Local Notes: Claremorris dancers are heading for World Finals
Dancers from the Turley Duggan Academy of Irish Dancing who won the Under-11 Céilí competition at the Irish Nationals in Killarney on June 6. Back row, from left: Siobhán Waldron (Logboy), Aoife Slattery (Brickens), Aoibhínn Swords (Brickens), Rachel O'Boyle (Brickens). Front row: Faye Horan (Brickens), Casey Mai Dowd (Claremorris), Erin Freney (Turlough), Michelle O'Dowd (Ballyglass). Missing from picture: Chloe Bolton (Claremorris).
Claremorris is celebrating success on the national stage as dancers from the Turley Duggan Academy of Irish Dancing were crowned winners of the Under-11 Céilí competition at the Irish Nationals in Killarney on June 6. The team’s achievement secures their place at the World Championships in Chicago for Easter 2026.
The Turley Duggan Academy is led by a team of qualified teachers and adjudicators - Marian Turley, Roisín Turley, Caroline Duggan, Angela Duggan Dowd, Caroline McGrory, Molly Hughes, Shona Kilkenny, and Zoe Baines - and operates classes across the Midlands, the UK, and Mayo. Local classes take place at the Claremorris studio in Lakeside Retail Park, with sessions for beginners on Mondays at 6pm and Saturdays at 11am. Classes are also available in Hollymount, Brickens, Ballindine, and Irishtown, as well as options for adult learners.
Representatives of Claremorris Chamber of Commerce recently met with Minister of State Seán Canney to highlight urgent infrastructure priorities critical to the future growth and accessibility of the town and wider region.
At the meeting, Claremorris Chamber strongly advocated for the extension of the motorway from Tuam to Sligo, a move the Chamber believes is essential to unlocking the full economic potential of the western corridor.
In addition, the Chamber pressed Minister Canney to initiate the long-awaited feasibility study for the Claremorris Outer Relief Road. The need for this project has become increasingly urgent in light of the planned closure of the seven junctions onto the N17 Claremorris bypass – a move which is expected to add significant pressure to the town’s existing infrastructure.
“The planned closure of the seven junctions will put extra pressure on Claremorris town,” Andrea Kean, President of Claremorris Chamber, said. “As a gateway to the West, we want to protect local trade and ensure Claremorris remains as accessible as possible. A properly planned relief road is essential to managing future growth and preserving the quality of life in our community.”
The Chamber emphasised that both projects - the motorway extension and the relief road - are critical for regional connectivity, investment attraction, and supporting local business.
Claremorris Chamber will continue to work closely with public representatives and stakeholders to ensure these infrastructure needs remain a top priority at a national level.
The Claremorris & District Lions Club marked the end of a busy year and the beginning of a new chapter at its recent annual general meeting where Melissa Walsh concluded her term as president and officially handed over the chain of office to incoming president James Preston. Michael Clarke will serve as secretary for the coming year, while Andy Bibby continues in the role of treasurer.
Reflecting on a highly active year, Melissa described her time as president as both an honour and a team effort.
“It has been a pleasure to serve as president of Claremorris Lions Club for the past year. Your friendship and support are greatly appreciated,” she said in her final address. “On reflection of the projects and work carried out over the past year, I think everyone here can be very proud of what we achieved. We are a small group of people who have made a significant difference in our community.”
The outgoing president paid special tribute to her fellow officers, especially to James Preston and Michael Clarke who have made her job "a lot easier".
"They were always so accommodating, nothing was ever too much trouble, and they did so much work behind the scenes.”
The club undertook a broad range of community-focused initiatives during the year, from healthcare awareness campaigns and school competitions to supporting local organisations and fundraising efforts. Among the highlights was the mental health awareness campaign, A Call Can Save A Life, which saw Lions Club-branded posters and QR-coded signage distributed to numerous local sports and youth groups, including St Colman’s College, Mount St Michael Secondary School, and a host of GAA and community clubs.
Elsewhere, the club provided support to organisations such as Victim Assistance, St Vincent de Paul, local Red Cross branches, and the Claremorris Men’s Shed. A new piece of equipment was purchased for the Men's Shed through club funding, and financial support was extended to families in need and specific charitable appeals.
In December, the annual food appeal and fundraiser at SuperValu Claremorris proved as successful as ever. Other highlights included a Carers’ Weekend in Sligo, the senior citizens’ social at Cúram, and the hosting of a poster competition in local national schools on the theme of caring for older people.
The club also maintained strong relationships with other Lions clubs in the region, including Westport, and participated in national campaigns such as the UNICEF Gaza Appeal and the Lions’ Spectacle Collection initiative.
Looking ahead, the club is preparing for its upcoming Midsummer Night’s Walk and continues to welcome new members. Outgoing president Melissa Walsh extended her best wishes to James Preston and the incoming officers for the year ahead.
“I would like to wish our new president James, secretary Michael and treasurer Andy all the best. It’s been a true team effort all year and I know the club is in good hands.”
The Claremorris & District Lions Club continues its work promoting community wellbeing and support throughout the town and surrounding areas.
Claremorris Tidy Towns has welcomed the transformation of one of the town’s most recognisable buildings - The Irish Woollen Hall.
A longstanding part of the local streetscape, the building had fallen into disrepair, but recent works have restored it to its former glory.
The newly refurbished premises now sits proudly among the many colourful and well-maintained shopfronts in Claremorris. The Tidy Towns group extended thanks to the property owner for taking on the project and wished the very best to those who will work or live there in the future.
There were great celebrations at Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, Claremorris, last week as the school’s hurling team claimed the Cumann na mBunscol Division 3 title with a convincing victory over St Colmcille’s of The Quay, Westport.
The Claremorris school ran out 5-6 to 1-2 winners in the County Final, played in excellent conditions, with a powerful all-round team performance and a strong second-half display making the difference.
The match began brightly for Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, with an opening minute free pointed by Leo O’Cionaoith. Their opponents responded with determination, and a goal from Moses Gibbons, followed by a pointed free from Ben McLoughlin, put St Colmcille’s in front early on.
However, Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca regained composure before the break, with well-taken goals from Jonah O’Domhnaill and Liam MacTomáis putting them into a commanding 2-3 to 1-1 lead at half-time.
The second half saw the Claremorris side step up another gear, with O’Cionaoith impressing again, adding 1-3 to his personal tally and driving his team forward. Goals from Oscar O’Murchú and Conor O’Murchú followed as the Gaelscoil took full control of the game and saw out the contest in fine form.
The win was built on teamwork, skill, and determination, and was greeted with joy by pupils and staff alike. It marked a proud sporting achievement for the Claremorris-based Gaelscoil and was just rewards for the effort and preparation put in by the young players and their coaches throughout the school year.
There was pride in Claremorris this week with news of a family link to a major sporting appointment in the UK.
England Lacrosse has named Conor Dockery as the new Head Coach of its Women’s Box Lacrosse team.
Conor, whose mother Ita (née Sweeney) is originally from D’Alton Street, Claremorris, brings with him a wealth of experience as both player and coach. Ita is the daughter of the late Vincent and Rose Sweeney, and the Dockery family maintains strong links with Claremorris.
Now based in England, Conor is a former Irish international and has been involved in coaching for more than a decade. He has coached across various levels of the game, most notably as part of the England Lacrosse Aspire Programme, and as assistant coach to the England Women’s U20 team that won the European Championship in 2022.
As well as his international coaching credentials, Conor teaches and coaches Lacrosse at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Queen Anne’s School, further shaping the next generation of players.
As a player, Conor lined out for Brighton University, East Grinstead, and Cheltenham in the field version of the game. In Box Lacrosse, he represented clubs such as Dublin Riggers, Emerald Islanders, and London Knights, and won 23 international caps for Ireland across four major tournaments. His appearances included two World Championships and two European Championships, with top-ten finishes at each.
In recent years, he has also enjoyed coaching success in the emerging six-a-side Olympic format of the game, leading his team Forge to two league titles at The Fly competition.
Conor’s new role with England will focus on preparing the national team for next year’s inaugural Women’s European Box Lacrosse Championship and expanding the talent pool in the women’s game.
Box Lacrosse is a fast-paced version of the sport played indoors, with a strong focus on speed, precision, and teamwork. Players use webbed sticks to carry and shoot the ball into their opponent’s net.
The appointment is seen as a significant step forward for England Lacrosse - and a source of local pride for the Dockery family and their connections in Claremorris.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre is appealing to the local community for support as it seeks funding from the AIB €1 Million Community Fund.
The centre, which has served the Claremorris area for over 18 years, provides a wide range of services for youth, families, older people and new communities, and is asking members of the public to take just a few minutes to nominate them for the funding initiative.
To complete the nomination, supporters are invited to visit www.aib.ie and fill in a short form on the Community Fund section. The required details are: Charity Name - Claremorris Family Resource Centre; Charity Number - 20069148; Location - Connacht; and Social Theme - Other. Nominators are also asked to include a sentence on why the Centre deserves funding before submitting their nomination.
The deadline for nominations is June 25. The Centre has expressed its appreciation to those who have already taken part and noted that every nomination helps strengthen their bid for vital financial support.
A peer support group for parents, guardians and grandparents of children with autism continues to meet monthly in Claremorris, offering a welcoming space to connect, share experiences and support one another.
The group gathers on the third Wednesday of every month at 7pm in Cúram Family Centre, with the next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 18. Attendees are invited to come along for a chat over a cup of tea in a relaxed and understanding environment. The group is open to all and there is a €2 contribution per person.
Organisers have emphasised that the group is informal and supportive, with no pressure to share or speak unless comfortable. The aim is simply to offer a space where those supporting children with autism can feel heard, supported and part of a caring community.
Claremorris Tidy Towns is preparing for the upcoming adjudication period in the national SuperValu Tidy Towns competition.
With judges expected to visit over the next two months, the group is asking residents, businesses, and property owners to take a few minutes to tidy up outside their premises. Simple actions like removing weeds, litter, cigarette butts, and plastic ties can make a meaningful difference during this crucial time.
The Tidy Towns committee extended thanks to all who have contributed to the upkeep and improvement of Claremorris in recent months. The continued support from residents' associations, estate groups, and business owners plays a vital role in keeping the town welcoming and attractive.
In another recent effort, the group turned their attention to the town’s traditional black and gold litter bins. Although few in number, these older-style bins received a fresh coat of paint thanks to the steady hands of dedicated volunteers. The work, described by organisers as tedious but worthwhile, has helped enhance the overall appearance of the streetscape.
Claremorris Colts RFC has announced that its annual general meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 2, at 7.30pm in the Dalton Inn. All members and interested parties are invited to attend.
Those wishing to submit motions must do so in writing by June 25, via email to ColtsAGM23@gmail.com.
The club has emphasised the importance of community involvement and encourages members to take this opportunity to have their say in the future direction of the club.
Cúram Family Centre (Claremorris Social and Family Centre) is calling on members of the local community to help secure vital funding through the AIB Community Fund, which offers €1 million in financial support to charitable organisations nationwide.
To nominate Cúram, supporters are asked to visit www.aib.ie and click on the ‘Nominate Here’ button on the Community Fund section. Nominators will need to input the charity name - Claremorris Social and Family Centre - and the charity registration number (20065485). When selecting a theme, supporters should tick the Social category and choose Other. A short note on why the centre deserves support will complete the submission.
The team at Cúram expressed their gratitude to all those who have nominated them so far and are hopeful that strong local backing will secure a share of the AIB fund. They emphasise that their continued success and ability to provide community supports depends on generous support from the public. Every nomination helps.
Cúram is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Claremorris area, offering a wide range of social, wellbeing and educational programmes for individuals and families. A successful nomination would directly contribute to the sustainability and development of these services.
A week of fun, sport, and creativity is planned for Barnacarroll Community Sports Centre as the annual Let’s Get Moving Summer Camp returns from Monday, July 28 to Friday, August 1.
The camp runs daily from 9.30am to 2.00pm and is aimed at children aged between five and 12 years.
A wide range of activities is included in the programme, such as GAA, soccer, basketball, arts and crafts, yoga, and iPad sessions, with more entertainment promised throughout the week. Organisers say the camp is designed to encourage physical activity, social interaction and creative learning in a friendly and supportive environment.
The cost is €75 for one child, with discounts available for families - €140 for two children and €195 for three children from the same family.
Places are limited and early booking is advised. Anyone interested in registering a place can contact Ger on 087-6484334 or by emailing gercommins91@gmail.com.
Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 draw last week saw Johnny Thomas walk away with the winning envelope, collecting a tidy €909.
Johnny’s lucky ticket was purchased in PJ Byrne’s, a venue that continues to bring success to local draw supporters.
The club expressed its gratitude to everyone who entered, noting that proceeds from the draw go directly towards supporting coaching, equipment, and facilities for all age groups. Weekly tickets remain available online, as well as through local shops and pubs around the town.
Pat Kelly was the lucky winner of Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw last week, scooping a total of €490.
Pat’s winning ticket was purchased in Gilligan’s, one of several local outlets supporting the draw each week.
The club thanked everyone who continues to buy tickets, whether in person or online, highlighting the importance of this weekly fundraiser in maintaining youth programmes and facility development. Regular updates and results can be found on the club’s social media channels.
With proceeds supporting everything from underage teams to pitch maintenance, the club encouraged continued participation from members and supporters both near and far.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Paddy) Corcoran of Garrymore, Claremorris, and formerly of Cloghans Hill, Tuam. Paddy passed away peacefully at his home on June 6.
Paddy will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife Kathleen, children Fintan, Camilla (Donelon), Michelle (Gannon) and Derek, sons-in-law Damien Donelon and Austin Gannon, Derek’s partner Ailish McAteer, daughter-in-law Tracey, and his cherished grandchildren Nadine, Evan, Senan, Sean, Aoibhinn, Glyn, Rian and Ruth. He is also mourned by his cousins, neighbours, relatives and many friends.
Paddy’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Sunday evening, June 8, with removal to Carras Church. Funeral Mass took place on Monday, June 9, followed by burial in Ballyglass Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of John-Paul Glynn of Leface, Ballindine. John P died peacefully on June 9 at Hollymount Nursing Home, surrounded by his neighbours and friends.
John P was predeceased by his parents Mary and John, and will be sadly missed by his extended family, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends who held him in great affection.
John P’s remains reposed at his residence on Tuesday evening, June 10, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Irishtown. Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, followed by burial in Irishtown Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Roisin Walsh (née Clarke) of Lynchsacres, Hollymount, Claremorris. Roisin died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital on June 11 last.
Roisin was predeceased by her parents Bernard and Anastasia, and her sisters Nancy, Bridie, and Mary (Maisie). She is deeply mourned by her loving husband Pat, children John, Brendan, Fiona, Eamon, Kathy and Páraic, daughters-in-law Maria, Louise and Keelin, sons-in-law Sean and Pat, sisters Kay and Benny, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Roisin’s remains reposed at St Joseph’s Funeral Home, Ballinrobe on Friday evening last with removal afterwards to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Robeen. Her Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, followed by burial in Robeen Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
