Local Notes: Children from Owenbeg NS, Easkey celebrate their First Holy Communion.
Children from 2nd Class in Owenbeg NS had a great day on Sunday, May 11, when they celebrated their First Holy Communion with friends and family.
The death took place of Orlagh Clarke nee Cawley, Ballycummin, Easkey, Co Sligo and late of OMD, peacefully, at her home surrounded by her family and friends on May 17. Orlagh was the beloved wife of Jerome and loving mother of Megan, Fenian and Alanah. She will be sadly missed by her husband, son, daughters, parents Seamus and Eileen, sister Siobhan, brother James, Megan’s partner Morgan, in-laws, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, work colleagues and a large circle of friends.
Orlagh reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina, on Monday evening, May 19, from 6 to 8.30pm Her funeral arrived to St James Church, Easkey, on Tuesday for Requiem Mass at 12 noon followed by burial in Roslea Cemetery, Easkey. May she rest in peace.
There was a profound sense of sadness throughout the community on Saturday, May 17, as news broke of the passing of Orlagh Clarke nee Cawley and many tributes were paid to her. Colaiste Iascaigh said ‘It is with profound sadness that we at Colaiste Iascaigh mourn the passing of Orlagh Cawley, a treasured friend, parent, and unwavering supporter of our school. We extend our deepest condolences to her loving family, her husband Jerome, daughters Megan and Alanah, and son Fenian. Megan and Fenian are valued former students of Colaiste Iasciagh, and Alanah is a much loved current student. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time’.
‘Orlagh’s connection to our school ran deep. As a parent nominee on our Board of Management, she brought not only her professional expertise but also a genuine care for the wellbeing of our students and staff. She was a voice of reason, a source of encouragement, and someone who always saw the bigger picture’.
‘Just last year, Orlagh played a pivotal role in helping us secure funding for the remodeling of our ASD classroom. Her guidance through that process was marked by clarity, patience, and a deep understanding of what our students needed. She also gave generously of her time and talent in the renovation of Easkey Courthouse, ensuring it could serve both Colaiste Iascaigh and the wider community – a true reflection of her belief in shared spaces and shared futures. Even with a demanding professional life, Orlagh never hesitated to answer a call from the school. Whether it was attending a late meeting, reviewing plans or simply offering advice, she always made time. Her presence was reassuring – her calm, capable manner made every challenge seem manageable’ ‘Outside of school, Orlagh was a driving force in the Easkey Enhancement Project, working tirelessly to transform our pitch into a vibrant community playground and all-weather facility. Her vision for what our community could become was inspiring, and her ability to bring people together to make it happen was nothing short of remarkable’.
‘Orlagh’s motivation, work ethic, and deep knowledge made her approachable and admired figure. She had a way of making everyone feel heard and valued. Her legacy is not only in the buildings she helped shape, but in the lives she touched – with kindness, generosity, and a quiet strength that will never be forgotten. She will be deeply missed by all of us at Colaiste Iascaigh’.
Easkey Enhancement Association will miss Orlagh, her love and passion for Easkey, her no nonsense approach, holding the ship steady and calm when things got a bit hairy, her community spirit, organising fundraisers, generously donating, the list is endless, the loss is immense. They stated ‘you are seen in so many projects around our village. We will not stop until the pitch and playground is a reality. It will be a fitting legacy. A place where people can sit and remember the amazing woman you were and how lucky we were to have you walk with us a while’.
Easkey GAA Club said Orlagh was ‘a powerful advocate for all things good in our area and someone who was so generous with her time and expertise – there are few projects and developments, if any, that Orlagh hasn’t been the driving force behind in Easkey in recent years. Orlagh is a past treasurer of Easkey GAA and she was awarded the Easkey GAA Clubperson of the Year in 1996 – exemplifying the effort and dedication she put into voluntary roles. She always helped the club out behind the scenes on every project we undertook, bringing her expertise with a positive, proactive mindset into each project, she always had the solutions to any problems we encountered’.
‘Orlagh also promoted camogie in West Sligo and was part of the management team of Sligo Feile Camogie teams that had success in national competitions in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The 2014 team won the national division 5 title. Orlagh’s son Fenian is also part of our current senior football team’.
‘While her loss to the community will be huge, it bears no comparison to that of her family’s. to her husband Jerome, children Megan, Fenian and Alanah, her parents Seamus and Eileen, brother James, sister Siobhan and the wider Cawley and Clarke families we offer our most sincere condolences’.
All at Jesus and Mary Secondary School Enniscrone, were saddened to learn of the death of their past pupil Orlagh and they extended their deepest sympathies to her husband Jerome, her children Megan, Fenian and Alanah and to the Cawley and Clarke families. Orlagh attended the school as a pupil and she maintained her connection with the school down through the years, working on several school refurbishment and enhancement projects. They will remember her for her dedicated professionalism, her expertise and her strong work ethic which contributed to the development and upgrading of the school.
All in Kilglass Enniscrone Utd FC were saddened to learn of the passing of their good friend Orlagh Clarke nee Cawley. Orlagh worked with the club for many years as their engineer through her company OMD. In the past 10 years they have made major developments to their grounds and none of this would have been possible without Orlagh’s help. ‘Orlagh was always available to provide advise, to help us prepare for grant applications and to ensure works were completed correctly. She was also a great sponsor to our club and to other clubs in the region. Orlagh will be sadly missed by us all’.
Eoghan Rua LGFC expressed their sincere condolences to the family of Orlagh. ‘Orlagh was one of life’s true ladies and was so generous. She was always the first to offer up sponsorship and support to our club over the last number of years. She was a true community woman and has left a remarkable impact on everyone who was lucky enough to know her and the entire community of Easkey’.
Stokane Community Park stated that ‘Orlagh and her team in OMD Design was instrumental in the development and delivery of Stokane Community Park. As a trusted engineer, Orlagh brought not just her professional expertise but also her genuine care for our community project. She guided us through the planning and development of the park, always ready with practical advice and assistance. Orlagh believed in community development and helped turn our vision into reality. Anyone who had the privilege of meeting Orlagh will be struck by her powerful strength and dignity and over the last number of months, she illustrated just that in her brave battle’.
May Orlagh rest in peace and may her family be granted strength to get through this heartbreaking time. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis.’
The death took place of Michael Hennessy, Spain, and formerly of Swords, Co Dublin and Enniscrone, on March 20 last. Michael died unexpectedly and suddenly at his home in Spain. He was the elder son of the late Michael J and May Hennessy, brother of Margaret (RIP), JJ (RIP) and Catherine, uncle of Stephen (RIP), James and Freya.
Michael’s mortal remains was cremated in Spain. His ashes reposed at the family home in Enniscrone on Tuesday, May 20, from 5pm with removal at 6.30pm to Enniscrone Church. His funeral Mass was held in Enniscrone Church on Wednesday, May 21, at 11pm followed by burial in Roslea Cemetery, Easkey.
The ATU Sports Scholarship Programme is currently accepting applications for the academic year 2025/2026. The programme supports talented student-athletes with both financial and non-financial benefits, helping students succeed on the pitch and in the classroom. Scholarships are open to a wide range of sports from soccer to GAA, boxing to basketball, and everything in between. Apply before June 5 to be considered for offers issued by the end of June. Find out more and apply now at https://www.atu.ie/sports-scholarships.
Well done to Jack Sexton, Ryan Tuffy, Caolan Mulrooney and Sonnie Lynott, all students of Jesus and Mary Secondary School, Enniscrone, who put in an incredible team effort at the Connacht Schools Athletics Championships and stormed to gold in the minor boys relay. Caolan is also the Connacht Champion in the minor boys 100m, a fantastic individual achievement. They are wished the best of luck when they represent the school in the All Ireland Schools finals at the end of the month.
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Castleconnor.
The numbers drawn in the Castleconnor GAA draw which was held on Saturday, May 17, were 14, 24, 30 and 37. There was no jackpot and no match 3 winner. The lucky dip prize of €was won by Iosaf Quinn. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on May 24, was €12,000.
A fantastic day was held at the Castleconnor Community Games track event on Sunday, May 18, with the sun shining and spirits high. The Sligo county track and field competition will be held on Sunday, June 15, and anyone who qualified should contact Ashling Newell immediately to let know if they intend participating at the county finals.
