Local Notes: Colette retires from teaching staff of Gaelcholaiste Chomain after 17 years.
Congratulations to Colette Uí Dheagáin who recently retired from the teaching staff of Gaelcholáiste Chomáin after 17 years, pictured receiving a presentation from deputy principal, Collette Wilson with principal Mark Irwin and college staff.
After 17 wonderful years of teaching, Mrs. Uí Dheagáin is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of learning, laughter and kindness. She inspired generations of students with her passion, patience and dedication. As Mrs. Uí Dheagáin begins the next chapter of her life, Gaelcholaiste Chomain celebrate an exceptional career and express their heartfelt gratitude for the lasting impact she has had on the school community. ‘On behalf of the school staff and the Board of Management, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the new life ahead!’ A great Halloween celebration was held in the school recently. The transition year students had a bake sale with a great selection of sweets and homemade treats. A big thank you to the Irish language committee, transition year students, Miss Walsh, Master Philibin, and Ms. Nic Oireachtaigh for organising these events and a big thank you to the students who put in a great effort to dress up.
The Irish Language committee had a great, fun, exciting and rewarding day recently with the other Irish language committees from the local secondary schools. The various students had the opportunity to get to know each other, and share their ideas regarding organising events and strengthening Irish in the schools. A big compliment to Claire Togher from Mhuire Secondary School and Éimear and Seoirsín for organising this event.
Erris-based Sinn Féin TD, Rose Conway-Walsh, has slammed An Post’s proposal to require postal workers serving the Erris area to collect mail from the newly opened Ballina depot. The change would mean that the 13 postal workers who deliver across the Erris region would have to undertake a two-hour 100-mile plus round trip each day just to collect the day’s post before even starting their deliveries.
The Erris postal delivery area is one of the largest and most rural in the country, and includes many isolated and coastal communities. The decision would have wide-ranging implications for workers, local residents and community life, as well as for road safety and climate emissions.
Speaking after meeting with the postal workers in Barnatra recently, Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “This proposal from An Post is completely unworkable, unsafe and socially damaging. It makes absolutely no sense to ask postal workers to drive more than 100 miles every day just to collect the mail before they even begin their deliveries. That’s at least a two-hour round trip added to every day’s work. It’s bad for the environment and it adds unnecessary risks for workers on already busy roads”.
“There’s a whole social dimension here that An Post seems to be ignoring. Rural postal services are not just about delivering letters and parcels, they are about keeping people connected and supported.
“Our postal workers are at the heart of our communities. Many elderly people and those living alone know the drivers by name and they often look out for each other. For some, those visits from the postman or postwoman might be the only human contact they have that day.
“This represents yet another example of a vital service being stripped away from our rural communities. Locally, people rely on the Barnatra depot to collect urgent post such as passports or exam papers for schools. That access would be lost if everything has to come out of Ballina, It’s just not acceptable.
“I am calling on the postal workers’ union to immediately meet with these workers and to play an active role in the fight back against this ludicrous proposal, for An Post to take this proposal of the table, and for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to intervene as a matter of urgency.
“We need common sense to prevail. This plan is bad for workers, bad for communities and bad for rural Ireland.”
There was a wonderful day of darts at the recent Mary Gilboy Memorial Darts event. In the ladies event, 14 talented players battled it out, with Sara Joyce coming out on top after a great final against runner-up Helen Kenny. Semi-finalists were Rachel McBride and Patricia Joyce, with Rachel also taking home the Highest Checkout award.
In the main memorial event, there was a brilliant turnout with 57 players taking to the oche - a great mix of young, seasoned, and ladies dart players. After a cracking final Cathal Tighe was crowned the 2025 Mary Gilboy Memorial Champion. Cathal edged past Padraig (Fred) Monaghan in a thrilling 5–4 finish. Semi-finalists were Jimmy Lavelle and Martin Keane, while Mikey Conroy hit an incredible 170 checkout to claim the Highest Checkout award.
Thank you has been extended to all the players who entered, to James Lavelle and his staff for the brilliant setup and hospitality all day and night, to everyone who sponsored trophies, highest checkout medals and prize money, donated raffle prizes, and bought tickets - you helped raise an amazing €1,111 for Cancer Care West.
Thanks also to Patrick Wilson, Shane McHale, and Rachel McBride for overseeing both competitions and keeping everything running smoothly, and to the Gilboy family for continuing to host this special event in Mary’s memory who was a proud Mayo Ladies Dart player for many years.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €5,500 with the two €50 winners being Mary McCarron, Attawalla and Lisa Carey, while Bridget Reilly, Geesala and David Jordan both won €25. The two online winners were Colette Carey, Bangor €50 and Frances Moran, Geesala €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, November 4, at 8pm with a jackpot of €700 in 49 calls or less.
What a fantastic turnout recently - it’s brilliant to see so many new members joining, and especially great to see more girls getting involved too. Congratulations to Jason Heneghan, who came out on top against Alex Bielinski in the final of the Round Robin competition. Great darts from both players and from all the younger members, some of whom are brand new to the sport and already showing great enthusiasm in training and the mini games.
A big thank you to all the Erris Darts players, Elaine and the parents who were on hand to help out, your support makes these evenings possible. The next meeting is Friday, November 7, from 5.30–7.30pm.
The organisers of the Ruddy/Mangan fundraising raffle extend congratulations to all prize winners and thank everyone who donated the wonderful prizes, sold tickets, and entered the draw. The raffle raised an amazing €18,800, and the Pat McDonnell Memorial Pool Tournament brought in an additional €1,700. A special thank you was extended to Bridie, Catherine, and all of Pat’s friends who participated and especially Declan Conway for organising the hugely successful event.
A big thank you to everyone came along to the SOLAS Visitor Centre in Aughleam recently. They were honoured to welcome Cathal Nolan from Ireland’s Weather Channel, who delivered a powerful and deeply engaging talk on the tragic storm of 1927 which claimed the lives of ten fishermen from Inishkea - a story that remains woven into the memory of the community and coastline.
They were also delighted to host Brian Dornan as he launched his new book "Mayo's Wild Atlantic Islands", and they thank him for sharing his research, insight, and dedication to preserving the heritage of our Islands past.
The Blacksod Bay Loop Project is an ambitious initiative to create a scenic walking and cycling route through the heart of North County, connecting communities and showcasing the region’s stunning natural beauty. Construction is now underway on the first phase of the Blacksod Bay Loop Greenway, a shared space using the existing road, focusing on the communities of Binghamstown and Cross. This exciting milestone marks the beginning of a transformative active travel route through the stunning Erris landscape, with completion expected by December 2025.
Ballycroy Visitor Centre and Ginger and Wild Café were recently awarded 2025 Visitor Attraction by the prestigious Georgina Campbell Awards. The award was presented by John Brennan and Georgina Campbell and collected by Michael Chambers on behalf of the Café and Visitor Centre.
A well-deserved recognition for Ginger and Wild Café operated by Nicola Stronach and chef Jean-Pierre Maire where, everything is homemade using natural, locally sourced ingredients. It is home to the outstanding modern visitor centre, with facilities including educational programme, interpretive exhibition, information on the Mayo Dark Sky Park and much besides - and, helped along by staff who are clearly proud of it and take pleasure in introducing the area to visitors. It is also a perfect background for a constantly changing exhibition of work by Irish artists and carefully curated craftwork.
MFitness is so proud to announce that the Great Erris Run, held recently in memory of Pauline Sweeney (née Corrigan), raised an incredible final total of €11,192 in aid of MS Ireland! Big thank you to everyone who showed up, donated, and helped make this event such a success.
A quiz night in support of Corclough Community Centre redevelopment project will be held in Lavelle’s Eagle Bar in Corclough on Friday, November 21, starting at 8.30pm, €10 per person, teams of four..
Huge congratulations to Belmullet Tidy Towns team on winning the All Ireland Pollinator Award recently. Their hard work and dedication makes the town more beautiful, welcoming and vibrant each year.
The Derek Langan Memorial will take place on November 15 and 16, in O'D's Bar. Entre deadline is Wednesday 12 with draw on Thursday 13. €20 entry, cover cost of games.
The Bord na nÓg presentation will take place on Saturday, November 15, in Healy's Hall, Glenamoy at 4pm.
