Local Notes: Church Island, Lough Carra awaits an annual Mass on August 15 and a retreat on August 16.
Church Island, Lough Carra, a sacred place of serenity awaits an annual Mass on August 15 and a retreat on August 16.
On the Feast of Assumption and to mark the Jubilee Year of Pilgrimage of Hope, it is planned to celebrate Mass on Church Island for the whole parish and visitors on next Friday, August 15, at 7.30pm. All cars should park at Ger Barnacle’s field, where a shuttle bus will take people from 6.40pm onwards onto the island. (weather permitting).
A day of silent retreat and reflection will take place on Church Island, Lough Carra, Ballintubber on Saturday, August 16, from 9am to 4pm. Step away from the noise and demands of everyday life and come to a place of silence, solitude, and soul-restoration. Join a day of silent retreat and reflection on the peaceful shores of Lough Carra, at Church Island, a sacred space of stillness and beauty. Let the still waters restore your spirit. Spaces are limited and for further information contact Lisa Shannon on 087 9441297.
Lough Carra Bioblitz will take place at Moore Hall on Saturday, August 16, from 10am to 4pm. Join up for a fun day of nature discovery and survey at Moore Hall as part of National Heritage Week 2025. This unique free event is open to all nature lovers of all ages to help record as many species as possible in a single day - birds, plants, insects, mammals, and more. Set in the stunning landscape of Moore Hall’s historic estate, Co. Mayo, managed by Mayo County Council, it is the perfect opportunity to learn about biodiversity while contributing to vital conservation data. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife spotter or just curious, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy hands-on activities, kids’ nature trails, and the opportunity to learn how to identify species through biodiversity survey apps. It’s free, family-friendly, and a fantastic way to celebrate the natural heritage of the area. Find out more and book your tickets on the Eventbrite page. This project is delivered as part of the Our Lake, Our Heritage project, thanks to funding from The Heritage Council.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on Monday, August 4. The numbers drawn from the drum were 2, 5, 11 and 19. Bridie Killeen, Therese Heneghan, Denise Walsh and Bernie Conroy each matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winner was Tom Jennings Jr. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €13,600 up for grabs.
The following were the lucky winners of the weekly card game held on Monday, August 4; 1st prize winners were Denny and Kevin McDonagh. Tom Fitzpatrick and Majella Corbett shared 2nd place with Breege Jennings and Noel Costello. 3rd place went to Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion and Pat Griffith and Chris Turner. Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes were winners of the last ten. Mary and Richard Carney won the raffle prizes.
Don’t forget the next Ballyglass Market will be in the community centre on Saturday, August 23, from 11am to 2pm.
Ballyglass Community Council host a presentation on the meaning of Ballyglass Townlands and historical features in the area, together with the unveiling of a wall hanging showing all those townlands and physical features, in Ballyglass Community Centre on August 21, at 7pm. This event takes place during National Heritage week. No admission charge and all are welcome.
Growing Minds Preschool is based in Carnacon village, Co Mayo (F12 NY38). They are now taking enrolments for ECCE September 2025 and the session times are: Monday to Friday, 9.15am-12.15pm. This is a play-based learning curriculum, highly qualified and experienced staff, bright and engaging indoor and outdoor play areas, with a safe and nurturing environment. To enrol, or to arrange a visit, contact Claire Chapman on 085 705 2271 or email growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com.
Sincere sympathy is extended to JJ O’Malley, Coguala, on the recent passing of his mother, Breda O’Malley, Westport. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €11,300 on Sunday night, August 3. The numbers drawn were 10, 11, 13 and 36. Consolation prizes went to Orna McHale, Aisling McGing, Myles Kelly, Franny Glynn, Pat Igoe and Matty Kelly. The jackpot stood at €11,400 on last Sunday night, August 10.
Ballintubber admin require a caretaker/cleaner at Ballintubber Abbey. An immediate start is possible - 19.5hrs week, CE Scheme and flexible working hours. The job description and duties rota and qualification details are available on the Abbey Facebook page. This is a developmental opportunity, no experience necessary. Accredited training will be provided to support your career. To register your interest you can contact an Employment Personal Advisor (EPA) in your local Intreo Centre. To apply email your interest or CV to: manager@ballintubberabbey.ie or 094 9030934 for more detail and to check eligibility.
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There will be a Ladies Evening Gardening Workshop on next Thursday, August 14, at 6.30pm at the Riverbank Self-Catering F12WY43. Learn about the “no dig” method, harvesting lavender, and oregano among other things. Bring your gardening scissors. Make the most out of your garden year after year. If the weather is unsuitable this event will be held in the Mons Horan Community Centre. Text 087 4149660 on the day to check, if in doubt. This is an over 18s event and the entry fee is just €5. Please note the earlier start time as it is hoped to hold this event outdoors.
The annual Ceol na Locha Festival in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh is currently running full steam until next Friday, August 15. Traditional music classes will feature each day from 10am to 2pm with top tutors. Night time will see a vast array of entertainment, with traditional sessions and Ceile’s in local venues around Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Details and bookings for all classes are available from 094 9544295.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, August 9 stood at €18,400. 6, 12, 22 and 26 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
Congratulations to Denise Horan, Nuala Ní Shé and Caitlín Ní Éanachain who were among the Mayo team of yesteryear who received a presentation from Uachtarán Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, Trina Murray, during a pre-match event at Croke Park to honour the squads who represented Mayo and Waterford in the 1999 and 2000 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship Finals.
The death has taken place in Dublin of Michael Keane, Clondalkin. The deceased was a brother of the late Peggy Conway, Drimcoggy. Sympathy is extended to all who regret his passing. May he rest in peace.
Acres (West Connacht) project officers will hold clinics in each of the local areas in the last week of every month. Any queries persons have on commonage scoring, NPIs, landscape actions or general queries on ACRES please pop in and chat to your local project officer.
The winner of the Tourmakeady NS bonus ball No 12, was Sean and Kathleen Uí Chualain. The winner of the Tourmakeady NS bonus ball No 22 was Rota and Ruairi Uí Chonaire.
Persons who are contemplating starting a new business in the Geopark area are asked to make contact with the organisation through their Facebook page before Friday, August 15.
Mayo County Council are inviting people who swim at beaches, lakes and rivers to help identify areas that should maintain existing bathing waters designations and areas that are commonly used for swimming but not identified at present. The closing date is September 26. More info: https://www.mayo.ie/news/Bathing-Water-Identification-2025.
Sincere condolences are extended to Margaret Heneghan, Treen, on the recent passing of her brother, Paddy Greaney, Oranmore and Claregalway. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to please give you name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
Killawalla Community Playschool committee wish to form a reserve panel of playschool and afterschool staff for September 2025. This panel will be called on to provide substitute cover throughout the year. Expressions of interest are sought from candidates with minimum QQ1 Fetak Level 5in Early Childcare. Email CVs and cover letter to Killawallaschool.com and /or phone 086 3953961 for any further queries.
A poultry sale takes place at McEvilly’s Pub, Killawalla on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Joe on 086 1520460 or Johnny on 087 2233245 for details.
Congratulations are extended to Sean Conway, Killawalla, and Megan O’Sullivan who were married on Saturday, August 2, in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Listry, County Kerry. They are wished health and happiness all the days of their married lives
On Sunday, August 24, at 11am in the Monsignor Horan Centre in Partry the local community will gather for a tea morning to mark the retirement of long serving Garda, Tom Fleming. It will be a sincere and merited effort to honor a man whose unique gentle personality, humour, competence and concern for the safety of people was deeply appreciated.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Ciaran Hennelly, Tooreen, who was a recent winner of the weekly flutter.
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The death occurred last week of Martin Christopher Flaherty (better known as Christy), Lightford, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Christy passed away unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar on August 3. Predeceased by his loving wife Esther (née Roche) in 2017, his parents Martin and Agnes (née Brennan) Flaherty, his brother Eamonn (Dunganstown, Co. Wicklow) and the deceased members of the Flaherty and Roche families, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken family - Ruth (Churchtown, Dublin), Christopher and his wife Siobhan (Sion Hill, Castlebar), Aisling and her husband Martin Lyons, (Old Knock Road, Claremorris), John Paul and his wife Theresa (Watertown, MA) and Joseph (Lightford); his cherished grandchildren Adam, Alexa, Luca, Holly, Lucas and Eoin; and his brother Ray (Westwood, MA.); his sisters Mary Lynch and her husband Seamus (Kilpeacon, Co Limerick), Josephine Spain and her husband Gerry (Thurles, Co Tipperary), Margaret Corcoran and her husband John (Dublin), his brothers-in-law Tom, and Don, his 23 nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbours, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Christy was a passionate and dedicated farmer all his life, and as a young farmer he supplied milk and vegetables to the town of Castlebar. He loved the land and enjoyed working outdoors. His other great interests were sport and hunting. He was a lifelong member of Mayo GAA and Castlebar Mitchels. He was well known in the area and he had many friends in farming and sporting circles.
Christy remains reposed at the Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on last Friday evening from 6 to 7.30pm, with a private removal to his home. His funeral arrived to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, on Saturday, August 9, at 11am for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. This Mass was also offered for his wife Esther, whose 8th anniversary occurs at this time. Christy will be laid to rest with his wife Esther, in Ballyheane Cemetery following the Mass. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €13,000. The jackpot stood at €12,900 on Sunday, August 3. The numbers drawn were 6, 10, 26 and 28 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Bridie Thomas, Gay Conway, Ray Ralph and Lorraine Connor.
Cemetery Masses are being celebrated in local villages at the following dates and times: this Tuesday, August 12, Drum, Wednesday, August 13, in Elmhall and Thursday, August 14, in Guesdian. Large attendances are anticipated to remember those from the parish who have passed away. May they rest in peace.
Sr Mary O' Malley who does tremendous work in Kenya has given an account of all the splendid work that she and the Missionaries do, 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.
Congrats to Shane Heraty and John Nally who have won the Roache Cup Handball competition hosted by Belcarra Handball Club. They gave an incredible performance and it was a well-earned victory. Congrats also to the plate winners Ronan O’Malley and Jim Sheridan on their success. They battled hard and came out on top in style.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, August 5, had the numbers 4, 20, 21 and bonus number 4 drawn and there was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stood at €16,600 on this Tuesday, August 12.
Congrats Breaffy U12 boys coach Maria Staunton who was honoured at the All-Ireland ladies final as she was on the 1999/2000 All Ireland winning Mayo team. Win two tickets to Oasis plus a hotel stay.
This isn’t just a gig - it’s the gig and your chance to get 2 Premium Oasis tickets + an overnight stay at the Castleknock Hotel for one lucky person. Enter now via the link in bio // http://breaffy-gaa.sumupstore.com. The live draw will take place on Thursday, August 15, at 8pm - streaming on Breaffy GAA Facebook.
The annual general meeting of Ballyheane Foróige will be held on Friday, September 5 at 8.30pm in Ballyheane Community Centre. Membership is open to young people in secondary schools. The club is supervised and parents and guardians of club members are encouraged to volunteer as club leaders. For further information call Serena on 087 6692462.
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Balla community are packing the festival weekend with laughter, colour, and community craic. Whether you’re 5 or 95, there’s something for everyone. Good vibes, big smiles, and summer magic. Grab your sunnies, round up the crew, and join us for a feel-good weekend you won’t forget. Don't forget to book your tickets on Eventbrite.
Balla Teenage Disco Link: https://shorturl.at/k9BG2 Colour Run Link: https://shorturl.at/2QVZJ Robotics Link: https://shorturl.at/K1VTI The Balla Colour Fun Run will take place on August 17, at 12 noon.
A summer market on Saturday, August 16, will take place from 10am until 3pm in Balla. There will be a fantastic selection of handmade arts and crafts, home baked goods, knitted gifts, costume jewellery, flower wreaths, candles and much more on the day. There will be bouncy castles on the square. Get ready for some extra fun on Market Day – Pop and Floss will be in the Square, bringing sweet treats and smiles for everyone. There will also be a Robotics Workshop - Build and learn and play, August 16, every hour from 10am to 5pm.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, July 31, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €5,300. 2, 14, 28 and 31 were the numbers drawn. The €30 consolation prize winners were Tom and Jacqui Walsh (standing order), Rosaleen Basquille (online) and Michael Collum (cash sale). The latest draw was held on Thursday, August 7, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €5,400.
Peter Tonra and @jprlly will be doing the inconceivable on October 10, as they abseil off Croke Park. This is in collaboration with Mayo Cancer Support, who has initiated the ‘Brave the Drop’ challenge. Not only is this a testament to the cause itself, but also a credit to the mentality and dedication of the lads. Best of luck guys!
Donation link: https://eventmaster.ie/.../Balla_Belcarra_Brave_the_Drop...
Connor Kilker Coaching is back again this year from August 18-22, from 10.30am – 2.30pm each day for his second year in Manulla FC. The fees are €60 per child and with a €10 discount per sibling. Contact Connor on 083 1753142 to book your space. Manulla FC Club Lotto Jackpot stood at €2,200 for last Sunday nights draws. The Manulla FC ‘Last one Standing’ Competition is now live and open for entry. To enter see details on the Clubs Facebook page. Manulla FC Congratulations to Liam Redmond, who made the final Mayo Soccer League 2 Team of the week.
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Errew and Clogher
Clogher Walkers Group had a surprise visit a fortnight ago from Ella McSweeney from the RTÉ radio programme Country Wide. This programme is broadcast on Saturday mornings between 8 and 9am on RTÉ Radio 1. It focuses on events and happenings in rural Ireland and specifically farming. Ella was very interested in the concept of the weekly walk, and the use of the bog roads as place to enjoy nature and get away from it all. She also spoke to some farmers who own land on the Newtown Forest Trail about their involvement with the bog walks and the benefits that they bring to the area.
The Clogher Community have recently organised a fundraising draw in order to maintain and support the many initiatives that are taking place in the community. If you would like to support Clogher and have a chance to win €500 each month the cost is just €60 for a year, (12 draws). The first draw will take place at the end of August. For full details please contact: finianjbourke@gmail.com or log on to: https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership.
There will be a fantastic opportunity to visit “Farming for Nature” ambassadors on their own farms on August 31. There are three farms in Mayo including Glasraí Organics at Hollymount. The events are free but booking is essential. Discover two inspiring events: Farm Walks and “Inside the Gate” (26 farms open nationally for 1 day). Meet passionate farmers and experience nature-friendly farming up close. Ready to explore - see what’s on and enjoy the great outdoors!
On next Tuesday, August 19, at 7pm there will be a walk to the Sandmartin Bird Wall which was officially launched last year. The wall is the first of its type in Connaught and its purpose is to provide a safe nesting place for the Sandmartin who make a perilous journey each year to and from Africa. This event is being organised by the Clogher Environmental Group in conjunction with the weekly Walking Group.
On Saturday, August 23, there will be a “Wild Child Day” commencing at 2pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex F12 PF99. This event will introduce children to the wonders of the bog, flora and fauna and an introduction to the Sandmartin Nesting Wall. They will be able to explore the landscapes, wildlife and habitats of the bog area. They will also be given an understanding of the connections between the cottage and the bogs in times past. Afterwards the children will have the opportunity to express their creativity with a painting/drawing event back at the Heritage Complex. All children must be accompanied by an adult and there will be refreshments for both adults and children in the Heritage Complex at the end of the walk. This event is being organised by the Clogher Environmental Group in conjunction with the Walking Group.
On August 24, each year people flock to the Boheh Stone, 6km south of Westport Town, Co. Mayo, to witness a timeless phenomenon and watch as the setting sun appears to roll down the northern flank of Croagh Patrick. The Boheh Stone is covered with circular engravings and is considered one of Ireland’s finest examples of megalithic art. Whether or not these carvings had spiritual significance to people in the ancient past is open to debate. Similarly, just what the spectacle of the rolling sun meant to our ancestors is unknown. But it is worth seeing. The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail will be organising a meeting at Brackloon Community Centre, near Westport in Co. Mayo on August 24, at 7pm, where a local historian will give a talk and answer your questions. People will then walk over to the Boheh Stone to observe the rolling sun phenomenon. There will be a cover charge of €5 which will include refreshments. For more information visit the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail website, cpht.ie, or contact info@cpht.ie or 094 93 60891. The Eircode is F28 E797. The event is organised by Croagh Patrick Heritage trail in conjunction with Clogher Environmental Group. It is an opportunity for people to experience this phenomenon which takes place twice a year on April 18 and August 24.
