Local Notes: Children enjoy the Easter Bunny Hunt in Killala

Friends Lili Jones, Jordan Duffy, Odhran Flannery, and Kevin Munnelly enjoying the fun at the Easter Bunny Hunt in Killala.
Crossmolina was well represented in the recent Mayo Stages rally held over 8 stages in the Knockmore and Moygownagh area. Best Crossmolina crew was Martin Cawley/Kenneth Langan who finished 3rd in class 10 in their Peugeot 205. Just 3 places further back was John Duffy/John Egan who finished 4th in their Honda Integra, narrowly missing on a 3rd by 15 seconds. Not so lucky was Lorcan Moore navigating for Waterfords CaseyJay Coleman. The crew had problems on the way to the start but got back out for Stage 3 only to slide on a slippery corner and damage the radiator.
However on the following weekend Lorcans luck took a turn for the better. He was navigating for Vivien Hamill from Tyrone in a VW Polo on the Malcolm Wilson Rally in England. They were in the top 3 overall from the start, a spin on stage 5 lost them time but they still finished an excellent 2nd overall.
The numbers drawn in the Crossmolina Deel Rovers GAA Club lotto draw on March 16, were 11, 14, 21 and 29. Two punters matched three numbers; Kevin Connor, Erris Rd, Crossmolina; Michael and Derla Hegarty, Lecarrow, Crossmolina they win €75 each. The jackpot in the latest draw was €10,650.
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Knockmore and Crossmolina parishes were united in grief and sadness at the news of the passing of Michael Butler, Deer Park, Crossmolina, and Gortnadreha, Knockmore. Michael passed away surrounded by family following a short illness in UCH, Galway, on Thursday, March 14. Huge crowds filed past his remains at Hineys Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon and again attended his 1pm Requiem Mass concelebrated on the Monday, March 18, in St Tiernan's Church, Crossmolina.
The large numbers present heard Fr Francis Judge PP pay glowing tributes to Michael as a beloved husband, father, son and brother, while in the eulogy his work colleague Orla and brother Jonathan recalled many memories of Michael. Orla spoke of working side by side with him in his engineering business and of his work ethic and very high standards he always kept. She spoke of him as a young man who was devoted to the love and care of his wife Sheila and family and his caring nature extending to all he met through his daily work.
His brother Jonathan speaking on behalf of his family, recalled many memories of his older brother and growing up in his native Knockmore. He spoke of the example he set for his four younger brothers and of his great leadership qualities and his support always. He spoke of the pride Michael had in his wife Shelia and daughters Leah and Ciara and the great joy he had in building a new home for them in Knockmore. A home where every detail was considered and work carried out to a very high standard, a standard which he inherited from his parents Mary and Michael Snr.
He spoke of the great support and help of neighbours and friends for Michael and Sheila when news of his illness reached them, a support that will never be forgotten by all the family. After Mass Michael was laid to rest in Crossmolina cemetery.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his grieving family at this time, to his beloved wife Sheila and young daughters Leah and Ciara, to his beloved parents Michael and Mary, his brothers Jonathan, Darragh, Seamus and Mark, to his much loved uncles and aunts, nephews, in-laws, cousins, neighbours and many friends. May Michael rest in peace.
Holy week ceremonies in Rathduff Church are as follows; Holy Thursday, March 28, and Holy Saturday Vigil, March 30, at 6.30pm. Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 12 noon and Passion Liturgy at 5pm. On Easter Sunday, Dawn Mass in Cloghans Cemetery will be celebrated at 6.30am, and Easter Sunday Mass at 10am.
In Knockmore Church, Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday Vigil at 8pm, Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 12noon, Passion Liturgy at 3pm and Prayer around the Cross at 7pm. Easter Sunday Mass is at 11am.
Knockmore GAA are hosting ‘Stars in their Eyes’ in the Great National Hotel at 8pm on Easter Sunday night in conjunction with Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. Tickets are available from Corcoran’s Shop and the usual outlets. A great night as usual is assured.
The annual Spring clean up of the Ballina/Foxford Road, Rehins to Currabaggan Road, including all side roads will take place on Easter Monday, April 1, at 10am. If you have an hour to spare all help will be much appreciated. The starting points are Rehins NS, Mount Falcon gates andHughes Pub. Hi Viz, gloves and bags will be supplied.
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Ardagh GAA Club officers have urged supporters to return their lotto tickets and payment to any club official as soon as possible as the first monthly draw will take place in two weeks’ time. Funds raised from the draw will help with some development plans earmarked for completion this upcoming season. Construction of a new club gym, provision of a much needed and sought after spectators' cover and lighting of the magnificent walkway are primarily aimed at upgrading and modernising facilities at the club. Supporters may also return their tickets to the Junction restaurant in Ballina. Full details on the club's website www.ardaghgaaclub.com.
The organisers of the Helena Winters (nee Langan) annual coffee morning in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and held in the Pastoral Centre, Ballina, last weekend wish to express their sincere gratitude to all who attended and supported the hugely successful event and all the local businesses who donated spot prizes for the very worthy cause.
The death occurred recently of Willie Gordon, Knockaskeehaun, on February 3 last. Large numbers gathered to pay their respects at Hiney’s Funeral Home, and the Requiem Mass which was celebrated at Ardagh Church, followed by burial his in Lisheen Cemetry.
Willie was son of the late Michael and Annie Gordon, Rappa. In his youth he worked at home for several years and played football for Ardagh 7 a sides and Crossmolina Junior team. He was also a member of Ardagh Macra na Feirme and a lifelong pioneer. Willie attended wodwork night classes from 1958 to 1961 at Ballina Vocational School. After completing his qualification, he emigrated to England and got work as a shuttering carpenter in Derby, England. He married Kathleen McHale from Knockmore in 1963. In the 1960s he won three county championship medals with the Derby GAA team.
Soon after his return home from England in 1977 he got involved in setting up a new GAA club based at Campbell’s field in Ardagh. He put a lot of work into the club in its early years as a team mentor, helping in fundraisers such as the Ardagh Mini Marathon and reclamation and building work at the GAA pitch in Carrowcrin. He was one of the new club’s first referees.
In the mid 1980’s slatted cattle houses were introduced to Mayo and he put the concreting skills learned in England to good use setting up an agricultural construction business, providing employment at a time when there wasn’t much work in North Mayo. After his retirement from the building trade, he had a long and active retirement working at home farming. He won prizes for horses at Ballina show, enjoyed trips to the mart and going to visit friends and extended family. Willie’s faith was always very important to him, and he regularly attended Ardagh Church up to the end of his life.
Willie was predeceased by his parents, brothers Jack and Mikie, sisters Annie, Nelly and Bridget Agnes. He is survived and sadly missed by his wife Kathleen, sons Michael and Stephen, daughter Anne Marie (Ruane), grandchildren, brother, sisters, in-laws, relatives, and friends.
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2024 club membership is now open follow the link https://gmssuport.zendesk.com/hc/engb/articles/360017355999-Setting-up-a-Foireann-account or contact John Diamond Club Register on 086 1625182.
Moygownagh Community Alert are currently updating the Be Alert text service in the parish. Thank you to all the households that generously contributed towards the upkeep of this service and the Community Alert initiatives. Only one member per household is on the system. If any household or new resident has not met with their area representative and are interested in availing of the Text Alert service contact Stephanie at 087 6154318.
On Thursday, March 28, a test text will be sent to the Be Alert system. This should appear either as text on your phone or on the Cairde App. If you don’t receive the text on March 28, contact Stephanie and she will rectify the situation.
Bring your yarn and needles down to Moygownagh Learning Forum and join the first knit night on Thursday, April 11, at 7.30pm. If interested contact Jamie on 085 1891777.
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News items can be handed into the Failte Room by 10am on Thursday or phone 34130 or email tithecoistra@gmail.com.
Easter ceremonies in Lacken Church are; Holy Thursday 7.30pm, Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 12 noon, and Passion at 3pm. Holy Saturday at 7.30pm, Easter Sunday Dawn Mass in Lacken Hill cemetery at 6.30am, and Mass in the Church at 10am.
There was no bonus ball winner last week. There are numbers available for bonus ball, if interested contact Leo on 087 9163851.
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The numbers drawn in the Bonniconlon draw held on March 16, were 23, 28, 33 and 35. €40 prize winners were as follows: Willie Ruane, Bonniconlon; Marie Kelly, Cloontia; Bridie Greavy, Bonniconlon; Gerry Judge, Kilbride; and Muredach Munnelly. The latest draw was held on March 23, for a jackpot of €10,400. Play on line: Visit www.bonniconlongaa.com.
Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Maureen Henry, Drumsheen, who was laid to rest during the week. May she rest in peace.
Notices for the parish bulletin can be emailed to cebonniconlon@gmail.com on or before each Wednesday.