Local notes: Community rallies around for worthy causes
Paul Kelly, Mayo Irish Diaspora Society Committee, makes a Posthumous award presentation to Arthur French, brother of the late Fr Gerry French, Columban Fathers and Claremorris, and Mary French, in the Ellison Hotel, Castlebar. Picture: Michael Donnelly
A fundraising campaign organised by the Warde family in Claremorris for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Castlebar Oncology has passed the €80,000 mark, with the final total expected to be even higher.
The fundraising was undertaken in memory of Greg and Natasha, who received care from the two services during their illnesses. What began with the sale of raffle tickets in Tesco Claremorris at the beginning of September developed into a major community effort, culminating in an Auction Night which raised €34,000. More than €13,000 was also raised online, with the remainder coming from the raffle and donations.
The family said there are still some monies to be lodged and accounted for before a final figure can be announced. They thanked the people of Claremorris and further afield for the remarkable support received, from children donating the contents of their money boxes to local businesses, friends and neighbours.
“This has been a very difficult time for our family, but you have given us something really positive to focus on. There has been laughter, craic, stories and so many memories shared along the way. Dad and Natasha would have loved that,” the family said. They hope the money raised would help other families receive the same care and support which Greg and Natasha had received.
The Annual General Meeting of Barnacarroll Group Water Scheme will take place in Barnacarroll Sports Centre on Tuesday, October 20 at 8.30pm. All members are strongly encouraged to attend or to ensure they are represented at the meeting. Nominations for membership of the committee are also welcome.
Claremorris Tidy Towns has raised more than €2,000 over the past year through its involvement in the Re-Turn Scheme, with the money being invested in additional equipment for the group’s work around the town.
The initiative was supported through partnerships with Gilligan’s Bar, Warde’s Bar and the Light House Diner and Catering, with Tidy Towns volunteers collecting eligible bottles and cans for return. Claremorris Tidy Towns thanked the three businesses and everyone who supported the initiative, describing it as a good example of the local community working together.
The money raised has allowed the group to purchase further Tidy Towns equipment which will be used by volunteers in maintaining and improving areas throughout Claremorris.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has a number of courses and activities planned for October and November, including a Halloween Camp, children’s confidence workshops, nutrition programme and smartphone photography.
The Halloween Camp, presented with Go Fly Your Kite, takes place on October 30 and will give children an opportunity to make their own kite. Separate groups will cater for children aged five to seven and eight to 12, with participants welcome to come in Halloween costumes. The cost is €5 per child.
Mighty Minds, a six-week programme with Elaine Browne, is designed to help children develop confidence, resilience and a growth mindset while having fun. Workshops take place on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm on October 7, 14 and 21, and November 4, 11 and 18. The cost is €60 per child for the six weeks.
Food Freedom will begin with a free information session during October, followed by a four-week health and nutrition programme in November costing €25. Dates have yet to be confirmed. A four-week Smartphone Photography course is also planned, running from 7pm to 9pm, with the starting date to be announced. The full course costs €25 per person.
Further information is available on 094-93-77838 or by email at info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
The first team management of Claremorris AFC, James Kavanagh, Vinny O’Loughlin, Kevin Lally and Paul Byrne, have decided to step away from their roles.
The club thanked the four for their hard work, commitment and dedication throughout the season. Under their guidance, Claremorris secured their place in the Super League for 2027 and also enjoyed a strong cup campaign, reaching the semi-final. Claremorris AFC wished James, Vinny, Kevin and Paul well for the future and said the process of appointing a new management team for the 2027 season will now begin, with further details to follow.
Garrymore GAA has thanked the many volunteers and supporters who helped make the club’s Mayo SFC quarter-final on September 19 a memorable occasion, with more than 5,000 people attending the game under lights.
The club said staging an event of that size required a major community effort, with volunteers and stewards involved in everything from preparing the grounds to managing parking and accommodating the large crowd. Special thanks were extended to Ger Hession for keeping the pitch in excellent condition, while Cathal Doherty, Trevor O’Brien and PJ Commins were thanked for making fields available for additional parking.
The club also acknowledged those who provided tea, sandwiches and refreshments, the Foroige Club which operated two shops, those involved in lotto sales and everyone who helped clean and prepare the grounds. Leo and his team were thanked for painting the clubhouse and helping to have the facilities ready for the occasion.
Garrymore reserved particular praise for the players and management, whose quarter-final victory secured a place in the county semi-final. The club said the occasion demonstrated what could be achieved when the community came together, with the large attendance and work behind the scenes creating a night that would live long in the memory of the club.
Cúram Family Centre in Claremorris will host an evening for parents and carers of primary school-aged children on Thursday, October 22 from 7pm to 9pm. ‘Look Beyond the Behaviour’ will be presented by Child and Adolescent Creative Psychotherapist Lyndsey Gill and will explore children’s behaviour, big feelings, emotional reactions and connection. Places are limited and registration is available by contacting m.cribbin@curamclaremorris.ie or 087-9119714.
The Autism Parent Peer Support Group has changed its meeting day and time. The meetings will take place on the first Monday of each month, offering parents, guardians and grandparents an opportunity for peer support and a cup of tea and chat in a friendly setting. The cost is €2 per person.
Women’s Collective Claremorris will hold a two-evening Art and Wellness Programme on this Thursday, October 8 and Thursday, October 15 from 7pm to 9pm. The nature-inspired clay project will involve creating prints and impressions, with all materials provided. The cost is €20 and, as places are limited, booking is essential by contacting the Women’s Collective on 089-4695189.
Highlights from this year’s Claremorris Agricultural Show will feature in a special 30-minute television programme today, Tuesday, October 6 at 8.30pm. The programme will look back at many of the highlights from the 2026 Show and will be broadcast on TV Ireland on Sky Channel 588 and Freeview Channel 279. It will also be available from 8.30pm on YouTube by searching for ‘Claremorris Show 2026’.
Adrian Heneghan was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a jackpot of €1,375. Adrian bought his winning ticket in Hillside Service Station. The club congratulated Adrian on his win and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to support the club’s activities and development.
Louise Flynn was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting a prize of €1,000. Louise bought her winning ticket in Tesco. Claremorris AFC congratulated Louise and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to take part in the draw. Tickets are also available online and through local shops and pubs, with the weekly fundraiser providing valuable support for the club.
Taugheen Tuesdays are back, with social dancing classes returning to Taugheen Community Centre. The classes began last Tuesday, September 29 and are open to both beginners and those looking to improve their dancing skills.
A range of popular dances will feature during the classes, including jiving, waltz, foxtrot and line dancing, offering participants an opportunity to learn new steps, brush up on existing skills and enjoy a social evening in the community centre. Beginners and improvers are welcome to come along and join in. It starts at 8.30pm.
Mount St Michael marked the beginning of the new school year with a special Mass inspired by Mayo footballer Jack Coyne’s Croke Park speech and its message to ‘Never Stop Dreaming’.
The occasion also saw the school formally welcome its new Principal, Ms McAlpine, and new Chaplain, Fr Britus. Students participated throughout the Mass, with the school choir, directed by Ms Shaughnessy, providing the music for the celebration.
The school also expressed its appreciation to outgoing Chaplain Fr Mike Murphy for his guidance, support and contribution to the Mount St Michael community over the years. The Mass provided an opportunity for the school community to come together at the beginning of the academic year, with the message of dreaming big and believing in yourself setting the theme for the occasion.
Ten students have been awarded €2,500 each through the 2026 Seamus Connaughton Education Bursary operated by Claremorris Credit Union. The annual bursary provides financial support to students as they begin or continue their education, with a total of €25,000 awarded to this year’s recipients. The ten successful applicants are Aoife O’Neill, Emma Sweeney, Ciara Hession, Joshua Camps, Laoise McLoughlin, Maxwell Flanagan, Pearse Killeen, Alanna Murphy, Alannagh Marie Jennings and Lorna Hession.
Claremorris Credit Union congratulated all ten recipients and wished them every success as they begin or continue the next stage of their education.
The death has occurred of Michael (Mike) Kelly of Cloonbook, Brickens and formerly of Cloonturnaun, Knock. Mike died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital.
Mike was predeceased by his parents Mary and Martin Kelly. Mike will be deeply missed by his brothers and sisters, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Mike’s remains reposed in Gavin’s Funeral Home, Knox Street, Ballyhaunis, on Saturday evening, with removal afterwards to St. Mary’s Church, Logboy. Mike’s Funeral Mass was held on Sunday, followed by burial afterwards in Tulrahan Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca in Claremorris will hold its Lá Oscailte on Saturday, October 10 at 2pm. Parents and children will have an opportunity to view the school and its facilities, meet staff, ask questions and learn more about primary education through Irish. Further information is available on 094-93-62000 or by email at oifig@gaelscoildeburca.ie.
Meanwhile, Facefield National School is now accepting enrolments for September 2027. The school offers small classes and individual attention, along with free hot lunches for all pupils, a morning club from 7.50am and an afterschool service until 5.30pm. Families interested in visiting the school or finding out more can contact 094-93-65635 or email facefieldns@gmail.com.
