Local Notes: Claremorris No Name Club stars in national show
Members of Claremorris No Name Club taking part in the No Name's Got Talent Show in Athlone recently.
The spotlight shone on some of Ireland’s brightest young performers as No Name’s Got Talent 2025 took to the stage on Saturday, April 26th, at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone.
Young people from clubs across the country came together for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, comedy and more. No Name Club, a national, voluntary youth organisation, provides young people with a space to socialise in a fun, safe, and alcohol-free environment. The annual talent show is one of the No Name Club’s biggest and most anticipated events and this year was no exception.
No Name Club Claremorris lip-synced and danced their way through Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believing’. The judges praised their confident dancing, which they said was fun and dynamic.
Well done to the Claremorris group who took part in the event.
An online GoFundMe fundraiser has been launched to support Charlie Ward of Garryredmond, Claremorris, following a sudden and devastating health emergency earlier this year.
The community has already begun to rally around Charlie, his wife Christina (née Foy), and their three young children - Melanie, Archie and baby Jessica - as they face an uncertain road to recovery together.
On January 26th, Charlie collapsed at home after sustaining life-threatening brain injuries. He was rushed to Beaumont Hospital, where he spent four weeks in a coma and underwent two major brain surgeries. During this time, he also battled severe pneumonia. His family were warned to prepare for the worst, unsure whether he would ever wake again.
Miraculously, Charlie regained consciousness. He recognised Christina. He began to speak. And in time, he took his first steps. Those first words and movements brought deep relief and renewed hope to his loved ones - moments that marked the beginning of a long and difficult recovery journey.
Charlie is now receiving specialist care at the rehabilitation unit in Merlin Park Hospital in Galway. He continues to face serious challenges, including left-sided neglect - a neurological condition where the brain has difficulty registering one side of the body. His determination and daily progress are remarkable, but his recovery will take time, consistent therapy, and long-term support.
Currently, Charlie is unable to return to work, and Christina is his full-time carer while also looking after their young family. The emotional and financial burden on the family is immense, and this fundraiser aims to help ease some of that pressure.
The GoFundMe campaign, set up by family friend Barry Ryan, hopes to raise funds to cover essential costs related to Charlie’s care and rehabilitation. Every donation, big or small, will help provide stability for the Ward family in the months ahead.
A native of Claddaghduff, Co Galway, Charlie has built his life in Claremorris where he and Christina have been active and much-loved members of the local community. Their friends, neighbours and wider circle have already shown extraordinary kindness and the fundraiser is a way for others to join in that effort.
“This family has been through so much in such a short space of time,” said Barry. “Now is our chance to support them and show them they’re not alone.”
To support the Ward family, you can visit the fundraiser page online at www.gofundme.com and search for 'Charlie Ward'.
A new emergency response unit - the first of its kind in Ireland - has been installed at the Applegreen service station on the M4 motorway in Enfield, Co Meath.
Designed specifically for motorway use, the cabinet is fully solar-powered and entirely emission-free. It houses essential emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, trauma kits, windscreen breakers, defibrillators, and cardiac medication, offering 24/7 access to potentially life-saving supplies.
This innovative unit was developed by Eco Powered Cabinets, based in Hollymount, and is intended to serve both road users and the local community. With an annual average daily traffic of over 28,000 vehicles - equating to more than 31.6 million journeys per year - the need for accessible, roadside emergency equipment is clear.
The initiative has been supported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and was welcomed at its launch by Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney. Speaking at the event, Minister Canney praised the installation as an important development in public safety, particularly in areas where access to emergency services can be delayed due to location.
“This is about preparedness and accessibility,” said Darren Forde, CEO of Eco Powered Cabinets. “By placing essential equipment directly on the motorway network, we’re reducing response time and giving people immediate tools to help in serious situations. It’s about saving lives.”
The cabinet is designed to be easy to access and visible to the public, with the aim of improving emergency outcomes in both road traffic incidents and unexpected medical situations. The concept may serve as a model for future installations on other major routes.
“This unit represents what can be achieved when public bodies and private enterprise work together,” Mr Forde added. “It’s a step forward in how we think about safety on our roads.”
Claremorris student Daniel Walsh has been named overall winner of the 2025 Texaco Children’s Art Competition, taking first prize in the senior 16–18 years category with his striking graphite pencil portrait titled ‘Colm’. The announcement marks a major national achievement for the 18-year-old, whose work was selected from thousands of entries submitted from across Ireland.
Daniel’s portrait, described by the judging panel as “an exceptionally accomplished and delicately rendered portrait of an aged man”, earned him the competition’s top award and a €1,500 prize. Chair of the judging panel, artist Pauline O’Connell, praised the piece for its quiet power and human sensitivity, noting the young artist’s technical skill and instinctive ability to capture the essence of his subject.
Remarkably, Daniel is completely self-taught, having only discovered his talent after receiving pencils and an easel as a gift last Christmas. The subject of his winning artwork, Colm, is a family friend whose weathered face and thoughtful expression offered what Daniel saw as “an interesting portrait challenge".
Daniel now joins an exclusive list of national winners and follows in the footsteps of fellow Claremorris artist Shania McDonagh, who won the same competition in 2014. At just 16, Shania captured national attention with her graphite portrait ‘Coleman’, which was inspired by a photograph in the book . Her piece also won both the senior age category and overall competition prize that year.
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition, now in its 71st year, continues to celebrate the artistic talent of Ireland’s young people. For Claremorris to have produced two overall national winners within just over a decade is a remarkable testament to the creativity and talent thriving in the area.
Davitts GAA Club’s Healthy Club Committee is encouraging players, members and the wider community to take simple but important steps to protect their skin as we head into the summer months. The club is promoting sun safety this week - and every week - as part of its ongoing health and wellbeing initiative.
With more people spending time outdoors for matches, training sessions and recreational activities, the committee is reminding everyone that it’s never too early in the year to start thinking about sunscreen and UV protection.
Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage the skin. This is particularly relevant in Ireland, where overcast skies often give a false sense of security. The committee is also highlighting that sun damage is not limited to hot or sunny countries and that the risks apply here at home just as much.
To help reduce the risk of skin damage, the club is encouraging individuals to wear long-sleeved shirts where possible, to apply factor 50 sunscreen regularly - ideally every two hours - and to make the wearing of sunhats a habit, particularly during daytime outdoor events. Seeking shade when the sun is at its strongest, and wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from harmful UV rays, are also strongly recommended.
The campaign also serves as a reminder of the dangers of sunbeds, which, like natural sunlight, emit UV radiation that can damage the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage increases the risk of developing both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
By promoting these practical steps, the Healthy Club Committee hopes to raise awareness and encourage a culture of prevention among all age groups within the club and community. Their message is simple: be Sun Smart, stay safe, and enjoy the summer ahead.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has received numerous enquiries from parents seeking guidance on how to keep their children safe online. In response, the centre will be hosting an informative session titled 'Digital Safety for Parents'. The session will cover a wide range of important topics, including legislation surrounding cyberbullying and the potential legal implications for both parents and children. Attendees will also learn about apps that may be designed with harmful intent, as well as the growing concerns around gaming and internet addiction.
Other key areas include the risks associated with posting or sharing inappropriate content online, the dangers of sexting, and the legal consequences of misusing social media, particularly under Coco’s Law. Practical advice will also be provided on using technology to manage children’s online activities, along with helpful parenting tips that remain effective in the digital age.
The session will explore the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks for families. It will also touch on the Netflix series and help parents decode the ‘secret language’ of emojis often used by teenagers.
For more information or to register your interest, please contact the Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838. The cost of the session is €10 per person, with the date to be confirmed shortly.
Claremorris Golf Club held its Albany Paints-sponsored 18-Hole Stableford competition across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 25th to 27th.
Bernie Divilly posted 71 nett to take the Ladies’ first prize. Christina Rush topped Ladies’ Category One with 73 nett. Sinead Daly returned the best gross score among the women with 93.
In the men’s section, Cathal Hennelly won with 65 nett. Paul Kenna claimed Category One on 67 nett. Liam Feeley (68 nett) led Category Two. John Finnegan won Category Four with 69 nett. John Brady was best in Category Five, also on 67 nett. Eoin Prendergast took the Men’s Gross with a round of 74.
Infinity Photo Group will hold a number of on-location photoshoots and classes, starting on Saturday, May 24th and running for four Saturdays, May 31st, June 7th and 14th. The sessions will run from 9.30am to 12.00pm.
The events will take place in the greater Claremorris area and will deal with composition, landscape, streetscape, mood and visual storytelling as well as technical aspects involving camera settings and equipment. The shoots will suit beginners as well as improving photographers. Each session will last two and a half hours and participants will have an opportunity to have their work critiqued along the way. The cost for the four events is €60 – payable at the time of booking and places are limited to ten.
To book, ring Michael on 087-2908676.
Buggy Buddies is a new free parent and baby/toddler social meet-up for parents, childminders, grandparents etc., to take part in with their little ones.
Buggy Buddies caters for all fitness levels and allows participants to work 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 will consist of a stroll around Clare Lake in Claremorris on Thursday mornings at 10am. This is a great opportunity to meet with friends or make new ones.
Buggy Buddies is funded by Mayo Sports Partnership. If you are interested, contact Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838.
Claremorris Hurling Club’s Under-8 and Under-10 training continues on Wednesday evenings from 5.30 to 6.30pm in Alan Feeley Park. The club welcomes any newcomers to come along and give hurling a try. The club has plenty of equipment available at the training sessions.
Johnny Thomas was the winner of Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 jackpot last week. Johnny bought his winning ticket in PJ Byrne’s and claimed €1,007.
Darragh Kennedy won the Claremorris Soccer Club’s 50/50 draw last week. Darragh won €485 on an online ticket.
Cúram Family Support Service is available for parents having difficulty managing their children’s behaviour, parents experiencing a crisis which impacts their children, and families experiencing communication and relationship difficulties.
A family support drop-in clinic will run every Tuesday morning, between 9.30am and 12.30pm in Cúram Family Centre. For further information, contact Maria Cribbin, Family Support Project Worker, on 087-9119714.
Claremorris & District Lions Club will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, May 7th, at 8.30pm in the Dalton Inn Hotel. Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend.
Claremorris Swimming Club extends warm congratulations to its coach and former club chairperson, Frank Breslin, on his appointment as president of Swim Ireland for the coming year.
Frank, a long-standing and much-respected figure in Irish swimming, has contributed in almost every capacity to the sport over the years - from coaching and club leadership to regional and national involvement. His appointment to this prestigious role is a well-deserved recognition of that lifelong dedication.
Swim Ireland is the national governing body for swimming, water polo, diving and artistic swimming across all 32 counties of Ireland, recognised by Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Claremorris Ladies Gaelic Football Club has unveiled its dedicated committee members and team managers for the upcoming 2025 season, demonstrating their commitment to fostering talent and community spirit.
Leading the club’s administrative team is chairperson Aidan Brennan, whose leadership will guide the club through another exciting year. Patricia Corduff-Higgins will serve as secretary and also takes on the role of designated liaison person, ensuring smooth communication and coordination within the club. Treasurer John Morley will oversee the club’s finances, while Olive Wallace has been appointed public relations officer, responsible for promoting the club’s activities and achievements.
The club’s coaching structure is equally robust, with Johnny Cummins stepping into the role of senior manager, guiding the senior team. Laura Higgins will manage both the junior and minor teams, reflecting her versatile expertise. Mick Dowd has been appointed Under-16 manager, while Aidan Brennan will oversee the Under-14 squad. For the Under-12 age group, Padraic McNulty will take the helm, and Brendan French will manage the Under-10 team.
Breda Kean has been named children’s officer, ensuring the welfare and development of the club’s younger players. The club’s comprehensive management team underscores its dedication to nurturing talent at all levels and strengthening community bonds through Gaelic football.
Claremorris LGFA looks forward to a successful season ahead, driven by this talented and passionate group of individuals.
Breathwork and Meditation Classes which will be ongoing every two weeks from Monday next, May 12th. They will take place in Cúram Family Centre, from 8 to 9pm. Contact Brendan for booking and further information on 087-9863440.
Online registration for the Garrymore Cúl Camp is now open on the Cul Camp website, www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie. The camp will take place in Garrymore from Monday to Friday, June 30th to July 4th.
There are still a few places available in the Tai-Chi classes on Tuesday mornings at 10am at Cúram Family Resource Centre. Call Cúram on 094-9362096 for further information and to book your place.
Congratulations to the Mayo U-20 GAA team and management on a great win in the Connacht final last Wednesday, especially the Claremorris players Paul Gilmore, Rio Mortimer, Darragh Beirne and Niall Hurley. Darragh scored 1-3 in the final, with Niall getting two points.
Ballyhaunis FRC are welcoming Amanda McGuinness from Little Puddins – Autism Specialist Supports who will make two presentations during May.
The first, 'Understanding your autistic child or teen', will take place in the Communal House, Clare Court, Ballyhaunis, (F35 FC61), this evening, Tuesday, May 6th, from 7 to 9pm. Amanda’s second presentation, 'Supporting your autistic PDA child or teen', will take place on May 13th from 7 to 9pm.
There is no charge to attend these evenings. For further information, contact Geraldine on 086-0470 587.
The recent death of Greg Warde has been deeply felt in Claremorris and well beyond, where his warm personality, strong community ties and wide circle of friends left a lasting impression.
Greg was best known locally as the proprietor of the Corner House in Claremorris, a business started by his father, Michael Warde, in 1949. The family ran a hardware shop which also had a bar license.
When Greg took over he expanded the business and opened a garden centre at the rear, run by his wife Ann. In 1993, the family turned the shop into a modern public house with overhead restaurant. They opened the business in December 1993. Today both the pub and restaurant are thriving.
Greg loved fishing and was fond of Lough Carra. He also enjoyed travel. His wife Ann is an accomplished artist and the family has further business interests in the town.
Greg died peacefully at University Hospital Galway. He was predeceased by his father Michael, mother Nora, and sister Patsy.
Greg is deeply missed by his wife Ann, his sons Michael, Patrick, Colman and Gregory, his daughters Nina, Aisling and Natasha, his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law Tommy and John, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Greg’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home on Sunday evening, April 27th, with Funeral Mass in St Colman’s Church, Claremorris on Monday, April 28th, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Micheál McLoughlin of Dalteen, Ballyfarna, Claremorris, and formerly of Rathduff, Cloghans, Ballina. Micheál died unexpectedly but peacefully. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget McLoughlin.
Micheál is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Evelyn (née Staunton, Kiltimagh), devoted son Desmond, sisters Mary (Dublin) and Anne (Ballina), brothers Frank (Naas), Raymond (Cloghans), Kevin (Rathduff), Paul (Westport) and Christopher (Cloghans), sisters-in-law Mary, Margaret, Annette and Áine, Ethna Staunton (Claremorris), brother-in-law Enda, nieces, nephews, cousins, the extended McLoughlin and Staunton families, neighbours, work colleagues and many friends.
Micheál’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Tuesday evening, April 29th, with removal to the Church of Our Lady, Barnacarroll via Ballyfarna. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Patricia (Pat) Watson (née O’Donnell) formerly of Donaghmede, Dublin 13 and Irishtown, Claremorris. Pat died peacefully on April 26th in the care of St Gabriel’s Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family.
Pat was the beloved wife of the late Thomas (Tommy) and was predeceased by her granddaughter Melissa and brothers Austin and Enda. She will be sadly missed by her children Dee, Gráinne, Niamh, Sinéad and Enda, Gráinne’s husband Paul, Niamh’s partner Robbie and Enda’s wife Michelle. Pat is also survived by her adored grandchildren Amy, Trevor, Sinéad, Cara, Megan, Seán, Conor, Sophie, Jack, Ben and Aoibhean, and great-grandchildren Pia, Isabelle, Éabha, Harper, Johnny and Niamh. She is also mourned by her sister Claire, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Pat’s remains reposed at Stafford’s Funeral Home, Golf Links Road, Portmarnock on Tuesday last with removal on Wednesday morning to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Donaghmede for Funeral Mass at 11.30am, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Martin Curran of Silverstream, Stamullen, Co. Meath and formerly of Dalton Street, Claremorris. Martin passed away peacefully at home on April 30th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Martin is deeply regretted by his sister Davnet, his nephew Ivan and Ivan’s wife Frances, his niece Sarah, his extended family of nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, his neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.
Martin’s remains reposed at the residence of Ivan Curran, Mullaghteelin, Stamullen, Co Meath on Friday afternoon from 3pm. His Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, May 3rd, in St. Patrick’s Church, Stamullen, with burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
