Local Notes: Claremorris duo are All-Ireland handball champions
Mayo handballers Niall Joyce and Paddy Murphy celebrate their victory in the All-Ireland Senior Hardball Doubles at Croke Park.
Congratulations to the Claremorris and Mayo pairing of Paddy Murphy and Niall Joyce who captured their first senior title in the O’Meara Gloves All-Ireland Hardball Doubles Championship, with an outstanding performance at Croke Park.
The Claremorris duo overcame Cork’s Daniel Relihan and Michael Hedigan in straight games, sealing victory on a 21-13, 21-6 scoreline.
St Colman’s College welcomed visitors from Claremorris No Name Club last week when Con Nolan and Ethan Jordan, along with members Kate and Diane, joined fifth-year students Pierce Diskin and Cormac Walsh to give a talk to the Transition Year group on the activities of the local branch.
The speakers outlined the wide range of opportunities available at the club, which provides a safe, enjoyable and supervised space for young people to meet on Monday and Thursday nights from 8 to 10pm in Claremorris. The club offers members the chance to improve wellbeing through social interaction, sport and personal development, while also taking part in trips, tours and national and international events.
Examples shared by the group included Erasmus trips to Croatia, National Gala Balls, outings to Tayto Park, possible upcoming visits to Alton Towers, as well as trips to Dublin for ice skating and shopping, and to Petersburg Adventure Centre, where members meet with other clubs from across the region and the country. Many of these activities are subsidised, offering excellent value for members. Hours spent with the club can also count towards the community involvement element of the Gaisce Award.
Con Nolan has supported the promotion of the No Name Club in St Colman’s for 25 years, while Ethan Jordan is a past pupil. Their commitment, together with the input of Kate, Diane, Pierce and Cormac, was warmly acknowledged during the visit. Application forms were distributed to Transition Year students, and anyone else interested in joining is encouraged to contact Claremorris No Name Club.
Claremorris Gallery is delighted to announce the forthcoming solo exhibition, ‘Slow Heat’, by the acclaimed artist Emma Stroude.
The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday, September 27th, with a guided tour by Emma herself from 4 to 5pm, followed by the public opening from 5 to 6pm.
All are welcome to attend this special event.
Emma Stroude grew up in the North of England and is now based in Sligo. A graduate of Chelsea College of Art and Design and the Slade School of Art, University College London, she holds a Post Graduate Higher Diploma in Art and Design Teaching, awarded with First Class Honours and the Terence Gayer Prize. Over the years, Emma has become widely recognised for her distinctive approach to painting, drawing, and mixed media, creating work that resonates with both emotional depth and technical mastery.
‘Slow Heat’ promises to offer an intimate insight into Emma’s evolving practice, reflecting her ongoing engagement with texture, form, and subtle colour. The exhibition is part of a continuing series of solo and group presentations both nationally and internationally, following her recent participation in the 195th Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition and a summer showing at Cairde Visual in Sligo. Her work has also been acquired by significant collections including the Office of Public Works, Kings Inns, Kildare and Sligo County Councils, and by private collectors such as Pierce Brosnan.
Emma Stroude’s career has been marked by consistent involvement in major exhibitions, from group shows across Ireland and the UK to international projects in China, the Netherlands, and the United States. Past highlights include the ‘Lapis Lazuli’ exhibitions at Hamilton Gallery, Sligo, the touring Drawing Box A5 Pop-Up exhibition, and participation in multiple Royal Hibernian Academy and Royal Ulster Academy annual exhibitions. She has also contributed to collaborative and commemorative projects, including work inspired by the Easter Rising and WB Yeats.
Visitors to ‘Slow Heat’ will have the opportunity to engage directly with the artist during the guided tour, gaining insight into the ideas and techniques that underpin her practice. The exhibition promises a contemplative and thought-provoking experience, appealing to both seasoned art enthusiasts and members of the local community seeking to connect with contemporary Irish art.
Claremorris Gallery invites everyone to join in celebrating Emma Stroude’s latest work, marking another milestone in a career distinguished by creativity, dedication, and international recognition.
The 20th edition of Culture Night takes place on Friday, September 19th, with a full programme of events in Claremorris celebrating local heritage, creativity and multiculturalism.
From 5pm, Gnó Mhaigh Eo hosts a bilingual food and drink tour, ‘Camchuairt Bhia & Dí Chlár Chlainne Mhuiris’, offering a taste of local produce alongside poetry and music. The tour is for over-18s and booking is required.
At 6pm, historian and storyteller Colman O’Raghallaigh will lead a bilingual walking tour of the town, beginning at the Famine Memorial beside the train station. The event, organised with Claremorris Historical Society, will highlight the people and places that shaped the area’s shared history.
Claremorris Library provides the next stop, hosting ‘Sounds from Our Town’, from 7.30pm. The evening will feature poetry, prose, traditional music and song, with local voices and performers from the town’s growing multicultural community, accompanied by refreshments from local caterer Angela Glynn.
From 6pm until midnight, the Ukrainian community will take centre stage at Claremorris Town Hall, in partnership with South West Mayo Development Company. The concert will showcase Ukrainian culture through performances by the City Dance Ensemble, a vocal ensemble, a classical violin duet and guest artists from further afield, celebrating intercultural understanding and inclusion.
Culture Night 2025 promises a wide range of events to enjoy, with something for all ages and interests. Full programme details are available at www.culturenight.ie.
A creative workshop suitable for all ages will take place in Claremorris from 4 to 6pm on Friday, September 19th where participants will be supported by facilitators to design their own self-portrait collage square. The individual pieces will come together to form a larger artwork titled The Many Faces of Claremorris (and surrounding areas).
Attendees will be guided through the process while also being encouraged to take ownership of their design. Refreshments will be served on the day.
Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact Cúram on 094 936 2096.
A series of events and courses will take place in Cúram, Claremorris this September, offering something for all interests and ages.
On today (Tuesday, September 16th), a free five-week course on Baby and Toddler Sensory Play will begin, running from 10am to 11am each week. The course is designed to support babies and toddlers’ early development through play. To book a place, contact Mary Roche Bourke on 094-9362762 or email maryrochebourke@msletb.ie.
On Thursday, September 25th, at 7.30pm, personal stylist and shopper Ann-Maria McNulty will present a Style Evening. Topics will include dressing for your body type, how fashion can lift your mood, getting the most from one outfit, and how to follow trends without being caught up in them. The cost is €10, including refreshments. Booking is essential on 094-9362096.
Cúram looks forward to welcoming participants to these events in September.
A range of courses and activities are being organised by Claremorris Family Resource Centre in the coming weeks, offering opportunities for learning, connection and personal development.
The Sharing Table is a new initiative where participants can enjoy conversation, friendship and community while cooking and sharing dishes from around the world. Recipes from different cultures will be introduced across the sessions. The programme will run over eight weeks at a cost of €35, with dates to be confirmed.
An Emotional Resilience Workshop for Children is also planned, beginning on Tuesday, September 30th. The five-week course is designed for pre-teens, focusing on emotional development, communication, assertiveness and coping with life’s ups and downs. Sessions will take place from 4.30pm to 5.30pm each week, with a cost of €25 for the full course.
English language classes for beginners and intermediate learners will also be available. The beginners’ group will meet on Tuesdays from 6 to 7pm, followed by the intermediate class from 7 to 7.45pm. Dates will be confirmed shortly and booking is essential. Each class costs €2.
Contact the Centre at 094-9377838 or info@claremorrisfrc.ie for more information, or to register for any of the events.
Buggy Buddies is a free parent and baby/toddler social meetup for parents, childminders, grandparents etc., to take part in with their little ones.
Buggy Buddies caters for all fitness levels and allows participants to walk at an intensity which is appropriate to them. It is also a great way to get out and meet other parents in an environment which is safe and fun for both parent and baby/toddler.
Buggy Buddies consists of a stroll around Clare Lake, Claremorris, on Thursday mornings at 9.30am. This is a great opportunity to meet friends and to make new ones. Buggy Buddies is funded by Mayo Sports Partnership. If you are interested, contact Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838.
The Women’s Collective, Claremorris, is inviting expressions of interest for its next Women in Leadership Programme, starting this September.
The free eight-week course helps women develop leadership skills and take an active role in their community.
Following last year’s success, organisers are keen to welcome new participants. For details or to register, contact the Women’s Collective Claremorris on 094-9362096.
Claremorris will come alive with culture and creativity from September 25th to 28th as the town prepares to host a vibrant programme of artistic events leading up to the Hi-Doh Festival of Song and Songwriting.
The festival will feature an exciting mix of performances, workshops, and exhibitions, all designed to showcase local talent and celebrate community spirit.
The programme opens on Thursday, September 25th, at 7.30pm in Claremorris Library, with an evening of song and storytelling featuring Joe Byrne and Colmán Ó Raghallaigh. On Friday night, Warde’s Pub will welcome the Circle of Song, where The Hi-Doh Collective invites the community to gather for an evening of live music and shared melodies.
Saturday, September 27th, begins with a Youth Open Mic at Insomnia Coffee Shop at 11.30am, offering young performers a chance to take the spotlight. Later that day, at 5pm, the Dalton Inn will host a screening of the acclaimed documentary ‘Twenty Feet From Stardom’, which offers an intimate insight into the lives of backing singers.
On Sunday, the focus shifts to Gallery Mount Street, where Aoife Clesham will lead a Vocal Technique workshop at 3pm. Meanwhile, Claremorris Library will host an exhibition of local books on singers and songwriting, which will remain on display throughout the festival.
Alongside the main events, the weekend will also feature a variety of creative activities including a printmaking information session, art classes, and a knitting group - all designed to encourage participation and inspire connections across the community.
The Claremorris and District Lions Club will hold its annual table quiz on this Thursday, September 19th, in the Dalton Inn.
Teams of four can register from 8.30pm, with the quiz beginning at 9pm. Entry costs €40 per table, with plenty of spot prizes on the night.
Funds raised will support the Dance Memory Club in Cúram, which provides music, dancing and companionship for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Ethan Jordan will once again act as quizmaster.
Later in the month, on Saturday, September 27th, the Lions Club will partner with Claremorris Red Cross for a free diabetes and blood pressure awareness event in the Square from 12 noon to 3pm.
Garrymore GAA Club extended its thanks to all who contributed to the successful hosting of two championship matches last week.
The pitch committee was praised for preparing the grounds to a high standard, while the gatemen and stewards were commended for their excellent work in managing parking and ensuring the smooth running of the event. Special appreciation was expressed to Cathal Doherty and PJ Commins for providing the use of their fields.
Acknowledgement was also given to Garrymore Foróige for running the club shop, and to the volunteers who served tea and sandwiches to spectators.
The club noted that the smooth organisation of the matches was made possible through the efforts of many dedicated volunteers, and all involved were warmly thanked for their valued support.
There are a lot of narrow roads around the Garrymore pitch, with numerous junctions and the stewards did an excellent job directing traffic in a very pleasant manner.
Congratulations to Shane Meehan who was the winner of the Claremorris GAA 50/50 jackpot last week. Shane scooped €1,026 with his online ticket.
The club extended sincere thanks to all who continue to support the weekly draw, reminding supporters that tickets are available both online and in local shops and pubs, with every entry making a real difference to the club’s ongoing work and development.
Seán Keady was the lucky winner of Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw last week. Seán claimed €530 on a ticket purchased in Hanley’s.
The club congratulated Seán on his win and expressed its gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets in the pubs, shops and online, noting that the support helps fund youth teams and club facilities.
Claremorris Drama Group will stage Walter Macken’s renowned play this autumn, presenting audiences with a moving tale of family, redemption, and the difficulties of returning to a changed world.
The story centres on Paddo O’Reilly, who returns to his home in Galway city after a period in prison, only to find that his family and community are no longer as he left them.
Set in 1950s' Ireland, the play explores themes of belonging, reconciliation, and the private struggles that shape family life. The production is directed by Pat Doyle, a long-standing member of Ballyhaunis Drama Group and a valued contributor to Claremorris Drama Group in recent years. Doyle also steps into the role of Trapper, bringing both experience and leadership to the production.
Padraig Hegarty will take on the central role of Paddo O’Reilly, a man caught between past mistakes and the hope of rebuilding his life. Karen Hahessy plays his wife Daylia, a woman managing the burden of love, betrayal, and responsibility, while their children Willie (Karl Coyne) and Josie (Rachael Comer) navigate hidden truths, shifting loyalties, and generational divides.
Performance dates and venues will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Claremorris Golf Club recently hosted a busy schedule of competitions, with some excellent scoring recorded across the various events.
The President’s Prize, sponsored by Noel Grier, was played on August 30th and 31st. In the ladies’ 18-hole competition, first place went to Yvonne Oldham with 76 nett, followed by Cliona Callaghan on 69 nett. The gross prize was won by Sinéad Daly with 95, while third place went to Catherine Brennan on 77 nett. Fourth was secured by Dympna Clarke with 78 nett, and fifth by Martina Hennelly, also on 78 nett.
The Past Presidents’ prize went to Ina Hennelly with 81 nett. In the nine-hole competition, Mary Coleman claimed first place with 22 points, just ahead of Finola Mellett on 21 points. The junior girls’ prize went to Annie Killeen.
In the men’s section, Brian Burke took first place with 93.5 nett, with Tom Fanning Jnr in second on 95 nett. The gross was won by Eoin Prendergast with a fine 72, while third went to Eoin Deeney (97 nett). Paul Kenna finished fourth on 100.5 nett, fifth place went to Shane Prendergast on 101, sixth to Ger Conroy on 101.5, and seventh to Rossa Higgins, also on 101.5 nett.
The Past Presidents’ prize was won by Willie Feeley with 72 nett, while the Final 9 prize went to Jourdain Cunningham. The junior boys’ section was topped by Jack Cassidy, while the beginners’ prize went to Fergal Tuohy with 76 nett.
Earlier in the month, Sheridan’s Bar and Restaurant sponsored the competition of August 1st to 3rd. The ladies’ 18-hole was won by Angela Prenty with 36 points. The nine-hole event saw wins for Bríd Glynn and June Elliott, both on 18 points. In the men’s 18-hole, Andrew Furey took first place with an impressive 43 points. Category prizes went to Anthony Hennelly (35 points), John Dillon (37 points), Pat Burke (37 points) and Scott Wright (37 points).
The Foodstore sponsored the weekend of August 15th to 17th. In the ladies’ section, first place went to Yvonne Oldham with 34 points. Category wins went to Angela Prenty (33 points) and Diane Pierik (34 points). The men’s competition was won by John Killeen with 40 points. Other category winners were Jason Morley (38 points), Gerry Hughes (39 points), Scott Wright (37 points) and Frank Curley (32 points).
Townley Medical Practice sponsored the competition of August 22nd to 24th. Martina Hennelly was the winner of the ladies’ 18-hole with 41 points, with the Category One prize going to Noreen McHugh (38 points).
In the men’s competition, Bert Sexton topped the leader-board with 40 points, while category prizes went to Dermot Costello (40 points), Jason Morley (38 points), Peter Coen (39 points) and Austin Callaghan (39 points).
Most recently, McDonnell’s Centra in Ballindine sponsored the competition of September 5th to 7th. The ladies’ 18-hole was won by Riana Kean with 46 points. The men’s winner was Martin Murphy of Tuam with 44 points, while category prizes went to Darren Reilly (39 points), Peter Coen (41 points), Michael Divilly (42 points) and Richard O’Connor (42 points).
The death occurred on Thursday, September 4th, of Margaret Morley, late of Lissiniskea, Bekan, Claremorris.
Margaret died suddenly but peacefully at Central Park Nursing Home, Clonberne. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Teresa Morley, sister Julie Donoghue and grandnephew Declan Donoghue.
Margaret is deeply regretted by her sons Eamonn, Richard, Mark and Paul, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Michael-Joe and Noel, sister Mary, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Margaret’s remains reposed at Gavin’s Funeral Home, Knox Street, Ballyhaunis on Monday evening with removal to St Margaret Mary’s Church, Bekan. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday at 12 noon followed by burial in the local cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Pat (Patrick) Morris of Frenchgrove, Hollymount. Pat died peacefully at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on Sunday, September 7th, surrounded by his family, following a long illness.
Pat was predeceased by his parents Kathleen and Peter, baby daughter Marian, and sons Brendan and Christopher. He will be sadly missed by his wife Bridie, daughter Pauline, son Jarlath, son-in-law Kevin, daughter-in-law Catherine, grandchildren Stephen, Ryan, Nicole, Luke and Robyn, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Pat’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Tuesday evening last. Funeral Mass took place in St Joseph’s Church, Carras on Wednesday, with burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred on September 4th, 2025, of Sr Margaret Mary Mannion CCVI at the Village of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, Texas.
Formerly of Derryhog, Tulrahan, Sr Margaret was predeceased by her parents Mary Anne and Paddy Mannion, her sister Sr Mary Eithne, and her brothers Dominic and Luke. She will be deeply missed by her sister Teresa (Jordan), sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, and by her community, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thursday, September 11th, in the Chapel of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, followed by interment in the Convent Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Margaret Groarke (née McDonagh) of Station Road, Castlebar, and late of Taugheen.
Margaret died peacefully on September 10th in the care of Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, in her 93rd year, surrounded by her family.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband John, son Jimmy, parents John and Annie, and brothers and sisters. She is deeply regretted by her sons Seán and Enda, daughter Dympna, sister Nora (Cawfield, UK), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, daughter-in-law Denise, son-in-law Sean, Enda’s partner Marrion, grandchildren Shane and Liane, great-grandchild Lily, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Margaret’s remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on Friday evening, September 12th, with removal to her residence. Removal took place from her home on Saturday morning for Requiem Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, followed by burial in Castlebar New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Mary Spelman (née Galvin), of New Road, Galway City, and formerly of Farm, Williamstown, Co Galway, who passed away peacefully on September 5th at Galway University Hospital with her loving family by her side was the mother of Dolores Keaveney, Claremorris.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband Walter and her recently deceased son Peter. She will be deeply missed by her daughters Dolores and Paula, sons Adrian and Damian, sister Helen, son-in-law Martin, grandchildren Josephine, Yvonne, Maureen, Claire, Eamonn, Síle, Sinéad and Tara and their mother Sylvia, Ciara and Ronan, and great-grandchildren Una, Oisín and Cara.
Mary will be fondly remembered also by the extended Spelman and Galvin families, neighbours and friends.
Mary’s remains reposed at O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway on Sunday, September 7th. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday at St Joseph’s Church, Presentation Road, followed by burial in Bohermore Cemetery with her husband Walter and son Peter.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of James L. Hughes of Warrenville, Chicago, and formerly of Curracrow, Hollymount, Claremorris.
James died peacefully on September 3rd, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents Sean and Catherine Hughes, brothers Michael, Patrick, Peter and John, and sisters Agnes, Mary and Catherine.
He will be sadly missed by his adored children Katie (Krist), Ann (Matt) and James, grandchildren Keeley, Keira, Keegan, Jacob, Joshua and Josephine, his sister Margaret (Meath), brothers Tom (Small Tom, Curracrow) and Richard (USA), nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends in both Chicago and Ireland.
James’s remains reposed at Williams-Kampp Funeral Home, Wheaton, on Sunday, September 7th, with removal to St Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church, Wheaton, for Funeral Mass on Monday, followed by interment in Assumption Catholic Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
