Local Notes: Countdown on in Kiltimagh to County Final
Kiltimagh players in action against Northern Gaels in the Treenlaur Catering Mayo Junior Football Championship earlier this year. Picture: David Farrell Photography
In an unconventional yet determined march to the final, Kiltimagh GAA Club has booked a place in the Treanlaur Catering Junior A Championship Final, where they will face Eastern Gaels of Brickens. The decider is set for Sunday next, October 26th at 4pm in MacHale Park in Castlebar, and a compelling clash of two clubs both eager to climb out of junior football is expected.
Kiltimagh’s journey has been anything but straightforward. They opened their campaign with a win over Kilmovee but stumbled in their next two outings, losing to Tourmakeady and Northern Gaels. Despite the defeats, they edged through the group stages on scoring difference - a rare route to the knockout rounds.
“I’d say it’s unheard of to qualify in such circumstances,” Kiltimagh manager, Mick Regan told the . “The qualifying group was very tight. It was down to our scoring difference earlier on. We had the best scoring difference - that’s how we got through.”
Once in the knockouts, Kiltimagh found their form, defeating Shrule-Glencorrib in the quarter-finals and seeing off Ardagh in the semi-final to book their ticket to the showpiece event.
Yet, despite their late surge, Mick is cautious as he prepares his side for the big game.
“I’m always a bit anxious ahead of games like this,” he admitted when asked about his mood heading into the final. “But you have to be optimistic. If you don’t think you’re going to win it, there’s no point being there at all.
"Eastern Gaels are a powerful team. They beat us twice this year alone. They’re a powerful running team.”
When pressed on how Kiltimagh plans to counteract their opponents' strength, Mick immediately pointed to his backroom team.
“I’ve good backroom men with me - Conor Heneghan, Micheál Schlingerman, Liam Murtagh, Shane Vahey. I think they will do their homework. I don’t know how exactly we’ll counteract Eastern Gaels at this stage, but hopefully we’ll come up with a winning plan.”
Kiltimagh were relegated to Junior last year and are keen to return to Intermediate football at the first time of asking.
“Every team that’s in Junior is anxious to get out of Junior,” Mick said. “We’re no different to Eastern Gaels in that regard. We dropped into Junior last year and people say the best time to get back out is straight away.”
The manager, who has been in charge for two and a half years after stepping in mid-season, is full of praise for his team’s unity and structure.
Asked about standout players, he refused to single anyone out.
“We have no individual star players. Some of the other teams have star players but we’re a fairly balanced team. That’s what I’d call us.”
Mick said that several key players are unlikely to feature.
“Cian Gallagher is out, David Lydon is out, Seán Moran, Jack Morley, Jack Creighton, you know, they’re all out,” he said. “And other players could get injured at training or even in the warm-up. We won’t really know our full strength until the Friday night before the game.”
Looking ahead, some might question whether the club, having struggled in Intermediate previously, is ready to return. Mick doesn’t share those doubts.
“The young lads have developed more. The older lads have grown- up too. I think this team, if it went up, would compete well,” he insisted.
He recalled a narrow loss to Hollymount-Carramore last season as an example of how tight the margins can be in Intermediate football.
“Nobody knew how Hollymount won that game. If we’d won that, we could have gone on to make the quarter-finals - maybe even further. It’s really small margins.”
Kiltimagh’s preparations are ongoing, and Mick is banking on his backroom help to fine-tune the side ahead of the final.
“I couldn’t speak highly enough about the backroom team I’ve got. I think they’re all good footballing heads. I’m hoping that they’ll gain us a couple of points on the day.”
Kiltimagh Writers, a vibrant and dynamic group who meet every second Wednesday at 7pm in Kiltimagh Library, will take part in a special literary evening in Sligo this week.
Tomorrow, Wednesday October 22nd, the group will represent Kiltimagh Library at a joint reading event with writers from Sligo, Ballymote and Tubbercurry libraries. The gathering will take place in the iconic McLaughlin’s Bar on Market Street, Sligo, at 7pm.
Kiltimagh Writers are currently working on an exciting new anthology of their work, showcasing the creativity and talent within the group.
The Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, recently marked the Children’s Day of Mission Prayer with a special Mass attended by pupils from St Aidan’s, Craggagh National School and St Louis Secondary School.
Members of the St John Paul II Society also took part, leading the congregation in the Rosary as prayers were offered for missionaries and for children around the world.
The occasion also marked the conclusion of the Season of Creation. To celebrate, daffodils were planted and a native oak tree was blessed. The tree will be planted outside Craggagh School as a symbol of peace with creation. The parish’s biodiversity garden, together with the flowers and newly blessed tree, stand as signs of hope for the present and the future.
Another enjoyable night of cards took place at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close contests and good humour throughout.
First prize went to the pairing of John Clancy and Brian McNulty, who led the field after a fine evening’s play. In second place were Tom Durkin and Francis McNicholas, while third place was shared between two pairs - Margaret Sweeney and Aidan McDonagh, and Michael Carney and Michael Costello - following some tightly fought games.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was divided three ways, with Patsy Flatley and Patricia Hyland, Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon, and Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy all sharing the honours.
Mary and Liam Moran claimed the spot prize, while the raffle winners were Aidan Lydon, John Walsh, Mary Carney, and Margaret Sweeney.
Martin Walsh won the jackpot of €843 in the local GAA club’s 50/50 draw last week.
Kiltimagh GAA expressed its appreciation to everyone who takes part weekly. The draw plays an important role in funding teams and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets can be purchased online or through local outlets.
There was delight for the Murphy family last week as Tom, Lily and Evie (c/o John Folliard, Agahamore,) won the jackpot in the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. Their lucky ticket landed them a prize of €377.
The previous week’s winner was Francis Campbell from Knock who took home €200.
The club congratulated the winners and thanked all who entered the draw. Tickets for the KKU draw are available online, as well as in local shops and pubs.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festival's much-loved Spooky Walk returns this year with a few new twists - and organisers promise it will be a bit different but just as much fun as previous years. The event takes place on this Saturday, October 25, with a special 'Less Spooky' stroll for tots at 4.30pm and the main Spooky Walk at 7pm, as well as a fireworks display at 9pm.
Participants will enter through the Sculpture Park area and finish at the official entrance near the garage, with the route designed to give families a fresh experience.
“Everyone knew exactly where each spooky bit was for the last couple of years,” Ann Moran, chairperson of Kiltimagh Tourism Festival said, “so we’re just changing it up a bit, that’s all. There’ll be a few new surprises and a few frights for good measure.”
The event is mainly aimed at children of primary school age, though older children and teenagers often join in too.
As in previous years, the walk will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The event draws huge crowds every year, with visitors coming from across Mayo and beyond.
Parents are encouraged to accompany their children, and the walk operates on a voluntary contribution basis.
The Tourism Festival group remind everyone to follow the directions of stewards and observe safety guidelines on the night.
The response to the Comórtas Ealaíne organised by CLG Coillte Mach in conjunction with the visit of Uachtarán an Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, exceeded all expectations.
The art competition, arranged by the club’s Oifigeach Cultúir, Aingeal Uí Mhaicín, was open to schools within the parish and attracted more than 100 entries. Adjudicators noted that the standard of work was exceptionally high and that many of the young participants displayed significant artistic potential.
Thug Aingeal Uí Mhaicín ard-mholadh do gach éinne a ghlac páirt is rinne sí comhghairdeas leo siúd a bhuaigh duaiseanna. Ghabh sí buíochas do na múinteoirí a ghríosaigh a gcuid scoláirí cur isteach ar an gcomórtas agus do na tuismitheoirí a spreag iad.
The presentation of prizes took place at the club’s special event marking the official opening of the new pitch and facilities. Bhronn Daithí Ó Gallachóir, Oifigeach Cultúir CLG Mhaigh Eo, the awards on the day.
In the Rang 1, 2 and 3 category, first place went to Odhrán Ó Luachra of Scoil Aodáin, second to Saoirse Ní Dhochartaigh, also from Scoil Aodáin, and third to Isabella Ní Chuinneáin, again of Scoil Aodáin.
In the Rang 4, 5 and 6 category, the winner was Jonah Mac Cathail of Creagach, with second place awarded to Anna Savytska of Scoil Aodáin and third to Jacob Zuzik, also of Scoil Aodáin.
Among post-primary students, Bliain 1, 2 agus 3 saw Elen Jounova of Meánscoil Lughaidh take first place, followed by Aoife Ní Bhraonáin in second and Lily Ní Bhroin in third. In the senior category, Bliain 4, 5 agus 6, first place was awarded to Megan Ní Bhroin, second to Róisín Ní Rothláin, and third to Laura Ní Lorcáin, all from Meánscoil Lughaidh.
The organisers expressed their appreciation to all who participated and contributed to making the Comórtas Ealaíne a memorable part of this important occasion for CLG Coillte Mach.
Mayo Scór na nÓg will take place in Moygownagh Hall on Friday, November 7, at 7pm. Anyone from CLG Coillte Mach who wishes to participate should contact Aingeal Uí Mhaicín on 087-988 5165 by Friday, October 31. Participants must be 17 years or under on January 1 last.
The death has occurred of Josephine Mary Philomena Curtis (née Johnson), Barrister-at-Law, Four Courts and Land Registry, of Balloorclerhy, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Old Heathfield, East Sussex; Tonbridge, Kent; and Main Street, Kiltimagh.
Josephine died peacefully on October 13, 2025, in the wonderful care of the staff of University Hospital Galway.
Josephine was predeceased by her parents Agnes and Richard Johnson, her husband Herbert Curtis, her sister Ita Heneghan, brothers-in-law Dennis Peterson and Michael Heneghan, and her son-in-law David Banks. Josephine will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her daughters Rebecca (England) and Camilla (Kiltimagh), son-in-law Eamon, grandchildren Natalie, Genevieve and Benedict, sisters Anne (Australia), Rosemary (Ballaghaderreen), Martina (Galway) and Mary (Kiltimagh), brother Frank (Australia), brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Margaret, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.
Private cremation will take place at a later date at Shannon Crematorium.
The death has occurred of Tommy Govin of Thomas Street, Kiltimagh, and late of Mace Lower, Claremorris. Tommy died peacefully at his home, in the loving care of his family, after a long illness borne with dignity and great bravery.
Tommy was predeceased by his parents Tom and Josie, brother Billy, sister Jackie and nephew JJ McHugh. He is deeply missed by his loving wife Patricia, daughters Niamh and Fiona, son-in-law Declan, sisters Marie, Margaret and Joanna, brothers John and Michael, brothers-in-law Michael, Cem and Jarlath, sisters-in-law Mairin, Marguerite and Tina, nephews, nieces, grandnephew, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Tommy’s remains reposed in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Friday evening from 6 to 8pm. Requiem Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh on Saturday at 3pm, followed by burial in Barnacarroll Cemetery.
Margaret Finn (née Allen) of Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co Galway who died on October 4, was a sister of Judy Byrne, Kiltimagh. Sympathy is extended to her family and friends.
