Local Notes: Cheque presented after Erris fundraiser

Linda Conway presenting a cheque for €815 to the chairman and committee of the Glencastle Cemeteries Group, part of the proceeds of the recent memorial dance night for the late Tony O'Connor. The committee is very grateful to Linda for the money received which will go towards maintaining the Glencastle cemeteries.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €15,900.
The two €50 winners were John and Mary Gillespie, Bellacorick and Conal O’Hara, Doolough while Mark Brett, Geesala and Evelyn Murphy, Doohoma, both won €25. The two online winners were Bernie Cafferkey, Attycunnane (€50) and Zita Maria Locke, Chippenham, England (€25).
The Board of Management, staff and pupils of Glencastle National Class would like to extend their gratitude to Séan and Geraldine Ruddy and all the Ruddy family who organised the London Erris Fundraising Reunion Dance in the Claddagh Ring on November 9th last. A sum of €4,726.93 was donated to Glencastle Special Class.
Your continued support of Glencastle NS is much appreciated.
The numbers drawn in the Gaeltacht Erris Lotto were 9, 19 and 94 with Bonus 1. There was no winner of the €500 Match 3 prize. Lucky Dip winners were Alesha Winters, Cloontiakilla (€50) and Theresa Lally (€25).
All proceeds from the lotto funds the development of hurling and camoige in Iorras.
The management and staff in Teach Greannaí in Cornboy would like to thank everyone for their support in 2024.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
The club is hosting its first dinner dance on Sunday, February 2nd, in the Erris Coast Hotel.
This will be a night of celebrating the club's achievements, recognising the hard work but more importantly, a night of fun and laughter and it would be lovely if you could join them. Tickets include a drinks reception and four-course sumptuous dinner, raffle, followed by Michael S and Clodagh Togher and finishing with a late-night disco.
There is an optional black and white dress code and everyone is welcome. Tickets will be limited so grab yours at the Erris Coast Hotel or by WhatsApp at 087-6333940 or by contacting any committee member.
Staff and students at Our Lady's Secondary School in Belmullet gathered recently to honour an incredible member of the school community, Robin Turner, as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
Since 1995, Rob has been a cornerstone of the school, dedicating his time and energy to roles as diverse as PE teacher, soccer coach, special needs assistant, mentor, and friend. Rob's unwavering commitment to the students has left an indelible mark. As a special needs assistant, his patience, kindness, and advocacy transformed the lives of many, ensuring every student felt valued, supported, and included.
As a football coach, Rob taught the students much more than the game of soccer itself - he instilled lessons of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. The victories achieved under his leadership were not just in trophies but in personal growth, lasting friendships, and cherished memories that students still carry with them always.
Rob, your passion and dedication have set an example of what it means to truly care for the success and well-being of others. You have touched countless lives, and your legacy will live on in the hearts of our students, staff, and entire school community.
Thank you for 28 remarkable years, Rob! We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter of your life.
Congratulations to all the competitors who entered the Christmas Card Competition, organised by the Gaeilge Committee at Our Lady's Secondary School in Belmullet.
The winners were: 1st, Linda Prizevoite, 4B; 2nd, Robyn Ní Neill, 4B; 3rd, Makayla Ampong, 2B; 4th, Jessica Padden, 3B; speical award, Miguel Gonzalez. 3B.
Many thanks to Gaeilge Iorrais for sending on the prizes. Thank you Gaelbratach for also providing the school with a Canva workshop.
Well done to the Student Council who organised a very successful Christmas Jumper Day recently in aid of Make a Wish Ireland. The group managed to raise €670 to donate to this wonderful charity!
Make A Wish Ireland grants the wishes of children with critical illnesses - to bring hope, strength and happiness. Well done to all involved and thank you to the students and staff for their generous donations!
After 22 years of selfless dedication, the Ballyglass Coast Guard unit bid a heartfelt farewell to Michael Hurst, who has retired from his role as officer in charge of Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit.
From day one, Michael has been a true pillar of our community, always ready to lend a hand during emergencies, support our teams, and keep our community safe. His commitment, passion, and tireless work have left a lasting impact on all of us.
Thank you for your incredible service, Michael. You have been an inspiration to us all, and while we will miss your presence, we wish you all the best in your next chapter!
Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) School Leavers Service in Belmullet would like to take this opportunity to thank their neighbouring secondary school St Brendan's College for being so kind to them over the past year.
"St Brendan’s College, Belmullet has supported us in many ways and always invited and included us in all of their activities. We meet them most weeks and if it’s not first years doing arts and crafts with us, it’s the TY’s coming to socialise with us on Fridays or hosting coffee days or awareness days in aid of some great causes!
"We are always invited to their events and we always get the best seats! We feel very welcomed by all, from principal Mr Walshe, Stephanie, year co-ordinators, staff and students and it is very important for us to have the social connection with everyone! We ended the year with attending their Variety Show on Tuesday and it was amazing.
"We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy New Year and look forward to hopefully having more visits and fun in 2025!"
Well done to all the first years who took part in the Mayo Sports Partnership’s Run up to Christmas Challenge. The challenge was to walk, jog or run to reach one of the following milestones in December: 1.5km a day, 2km a day and 3km a day. The top ten students that covered the highest amount of kilometres received a specially commissioned medal. Congratulations to all.
Erris Family and Community Support Centre extends a special thanks to Linda and Wesley Talbot who recently hosted and opened their home into a magical Christmas open house in aid of North West STOP-Suicide Prevention.
A total of €205 was raised in aid of North West Stop, who provides a free counselling service every week in the IWA centre in Belmullet.
€205 will pay for four counselling sessions for those living in our local area, and we are very grateful to Linda and her family for opening their home in aid of such a vital service.
If you or someone you know is in need of someone to talk to, not only at Christmas but at any time, please reach out to North West STOP-Suicide Prevention on 0818 444 000 for a free counselling service.
Thank you again to Linda and her family for opening their home. A magical experience, and the mince pies and apple tart were delicious too!