Local Notes: Claremorris students attend Mayo Careers Fair
Fifth Year and and LCA1 students from Mount Saint Michael Secondary School in Claremorris attended the Mayo Careers Fair at ATU Castlebar last week. It was a valuable opportunity for students to explore the wide range of career pathways available to them after school. They engaged in meaningful conversations with representatives from a variety of colleges, the Defence Forces, An Garda Síochána, Mayo Abbey Cookery School, and a broad range of health professionals, including dietitians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists.
The week is finally here when Claremorris Musical Society will host its 19th stage production as the curtain opens for the much-loved ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ this Wednesday, January 28th to Saturday, January 31st.
The new production follows a hugely successful year for the society, after its 2025 staging of ‘The Addams Family’ earned national recognition at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards last June, with Mary Dempsey taking Best Comedienne and Ruadhán Gormley winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The achievement was particularly notable as Claremorris Musical Society was the only group from the west of Ireland to collect two awards on the night, further underlining its growing reputation within amateur musical theatre.
With confidence and momentum firmly behind them, the society opted to bring another feel-good show to the stage. ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ was selected for its sense of wonder, warmth and wide appeal. The story follows young Charlie Bucket, a kind-hearted boy from a modest background who secures a golden ticket to tour the mysterious factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka. Alongside four other children, each with their own larger-than-life traits, Charlie embarks on a magical adventure filled with imaginative creations, memorable characters and unexpected lessons. At its core, the musical celebrates the values of kindness, honesty and imagination.
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s classic tale, the show blends familiar songs from the iconic Gene Wilder film with new, energetic musical numbers, creating a colourful and entertaining experience for audiences of all ages. Packed with humour, spectacle and charm, the production promises plenty of fun from start to finish.
'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' runs at Claremorris Town Hall from Wednesday, January 28th to Saturday, January 31st, with performances nightly at 8pm and a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets are available online at www.townhall.ie or from the box office.
Claremorris Historical Society will host a public talk by historian Dr Michael O’Connor on Wednesday, February 4th, in the Town Hall Studio at 8pm. The event is open to all, and the talk will focus on 'Mayo County Prison and the Famine, 1845–1852', a subject that sheds light on a critical and often overlooked aspect of local and national history.
Dr O’Connor is a lawyer, independent researcher and widely published author with a strong reputation for detailed and original historical research. His work spans legal history, public institutions, slavery, women and the law, and the lives of ordinary people, with a particular emphasis on County Mayo. He is currently undertaking research at Queen’s University Belfast into Irish and Anglo-Irish slaveholders in the former British colonies of the Caribbean, the Cape Colony and the Indian Ocean.
A native of Co Mayo, Dr O’Connor now lives in Murrisk, having previously travelled extensively and spent five years living in the Middle East. He holds first-class honours degrees in law from Trinity College Dublin and the University of Cambridge, as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy (Law) from Trinity College Dublin. In his professional career, he was a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales and the High Court of Ireland, and later served as a senior partner in one of Ireland’s leading law firms.
His published works include 'County Mayo: A History of Imprisonment, Capital Punishment and Transportation, Part I – Anatomy of a County Gaol’ (2020); ‘Caribbean Slave Owners and Other Lesser-Known Histories from County Mayo’ (2021); ‘Criminal Conversation with My Wife: Women and the Laws of Man – County Mayo Case Studies’ (2023); and ‘County Mayo: A History of Imprisonment, Capital Punishment and Transportation, Part II – Castlebar Prison and the Bridewells of County Mayo, 1835–1935’ (2025).
This talk promises to offer valuable insights into Mayo’s social and institutional history during the Famine years, drawing on Dr O’Connor’s extensive research and deep local knowledge.
The team at Knock House Hotel have paid warm tribute to colleague Anne McHale following her success at this year’s Mayo Irish Hotel Federation Employee of the Year Awards, where she was named winner of the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Profession Award’.
Anne, who works as a Food and Beverage Assistant and Florist at the hotel, has taken a unique and inspiring route to her current role. After building a successful career in banking in the UK, she returned to Ireland to complete a Master’s degree in Heritage Studies. This was followed by a move into hospitality, a profession in which she has truly found her calling.
Since joining Knock House Hotel, Anne has flourished within what colleagues describe as a supportive and forward-thinking management environment. She is a highly respected member of the Courtyard Restaurant team and is also the creative talent behind the hotel’s much-admired floral arrangements. In addition, her role as a tour guide has made her popular with returning guests, who value her knowledge, enthusiasm and engaging manner.
Her colleagues say Anne’s warmth, professionalism and consistent commitment to excellence have made a lasting impression on both guests and staff alike. Her award is seen as a fitting recognition of the passion and dedication she brings to every aspect of her work, and the Knock House Hotel team expressed immense pride in seeing her achievements recognised at county level.
Claremorris South Responders Group has acquired a CPR mannequin and a training AED for Claremorris National School, helping to ensure that teachers and staff can continue to maintain and update their skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation.
Initiatives such as this play an important role in building confidence among school staff, enabling them to respond effectively not only to emergencies involving pupils, but also to situations that may arise with family members or members of the public. The group noted that, over the past two years, children under the age of 16 have successfully demonstrated their ability to carry out CPR, highlighting the value of introducing life-saving skills at an early age.
The responder group expressed its appreciation for the continued support it receives from the local community and said it was delighted to be in a position to give something back once again through this practical and potentially life-saving contribution.
Lara Quirke was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, taking home €505. Lara bought the winning ticket in Gilligan’s and was congratulated by the club on her success.
Claremorris AFC expressed its thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw, with funds raised helping to support teams and improve club facilities. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs throughout the town.
Luke Colleran won €1,050 in Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 draw last week. Luke purchased the winning ticket in PJ Byrne’s and was congratulated by the club. Claremorris GAA expressed its appreciation to all who entered, noting that each ticket sold supports underage coaching, team development and club facilities. Tickets continue to be sold online and in local shops and pubs across Claremorris.
The Autism Parent Peer Support Group in Claremorris continues to meet on the third Wednesday of every month in Cúram Family Centre. The group offers parents, guardians and grandparents a welcoming space for peer support, conversation and a cup of tea. Meetings take place at 7pm and cost €2 per person. New members are always welcome.
The next block of art classes in Cúram will begin on Tuesday, February 3rd. Classes will take place from 4pm to 6pm and again from 7pm to 9pm. Anyone interested in taking part can contact Seán on 085-2320402 for further information and to book a place.
The Women’s Collective will hold its first social gathering of 2026 on Thursday, January 29th, at 7pm in Cúram Family Centre. The evening will include the screening of a short video exploring the story behind St Valentine’s Day, described as a tale of courage, faith and sacrifice.
The event is open to all, with an entry fee of €3, which includes refreshments. Organisers say the night is intended as a relaxed and social occasion, with an emphasis on conversation, fun and community.
The Parent and Toddler Group continues to meet every Friday morning in Cúram Family Centre from 10.30am to 12 noon. The group is open to parents, guardians and grandparents, along with their babies and toddlers, and provides a relaxed and friendly environment for socialising and play.
The death has occurred of Peggie O’Connor (née Lydon) of Hall Green, Birmingham, and formerly of Furry Meelia West, Barna, Co Galway, and Ballindine. Peggie died peacefully on January 5th, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness.
Peggie was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael (Vincent), parents Tim and Bridget, brothers Bill, Tom, Stephen, Martin and Timothy, and sisters Mary, Julia, Marie and Delia.
She is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her loving sons Vince and Tim, cherished granddaughter Mary, daughters-in-law Joa and Sarah, sisters-in-law Bridie, Mary and Pat, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends.
Peggie’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Tuesday evening, January 20th, with removal to St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday morning, January 21st.
May she rest in peace.
