Local Notes: Countdown is on to Coillte Come Home Festival
At The Green Schools Flags Awards Western Region 2026 ceremony, at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, were students from Balla Secondary School, with their teacher Adrian Philips, and Mary Forde (Environmental Awareness Office, Mayo Co Council). Picture: Trish Forde
Preparations are continuing in Kiltimagh for the return of the Coillte Come Home Festival, which will take place from July 8th to July 13th.
The annual event, which is organised by Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, is expected to once again bring a busy programme of music, entertainment, sport and community activities to the town across six days.
Festival organisers have already confirmed a number of events for this year’s programme, including live music performances, comedy, fireworks displays, sporting competitions and family activities. Music sessions and entertainment are also expected to take place in local pubs throughout the week.
Among the headline attractions announced so far is the return of popular group Ruaile Buaile, who will perform in Kiltimagh on Saturday, July 11th. The band has become a regular feature of festival week in recent years and organisers expect another large attendance for the concert.
Other events scheduled for the festival include the Coillte Come Laugh comedy night, Live on Main Street entertainment, the Race2Glory competition, a Soccer World Cup event and the annual Kids Tractor Run.
Festival organisers are also encouraging local organisations, clubs and community groups to become involved in this year’s programme. As work continues on the official festival brochure, groups hosting events during festival week are being invited to submit details for inclusion.
Community gatherings, sporting fixtures, workshops, fundraising events, music sessions and other local activities taking place between July 8th and July 13th can be submitted by emailing kiltimaghtourism@gmail.com.
Organisers say further announcements and event details will be released over the coming weeks as preparations continue for one of the town’s busiest weeks of the year.
Transition Year students from the John Paul II programme recently took part in a number of projects at the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh.
Continuing an annual tradition, the students prepared flower baskets for the grave of Fr Paddy, with many of those involved having been baptised by him. Appreciation was extended to John Brennan for donating the flowers and for speaking with the students during the project.
Students also assisted with improvement work around the parish grounds. Annalise Fleming and Emma Jane Clark used their artistic talents to repaint and rejuvenate the parish sign. The work has been welcomed as part of ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance the appearance of the church grounds.
Thirty pupils from St Aidan’s National School along with three pupils from Craggagh National School received their First Holy Communion last week at the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh.
The ceremony marked an important occasion for the children and their families, with pupils from St Aidan’s prepared for the sacrament by Ms Nyland and pupils from Craggagh National School prepared by Mr Mellett.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Quinn and Fr Pat Lynch, assisted by Deacon Martin Lynch.
Music during the ceremony was provided by pupils from fourth and fifth class at St Aidan’s National School, who sang hymns throughout the Mass.
Ciarán Ryan has been appointed as the new principal of St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, bringing with him a wealth of educational leadership experience and a strong commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
Mr Ryan takes up the prestigious appointment following four successful years as principal of Mount St Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, where he was widely respected for his dedication to students, staff and the wider school community. Prior to his role in Claremorris, Mr Ryan served for five years as deputy principal of Presentation College, Headford. During his time there, he also taught Business, Economics and Religious Education, while additionally holding the position of Director of Adult Education.
Mr Ryan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership from Maynooth University, as well as a Master’s degree in Christian Leadership in Education from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and is a passionate advocate of co-education and the holistic development of each student.
Speaking following his appointment, Mr Ryan said he is honoured and delighted to have been selected to lead St Louis Community School.
“I am truly looking forward to taking up the position of principal in St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh. It is a privilege to be appointed to such a prestigious role in such a fine school under the trusteeship of the Le Chéile Schools Trust and Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board.
“I am excited to play my part in providing a holistic and enriching educational experience for the students of St Louis Community School. I look forward to working with my new colleagues, the board of management, and parents as we continue to build on the strong tradition of excellence in teaching and learning established under the leadership of my predecessor, Regina Anderson. I wish her every success in her new role as Director of Schools with MSLETB."
Mr Ryan’s appointment has been warmly welcomed across educational circles, with many acknowledging the experience, professionalism and leadership qualities he brings to the role.
As he prepares to begin this new chapter in Kiltimagh, there is great optimism for the continued growth and success of St Louis Community School under his leadership.
Another enjoyable evening of cards was held at the weekly 25 Card Drive, where a strong turnout enjoyed plenty of lively competition and close games.
First prize went to Michael Costello and Martin Regan, who finished top of the standings after a consistent performance throughout the night. Second place was secured by Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle, while Mary and Richard Carney claimed third.
The Last 10 prize went to Aiden McDonagh and Denis Regan, while Mary and Jimmy Doyle picked up the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Dave Molloy, Liam Moran, Mary Doyle and Denis Regan.
Preparations are underway for the start of the 2026 Coillte Come Home Darts League, with teams now confirmed ahead of the opening fixtures later this month.
The competition will once again bring players together across pubs in Kiltimagh for what organisers expect to be a busy summer of darts and local rivalry.
Teams taking part this year represent Teach O’Hora, Ryan’s, Tavern, Kitty’s and Langan’s, with players from across the area involved in the league.
The league is scheduled to begin on May 31st. Prior to the opening matches, all teams have been asked to gather in their respective pubs on May 24th to meet teammates and prepare for the competition.
Organisers wished all teams the best ahead of the new season as another summer of local darts competition gets underway in Kiltimagh.
Kiltimagh experienced an unusual and eye-catching visitor attraction last week when more than 40 McLaren sports cars arrived in the town as part of an international touring event organised by the McLaren Owners Club UK.
A total of 42 McLaren vehicles gathered at the Park Hotel, transforming the area around the hotel and town centre as local residents and passing motorists stopped to admire the line-up of high-performance cars. The arrival of the convoy brought colour, activity and a different atmosphere to the town during the afternoon stop.
The visiting group included McLaren owners and enthusiasts from across Britain and Europe, with members travelling from locations including London, Kent, Devon, the Midlands and Finland. Organisers explained that the trip marked the club’s first organised tour of Ireland.
The visit formed part of a wider driving tour through the west of Ireland, with members travelling scenic routes across Mayo and beyond. The itinerary included visits to locations such as Ballina, Westport and parts of the Wild Atlantic Way before the group regrouped in Kiltimagh for lunch at the Park Hotel.
The sight of dozens of McLaren cars parked together created strong local interest, with many people gathering to view the vehicles and speak with drivers during their stay. The cars represented a wide range of McLaren models, many powered by 3.8-litre and 4-litre twin turbo V8 engines. Depending on model and specification, values ranged from approximately €100,000 to over €300,000.
The McLaren Owners Club UK is one of the largest clubs associated with the luxury performance car manufacturer and organises touring events, social gatherings and track days throughout Britain and Europe. Club representatives said the organisation includes hundreds of members and continues to grow as interest in the brand increases internationally.
The Kiltimagh stop also highlighted the town’s growing reputation as a convenient and central location for touring groups visiting the west of Ireland. Organisers noted the hospitality shown during the visit and the suitability of the area as a base for travelling groups exploring the region.
For many local people, the visit offered a rare opportunity to see such a large collection of McLaren sports cars gathered together in one location, with the event generating considerable attention throughout the town.
The death has occurred of Kathleen Kenny (née Walsh) of Curhavnaugh, Aghamore, and formerly of Bushfield, Kiltimagh. Kathleen died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by her family on May 17th, 2026. She was predeceased by her parents Mike and Kitty Walsh and her brother Michael John.
Kathleen will be deeply regretted by her beloved husband Andy, daughter Caroline (McGrath), son Keith, grandson Luke, sister Mary Forde, brothers Tommy and Jimmy Walsh, son-in-law Brendan McGrath, nieces Pamela, Lorraine and Marissa, nephew Thomas Forde, brothers-in-law Brendan (Una), Kevin (Rosario) and Dermot (Susan), sisters-in-law Mary Caulfield (John) and Evelyn Murphy, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Kathleen’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Wednesday evening, May 20th. Her Funeral Mass was held in St Joseph’s Church, Aghamore on Thursday morning, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of PJ Gormally, formerly of Treanlaur, Kiltimagh, who passed away peacefully at Swiss Cottage, London.
PJ was predeceased by his loving parents Nora and Thomas, brother Michael, and nephew Henry. He will be very sadly missed by his brothers Tom (Bray) and James (Treanlaur, Kiltimagh), nieces and nephews Patricia, Tommy, Seamus and Peter (Bray), Maureen (Newcastle), Michael and Karen (Castlebar), and Christina (Greystones), extended family, neighbours and many friends.
PJ’s Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh on Saturday, May 23rd, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May he rest in peace.
