Local Notes: Ballyglass Needles and Yarns Group launch fabulous wall hanging.
The large attendance at a recent Ballyglass Needles and Yarns Group launch of their fabulous wall hanging, an illustration of local townlands in the Ballyglass region. Picture by Tom Quinn.
The death has taken place of Máirtín Gibbons, Creevagh, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. In his early eighties, Máirtín passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Julia Gibbons and his sister Mary Griffith (Balla), he is deeply regretted by his wife Anne (nee Wall, Cong), his sisters Bridie Gibbons (Claremorris), Matina (Tina) Cody (Kilkenny), Frances Mulkeen (Claremorris), brothers-in- law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Máirtín will be remembered as a devoted family man, and friend to many and as a cherished member of the Ballintubber community. He was among the longest-serving members of the Abbey Choir, joining it in 2012. Máirtín brought joy to countless liturgies, choir gatherings, and celebrations. Proudly wearing his black suit and red choir tie with the Abbey crest, he was always punctual for choir practice and Mass. Máirtín also contributed to the choir’s CD recording and he was a regular participant in the Passion play for many years. Máirtín’s also had a great love for nature and animals, his kindness, and his quiet generosity touched all who knew him.
His remains reposed at Ballintubber Resource Centre on last Wednesday evening from 5 until 7pm. Máirtín’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday in Ballintubber Abbey at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Ballintubber senior team will have an early breakfast on Sunday next, September 21, before they head to Knockmore for a 12.30 senior quarter-final clash with the home side. The home team will be raging hot favourites for this encounter as their form is highly consistent and their team is embellished by a sprinkling of former and current county stars. Their management is also high profile with Ray Dempsey as manager and a highly impressive club coaching team is led by Joe Brolly.
Ballintubber are highly consistent themselves having reached the last 8 of Mayo senior football championship every year since 2008. However that will count for nothing on Sunday next. In the early stages of their last Round 3 match against Ballaghadereen, ‘Tubber played some dashing classy football but seemed to fade and present gifts to the opposition as matters reached a conclusion. Nothing less than a totally full blooded hour long effort from all players will suffice on Sunday next. All supporters are urged to turnout and support the boys in red and white on Sunday next.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €11,800 on Sunday night, September 7. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 15 and 30. Consolation prizes went to Helen Horan, Ann Duffy, Mike Gibbons, Peter Carter, Walter Hughes and Mandy Morrin. The jackpot stood at €11,900 on last Sunday night, September 14.
A Tóchar walk is fixed for next Saturday, September 20. On this new date, pilgrims can choose from two journey options: Half Tóchar (17km) – Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower Full Tóchar (35km) – Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick. Whether you take the half or full journey, this is a chance to walk in the footsteps of pilgrims past, surrounded by prayer, reflection, and community. Places are limited – book now to secure your spot.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on Monday, September 8. The numbers drawn from the drum were 8, 12, 27 and 30. Nobody matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winners were Una Maughan Prendergast, Tom Gill, Declan Quinn, Nuala Heneghan and Bríd Heverin. The latest draw had a jackpot of €14,100.
The winners of card games in Ballyglass community centre on Monday, September 8, were: 1st Denny and Kevin McDonagh; 2nd Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren; 3rd Tomas Solan and Peter Glynn, Seamus Hughes and Seán Reilly; Best of Last 10 Mary and Richard Carney; Raffle winners were Mary Brennan and Philip White.
A new 6-week block of yoga classes will begin in Ballyglass Community Centre on this Tuesday, September 16, from 7.30 to 8.30pm. The fees are €75 for 6 weeks. Contact Emma to book your place on 087 9973357.
Ballyglass Foróige is currently recruiting new leaders. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Friday evening and enjoy working with young people, contact Sheila on 087 6704916.
Celebrate Culture Night in Ballyglass Community Centre on Friday, September 19. There will be a Black Pudding night, during which the songs of local man, the late Michael Keaveney will feature. A special night’s entertainment is promised. The event will be starting at 7.30pm.
A caretaker/cleaner is wanted for Ballintubber Abbey. Immediate start is possible, 19.5hrs week, CE Scheme. Flexible working hours are available. Contact Suellen manager@ballintubberabbey.ie or 094 9030934 for more details and to check eligibility.
Mayo County Council is currently establishing panels for the position of Project Manager for the Lough Carra LIFE Project. Please note that although the advertisement suggests a short contract until October 2026, there is an understanding that the project will be extended until October 2027. Completed application forms should be emailed directly to: recruitment@mayococo.ie not later than 4pm on this Thursday, September 18.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest member: Sadhbh Ní Chathasaigh Moore baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, September 6. Congratulations to her parents and family.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Sandra Staunton, Attavally, on the recent passing of her uncle James Butler, Knockmore. Condolences are also tendered to Jackie Mannion, Burriscarra on the death of her father, Harry Freney, Turlough, May they rest in peace.
The annual Rosary in the graveyards ceremonies will take place on November 1, in Killawalla at 11am, Ballintubber at 12 noon and Burriscarra at 1pm.
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Congratulations to the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project team on being officially awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status. The decision will be ratified at the UNESCO executive board meeting in Paris in spring 2026.
This incredible achievement is the result of years of dedication, vision, and hard work from the whole Geopark team, led so passionately by Michael Hegarty and Ben Thébaudeau. This is a huge milestone for tourism, heritage, and for all the 17 communities involved across the region.
This will be the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Connacht and the first on the island of Ireland to include a Gaeltacht (Dúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh). The globally significant UNESCO brand will put north Galway and south-west Mayo on a positive trajectory for enhanced local community development and jobs.
The area from Tourmakeady to Carnacon to Headford and Clonbur including the town of Ballinrobe has an immense amount to offer includes, contrasting landscapes- mountains and valleys, rivers and lakes, bog land and karst, beaches, bays and a fjord. Connemara ponies, walking and cycling trails, woodland walks, fishing and boat trips, lively villages, rich food and distinctive heritage and culture are also available in abundance.
The death occurred last week of Ann Joyce (nee Kerrigan), Shanafarahaun, Finney. Ann passed away peacefully at Galway University Hospital on September 7, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Tommie, sister Bridget and brother Martin, she is deeply regretted by her daughters Mary, Ita and Deirdre, sons John, Noel, Joe, Des, Paul and Francis, daughters-in- law, sons-in-law, her twenty adored grandchildren, one great grandson, brother Luke, sister Mary, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, many relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathies are tendered.
Her remains reposed in Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur on last Tuesday evening from 4pm with removal at 8pm to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Finney. The Funeral Mass for Ann was celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Rosshill Cemetery. Faoi bhrat Muire go raibh a hanam dílis.
‘A Harvest Table’ is the theme for this month’s get-together in the Mons Horan centre in Partry at 7.30pm on September 25 (Over 18s). Ladies are urged to bring a dish of something they are well known for: maybe brown bread, a Guinness Stew, or a favourite jam. The group would love to have an event, sharing food and recipes. If cooking and baking isn’t your thing, come along anyway and bring a friend who hasn’t been to the group’s unique events yet. It promises to be an entertaining and happy occasion.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, September 13 stood at €18,900. 7, 8, 12 and 22 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
Concertina classes will be starting in the middle of September, every Monday in Tourmakeady and every Tuesday in Corr na Móna. There are a few spaces left and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Contact 087 7782640 for more information.
Congratulations to Amy Staunton, daughter of Maureen and Martin Staunton, Ballybannon, Tourmakeady who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with a gala celebration at Máire Luke’s Bar and Restaurant. A student at M.I Limerick she is wished many more joyous occasions in the years ahead.
The weekly Parkrun in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am. Participants can run, walk or jog the 5k. All are very welcome to participate.
The annual tea evening in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice will take place in Tourmakeady hall on Friday, October 10, from 7 to 9pm. The event is being organised by the local branch and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
A Life in the Spirit Seminar will run until October 12, in St Mary’s Church, Partry. This is a beautiful experience in deepening the faith, learning scripture, making new friends, transforming lives and above all receiving wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit. There will be different speakers each week. For all inquiries contact Angela 089 2462-524. All welcome but children must be over 14 years old.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Siobhan Jennings, Killawalla, on the recent passing of her nephew, James Geraghty, Killasser. May he rest in peace.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Michael McKeon and Maureen Byrne who were recent winners of the popular weekly draw with number 5. The annual fee for membership of the weekly draw, €120 is now due. Patrons can pay through, cheque, bank transfer, or the Club’s Playpal link.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to G & F Racoillet and Damien Heneghan who were recent €100 winners in the weekly draw.
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All roads lead to Breaffy GAA grounds on next Saturday, September 20, at 5pm for the county quarter final of the club senior championship. Westport is the talented opposition on the day but Breaffy have shown great aptitude to date and are wholly deserving of their current status, having topped to group and having gleaned a home quarter-final. Success won’t come easy again next Saturday but somehow one feels Breaffy should have the physicality, maturity and battle-hardened experience to overcome the challenge of the covey boys.
Congratulations to Breaffy Rounders on winning the All Ireland ladies and mixed doubles rounders championship at Abbottstown on Saturday week. The talented Breaffy teams beat two of the sport’s top performers, defeating Erne Eagles in the mixed decider and Glynn Barntown in the ladies final. It was great achievement for a club who has set a high standard across multiple grades.
The senior ladies team faced Glynn Barntown (Wexford) and won on a score line of 11-8. The mixed team beat Erne Eagles (Cavan) on a score line of 8-5. A homecoming was held at Breaffy clubhouse on the Saturday evening as an appreciative local crowd gathered to warmly welcome their 4-in-a-row and 2-in-a-row All Ireland champions.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, September 9, had the numbers 4, 5, 13 and bonus number 3 drawn and there was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at €17,100 on this Tuesday, September 16.
Huge congrats are extended to Geraldine Burke who matched all 4 numbers in the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw and won the attractive jackpot of €13,400. The lucky numbers were 7, 17, 23 and 29. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Deirdre Flatley, Sean and Ann Nestor, Lorraine Ryan Jennings and Mary Tuffy. The weekend jackpot stood at €3,000.
Pedal Pushers West is at Belcarra Co Mayo on the September 21. The event will be supporting Mayo Cancer Support and all possible participants are asked to come along, enjoy being able to ride your bike and enjoy the company and the craic and help a worthy cause. There are 27km and 50km routes and the event will be starting at Belcarra Centre at 10am. Registration is from 9am to 9.45 and participant fees are €25.
Sr Mary O' Malley who does tremendous work in Kenya has given an account of all the splendid work that she and the Missionaries carry out, caring for the ill and the people most in need. If persons would like to give financial help on a once off or ongoing basis contact Sr. Mary by email: mary@momalley.or.ke.
On Saturday, September 6, Belcarra proudly hosted the 2025 Connacht B Handball Championships. What local handballers produced on the court was nothing short of extraordinary. Their level of skill, determination, and passion on display was an inspiration to everyone present. Belcarra completely dominated the U12 girls doubles, with two Belcarra teams contesting the final. In an epic showdown, Amelia Canavan and Shannon Surdival edged out Niamh Hallinan and Zoe Ryan after a thrilling tie-breaker.
In the Boys U11 boubles, local 9 year olds Alex Canavan and Dylan Surdival, narrowly missed out on the title. Aaron Surdival performed magnificently to win the Boys U12 singles event.
In the Girls U11 singles events Shannon Surdival took the title after hard-fought contest against Niamh Hallinan. Ruth Hallinan put up a splendid performance but fell short in the girls U15 singles final. Overall Belcarra players put up a wonderful performance and proved that they will be highly competitive in the seasons ahead.
The juveniles – 60x30 court and mixed doubles showdown will take place on Sunday, November 2. These Belcarra Handball Championships for the Corley Cup will provide top class competition.
The Mayo branch of Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a Memory Walk on next Sunday, September 21, around Lough Lannagh. The walk will be suitable for all levels. The meeting point is at 12 noon at Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex, Castlebar. Register for the Memory Walk on www.alzheimer.ie.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be having their next meeting on Thursday, September 25 at 7pm in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar. It is open to all who either have a stoma or care for them. To book text 087 6275766.
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The death has taken place of Nora Holian nee O’Malley), Tully Beg, Brownhall, Balla. Predeceased by her husband James, parents John and Mary O’Malley (Inishturk Island), her brother Tony and her sisters Mary, Bridget and Kathleen, she is deeply regretted by her nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and large circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on the Sunday evening from 7pm with removal at 8pm to St Cronan’s Church, Balla. The Funeral Mass for Nora took place on the Monday at 11.30am followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, September 4 in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €5,800. 18, 19, 24 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Martin Vahey (Standing Order), Anthony Dempsey (Cash Sale) and Rodney Lyons (Online). The latest draw was in Flukies on Thursday last, September 11, when the jackpot stood at €5,900.
Looking for a calm, safe space for your child? Balla Community Centre offers a state-of-the-art Sensory Room designed for children and adults with additional needs, autism, ADHD, or sensory challenges. This is a supportive environment for relaxation and therapy. If you would like to find out more drop an email to info@balla.ie or call on 094 9365846 / 087 1850860.
Breathwork classes will be commencing on next Tuesday, September 17, in Balla Community Centre at 8pm. Take time to relax, restore, and reconnect with yourself through guided breathwork sessions with Carmel at Sage Wellbeing. To book your places call 087 697 2726.
Congratulations to Balla secondary school students Niamh and Aoibheann Devaney who both won medals at the All-Ireland final Model Making Community Games competition in Carlow. What an incredible achievement!
As the days shorten and darkness falls early, safety and peace of mind become more important than ever. A personal monitored alarm provides reassurance that help is only a button press away — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate assistance is available in case of emergency. Peace of mind for you and your loved ones - simple and discreet to use. Apply today and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re never alone. info@balla.ie 094 9365846 or 087-1850860.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 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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Culture Night takes place nationally on Friday, September 19. This year the Culture night event in Clogher will take place from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Clogher Community Centre. It will be followed by the usual card game at 9pm. Come along and enjoy a night of cultural celebration with storytelling, music, songs, knitting samples and basket weaving as well as other interesting events and guests. There will also be excerpts from the 1938 Schools Folklore Collection with particular relevance to Clogher School. This night is free to all and refreshments will be served.
Tickets are available on an ongoing basis for The Clogher 500 Club. If you would like to have a chance to win €500 and also to support the Clogher Community it cost just €60 for one year (12 draws). Details are on the following link https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership or tickets can be purchased from any committee member. The next draw will be on Sunday, September 28.
Clogher Card results for Friday, September 5, were, 1st Gay Conway and Gus Sweeney, 2nd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, 3rd Jimmy Connor and Peter O’Malley and Martin Moran and Tom Fitzpatrick. The last 10 winners were, Joe and Shane Thomas. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
There will be a coffee morning in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice in the community centre on Thursday, September 25 from 1-3pm. Please support this very worthy cause and enjoy tea, coffee and cake with your neighbours and friends.
The AGM of Clogher Environmental Group LTD will take place on Thursday, September 25, at 8pm in Clogher Community Centre.
Clogher Heritage Complex is open to the public five days a week from 10am-4pm. If the cottage is not open ring 094 9360891 for assistance. The heritage complex is also the starting point of the weekly Tuesday evening walks which commence at 7pm.
The Local Link provides a bus service through Clogher on Tuesday and Thursday each week. Call Matt Rowley at 085 1251633 on the previous day to avail of the service. This service is free for travel pass holders.
