the unveiling of the Blue Dots Mosaic. This was scheduled to be followed by refreshments at Tourmakeady Hall, and the launch of our Mayo Blue Dots Film and booklet.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto draw took place on May 11, for a jackpot of €11,900. 3, 7, 16 and 18 were the numbers drawn. Online consolation prizes went to Paula Neill and Kathleen Hession.
Congrats to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh gcailíní Faoi 16 who beat Carnacon LGFA on the scorline 7-4 to 3-11 in a match played last week.
The Kellogg’s Cúl Camp, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will take place from the July 22-26. Booking children into Cúl Camp is now open: https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/
Congrats to Eileen Barker, Treenlaur, who was a recent winner of the national school lotto. There is a weekly €100 prize available to the holder of the correct bonus number each Saturday night (without Lotto plus 1 and plus 2). The cost is €100 for six months and details can be had from 094 9544088 or anthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
The annual Tourmakeady outing to Knock will take place on Wednesday, June 28. The bus will depart from O Toole’s at 10am in order to be present for 11.45 Mass celebrated by Fr Jarlath Heraty at the Shrine. Lunch will be served at St Mary’s Restaurant Knock at 12.30pm and the return trip will commence at 4.15 approx. arriving back in Tourmakeady at 5.30. Places can be booked from Katie Clarke at 097 9650811, Kathleen Gibbons at 087 7660081, Sally Gibbons on 087 2974375 or Nora at the Halla on 094 9544295.
There was a wonderful turnout on Saturday morning at 4am for the Killawalla Sunrise Walk when scores of people equipped with torches and hi-viz vests completed the Ballyburke Loop Walk. The walk was complimented by the presence of the very visible Northern Lights which graced the skies above on a clear, dry and mild night. More than seventy people left from the community centre and great credit is due to them and the backup support vehicle for their courage. Proceeds from the walk will be forwarded to Pieta House to support people and their families who struggle with life’s struggles. A sincere thank you has been extended to Killawalla Community Council for organising the walk and to everyone who helped out in any way to ensure it was such a success.
Killawalla Community Council has planned to hold the annual Community Family Day on July 7. This is a special day out for all the family with activities, entertainment and refreshments. Zumba classes will commence in Killawalla Community Centre shortly.
Congratulations to Kenneth O’Malley, Kilfaul, who was winner of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draw. Congrats also to Orla O’Neill who was a €100 winner of the Partry Residents Association Saturday night bonus number draws.
*************************
The late Bridie McCormack
The death has occurred of Bridie Mc Cormack (neé Gibbons), Buncom, Ballyheane, Castlebar and late of Carnaclay, Westport, Co. Mayo. Bridie passed away on May 15, peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family and many friends and peers.
Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Annie and her brother Frank Gibbons, she is deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband John, daughters Breege, Clare and Sheila (Ballinamore, Leitrim), son Sean (Co. Clare), sister Mary Gibbons (Carnaclay, Westport), uncle John Lyons (Askleane, Louisburgh), son-in-law Donal, daughter-in-law Elayne, grandchildren Sarah, Aoife, Caoimhe and Gearoid, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Bridie’s remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on Friday evening, May 17, from 5.30 with removal at 7.30 to her home. The removal from her residence on Saturday took place at 1pm to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane, for Requiem Mass at 2pm. Bridie was laid to rest afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The annual “Ballyheane goes Country - Big White Barn Dance” music festival will run on June 7, 8 and 9. Located at The Punch Bowl in the heart of the village the event will feature such well-known artists as Michael English and Andy Feery, Derek Ryan and Stacey Breen, The Whistling Donkeys, Mylo and Vinny with DJ Brian Gibbons each night. Tickets can be sourced at ballyheanegoescountry.com.
A celebration with poetry and music to mark to return of the swifts to ATU Mayo from their annual migration to Africa will be held on this Wednesday, May 22, at Reception, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo.
There will be an introduction by Dr Deirdre Garvey, head of the Dept. of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences Mayo, a poetry reading by Geraldine Mitchell and music by "Carra Singers" directed by Austra Kvietkute and special guests. Join in the celebrations to welcome back the swifts to ATU Mayo with poetry and music at 5pm.
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €21,000 for tonight’s draw on May 21. The numbers drawn last week on May 14 were 10, 20, 23 and bonus No 9. Joe Thomas won a €50 voucher for Breaffy House Resort.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €6,600. The numbers drawn last week were 9, 17, 22 and 25. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Stacey Kay, Belcarra, Emer Cass, Online, Any Martin, Online and Martina Donnellan, Gurteen. The weekend jackpot prize stood at €6,600 on May 19.
The next monthly Belcarra card game will take place on June 3.
Castlebar Branch of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association are organising a one-day outing to Connemara. Final details are to be finalised yet. The cost of the trip is expected to be €75. If you are interested in joining the group on the day, get in touch with your local pioneer centre group or any one of the regional officers, Pat McDonnell, Mary Jo Barrett or Phyllis Neary as soon as possible to finalise numbers in order to complete the arrangements.
Ballyheane NS staff and parents were delighted to receive confirmation from the Department of Education that Ballyheane National School has received approval to proceed to tender of the Additional Accommodation Scheme for the following: 1 x mainstream classroom and 1 x SET.
Ballyheane Foróige enjoyed a great night for the 3rd year at the Ballyheane Foróige Ball in the Castlecourt Hotel. Thanks have been extended to the leaders and parents who all year have dedicate their time to the youth of the area. The ladies and gentlemen are a credit to their club, parents and community.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be holding a meeting on this Thursday, May 23, at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar. All are welcome, phone 087 6275766 with your name and number of people attending.
*****************************
Tommy Marren from Mid-West Radio hosted a "Unity in the Community" in Balla Community Centre on Monday week last. Thanks have been extended to Tommy and his team for showcasing the collaboration, innovation and development taking place in Balla community. Thanks have also been extended to Balla Secondary and National schools, Balla GAA and LGFA clubs, Tidy Towns and Tidy Parks, Manulla FC, Balla Golf Club and to all the volunteers who made the broadcast a great success.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €6,400 for the latest draw on Thursday, May 16. The numbers drawn the previous week on May 9th in The Shebeen were 5, 10, 17 and 34. The €30 winners were Jimmy Walsh (online), Michael Colgan (online) and Ann Keane (online).
Balla Secondary School is delighted to announce that they have been awarded a Green Flag for work on the Litter and Waste theme of Green Schools. Three members of the green schools committee were at the McWilliam Park Hotel at the awards ceremony and were delighted to be going back to Balla with the green flag. Thanks have been extended to the green schools committee and the school community for making it happen. Also a number of Transition Year students have been busy over the past few months as they worked on the local sensory garden in Balla. All students showed great community spirit and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to the Balla 1st year boys soccer team who were crowned Connacht champions after beating St Cuan's College 4-2.
Balla CRD is organising a Drystone Walling Workshop on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Contact 087 1850860 for further information.
Manulla FC Summer Camp will take place from August 19-23 from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The camp will be suitable for boys and girls aged between 6 and 14 years of age. The fees are €60, 2 children €110 and 3 children €160. It promises to be a great week of fun this summer with a UEFA B license coach. Book a brilliant week by contacting Conor on 083 1753142.
Manulla FC jackpot stood at the highly attractive total of €14,400 on Sunday night last, May 19. 5, 11, 20 and 23 on May 12. The winners of €25 consolation prizes were Bernie Tansey Lakelands, online, Margaret Quigley (online) and Louise Ryan, The Glebe, online.
A Seán Keane concert will be held on Friday, May 31, in Balla Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at the centre and in local shops. All proceeds are in aid of The Sensory Garden and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
*******************************
Heartiest congratulations to Mary Staunton, Castlelucas, on the occasion of her 90th birthday last week. The celebrations began at the Active Retirement Group meeting with flowers and cake for the special lady and no doubt will continue for the next couple of weeks with her family in Castlelucas. We wish her many more years of good health and happiness.
Congratulations to the second class students from Clogher NS and Ballintubber NS who made their communion on last Saturday, May 18. Thanks also to their parents and teachers for preparing them for this sacrament.
Clogher Card results for Friday, May 10, were 1st Peter O’Malley and Sean Hopkins, 2nd Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey and Tom and Francie McDonagh, 3rd Michael Giblin and Bridie McDermott and Cathal Hennelly and Eileen Moran. Last 10 Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick. Game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
The Clogher Half Marathon scheduled for May 26, has been cancelled until further notice. Refunds have been issued to those who have already signed up. With a current very busy race calendar it was not possible to run the May Half Marathon event at this time.
Clogher Community Employment Scheme currently has two vacancies. A Heritage Project Coordinator at Clogher Heritage Centre and a childcare practitioner at Ballyheane Buttercups Childcare. For further details and information see www.jobsireland.ie or contact Clogher Community Centre at 094 9360891.
