Local Notes: Clogher GAA pitch in splendid August sunshine for the 1st round of the senior club championship.
The green plains of Mayo in splendid August sunshine for the visit of Charlestown to play Ballintubber in the first round of the recent senior club championship in Clogher. Picture by Tom Quinn
The death took place last week of Val Conroy, ‘Locodegi’, Fortfield, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Clooncan, Hollymount, Claremorris. Val passed away peacefully at Hollymount Private Nursing and Retirement Home on August 9. Widely known and respected around Robeen/Annies and Carnacon, Val had a great interest in all sport and in particular handball at which he excelled. He won 3 All Ireland Handball Championship’s with Mayo and Connaught. He was awarded the Mayo Sports Person of the Year by the ‘Western People’ for his tremendous achievements in handball. Val worked in the construction industry all his life and earned the respect of all he encountered for the quality of his workmanship.
His heart was always at home with his beloved wife Christine of 58 years to whom he was devoted and he took a great interest in the achievements of his children and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren whom he loved dearly.
Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Sabina (née Keaveney, Ballintubber) Conroy and his brother Gerard, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Christine (née Guilfoyle, Mayo Abbey), his daughter Louise Cooper and her husband Gerard (Manchester), his son Colin and his partner Leons (New York), his daughter Debra Malone and her husband Eddie (Keelogues, Islandeady), his daughter Gillian and her partner Stephen (Castlebar), his cherished grandchildren Lisa, Nicole, Lee, Jack, Amanda, Brandon and Tiegan, his great grandchildren Emily, Mia, Óisin, Odette, Harriett, Katie, Zoe and Robbie; his sisters Teresa Sullivan (Leeds), Gaye Dempsey (Carlow), Carmel Egan (Clooncan), Anne Stewart (Sligo); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, much loved nephews and nieces; his adored godchildren Linda Dempsey (Carlow), Frankie Murphy (Fortfield), Robert Vahey (Robeen); cousins, relatives and many friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Val’s remains reposed at his home ‘Locodegi’, in Fortfield, Castlebar on last Tuesday, August 12, from 6 to 8pm. The removal of his remains took place on Wednesday morning to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar for Funeral Mass at 11.30am, with funeral afterwards to the New Cemetery, Castlebar. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
On next Saturday, August 23, Claremorris host Ballintubber at 6.30pm in the Connacht Gold Senior Club Football Championship. In round one the hosts were beaten by Ballaghaderreen but this is an ideal opportunity for the South Mayo side to make a mark in the competition. Ballintubber were put to the pin of their collars to defeat Charlestown and it will take something extra from their experienced locker to contain the young pacey Claremorris team. Strong support for the red and white is urged. The referee appointed is Paul Lydon.
Congratulations are extended to Ruaíri O’Connor, son of Mary and Tony O’Connor, Ballintubber and Marie Claire Whelan of Castleknock, Co Dublin who were married recently in Bethnal Green in London. Ruaíri who is a Sky Sports producer in London was a most skilled and talented wing back on Ballintubber championship winning sides. His many friends in Ballintubber and across the parish wish him and his bride Marie Claire, many years of good health and happy decades of married life.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on Monday, August 11. The numbers drawn from the drum were 12, 33, 35 and 36. Nobody matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winners were James Loftus, Breege Jennings, Declan Quinn, Noah Connor and Daragh Ruane. The latest draw had a jackpot of €13,700 up for grabs.
The following were the lucky winners of the weekly card game held on Monday, August 11; 1st prize winners were Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. Denny and Kevin McDonagh were in 2nd place. 3rd place was shared by Chris Turner and Pat Griffith, and Noel Costello and Tomas Solan. Michael Loftus and Liam Davin won best of the last ten. Ann and Majella Gill won the raffle prizes.
Ballyglass Community Childcare Centre are recruiting staff, both full time/part time Early Years Educators. If you are interested in applying for a role in this busy and vibrant service, email ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com for further information.
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.
Welcome to the world, little Charlie Concannon. Huge congratulations to Elisa and Tomas Concannon, Ballinaglea, on the safe arrival of your beautiful baby boy. Best wishes to all the family from your many friends and neighbours in Ballyglass.
The death occurred last week of Pat Coughlan, The Quay, Westport. Pat was the brother-in-law of Peter Glynn, Ballyglass. Sincere sympathy is extended to Pat’s daughters, sons, grandchildren and extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.
Congratulations to Cathal Walsh, senior button accordion and Aodhan Hughes, senior banjo, on winning All Ireland silver medals at the recent Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford. What a splendid achievement by outstanding local musicians.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €11,400 on Sunday, August 10. The numbers drawn were 4, 9, 18 and 26. Consolation prizes went to Mona Kelly, Mary Egan, Alisha Boyle, Peig Mulroe, Michael and Marie Cannon and Stella Mulchrone. The jackpot stood at €11,500 on last Sunday, August 17.
Congratulations are extended to Darragh Berry and Noelle Jennings, who was married on Thursday, August 14, in St Colman’s Church, Kinvara, Co Galway. They are wished good health and happiness in the decades ahead.
As part of Ballintubber GAA involvement in the Fond Uireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonacha, the club is in the process of establishing an Irish language unit to promote and develop the use of Irish within the club. Club members or indeed persons who wish to get involved, whether fluent or beginners should contact club officers for details.
The Christian Community has welcomed its newest members Anya Rose Bourke and Robyn Mary Duffy, who were baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, August 9, and Rosie Autumn Gates, who baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, August 16.
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There will be a Life in the Spirit seminar starting in St. Mary’s Church, Party/Tourmakeady parish on August 24. It will run until October 12. This will be a beautiful experience in deepening the faith, learning scripture, making new friends, transforming lives and above all receiving wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit. There will be different speakers each week. It starts on Sunday, August 24, at the earlier time of 1.30pm with opening Mass and a talk on God's Love followed by introduction to the seminars. It is important to attend all seminars as you will get much more from it. The seminar runs every Sunday from 7-9pm except the first week which is at 1.30pm. For all inquiries contact Angela on 089 2462-524. All welcome but children must be over 14 years old.
In the Treenlaur Catering Exclusive Junior Championship on next Sunday, August 24, at 3pm, Tourmakeady are away to Kiltimagh. The Gaeltacht men enjoyed victory in Round 1 against Northern Gaels and will be hopeful to adding on further points but Kiltimagh are sure to be tough opponents on home turf. Good luck for victory to the Gaeltacht men and their mentors.
The death has taken place in New York, USA, of William (Liam) O’Malley in the United States at the age of 100. He was born on March 11, 1925, to William and Bridget (Lydon) O’Malley. Liam was one of 11 children and grew up in Tourmakeady before emigrating. Liam passed away peacefully on August 4. He is deeply regretted by his sons Colm O’Malley (Lynn Ross) and John O’Malley (Wendy Blackstone), and is survived by his sister Peggy Heneghan, sisters-in-law Mary Hoban and Sr Betty Flannery, and the extended Flannery family to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. He was a well-loved uncle to the O’Malley, Heneghan, Durkin, Curtis and Daly families.
Liam was a talented tradesman with a wide range of skills. He was also an artist and he loved painting the landscapes and people of his native Mayo. He was also a renowned storyteller and humorous raconteur. He was laid to rest on Saturday, August 9 with his beloved wife, Nina. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, August 16, stood at €18,500. 8, 15, 18 and 32 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
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, pop in and chat to your local project officer.
The winner of the Tourmakeady NS Bonus Ball No 22, was Rota and Ruairi Uí Chonaire. Congratulations and many thanks for everyone's continued support.
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.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady churches. Interested persons are asked to give your name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
10, 15, 19 and 21 were the numbers drawn in a recent Killawalla Community Council lotto draw. There were no jackpot winners and consolation prizes went to Mick Derrig, Mary Conway and Margaret Axinte. The latest draw was held in Pakie McEvilly’s on August 10.
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.
On next 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 Tom and Eleanor Mannion, Partry, who were recent winners of the weekly flutter.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Jenny Gallagher, who was a recent €100 winner.
Want to learn how to capture oral history stories? Oral History Network Ireland's training programme will start in mid-September. Find out more and explore OHNI membership by contacting - info@oralhistorynetworkireland.ie or visit www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie.
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The death occurred last week of Paul Quinn, Newcastle, Co. Down and late of Lisgowel, Breaffy, Castlebar. Paul passed away on August 10, at Ulster Hospital, Belfast. He is deeply regretted and greatly missed by his wife Majella, his heartbroken parents Sean and Mary, brother Kevin, sisters Joanne and Tracey, sisters-in-law Margo, Deirdre, Christina and Louise, brother-in-law Michael, his eleven nieces and nephews, Katie, Conor, Cían, Daniel, Vivienne, Bethany, Chloe, Luke, Ciara, Ciarán and Enda, his cousins, relations, his many friends and best friend Brendan to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Paul’s remains reposed at his parent’s residence in Ard-Aoibhinn, Lisgowel, Breaffy, Castlebar, on last Wednesday, August 13. The removal from his parent’s residence took place on last Thursday morning at 10am for Requiem Mass at 11am in St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy. Paul was laid to rest afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
On next Friday, August 22, in Breaffy, Castlebar Mitchells will play the home side, Breaffy at 7pm Connacht Gold Senior Football Club championship. This is a vital game for both teams as a defeat would almost certainly end any ambitions of further progress in the competition in 2025. With so much at stake and both clubs having a host of household names on the playing field, interest is sure to be huge. The world and its mother are expected to be there.
There will be a Year of the French 1798 Exhibition event on Wednesday, August 27, at 8pm in Belcarra Community Centre. As well as the exhibition there will be music and refreshments. This is a free event and all are welcome.
Huge congratulations are extended to Cian Kilkenny, crowned this year’s senior All Ireland flute champion. This is an amazing achievement in a competition that has a very high standard. Congratulations also to the Rolling Waves U15 Group and the over 18 groups who both secured silver medals at the recent All Ireland Fleadh in Wexford. It is great to see traditional music thrive locally and nationally.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €13,100. The jackpot stood at €13,000 on Sunday, August 10. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 26 and 32 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Noel Mulroe, Kerry Bergin, Conor Brett and Fran Reilly.
Congratulations to Junior and Mary Prendergast who recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a special Mass and a gala function in Breaffy House. They are wished good health and ongoing happiness in their married lives.
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.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, August 12, had the numbers 17, 21, 24 and bonus number 2 drawn and there was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stood at €16,700 on this Tuesday, August 19.
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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On next Saturday, August 23, at 7pm, Mayo Gaels host near neighbours Balla in the Connacht Gold Senior Club Football Championship. Local derbies are noted for being close and exciting and this match is expected to be no different. Both sides suffered defeat in Round 1 and both will be fully sharpened up to atone for those defeats. It will be a fascinating contest with the stakes really high. A bumper attendance is anticipated.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, August 7, in Flukies for a jackpot of €5,400. 10, 11, 13 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Gerry Costello (online), Shona Kilkenny (standing order) and Shirley McGrath (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, August 14, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €5,500.
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!
Find a donation link below: https://eventmaster.ie/.../Balla_Belcarra_Brave_the_Drop...
Balla Christian Community has welcomed Senán Donie Murray who was baptised recently in St Cronan's Church, Balla. Congratulations to the parents and family.
Taekwondo for kids aged 6 to 12 years will take place in Balla Community Centre, Mayo ITF on Thursday evenings from September 4. The sessions will run from 6.15 to 7pm and from 7.15 to 8pm. Booking to taekwondoshots@gmail.com/Whatsapp 087 9542816.
What a fantastic Charity! Words won’t justify how grateful Balla GAA and LGFA are to the Dillon Quirke Foundation for hosting a cardiac screening for the club’s young players. They are on a noble mission and the club would like all supporters to show their support and appreciation for such a worthy cause – the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
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.
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Fleadh Cheoil winners
Congratulations to former Errew NS pupil Áine Fox, who won the Senior Trio title at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann together with Cathal Walsh, Ballintubber and Aodhán Hughes, Carnacon. Áine was also part of the Castlebar Rolling Waves Senior Grúpa Cheoil who came second at the All-Ireland competition. Congratulations also to former Errew NS pupils Isobel Hoban and Anna Joyce and all the members of the ‘Rolling Waves’ U15 Grúpa Cheoil who came second in the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann competition recently in Wexford. It is wonderful to see such talented musicians in the local area and they are congratulated on their fantastic achievements.
On Tuesday the usual evening walk will include a trip to the Sand Martin Wall with a talk on the birds and their migratory patterns and the fact that they are in danger from predators in the bog hence the reason for the wall.
On Saturday, August 23, the Wild Child event commences at 2pm at the Heritage Cottage. This event is to introduce children to the wonders of the bog in terms of flora and fauna and to explain the connection that would have been between the bog and the heritage cottage in times past. Both events will be followed by refreshments at the cottage. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
On August 24, each year the phenomenon of the Setting Sun Rolling down the northern side of Croagh Patrick can be seen from the Boheh Stone (weather permitting). This year there is an organised walk to the Boheh Stone site from Brackloon Community Centre. The event will be preceded by refreshments and a local historian will give a talk and answer your questions. For more information you can visit the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail website, cpht.ie, or contact info@cpht.ie or at 094 93 60891. Eircode F28 E797.
The results of the 25 card game held on Friday, August 8, were 1st Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey and Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, 2nd Eileen Moran and Mary McDonagh and Gay Conway and Gus Sweeney, 3rd Jimmy Connor and Tom Lyons. Last 10 were Bernie Heneghan and Majella Corbett.
The Clogher Community are running 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 contact: finianjbourke@gmail.com or log onto: https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership.
Clogher Active Age Group enjoyed a final outing for the summer season last week. They visited Westport House for a guided tour and a scenic trip through the grounds. This was followed by lunch at the Westport Coast Hotel. Sincere thanks are extended to the staff of both places and to Dermot the bus driver.
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.
