Local Notes: Community spirit shines in Kiltimagh Tidy Towns projects
The Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh dominates the skyline from the west approach to the town. Work on the church's restoration is nearing completion. Picture: John Corless
The efforts of the Kiltimagh Tidy Towns Committee continue to brighten and beautify the town, with recent projects showcasing the very best of local collaboration and community pride.
Following storm damage earlier this year, the signage at the Market Square has been fully restored thanks to the generous support of Declan Foley and the talented team at Designwest. Four signs have now been carefully redesigned and upgraded, bringing a refreshed look to this central location.
“We’re absolutely delighted with the quality of the work,” the committee said. “The next step is to secure the signs permanently in place.”
Meanwhile, fresh paint on the kerbstones at Station Road and Kilkelly Road has brought a welcome splash of colour to those approaches, further enhancing the town’s appearance.
The flower beds at the Railway Station have also seen a major transformation, thanks to the hard work of Caroline Cotter, Noel Forde, Michael Commins and Seamus Rowley from the RSS Scheme. Their dedication has made a real difference, and the committee extended warm thanks to them all for their ongoing contribution. Gratitude was also expressed to Austin Meehan of Mayo County Council for his consistent support of Kiltimagh Tidy Towns, and to Francis and Dundee, who gave their assistance with the project.
A separate shout-out goes to Henry Kelly, who carefully restored a damaged sign following the storm, with Chris Glynn stepping in to repair and erect it. These small but important actions help maintain the charm and character of Kiltimagh’s streetscape.
Support from local schools has also been central to recent Tidy Towns efforts. Transition Year students from St Louis Community School took part in a community litter pick, covering various areas around the town. Their energy and commitment were clear to see, and the committee extended a sincere thank you to teacher Louise O’Hora, whose guidance and encouragement made it all possible.
Elsewhere, volunteers Mary and Miriam were hard at work in the Community Garden, keeping on top of weeding and maintenance - a vital part of keeping this much-loved space looking its best.
All of these contributions reflect the shared pride and care that Kiltimagh’s residents have for their town.
The Folk Café in Kiltimagh was packed on Thursday evening as locals gathered to celebrate Poetry Day Ireland in a uniquely community-centred event curated by poet and playwright Terry McDonagh. The evening was rich with poetry, music and shared stories, with contributions from across the community - each reader representing a different local club, group or organisation.
Readers chose poems that meant something to them - some well-known classics, others lesser-known, and a few original works. Monica Browne, representing Emigrant Park, opened with W.B. Yeats’ ‘The Lake Isle of Innisfree,’ while Ollie Burke of the Men’s Shed brought Anthony Raftery’s ‘Cill Aodáin’ to life with warmth and familiarity.
Denise Nagel, from St Louis Community School, gave a spirited reading of ‘Snow Joke’ by Simon Armitage, while Áine Rowland chose Pádraig Pearse’s ‘The Wayfarer’, a poem still deeply resonant today.
Kiltimagh GAA’s Gerry King offered ‘Going Home to Mayo’ by Paul Durcan - a piece that drew nods of recognition from the audience.
David McNicholas, on behalf of the Tidy Towns committee, read the humorous selection ‘Old is Gold or So I’m Told,’ while Basil Burke of the Historical Society presented ‘Getting Old,’ laced with wit and wisdom.
From the Women's Group, Patricia McDonagh brought the emotion of ‘The Old Woman of the Roads’ by Padraic Colum, and Patricia Ashby of the Kiltimagh Writers chose Yeats again, this time ‘The Song of the Wandering Aengus’. Martin Byrne, representing Kiltimagh Tourism, read Seamus Heaney’s ‘Hands,’ while Mary Moran of the Kiltimagh Book Club shared ‘The Listeners’ by Walter de la Mare. From the world of drama, Henry Kelly of Clann Machua performed ‘Coillte Maghua,’ a poem by local poet Gus Sweeney with Mick Dolan sharing ‘Darren’s Bike’ by Ray McGrael.
There were also two original compositions read —-one by James Corcoran, and another by Patty McNicholas - each met with warm applause and appreciation.
Adding to the atmosphere was live music, with performances by Village Folk, traditional musicians from St Louis Community School, and a special set by Denise and Tim. Local favourite Billy Coleman also featured, making the evening a well-rounded cultural gathering.
Speaking afterwards, Terry McDonagh said: “The idea was simple: ask people to choose a poem that means something to them and share it. And the result was something very special - it was warm, funny, sometimes moving, and deeply local.”
The venue, cosy and full of character, may have limited numbers, but that only added to the intimacy of the occasion.
As well as organising the event, Terry is also marking the release of his new collection of poetry for children, , published by Calendar Road Press. The book, drawn from Terry’s years of working with children in schools around the world, is already finding its way into classrooms both in Ireland and abroad.
Thursday’s event served as a reminder of how poetry - whether read in a café in Kiltimagh or a school in Hamburg - continues to offer connection, reflection, and joy. As the evening came to a close, it was clear that in Kiltimagh, poetry still finds its place - not on a pedestal, but in the everyday voices of a community proud to share its words.
The redevelopment of Gilmartin Park, home of Kiltimagh GAA Club, is nearing completion and is set to open in the summer and the club is appealing for help to defray the costs involved.
The project includes a new 242-seat cantilever stand, two floodlit training areas, and a realigned main pitch.
To help reduce its debt, the club has launched an innovative fundraising initiative, the Sponsor a Seat campaign. For a sponsorship fee of €350, individuals can have a seat in the new stand named in their own name, their family’s name, or in memory of a loved one. The sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with a random allocation through an open draw.
This ambitious project aims to transform the club’s facilities, providing top-tier amenities for both players and supporters. Years in the making, the development reflects the dedication and vision of the club’s members, coaches, and the local community. It has been a collective effort, with players, coaches, and volunteers all playing an essential role.
The total cost of the redevelopment is expected to exceed €500,000. Some of the funds have been raised through previous initiatives, while the club has also secured €182,000 from two sports capital grants and €39,000 from the Connacht GAA Council.
Kiltimagh GAA is in a unique position, facing challenges due to a small catchment area and fewer local businesses compared to nearby towns. The surrounding clubs of Moy Davitts, Balla, Mayo Gaels, Claremorris, Swinford, and Aghamore draw from much larger areas. Despite these challenges, the club offers football to players of all ages, from under-4s to senior level, catering to both male and female players.
The club appeals to the community and the Kiltimagh diaspora to sponsor a seat in the new stand. Anyone interested in sponsoring a seat in the new Kiltimagh GAA stand, should contact the club via email at kiltimaghgaaseats@gmail.com or reach out to any member of the executive.
There was a strong turnout again this week at the 25 Drive in Kiltimagh, with some closely contested games right through the night.
First prize went to Teresa Coleman and Tom Flatley, after a consistent run across the tables. Kathleen Gill and John Walsh finished in second place. A playoff was needed to separate third, with John Clancy and Pius Forde coming out on top.
The last ten was shared between John Gallagher and Brian McNulty, and Tom Begley and Seamus Larkin. Mary and Liam Moran took the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Paddy Carney, Mary Moran and Richard Carney.
The next meeting of the Kiltimagh Women’s Group will take place in the Library this evening, Tuesday, May 6th, at 7pm. The group will have a guest speaker on the night, who will give a talk entitled ‘Tips for the older driver.’
All ladies are very welcome.
Congratulations to Odhran Griffin who won the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 jackpot last week. Odhran won €317 in the draw.
Brenda O’Carroll was last week’s winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw. Brenda won €645 in the draw which was held in The Tavern.
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 last with removal to the Church of Our Lady, Barnacarroll via Ballyfarna. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday at 12 noon, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
