Local notes: Eoghan has the honour of switching on the Christmas tree lights in Kiltimagh
Eoghan Freeman (left) who had the honour of switching on the Christmas Lights in Kiltimagh pictured with his good friend Senan Mooney
Events due to be held in Kiltimagh on Sunday, December 10, had to be cancelled due to Storm Fergus although the Christmas Market, which was a great success, did go ahead in St Louis Community School. The Blessing of the Crib and the switching on of the Christmas lights took place the following evening (Monday) at which the Cill Aodain Choral Society gave a recital of Christmas carols. Nine years old Eoghan Freeman, son of Shane and Orla, had the honour of switching on the lights. Eoghan is well known to many having appeared on RTÉ a few times, the latter as part of the documentary Deaf but not Dumb. It was lovely to see him surrounded by his young school friends from At Aidan’s NS as they counted down the time to ‘switch on’ using sign language.
The Tractor Run which is always a huge attraction that was also cancelled on the Sunday evening was rescheduled for Saturday evening last when the organisers were hoping for more favourable weather conditions.
Congratulations to lucky Martin Power from Kiltimagh who scooped the GAA club’s big jackpot of €602 at the draw held in The Tavern on Saturday night, December 9. Envelopes for the draw are on sale in most local outlets at €2 each or three for €5; you can also play online at https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KiltimaghGAA/ . Thanks to everyone for supporting the draw each week.
For the first time a mixed charity match will be played in Gilmartin GAA Park on St Stephen’s Day at 11am when men and women, young and old, will battle it out for the Coillte Cup. The teams are: Team 1 - Townies, Team 2 - Swinford and Bohola Rd, Team 3 - Knock and Kilkelly Rd, Team 4 - Craggagh and The Mountain. This will be a great morning with some of the current, past and older stars taking to the pitch for what promises to be great fun. Minimum age is 17 in 2023.
Entertainment on the day with raffles, underage penalty shoot out, photography, tea, coffee and cakes. Don’t miss it!!
Twenty six players competed for a prizepool of over €500 in Round 13 of the Autumn Poker League in Teach O’Hora last Wednesday night with Tiernan Burke taking first place beating Brian Gilligan heads up. In third place was Michael Sheridan with Annette Reynolds fourth and John Borza fifth the other prizewinners. The other finalists were; 6 Keith Lydon, 7 Gerry Groarke, 8 Enda Ruane, 9 Tony McInerney. There’s a tight three way battle at the top of the league with just two rounds remaining. Michael Sheridan leads with 152 points followed by Paul Walsh on 249 and Michael Higgins 246. The rest of the top twelve is, Gerry Groarke 212, Thomas McDonagh 197, Enda Ruane 195, John Reynolds 194, Julian Keane 187, John Borza 182, Bart Furtak 173, Keith Lydon 167, and Bernard McDonagh 159.
The league runs for fifteen weeks with a tournament in Teach O’Hora every Wednesday night at 8pm. Entry is €20 with one optional rebuy and late reg until 9.30pm. €5 from each entry and rebuy goes towards the league final prize pool and the rest is paid out each night. The top twelve in the league table automatically qualify for the final along with two other qualifiers from a play off for those outside the top twelve. The final is on course to have a prizepool of almost €3,000. There will be no league tournament next Wednesday, December 27, so the final round will be on Wednesday night, January 3 with the play off game the following week, Wednesday, January 10.
Meanwhile the December Mayo Poker Monthly Freezeout in the Cill Aodain Court Hotel on Saturday, December 9, saw thirty three entries create a prizepool of almost €3,000. Local man Paul Walsh was to the fore and chopped first and second prizes with Mark Fox after a heads up deal. Nuala Nolan was third, Manuel Mizzi in fourth and fifth placed Nicky Cunnane were the other prizewinners. There will be no monthly game in January but it's hoped to have the first one of the new year in early February.
The Kiltimagh Car Treasure Hunt which hasn’t been held for the last three years due to Covid-19 and other reasons will go ahead this year. As in the past it is being organised by the Cill Aodain Choral Society on St Stephen’s Day much to the delight of all those who took part with their families over the years. Meet in the church car park at 2pm, €40 per car. The event is once again being sponsored by Langan’s Bar.
Tickets for the Coillte Christmas draw in aid of Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, are on sale from committee members, local outlets and also available on line. Prizes on offer are 1st prize: €1,000 cash; 2nd prize: Two tickets to Sister Act plus overnight stay and evening meal on St Valentine’s weekend; 3rd prize: Publicans Hamper to the value of €400; 4th prize: Two nights B/B plus dinner on one evening at the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal value €400; 5th prize: Local voucher bundle value €300, 6th prize: Two tickets to 6 Nations Rugby match, plus many more prizes to be won.
Tickets are €5 or get a book of three for €10. Draw will be held in Ryan’s Bar on Friday, December 29.
Aidan McDonagh and Danny Doherty were the winners of the first prize at the 25 card game held in the parish centre on Thursday night, December 7; second and third prizes were shared by Manus Kilcoyne and Tony Howley, Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, Patsy and Tom Flatley, Francis McNicholas and Martin Regan. Best of Last 10: Michael Costello and Michael Carney, spot prize Tom Walsh and Hugh Forde and winners in the raffle were Liam Moran, Mary Moran and Patsy Flatley. Game will continue on December 21 and 28, 2023 and January, 4, 2024 (weather permitting).
Anam Cara Mayo, the organisation that supports bereaved parents will meet on Tuesday, December 19, at 7.15pm in the T F Royal Hotel, Castlebar. This event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death, or whether their death was recent or not. We now also offer an online support service too. Please contact info@anamcara.ie or 085 2888 888 for any queries.
Congrats to the St Louis CS Senior Girls Gaelic team who are through to the Connacht final after a terrific comeback against Ursuline College, Sligo. Losing by 7 points in the first half, the girls fought back and went on to win by 10 points. Final score was 7-14 to 5-10. The Connacht final is fixed for January 17.
Saint Vincent de Paul thank all who have to date donated to their Christmas appeal. Envelopes are still available in the church, Credit Union and Post Office if people wish to donate. The envelopes with the donation can be placed in the collection box at the back of the church, Credit Union or Post Office. For assistance phone SVP on 086 889 9077.
People are asked to be extra careful during this festive season. Do not open your door to strangers and if you see any suspicious activity contact the Gardai. Do not give bank details to anyone, especially over the phone. For people who have panic buttons make sure you test them now and then, The monitoring service do not mind you making those calls.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s 50/50 jackpot was €321 last week and the winner was Margaret Gallagher from Kiltimagh. The winning ticket was sold in Walsh's Gala Kiltimagh. Play online at lottoraiser.ie or pick up a ticket in local outlets. Thanks to everyone for your continued support. Don't forget to support local businesses this Christmas!
Well done to the St Louis CS TY students involved in the 2024 calendar, it is now available from the local shops for €5. All profits will be divided between St Vincent de Paul, Trocaire and Donal Walsh–Live Life Foundation.
Sympathy is extended to Mary Sweeney, Treenagleragh, Kiltimagh on the death of her brother Martin Devaney, which took place in Foxford.
Fr Gerry Davey, priest in Carracastle, celebrated the 11am Mass on Sunday, December 10, in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. It is part of an initiative in our cluster of parishes to help parishioners get to know priests of surrounding parishes who may have to cover Masses and Funerals should the local priest be ill or away, with fewer priests now available.
Wishing all readers of this column a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. If you would like to have any notes or events in your area included e-mail maih15@gmail.com or text 087 6125688.
