Local Notes: Delight in Claremorris as St Colman's win Connacht title
The victorious St Colman's team following their Connacht PPS senior 'A' football championship victory over Summerhill College. Picture: Conor McKeown
Darragh Beirne inspired St Colman's College to glory in the Connacht GAA PPS Senior 'A' Football Championship final against Summerhill College at Ballyhaunis last week. The memorable clash was a thrilling encounter from start to finish between two excellent teams who both wanted to win.
Beirne scored 1-5 and was a constant threat as St Colman's won by three points, 2-9 to 1-9, to claim the Aonghus Murphy Cup, last won in 2019.
In a tight, well-contested decider, first-half goals from match-winner Darragh Beirne and Ciaran Treacy gave St Colman's the edge, but they had to withstand a fierce second-half comeback from Summerhill.
Scorers St Colman's: Darragh Beirne 1-5 (2f, 1 ‘mark’); Ciaran Treacy 1-0; Ronan Kelly 0-2 (2f); Sean O’Connell 0-1; Ben Sheridan 0-1.
St Colman's College: Evan Campbell, Stefan Petkovic, Rio Mortimer, Nathan Gill, David Hurley, Mark Noonan, Dara Flanagan, Craig Cassidy, Ronan Kelly, Cathal Tierney, Jake Mullins, Dylan Burke, Seán O’Connell, Darragh Beirne, Ciaran Treacy. Subs: Tom Hession for Petkovic, Ben Sheridan for Mortimer, Jack Comer for Mullin.
Darren Forde, coordinator of the Hollymount, Carras, Robeen Parish CFR and AED Group, has set up a fundraising page to raise funds for the upkeep of the seven AEDs which are located around the area.
The group covers a 10km radius from Hollymount which takes in all of Ballinrobe Town and part of Claremorris Town. All funds will be used for future purchases and maintenance of the seven community defibrillators, which can cost thousands. When any AED needs replacement, the group must be in a position to replace it immediately. To do so, they need help, support and funds.
The seven AEDs are all located outside in new heated boxes at Robeen Church, Roundfort Church, Carras Church, Lehinch National School, Hollymount GAA dressing room, Hollymount Hall and Garrymore GAA clubhouse. The group has one mobile AED which is privately owned and stored in an EMT’s car. This will be used wherever needed.
The group is currently made up of 50 CFR-trained volunteers, covering all of the areas around where the defibrillators are located. They also have a specially trained team of six Community CFR, consisting of five 999 Emergency Text Response Nurses and one EMT, who will all receive a text from Ambulance Control at the same time as the ambulance crew receives the local emergency call. They are hoping that one or more of the 999 Responder volunteers will be at the patient well before the ambulance arrives to provide lifesaving support.
Community support and funds are very important in keeping this voluntary service on track.
Claremorris Colts Rugby Park has been designated a no-dog zone on health and safety grounds.
The concern is not for the dogs, that they might be in any special danger of being caught up in a scrum or being over-run by forwards diving for the end-line. The club is concerned about the possible effects of dog fouling on the pitch and the bacteria which may be present in such circumstances. Failure to clean up after a dog can result in humans, particularly children, becoming infected by a dog parasite that can cause blindness.
The club’s primary concern is for the safety of its players and coaches and is asking for the co-operation of dog owners.
The organising committee of the Claremorris St Patrick’s Day Parade would like to invite organisations, schools, clubs, community groups, and businesses from Claremorris and all the surrounding areas to get involved in the 2025 parade. This year’s theme is ‘Irish myths legends and folklore’.
The renowned composer Patrick Cassidy, originally from Claremorris and now based in the United States, has been named as Grand Marshal. There will be music and entertainment from 1pm, with the parade at 3pm. There will be a fireworks display at 8pm.
The committee would like to thank their lead sponsors CBE, who are sponsoring the firework display, and St Colman’s Credit Union, the lead sponsors for the parade. The public can support the parade through sponsorship, by entering a float, or by decorating their premises or house in the town.
The winning teams in the annual Credit Union Quiz were:
Competition A U11: Robeen NS, Barnacarroll NS, The Neale NS.
Competition B U13: Robeen NS, Claremorris NS, Kilcolman Campus, The Neale NS.
Some 30 teams from our local national schools took part in the quiz which was held in The McWilliam Park Hotel. The organisers wish to send a huge thank you to quiz master, Jimmy Lardner.
The annual general meeting of Claremorris LGFA will be held on Sunday next, February 23rd, at 7pm in the GAA Clubhouse. Everyone is welcome to attend.
If there are any players or parents who would like to lend their support to the club’s underage teams, they are invited to attend. All necessary coaching and training will be given.
A monthly women’s social gathering will take place in Curam Family Centre on Thursday, February 27th, at 7.30pm. All women are welcome to attend for conversation, comradeship, and fun.
Congratulations to Claremorris man, Darragh Joyce, who was part of the Dublin City University (DCU) team that won the Sigerson Cup Final in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Ballyhaunis last week. DCU ran out winners on a scoreline of 1-16 to UCD’s 3-6.
Due to the school ski trip, the St Colman’s College swim team was not as strong as normal for the Regional Post Primary Schools Swimming championships held in Castlebar last week. Those who competed all had personal best performances. The team members were Devin Kelly, Kyle Dillon, Adam McNamara, Cian Healy and David Torres.
Congratulations to all. The college extends thanks to the parents and Claremorris Swimming Club for their continued support.
Denis and Roisin O’Boyle won last week’s Claremorris GAA 50/50. They picked up €815 on their Loyal Blue ticket.
St Colman's College is looking forward to its annual Amber Flag Wellbeing Week from February 24th to 28th.
The Wellbeing Committee has organised various events and workshops throughout the week in the college. The whole-school Wellbeing Walk will be held on Friday, February 28th, where each student and staff member is asked to please donate €2.
This year, all funds raised will be donated to a wonderful, local charity - Cenacolo House, Knock. The Cenacolo Community is an organisation which provides a free, fully residential programme to help people suffering from addiction to change their lives.
Fundraising for the new Claremorris Community Recreational Centre is progressing well with a number of events planned, starting with LipSync Battles, this Saturday, February 22nd at the McWilliam Park Hotel, at 8pm.
The acts are busy fundraising, including a raffle with prizes including two tickets for the Six Nations clash of Ireland and France, and a two-night hotel stay in Dublin. Tickets for the LipSync show, or to enter the Six Nations raffle or support any of the LipSync Acts, are available online at www.events54.com.
Twelve acts will perform at the event, with representation from across the community, which promises to be a night to remember.
‘The Spice Vets’ are thrilled to participate on behalf of DKD Veterinary, and contribute to raising funds for the recreational centre. The group is made up of Sarah Ryan, Charlotte Nichols, Siobhán Regan, Ailbhe Joyce and a mystery guest and are sponsored by DKD Veterinary.
Paul Morrisson will perform as ‘Rod the Mod’ on behalf of Claremorris AFC, helping to raise funds for this important development for the town.
Claremorris GAA and LGFA coaches, referee, physio, lotto champion and volunteers have joined forces to present ‘The Condiments’ - an act made up of Rachel Comer, Karen O'Keefe, Michelle Henry, Padraig O'Reilly, John Glavey and Noel Doherty, representing Claremorris GAA (football and hurling). Their main sponsor is OSENG.
Taking to the stage on behalf of Claremorris Colts Rugby Football Club is Cathal Heaney, with ‘There’s no Show like a…’ Cathal is a veteran of the club, playing rugby with the Colts since the club was formed. Cathal has enjoyed the mud, sweat and cheers and can scrum strong and lift the lineout!
The Ukrainian community of Claremorris is excited to take part in this event with a unique dance battle between two contrasting dance groups. Tada Dance will present a vibrant and energetic Jazz Fun performance, while City Dance, known for its diverse world dance repertoire, will showcase Modern Flamenco. This performance captures the deep emotional intensity of Flamenco while incorporating modern influences such as jazz, rock, and Latin music, creating a fresh and dynamic experience for the audience.
In Ukraine, many community centres provide after-school activities for both children and adults, often offering simultaneous sessions—where a mother attends a fitness class while her child takes a dance lesson in the next room. With this experience, the group sees great potential to enhance leisure opportunities in Claremorris.
The community already has several active projects and is constantly searching for performance space. Many volunteers are willing to offer free classes for the Claremorris community, including various dance styles, singing, arts and crafts, and psychological self-exploration workshops. The main sponsor of ‘Ukraine’s Got Talent!’ is Townley Medical Practice.
Claremorris Community Radio is delighted to be taking part in the event, with ‘The Sound of Our Town,’ to help raise funds for this important development. Taking to the stage will be Anna Derkach, Ana Rodriguez, Laura Castro and John Farragher. Together they are sure to wow with a mix of Claremorris Community Radio's multicultural team of Ukrainian, Brazilian, Mexican and Irish DJs and Funky Dancers on CCR. Their main sponsors are Supervalu Claremorris.
Lewis Lally was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 last week. Lewis won €550 on a ticket bought in Gilligan’s.
Garrymore GAA has announced the appointment of Fintan Forde and Tony Corcoran as senior team managers for the coming year. The club wishes the managers and their backroom team the very best of luck for the coming season.
The death has occurred of Michael Mulrooney (better known as Mick), Kilvindoney, Hollymount, and formerly of Newcastle Under-Lyme, England.
Michael died peacefully at his residence and was predeceased by his parents John and Maureen. He will be deeply regretted by his loving sisters Noreen and Maura (both UK), brother-in-law Malcolm, nephew John, niece Kate, cousin Tommy, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Michael’s remains were removed to Shannon Crematorium for funeral service.
The unexpected death has occurred of Seamus Boland of Dromady, Claremorris, at his home. Seamus was predeceased by his parents Jim and Eileen, and is deeply regretted by his cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Seamus was laid to rest in Crossboyne Cemetery on Thursday last after Mass of the Resurrection in the nearby church.
Mayo Gaels GAA Club celebrates 50 years in existence this year, and as part of the celebration the club is holding a Movie Awards Night in the McWilliam Park Hotel on March 15th.
Six movies have been made throughout Mayo Abbey, Facefield and Ballyglass and they will be presented at the gala Oscars event in the McWilliam Park Hotel on March 15th. The event doubles as a fundraiser to help develop an all-weather pitch, in cooperation with Mayo Abbey NS, on the grounds of the national school.
The films being made for the fundraiser are local versions of ‘Rocky,’ ‘Braveheart’ and ‘The Field,’ as well as classic Irish comedies, ‘Waking Ned Devine,’ ‘Killinaskully’ and ‘Father Ted’.
The cast of ‘Killinaskully - The Pitch’ is made up of James Trench as Dan 'The Dan' Clancy, Fergal Byrne as Jacksie Walsh, Kieran Gibbons as Jimmy Bourke and Bernard Trench as Garda Sergeant Dick O'Toole. Hassan Dabbagh plays Harry the American, with Judith Morley as Mrs Gilhooley, Gay Prendergast as Fr Philip Eno, Kieran Connolly (Billy) as Timmy Higgins. Maria Scahill plays Nurse Maloney while Sharon Lavin, Siobhan Judge and Michael Burke play the Power Walker. The film is produced by Mary Flanagan and directed by Catriona Hughes.
This fundraiser has been a great success so far, with super support from the wider community.
The 'Waking Ned Devine' team wishes to thank everyone who supported the Wax and Shave Party last week and also Malachy Byrne and family for hosting the party. The club extends a huge thank you to Sinead for the waxing, to Yvonne, Sharon, Lisa and Shauna for the shearing and of course to all the 'volunteers' who willingly allowed the ladies to work their magic and transform them into works of art! There are quite a few cool heads and smooth legs in the Mayo Abbey area after the event.
Over the next weeks, each of the movie groups is staging mini fundraisers to support the main cause. There is a scrap metal collection taking place during February while a Race Night will be held this Friday, February 21, in Malachy Byrne’s, Mayo Abbey and a table quiz is scheduled for Friday week, February 28th, in The Rendezvous, Balla.
With Last Man Standing, bingo and a céilí night all coming up, the club plans to close out the fundraiser on a high. Full details are on the Mayo Gaels social media pages.
Claremorris FRC was delighted to welcome the Transition Year students from St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, and their teacher Ms Monaghan last week to learn about the work of the centre.
The students organised a hike to raise money to buy and donate 100kg of products to the centre’s Hygiene Hub. This was a fantastic effort and all involved should be so proud. The products will be distributed to individuals and families in Claremorris.
WEEE Ireland will be holding a recycling day on Tuesday, March 11th, at Davitts GAA, Ballindine, from 10am to 4pm.
All types and sizes of waste electrical items and all sorts of batteries may be recycled for free.
Joe the Magician from RTÉjr is bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to Claremorris Town Hall on Sunday, February 23rd. Doors open at 2pm and the show is at 3pm. Tickets are available from the hall and online at www.townhall.ie.
Parenting when separated can be challenging and confusing. A six-week course that highlights practical steps parents can take to help their children cope and thrive, as well as coping successfully themselves, commences soon.
Running every Wednesday from March 5th to April 9th in Ballyhaunis FRC from 10am to 12.30pm, it is facilitated by two Family Support project workers, Geraldine Glacken (086-0470587) from Ballyhaunis FRC and Maria Cribbin (087-9119714) from Cúram Family Centre. Contact Geraldine or Maria for further information.
Cúram Family Support Service is a service for parents having difficulty in managing their children’s behaviour, parents experiencing a crisis which impacts on their children, and families experiencing communication and relationship difficulties.
A Family Support Drop-In Clinic will run every Tuesday morning, starting on March 4th from 9.30am to 12.30pm in Cúram Family Centre. For further information, please contact family support project worker Maria Cribbin on 087-9119714.
The death has occurred of Sr Mary Bríd Carrick, Carmelite Monastery, Tranquilla, Knock, and formerly of Oranmore, Co Galway.
Sr Mary Bríd is deeply regretted by her Carmelite Sisters, her niece Siobhán, nephews Kieran and Paul and their families, cousin Maureen Broderick, her lifelong friends, Mary Jo and Úna, the devoted staff at the Dalton Nursing Home, Claremorris, and her many friends.
Sr Mary Bríd was laid to rest in the Carmelite Community Cemetery after Requiem Mass on Tuesday last.
