Local Notes: Environmental Award for Clogher.
Clogher Environmental Group CLG receiving the Cathaoirleach's Local Heritage and Biodiversity Award on behalf of the community.
Congratulations to Clogher Environmental Group who won the MCCs Cathaoirleach’s Award in the category of Local Heritage and Biodiversity. The awards were presented by John O'Hara, Cathaoirleach of Mayo Co Council, in Breaffy House on Thursday, March 13. The award was won for the innovative Sand Martin Bird Wall which was built last year in the bog. The sand martins come from Africa and live in the turf banks. The aim of the wall is to protect the pairs of birds from foxes and other predators who also live in the bog and attack the nests in the turf banks. The community extend thanks to David and Mary McDonagh who gave the site; to the Heritage Office of Mayo Co Council who provided funding; to South West Mayo Development Co and to the many other agencies who provide support in the Clogher area; to the supervisor and staff of the Community Employment Scheme; to Jimmy Connor and Martin Heneghan all of whom worked on the completion of the wall and the groundworks around. The wall is situated on the Clogher Bog Walk and had already won county award for Heritage 2024 from the Heritage Council of Ireland.
The results of the weekly game played on Friday, March 14, were as follows; 1st Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn, 2nd Tom Fitzpatrick and Martin Moran, 3rd Joe Thomas and Gay Conway, last 10 Michael Giblin and Bridie McDermott.
Work is continuing with the Community Action Plan for Clogher Community Futures. A group of 20 stakeholders in the area have been interviewed on their views and ideas for the area. The businesses in the area will avail of an online survey. The young people of the area 13-18 years will have an evening with an independent facilitator to capture their views. Primary school children in the area are invited to do some artwork which will be on display at the Community Day in Clogher Community Centre. The survey was delivered to each house on Thursday, March 20, and is to be collected from yesterday, Monday, March 24, but if anybody still has their survey, contact the person who delivered it ASAP so that your ideas can be incorporated.
The area finals of the Carra Community Games are fast approaching and will be announced in the coming weeks. There are several activities and age groups in sports and swimming, as well as art, handwriting, model making and chess. More information is available from Berni at 087 2721574.
There is great progress taking place for the Community Futures in Clogher. There will be a Youth Night with an Independent facilitator for young people aged between 12 and 18 years on April 14, so that young people can have their say also.
The death occurred last week of Sean (John) Farrell, Treenreavough, Bekan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and Frenchill, Castlebar. Sean passed away peacefully, at his home in Bekan surrounded by his brother and neighbours. Predeceased by his parents John and Teresa and his brother Michael, he is deeply regretted by his brother Tommy, cousins, neighbours, friends and colleagues in Davitt House to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains reposed at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on last Monday evening from 5.30 with removal at 7pm to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Church, Bekan. His funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning at 11.30 with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
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The Ballintubber Abbey Passion Play will take place on April 14, 15 and 16 at 9pm. Each year this pre-Easter story of the passion of Christ attracts hundreds of appreciative visitors to Ballintubber Abbey grounds. Any angels who may be available to take part are asked to contact Cas on 087 2934772 or Teresa at 087 2424927. Adults supervising the care of children, should contact 094 9030934 or Fr Michael to obtain a Garda vetting form.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €9,300 on Sunday night, March 16. The numbers drawn were 6, 14, 34 and 35. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Noreen Mulvey, Stadia Maher, Helen Horan, Beatrice Casey, Eoghan Hughes, Áine and Katie Carter.
The jackpot stood at €9,400 on last Sunday night, March 23. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber minor player Tiernan Brady made his own unique piece of history on Sunday week last by being the first player to raise an orange flag in a competitive fixture in Clogher. Tiernan is part of the Ballintubber minor panel that defeated Kilmeena on a score line of 2-14 to 3-07.
The results from Monday, March 17, from the Ballyglass FC lotto draw, which was held in the Carra Lodge. The numbers drawn were 7, 13, 18 and 25. There was no winner of the €11,500 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Peter Quinn, Klarissa Darcy, Michael Adams, Ardil Jennings and Francis Quinn. House prizes went to Dean Loftus, John Loftus and Jimmy Hession. Play now to be in with a chance of winning next week’s jackpot of €11,500. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.
The winners from Monday, March 17 were: 1st Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and 2nd Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion. The last 10 were; Kevin Burke and Breege Jennings and the raffle winners were Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. Well done to all the winners and thanks to all the players for their continued support. The progressive 25 games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
Chloe Reilly Fitness will run a new fitness class in Ballyglass Community Centre on Thursday nights, starting on April 3. The classes will start at 6.30 and a 4-week block will cost €40. This class is suitable for all fitness levels, and it blends cardio, HIIT, and strength training, so participants can expect to boost their fitness, build strength and have a great time in a supportive environment. Contact Chloe on 087 6802225 for further information and to book your place.
Exercise class for Ballyglass Active Age is held every Tuesday morning at 11am in Ballyglass Community Centre.
Yoga classes have commenced in Ballyglass Community Centre, from 7.30-8.30pm. A seven-week block costs €85. Contact Emma for details on 087 9973357.
The new pre school in Carnacon are currently taking enquires for September 2025. If you would like more information contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
Ballintubber Abbey personnel are looking for a friendly and reliable part-time employee (2-3 days per week) to help with guided tours, managing the gift shop, and assisting with the setup for weddings and events. If you are passionate about history, love meeting new people, and enjoy a variety of tasks they want to hear from you. Apply now and be part of the Abbey amazing team.
A Day of Prayer and Reflection on 'Listening to Nature' will be held in Ballintubber Abbey on March 29, from 10am to 3.30pm. All are welcome. For more information or to register contact Niamh at pastoral@tuamarchdiocese.org or 089 2318735.
J & G Jiving classes take place in Carnacon Centre on Wednesdays from 8 to 9.15pm. No partners required. Details are available from Jessica Connolly on 085 8188727 to register for the class.
Racquetball classes for ladies and men has commenced in Carnacon Centre. No racquets or goggles required. Contact Thomas at 087 2041967 for details. Eircode for Carnacon Centre F12 NY 38.
Carnacon LGFA registration for all ages from U10 to senior is now open for the new season through Foireann. It is important that all players are registered before competition commences.
Ballintubber Community Council have organised an annual litter pick up day on April 12. Volunteers are needed for the worthy project.
Ballintubber/Killawalla Badminton Club are open to new members and beginners are most welcome. The sessions take place at Ballintubber Community Centre on Tuesdays from 8 to 10pm. Contact Laura on 089 4011720.
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Along the Partries.
Coiste Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh organised the first St Patricks Day Parade in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh village in 2005. And over the years the event has gone from strength to strength. This year it was a splendid parade, and it was held on a beautiful dry day in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Thanks has been extended to everyone who helped prepare and took part in the parade, the children in the local Naíonra, the children of SN Thuar Mhic Éadaigh and the teachers of both schools and the children from Coleman School of Dancing who gave a wonderful dance performance on stage to the superb music Molly Coyne on the accordion. The organisers are extremely grateful to all who put a float in the parade, to the ladies who made sandwiches, the people who brought food and all the women who helped with the tea. Special thanks to St Patrick who is readily available every year. Buíochas is also tendered to the Language Planning Officer Stiofán Seoighe and the Steering Committee for sponsoring the prizes for the best float on the day.
Congratulations to the winners: 1st €100. CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, 2nd €50 went to David Lydon and 3rd €50 was won by Michael Conoboy.
Thanks to the Community Employment Scheme participants for all their help in decorating and preparing the hall for the parade and for all their help in putting up the decorations outside. Special thanks to Tommy, Tom and Máirtín for their help and to all the participants who came out again today - we are very grateful. Thanks to Pat Gibbons on sound.
This year everyone was delighted to have Pat and Joe with their carriage and horses. They were available after the parade to take people for a spin in the carriage around the village. Last year’s winner of the Queen of the Lakes Competition local girl Laura Gibbons and her princess Megan Lally led the parade in the carriage. A wonderful day was had by all.
Once again, thank you all for your efforts and for making this year’s parade such a success.
Loch Measc Distillery is nestled in the heart of Mayo's Gaeltacht and what promises to be an unforgettable 'Distillery Open Day' will take place on Saturday, March 29. Tour the distillery, discover the secrets behind the craft, and enjoy tastings of the finest spirits, including an award-winning New Make. Don't miss out on this special day. Loch Measc Distillery craft distinctive spirits that celebrate tradition and innovation. With passion and dedication, they transform local ingredients into exceptional spirits. They were delighted and honoured to even be nominated, let alone named winners, in the category of Irish New Make and Young Spirit and over all New Make winners for 2025.
The 8km out of the woods is an event suitable for all family members and will take place in Tourmakeady on April 27 at 1pm. Walk, jog or run through the beautiful Tourmakeady Woods. This super event is enjoyed annually by many athletes and members of the local community. Lots of refreshments back in the community centre to refuel. Entry fees are €20 and U16s free.
Irish classes in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh are postponed until further notice. The classes are expected to commence with the appointment of a new tutor. Best wished are extended to the Irish language promotion officer and tutor, Stiofán Seoighe who has departed to take up a new role in Furbo.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €16,300 on March 15. 2, 4, 15 and 20 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The weekend jackpot on Saturday, March 22 stood at €16,400.
The graveyard committee in Churchfield and Tuar Mhic Eadaigh arranged a skip for both graveyards recently. A skip was in Churchfield Graveyard on March 14, for a week and then in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh Cemetery after that. It was an ideal opportunity to dispose of any old wreaths or flowers and help to keep the cemeteries in respectful condition. Well done to all.
Tourmakeady NS Lotto Ball drawn last week was No1, and the winner was PJ and Jennifer Sheridan.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, March 27, from 2-4pm. Why not pop along for social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
Ciorcail Cniotáil/Knitting Circle: Tagann an Grúpa Cniotáil le chéile gach oíche Luan i Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 7.30-9.30 i.n. Fáilte roimh baill nua. The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30- 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
The death has occurred of Paddy McGing, London and Croaghrim. The deceased was a brother of Mattie McGing, Derrynacanna and Tom and Ann McGing and Margaret Berry, Croaghrim to whom sincere condolences are extended. May he rest in peace.
Partry Bingo sessions take place in the comfortable confines of Partry Centre on Monday nights each week. There are lots of generous prizes and a lovely atmosphere to savour by patrons. All are welcome.
Public information events will take place next month, looking to build a tourism development plan for Mayo. Failte Ireland have launched their Inland Mayo region Destination and Experience Development Plan (DEDP) which will focus on growing tourism in the inland Mayo region. Mayo is already benefitting from such a plan in Clew Bay, which is in its fourth year, while a plan for the North Mayo area is in the draft stages. All members of the public are being invited to attend the meetings, which will allow them to have their say on areas they believe could benefit from it. Edel Healy is the Wild Atlantic Way Officer with Failte Ireland.
The meetings are on Thursday, April 3, from 2–3.30pm in Lydon’s Lodge Hotel, Cong: 7–8.30pm in Tourmakeady Hall; Wednesday, April 9, 2-3.30pm in The Dalton Inn, Claremorris; 7-8.30pm in Knock House Hotel; Thursday, April 10, from 2-3.30pm, Bridge Street, Castlebar and 7-8.30pm in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh.
Congratulations to Bryan and Deirdre Hennelly, Tooreen and Pat and Madeline Dermody who were recent winners of the weekly Wednesday Partry FC bonus number draws. The club are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of the community.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, March 22.
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Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €11,000. The jackpot stood at €10,900 on Sunday, March 16. The numbers drawn were 8, 13, 25 and 28. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Mary Cunningham, Fiona Mongan, Emma Flannery and Yvonne Moran. On March 22, the jackpot stood at €11,000.
Belcarra Community Co-Operative Society Ltd with the support of the SEAI, are sending out an online survey to its members. The feedback from this survey will help form an understanding of the home energy needs of the people of Belcarra community.
Should you need a hard copy contact Mary Jo at 087 9282102 or Mary B and they will send you a copy.
A parish mission is currently running in Balla and Belcarra Churches on March 24, 25, 26 and 27. The devotions will alternate between the two churches. The mission is being conducted by the FFR, Moyross, Limerick. There are no morning Masses in Balla or Belcarra this week.
Belcarra Christian Community have welcomed Ailbe McNamara, Belcarra who was baptised in St Anne’s Church. Congratulations to his parents and families.
Congratulations have been extended to Sophie Fernandes who is taking up the post of parish secretary in succession to the excellent work done by Estelle Fahy. Thanks have been extended to Estelle for her competence and loyalty and both ladies have been wished well in all their pursuits.
Breaffy GAA has 2 corporate tickets for the 'sold out test in the west' Connacht vs Munster Rugby match on March 29, at Hastings Insurance McHale Park, Castlebar. Those who enter the super draw can also win an overnight stay at the luxurious 4* Breaffy House Hotel in Castlebar. The draw takes place live on Facebook on this Thursday, March 27, at 7pm.
In the first GAA action of the season, the Kelly Cup competition, Breaffy enjoyed a 4-12 to 0-11 victory over Kilmeena. Congrats to Breaffy clubman Mattie Ruane who gave a superb performance against Derry in Division 1 of the league on Sunday week. Highly deserving of the 'Man of the Match’ award Mattie kicked six points from play in a very impressive performance.
The Gold Circle membership package is as follows: Breaffy GAA Membership for 2025, 1 weekly entry into the club's lotto and 1 Mayo County Board Draw ticket (six draws with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €200). A strong take-up of the value for money deal is anticipated.
HopeSpace operates throughout the year. 'HopeSpace CLG provides a free one-to-one listening service for children and young people (4 -17 years old) who are impacted by grief caused by bereavement. See hopespace.ie, contact Áine at support@hopespace.ie or call 091 342566/087 4667506 for more details.
Mayo County Council Arts Service is now inviting applications for their Mayo Culture Night Event Fund 2025. The Mayo County Arts Service Culture Night Event Fund supports the cost of events programmed for Culture Night which takes place on September 19. If you are a not-for-profit organisation, local community group, arts, heritage and cultural group, venue, or society, and are considering running an event for Culture Night in your area, visit https://www.mayo.ie/arts/programme/culture-night to find the application guidelines and form for the Mayo Culture Night Event Fund 2025. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, April 7. For further information contact mayoculturenight@mayococo.ie.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, March 13, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €3,300. 16, 25, 26 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Congrats also the lucky dip consolation prizewinners on the night; Pat Boyle (cash sale), Shona Kilkenny (standing order) and Margaret Walsh (standing order). The latest draw was held on Thursday, March 20, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €3,400. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
Congratulations to Balla Secondary School students, Adam Johnston, Cian Tansey, Niall Carney, Liam Redmond, Bethany Quinn, Connor Nolan, James McGreal, Ethan Morley, Finn Maloney and Lukass Delaney for winning Best Innovation at the Lego League Competition in Galway.
Their project, the Aqua Guardian Drone, impressed judges with its creativity and functionality. The competition is a STEM robotics programme that challenges students to develop innovative solutions while building problem solving and teamwork skills.
Thanks have been extended to Ms O'Dowd and Mr Moran for guiding the students through the programme.
First Lego League Ireland is supported by the Research Ireland Discover Programme and delivered by CreativeHUT Ireland. The programme also benefits from national sponsorship by Amazon.
Balla Christian Community have welcomed Caitlin Sadie Quinn who was recently baptised in St Cronan’s Church. Congratulations to her parents and families.
Mayo County Council has invited expressions of interest from local community groups who wish to be nominated to the 2025 IPB Pride of Place Competition in association with Co-operation Ireland. Groups interested in being considered for nomination are asked to apply detailing their preferred category with a one-page typed summary (no more than 160 words) setting out their proposal to: Eileen O’Connor, POP Liaison Officer, Mayo County Council, Mayo House, Moneen, Castlebar, Co. Mayo or by emailing eoconnor@mayococo.ie. Closing date for receipt of expression of interest is 4pm on Friday, April 11.
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