Local Notes: Double league final success for Kiltimagh teams
The Kiltimagh minor team delivered a strong performance to secure a well-earned win over Erris St Pats in the Mayo League Final. Picture: Sally Lavin
It was a memorable week for Kiltimagh GAA as two of the club’s underage teams claimed League Final victories in tightly contested matches.
The minor boys team delivered a strong performance to secure a well-earned win over Erris St Pats. The final score read Kiltimagh 2-12, Erris St Pats 1-11, with the team and management praised for their efforts and composure throughout the match.
Meanwhile, the U16 boys team also celebrated success following a dramatic encounter with Lahardane. The match finished in a draw at full-time - Kiltimagh 5-11 to Lahardane’s 3-17 - sending the tie to extra time. In a tense finish, Kiltimagh edged out their opponents with a final extra-time scoreline of 1-5 to 1-3.
Both teams were congratulated by the club on their achievements and for their commitment throughout the league campaign.
There were emotional scenes at St Louis Community School last week as students and staff said farewell to two much-loved colleagues.
Murt Dunleavy and school secretary Rena Conroy retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service to the school community.
A special send-off was held on their final day, including a surprise celebration organised by Ms O’Brien, Ms Morrison, the Student Council, chaplaincy team and the school’s trad group. Both staff members were thanked warmly for their years of kindness, commitment and care.
The Federation for Victim Assistance (FVA), a national charity based in Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, is running a major fundraising campaign with a top prize of a new 2025 Nissan Qashqai. The prize draw is part of a wider effort to support the organisation’s vital work for victims of crime and trauma across Ireland.
The car on offer is a new 1.3 litre SV Mild Hybrid model, with 140 brake horsepower and a modern, fuel-efficient engine, combining comfort with reduced emissions. Tickets for the draw cost €20 each or three for €50. They can be purchased directly from the charity’s offices in Kiltimagh, by calling 1800 277 477, or online at www.victimassistance.ie. The draw will take place at Christmas.
In addition to the car raffle, the Federation recently held a bonus draw for a €300 voucher to Center Parcs. All those who purchased a car draw ticket before June 1st were automatically entered into this additional draw. The winner was Denise Regan of Killeadan, Kiltimagh. The winning ticket was drawn in the charity’s Aiden Street office by Ann Walsh.
Center Parcs Ireland is located in a 400-acre woodland near Ballymahon, Co. Longford, offering a wide range of activities and accommodation for families and groups. Denise can use the €300 voucher towards a short break at the forest resort.
Meanwhile, the Federation is also appealing to the public to support its nomination for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. This national fund is designed to help community organisations like FVA continue and expand their work. The charity is urging people to take just a few minutes to nominate them online. Nominations are open until June 25th, and each nomination increases the chance that the Federation will receive a portion of the available funding.
To complete a nomination, supporters must visit the AIB website, select the Community Fund nomination form, and enter the Federation for Victim Assistance as their chosen charity. The registered charity number required for the nomination is 20062927. Under the category section, supporters are asked to choose the ‘Social’ theme and select ‘Other’ to complete the process.
For further information on how to support the Federation’s work, or to buy raffle tickets online, visit www.victimassistance.ie.
An evening celebrating Welsh culture is set to take place in Kiltimagh later this month, offering a blend of music, song, poetry, and prose. The event, titled ‘Dragon in Mayo’, is being organised by the Kiltimagh Writers’ Group, Pen & Ink, in collaboration with the Folk Café. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 18th, at 7.30pm.
The evening will feature guest performers who live locally and either hail from Wales or have strong Welsh ties. Audiences can expect a rich variety of creative performances with a distinctive Welsh flavour.
An Open Mic session will also form part of the programme, with three-minute slots available for participants. While contributions relating to Wales are especially encouraged, they are not essential for those wishing to take part.
The event is open to all, whether attending to perform or simply to enjoy an evening immersed in storytelling and song.
There was another strong turnout at the weekly 25 Card Drive in Kiltimagh where competition was lively and several familiar faces featured among the prize winners.
First place went to the pairing of Colette Lavelle and Flor Higgins, who came out on top after a series of tightly contested games. Joint second place was shared between James Walsh and Paddy Carney, and the pairing of Pius Forde and Francis McNicholas.
The Last 10 prize was also split, with Mary and Jimmy Doyle and Martin Regan and Danny Doherty each taking a share.
Ciaran McDonnell and Jack Ryan claimed the spot prize, while the raffle winners on the night were Joe Boyle, Danny Doherty, Mary Doyle and Alo Langan.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s CMS Park is set to host another exciting summer of football as JC Coaching prepares to return for an eight-week Football Academy programme. Following the strong response over the last two years, the Academy will once again offer top-class coaching for young players during June, July and August.
The sessions will be delivered by UEFA and FAI-qualified coaches and are open to both boys and girls in the U10, U12 and U14 age groups. The initiative aims to help young players develop their skills, improve fitness, and enjoy the game in a fun and supportive environment.
To help gauge interest and tailor the programme to suit local demand, JC Coaching is inviting parents and guardians of players in these age brackets to complete a short online survey. The club is encouraging as many families as possible to take part in the survey to ensure another successful summer of football.
Full details of the academy, including dates and registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Kiltimagh Knock United and JC Coaching thank all parents for their continued support and look forward to another great season at CMS Park. The link to the survey can be found on the KKU social media pages.
Kiltimagh Knock United has expressed its deep appreciation to CMS Distribution and company founder Frank Salmon for their ongoing support as the club’s main sponsor. The partnership, which has been a cornerstone of the club’s development in recent years, continues to play a significant role in supporting its ambitions both on and off the field.
The club, which serves a growing membership across all age groups, credits CMS Distribution’s backing as essential in helping to improve its facilities and expand its programmes. The sponsorship is enabling further investment in infrastructure and resources that benefit both players and the wider Kiltimagh and Knock communities.
“This support is making a real impact,” a club spokesperson said. “Thanks to CMS, we’ve been able to make meaningful progress, not just in terms of results on the pitch, but in strengthening our identity as a vibrant and inclusive community club.”
Kiltimagh Knock United, which continues to field teams at multiple levels, has seen a steady rise in membership in recent seasons. The club remains committed to providing a welcoming environment for players of all ages and abilities and sees strong local sponsorship as vital to its continued success.
The slogan “Kiltimagh Knock United – Your Community Club” captures the essence of its mission, while the backing of CMS Distribution, whose own motto is “Connecting People to Technology”, has ensured that mission is increasingly well supported.
Congratulations to Eoghan Lavin who picked up the top prize of €678 in last week’s Kiltimagh GAA 50/50 draw. The draw was held in The Tavern and attracted strong local interest.
Kiltimagh GAA thanked all who took part and reminded supporters that tickets remain available both online and from local businesses. The club continues to invest in its facilities and programmes and acknowledged the important role the weekly draw plays in sustaining these efforts.
Seán Cunnane from Knock was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, claiming a prize of €448. The draw remains a vital fundraiser for the club, helping support its teams at all levels.
KKU expressed its thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw, whether by buying tickets in shops, pubs or online. Weekly participation not only gives entrants a chance to win but also helps secure the club’s future on and off the pitch.
The death has occurred of Maureen Walsh (née Healy), Church Street, Kiltimagh and formerly of Clarkfield, Knock. Maureen died peacefully at home.
Maureen was predeceased by her husband Frank, daughter Catherine, parents Martin and Delia, brother Sean, and son-in-law Pat O’Connor. Maureen will be deeply missed by her children Evelyn (O’Connor), Louis, Paul, Frank, Eamon, Padraic, Joseph, Noel and Sara (Keogh), son-in-law and daughters-in-law Evelyn, Wendy, Fiona, Mary, Elizabeth, Joan and Pat, grandchildren Padraic, Nicole, Lauren, Mikey, David, Steven, Lyndsay, Una, Deirdre, Aisling, Donal, Eoghan, Emma, Adrienne, Jade, Kenan, Evan, Erinn, Joseph and Jason, great-grandchildren Matilda, Elissa Lina and Willow Walsh, sisters Anne (O’Hora) and Christeen (Reddington), brother Martin Healy, extended family, nieces, nephews, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Maureen’s remains reposed at her home on Wednesday evening. Removal took place on Thursday morning to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh for Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
