Local Notes: Drama group returns to the stage in Claremorris
The cast from Claremorris Drama Group who performed Walter Macken's 'Home is the Hero' at Ballyhaunis Community Hall for two nights recently. They are back on stage in the coming weeks in Garrymore and Claremorris.
Harvest Moon Theatre Group, a community-based amateur theatre company based in Claremorris, is inviting local residents to get involved in its upcoming productions. The group contests the All-Ireland drama competitions and tours the country.
Harvest Moon is particularly looking for volunteers to join its backstage team, with opportunities available for a sound desk operator, lighting rigger and operator, and stage crew. Previous experience is not required, as training and support can be provided.
The group is keen to hear from anyone with an interest in theatre, whether in technical roles or in other areas such as acting, costumes, props, set building, or front of house. This is an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and be part of creating live theatre for the local community.
Those interested are encouraged to contact the group through their social media channels for more information.
Claremorris AFC has extended its best wishes to young player Kyle Gleeson, who has joined the Galway United Academy for the coming season.
Kyle was part of the club’s underage teams, enjoying success at every stage as he moved up through the age groups. The club said it was proud to have supported his football journey so far and looked forward to following his progress at the next level.
Members and supporters wished Kyle every success with Galway United Under-14s and congratulated him on this exciting step forward in his career.
Claremorris handballers Niall Joyce and Paddy Murphy travelled to Spain last week to compete in the Spanish Open Men’s One Wall Handball Competition, returning home with the Men’s B Doubles title.
The pair put in an impressive series of performances, facing players from Spain, Ireland, England, Belgium, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Bolivia before securing the championship.
Their success in Spain follows their recent All-Ireland Senior 60x30 Hardball Handball Final win just three weeks earlier, underlining a strong run of achievements for the Claremorris players.
St Colman’s College welcomed Community Garda John Monaghan last week to speak with first-year students about online safety, social media and mobile phone use.
Garda Monaghan highlighted both the positives and the risks of mobile phones. While devices help young people stay connected and make daily life easier, he warned that excessive use can harm well-being. Some students reported using their phones for up to four or five hours a day, often late into the night. This, he explained, can interfere with sleep, which is vital for healthy development.
The session also addressed the dangers of inappropriate online behaviour. Garda Monaghan reminded students that misuse of phones, such as posting hurtful comments on social media or in group chats, can have serious consequences.
Parents were advised to be vigilant and to take an active role in guiding their children’s use of technology. Monitoring online activity and encouraging responsible behaviour were highlighted as key steps in ensuring safety.
The school extended its thanks to Garda Monaghan for delivering what was described as a valuable and timely session for students.
Two mornings of cookery demonstrations, focusing on wholesome and nourishing winter dishes, will take place in Cúram on Tuesday, October 14 and Tuesday, October 18, at 10.30am. The cost is €10 per morning and booking is essential as places are limited. To reserve a place, contact 094-9362096.
The Parent and Toddler club meets every Friday morning in Cúram at 10.30am.
The Farmers’ Haggart event will take place in Cúram Family Centre on Monday, October 13, at 8pm. All are welcome.
The meeting, led by local Farm Safety Community Champion, Robert Lally, is part of a new programme launched by Irish Rural Link to promote farm safety and combat labour and social isolation among farmers. The event aims to encourage local farmers to assist one another with simple tasks, foster connections, and rebuild the sense of community once central to farm life.
Tea and refreshments will be served and a competition for a Só Hotel stay will take place on the night.
Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca has expressed its gratitude to Claremorris Men’s Shed for crafting a set of beautiful new benches for the school.
The benches will form an important part of the school’s developing sensory garden, which is currently a work in progress. Staff and pupils alike are delighted with the addition, which will provide a welcoming and calming space for the school community.
Garrymore GAA Club congratulated three local winners in the recent Mayo GAA Club Development Draws. Jamie Burke claimed €200 in the second draw, Gary O’Toole secured €500 in the third draw, and Michael Commins won €200 in the final draw.
The club extended its thanks to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the initiative, which provides vital funding for both county and club developments.
Claremorris native Chloe ní hÍomhair recently took to the skies in a skydive to honour the memory of her late grandparents, Patrick and Kathleen Heaney, and her great-aunt, Una Heaney. All three had received dedicated care from Galway Hospice.
Chloe explained that the Hospice’s community nurses had enabled her grandparents to remain at home, surrounded by family, and that night nurses had provided invaluable support during their final days. Wanting to give back, she decided to step outside her comfort zone.
“I chose a skydive because I wanted to do something exciting and get out of my comfort zone. It was a class experience and I’d definitely do one again,” Chloe said.
Galway Hospice expressed its gratitude, saying: “Thank you, Chloe, for your courage and generosity. We are glad our team could support your grandparents at home, surrounded by their family’s love. We’re sure Patrick, Kathleen, and Una would be so proud - and that they felt you soaring close to them in the sky.”
Sandra Carey was the winner of last week’s Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw, taking home an impressive jackpot of €1,005. Sandra purchased her winning ticket online, a method that continues to grow in popularity with supporters.
The club expressed its gratitude to all who entered, noting that each ticket sold goes directly towards the development of players and the improvement of facilities. Tickets remain available both online and in local shops and pubs.
Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw produced another delighted winner last week, with Niall Kitching scooping the top prize of €500. Niall bought his ticket online, showing once again how the digital platform is helping to expand the reach of the draw.
The club congratulated Niall on his win and extended thanks to all those who continue to enter weekly. Supporters were reminded that every entry helps the club to support its teams across all age groups, as well as maintaining and improving club facilities.
There was huge excitement at Claremorris Golf Club as its lotto draw produced a major jackpot winner last week. Breda Kilkenny of Knock scooped the top prize of €6,050, a fantastic return for her support.
The club warmly congratulated Breda on her win and extended sincere thanks to all members and supporters who continue to back the lotto week after week.
Claremorris and District Lions Club, in partnership with Claremorris Red Cross, will host a Diabetes Awareness Day on Saturday, November 27. Free blood glucose and blood pressure testing will be carried out in The Square, outside the Credit Union office, from 12 noon until 3pm.
The simple tests are designed to highlight if further medical attention may be required in relation to the possible onset of Type 2 Diabetes. This is the third year the two organisations have provided this service locally, with the majority of participants reassured by their results.
Water Safety Ireland is inviting swimmers with additional needs to take part in practical disability swim sessions at Claremorris Leisure Centre this October. The sessions are free of charge and will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 5pm, and on Sunday, October 19, with two time slots available, 3 to 4pm and 4 to 5pm.
Each participant will be paired on a one-to-one basis with course candidates who are training under the supervision of qualified and Garda-vetted Water Safety Ireland tutors. Numbers are limited and places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
A registration link is available online at the Leisure Centre social media pages. Further details can be obtained by phoning 094-9371313.
The Claremorris Drama Society is set to stage Walter Macken’s acclaimed play, , this autumn, offering a series of performances across the region.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s Ireland, delves into themes of redemption, belonging, and the often-unseen struggles within family life. The production aims to deliver a compelling and reflective theatrical experience.
The play will be performed in Garrymore Community Hall on this Saturday, October 11, at 8pm before concluding with a final show at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Friday, October 17, at 8pm.
Tickets are available at €15, with a reduced rate of €10 for students and OAPs.
The Claremorris Drama Society encourages the community to attend and support local theatre while engaging with this notable piece of Irish drama.
The death has occurred of Sandra Gilbert, 17 Elm Wood, Claremorris, who passed away peacefully at University Hospital Galway after a brief illness.
Sandra was predeceased by her father William Gilbert. She will be sadly missed by her mother Phyllis, brothers and sisters, Kevin, her nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Sandra’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris, last Wednesday and her Funeral Mass took place on Thursday in St Colman’s Church followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mary Curry (née Waldron), Fairfield, Knock, who passed away peacefully on September 29 last in her 80th year, surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband Edward, parents William and Kathleen Waldron, and brothers and sister. She is deeply missed by her loving sons, daughters, sister, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Mary’s remains reposed at her residence in Fairfield, Knock, on Tuesday evening last and her Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday in St John the Baptist Church, Knock, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
