Local Notes: Brian takes the helm at Erris Chamber of Commerce
New Erris Chamber chairperson Brian Bakeberg (right) takes over the reins from Damien Langan after his successful tenure.
Brian Bakeberg has been named the new chairperson of the Erris Chamber of Commerce, succeeding Damien Langan, who served the organisation with dedication for several years, building a strong foundation upon which Bakeberg aims to expand. Bakeberg, an experienced businessman with a background in building and transforming businesses both in Africa and Ireland, outlined his vision for the Chamber at its recent annual general meeting, emphasising collaboration and innovative strategies for the future.
"My aim is to build upon the strong foundation laid by Damien Langan and create an environment where businesses in Erris can flourish," Mr Bakeberg stated. "I am committed to fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration within the Erris business sector. We will prioritise sustainable growth by supporting local enterprises and creating opportunities for businesses to connect and thrive. We will achieve this through strategic partnerships, innovative initiatives, and a relentless focus on sustainable economic growth."
Mr Bakeberg plans to focus on developing innovative initiatives to boost the local economy, attracting new investment, and advocating for policies that benefit Chamber members and the wider Erris community. He also highlighted the importance of providing resources and training to help businesses adapt to the challenges of the modern marketplace. His plans include strengthening local businesses, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable economic growth within the Erris region. Mr Bakeberg also emphasised the importance of collaborating with local authorities and community organisations to create a positive business climate.
The Chamber also welcomed new committee members: Stephen Conroy, Kevin Carey, Pat Cowman, Tisha Gallagher, Anthony Healy, Neil Doherty, Padraic McIntyre and Lorraine Burnell, each bringing a new perspective and expertise to support the Chamber’s mission. The outgoing chairman Damien Langan will continue to support the chamber by serving as a special advisor ex officio on the committee, ensuring a seamless transition and providing valuable guidance going forward.
"I look forward to working with the new committee and all Chamber members to build a stronger and more prosperous future for Erris," Mr Bakeberg concluded. "Under my leadership, the Erris Chamber of Commerce will focus on becoming a leading voice for the business community and a catalyst for economic prosperity in the region. I encourage all businesses of any nature within Erris to contact me directly at brian@errischamber.ie so that we can unify all businesses and speak as one."
Daffodil Day 25 is Friday, March 28. It is a day we all can make a difference for families suffering from cancer. If you have volunteered for Daffodil Day in the past, and if you are available to help this year, please let the local team know, and the best time slot that suits you.
New volunteers are needed and most welcome. Contact Mary at 087-1343365 or Linda at 086-0564544.
The jackpot was not won in the latest draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 11, 16 and Bonus 5 with May Gaughan (Doohoma) winning €50 and Paul Kieran (online) winning €25.
There was no winner of the €500 Match 3 prize.
Buíochas lenár urraitheoirí SolarWest agus Rendmaster. All proceeds from the lotto fund the development of hurling and camoige in Iorras.
The pota óir has gone to €18,700 with a minimum jackpot of €15,000 for every draw and you can play online. The draw takes place every Thursday night.
The club hope to field a U12 hurling team, a U12 camogie team and an U14 hurling team this season. Training starts for all age groups from U7 to U14s in the Town Park, Beal an Mhuirthead on Thursday, March 20, from 6 to 7.30pm. Fáilte roimh imreoirí nua. The U11s have an exciting trip coming up in mid-April. These initiatives are funded by the club lotto and sponsors. Go raibh míle maith agaibh.
Kilmore Community Sports Field recently turned on its all-new flood lights. It forms part of a new drive to put in place a professional running track at the facility in the future. The facility is a testament to the hard work of the committee over the years. The development has two pitches for Gaelic and soccer and buildings. The running track will have great benefits in developing athletics and recreational use when in place.
A new fundraising drive has got underway and recently Sean Ruane took part in the St Patrick’s Weekend road race in Holyoke, USA, helping to raise awareness and some funds for the next part of the development. Sean was not on his own, he was with his three brothers - Michael, Martin and Padraig - who is a Cross Country All-Ireland Champion running with his club Kilkenny City Harriers and recently came second in the 3000m indoor masters national final.
Martin is a veteran of 21 Dublin City Marathons. Then there is Sean himself who came third in the egg and spoon race in St Brendan’s Primary School Eachleim back in day!
The addition of a running track at the community ground will be another amazing facility in what’s already a fantastic sporting development. If you would like to support this next chapter, then click on GoFundMe.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has sanctioned funding for three communities in Erris under his Department’s Community Centre Investment Fund.
Comharchumann Forbatha Ionad Deirbhle Eachleain will receive €61,760 (repairs of the roof); Seirbhí Cúram Cill Chomáin get €64,120 (upgrade of plumbing, windows, doors, cooking equipment and energy upgrades); and Ionad Éalaona Iorrais Teo will receive €82,867 (new lighting, air-conditioning and heating system).
The Minister said he was very happy to support the applications and allocate this substantial funding.
The Kilcommon Community Development Lotto draw was held on March 9, and the numbers drawn were 2, 17, 20 and 34 with no winner of the €9,900 jackpot.
The house prize of €100 was won by Jack Healy, Ballinaboy and the €30 offline winners were Clodagh Noone, c/o The Lighthouse House and Kathleen Ruddy, Fallaugh.
The €30 online winners were Stacey Barrett, Aughleam and Shona Coultry, Belderrig. The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held on March 16, was €10,000 with the draw was held in McGuire’s Pullathomas.
Erris Irish National Hill Farmers' Asociation charity tractor run joins forces with numerous vintage clubs across the Midlands in aid of North West Stop suicide prevention. The date will be Easter Sunday, April 20, with local vintage enthusiasts and vintage clubs from across the Midlands combining on this run. It has the recipe to be one of the biggest vintage displays ever seen in Erris so book the date, we hope to see you all there for a great cause.
Congratulations to the Transition Year students, and their teacher Máistir Mac Philibín, who recently won the 'Most Sustainable Product' Award in the Mayo Student Enterprise Awards competition in Ballina, with their small company 'Rossport Boards & Co'.
Would you be interested in hosting a Spanish student this summer? If you have a child aged 13 to 17 years old, then this could be for you.
They will arrive on June 24/25 for four weeks. Students are placed in host families with children of the same gender and a similar age and are carefully matched in terms of interests and hobbies. The focus is on participating in daily family life and activities so the student can enjoy the real Irish experience. Each family can only host one student at a time. Payment is €400 p/w. If interested, contact Rina on 087-414252 for more information.
Officers in charge for the new season at Kilmore United are as follows:
Chairman, Cyril Lavelle; Vice-Chairperson, Pat Reidy; Secretary, Ciaran Schult; Assistant Secretary, Sean Ruane; Treasurer, PJ Keane; Assistant Treasurer, Mick O'Boyle; PRO, Sean Ruane; Assistant PRO, Dylan McAndrew; Team Manager, Sean Ruane with coaches Kieran Gallagher and Lenny Gilbert.
The club is enjoying its third season in a row in the Premier Division. It is the most competitive one yet with a lot of strong teams competing, including Erris United.
"We are absolutely delighted Erris Utd has joined us as it will bring a fantastic buzz to the area when both clubs clash," said a spokesperson.
The club's aim is to try and survive another season in this Division and have a right go at the cups and try bringing some silverware to the club and following up on what the ladies have done.
There was one winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €17,000. Congratulations to Kyle Padden and sincere thanks to all who support the lotto. In recognition of this support, instead of €3,000, the new jackpot will commence at €5,000 on Monday, March 17.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex in Bangor this Tuesday, March 18, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €550 in 46 calls or less.
Naíonra Dhún Chaocháin and Naíonra Ghleann na Muaidhe pre-schools are currently registering children for the term 2025/26. An admission form must be completed for your child before March 21 if he/she intends to start in any of these services next September.
Contact Máire on 097-88877 or 087-4173946 for Naíonra Dhún Chaocháin, and Máire Cáit on 097-87838 or 087-9714395 for Naíonra Ghleann na Muaidhe.
Erris Tours for 2025 is heading to Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan from Monday, June 30, to Thursday, July 3. Names must be given as soon as possible to Mary at 087-9232327 or Carmel at 086-8488266. A deposit of €50 is required and is non-refundable. More details available later. Carmel will be in the parish office every Thursday from 12 noon to 1pm.
Dog waste is very unpleasant, a nuisance and can be a public health issue. Section 22 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 makes it an offence for the person in charge of a dog not to clean up when their dog fouls in a public place.
In Belmullet, there is a serious problem with dog waste on footpaths and walkways and owners are showing a very flippant attitude when walking their pets. Failure to clean up your dog’s waste can lead to a €150 “on-the-spot” fine or on summary conviction to a fine of up to €3,000. Dog droppings contain harmful bacteria.
A social night 'as Gaeilge' will take place in Cill Chomáin clubhouse on Wednesday, March 19, from 7.30 to 9pm, and refreshments will be served. There will be four weeks of set dancing starting on Wednesday, March 26, from 7.30 to 8.30pm in the clubhouse in Glenamoy (F26AY20).
