Local Notes: Erris gathering to mark postman's retirement after 42 years
Family and friends of Padraig Deane gathered in the Anglers Rest in Glenamoy recently to wish Padraig all the best on his retirement after 42 years’ service as a postman in Glenamoy and Rossport areas.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of John F Doherty.
The organisers would love for his family, friends, teammates, and our wider community to come together to honour his memory, celebrate his passion for football, and remember the joy he brought to so many.
The event takes place on Friday, August 14th, with kick-off at 6.30pm in Ballybeg Park, Bangor (Bangor Hibs). After the match there are refreshments, music, and a raffle in the Lighthouse Tavern, Inver where attendees will continue to remember John together.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and North West STOP-Suicide Prevention, two incredible charities that provide vital support to families and individuals when they need it most.
Whether you knew John personally or simply want to support two amazing causes, the organisers would love to see you there.
The recent fundraising lawn mower walk in memory of the late John Barrett from Glencastle and Seaside in Belmullet, which was held on June 6th, raised €16,175.64 in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
The Barrett Family thanks everyone for supporting this event in memory of John.
The Erris Darts had its end-of-season presentations recently along with the Spring Series Finals in the Valley Inn Bar, Pullathomas and once again it was a night to remember.
This is the third year of running this event. A big credit must go the hosts Mixie and Hannah for the top class hospitality as always, the set up for finals night was second to none and made all the more impressive by the fact that not 24 hours earlier there was three inches of water in the pub due to the heavy rain causing a flash flood outside. The turnaround in 12 hours to get the place in top shape was nothing short of outstanding. Thanks Mixie, Hannah and everyone that helped out along the way.
The event kicked off with a small round robin for the youth players that didn't make the top eight. Five lads battled it out with Mikey Conroy and Ryan Moran making the final. Hard luck to Daithi, Ryan McBride, Eoin and to Paul Jr who was away on the night.
The youth final took place later in the night in front of a huge crowd just before the main finals with Mikey and Ryan even chucking in a few dance moves on their walk ons.
The final was a tight affair but Ryan just couldn't find his usual scoring power and Mickey's cool and clinical finishing powered him to the title.
The Shield Finals kicked off from 7pm. In the quarter-finals, Ryan Moran defeated Johnny Deane, Evan Barrett defeated Daithi McLaughlin, Pat Irwin defeated Conor Ginty and Tony Maloney defeated Aidan Maloney. In the semi-finals, Ryan Moran defeated Evan Barrett while Tony Maloney defeated Pat Irwin to set up a final between 'The Fox' Tony Maloney and 'The Rhino' Ryan Moran.
After a cracking evening's darts, Tony Maloney came out in top to become the 2026 Spring Series Shield Winner. Commiserations to Ryan who had a super evening reaching the finals of both the youths and the Shield.
The Cup kicked off from 8pm with a brilliant standard of darts. There were some titanic battles in the early stages and the following are the results from the quarter-finals: Brendan Conway defeated Mixie McGuire, Alex Bielinski defeated Gavin Neary, Tom Moran defeated Jimmy Lavelle and Jack O'Grady defeated Shane McHale.
In the semi-finals, Brendan Conway defeated Alex Bielinski and Tom Moran defeated Jack O'Grady, leaving the final between the No 1 seed Brendan Conway and the No 2 seed Tom Moran.
The stage was set for an epic final with walk-on girls, security and a best of 9x501 format, so it was always going to be a battle. The lead changed hands numerous times, but in the end, Brendan Conway pinned the double in the 9th and deciding leg to win 5-4 and become this year's Spring Series Overall Champion. A massive well done to Brendan and commiserations to Tom as it was a brilliant final.
The Individual Awards for the Spring Series are as follows - Most 180s: Tom Moran; Highest Checkout: Michael McBride; Most 100+ Finishes: Shane McHale.
A big thank you to Shannon Conway for the photos/videos on the night and to Hannah as well as Sean Fahy for the music on the night, Leah Irwin for the security, Mixie McGuire for the sponsorship and venue as always.
And lastly to the two Jimmys - Sheeran and Lavelle. Sheeran for all his help throughout the series and on finals night in running the youths and Lavelle for always being there and willing to jump on chalking games.
The Erris Family and Community Support Centre (FCSC) is running a Back-to-School Community Collection to support local families ahead of the new school year.
They are inviting donations of the following items in new, nearly new, or very good condition: School bags; pencil cases; new stationery; coats and jackets; school shoes/runners.
Donations will be accepted up to Friday next, July 24th. Donations can be dropped off at the Irish Wheelchair Association Centre, Belmullet (F26 VY42), Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.. Please do not leave items outside the centre.
Every donation, no matter how small, will help local families with the cost of returning to school while also reducing waste by giving quality items a second life.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €5,600 with the two €50 winners being Catherine Winters, Cloontakilla and Monica Henry, c/o West End while Hughie Carey, Springfield and Seamus McGuire, Doohoma both won €25.
The two online winners were Connie Barrett, Manulla (€50) and Pierce Keadin, Cloonfad (€25).
Bingo will take place in the GAA Complex in Bangor this Tuesday, July 21st, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €900 in 53 calls or less.
The draw was held in the Kilcommon Community Development Lotto on July 13th and the numbers drawn were 9, 33, 34 and 35.
The jackpot of €10,300 was not won. The winner of the house prize of €100 were the McGuire Lads, Gorthbrack and the two €30 offline winners were Tommy Gallagher, Gorthmellia Strand and Treasa McGuire, Barnatra. The two €30 online winners were Fiona Kerley, Chicago and Bernie Curley, England.
Next week’s jackpot is €10,400 with the draw taking place in McGuire’s Pullathomas.
The Mayo GAA Club Development Draw 2026 and Cill Chomain GAA Club are now selling tickets for the Club Development Draw.
Anyone that purchases a ticket before Wednesday, July 29th, will be entered in an early bird draw for great prizes.
This draw continues to be one of the most important fundraising opportunities available to the club, helping support facilities, equipment, coaching and club development.
Tickets are €100 and are available online. Make sure to select Cill Chomain GAA before purchasing online.
Tickets can also be purchased from any committee member.
As always thank you for your continued support.
Traditional Irish music, song, dance and storytelling takes place every Wednesday evening until August 19th at 8.30pm in Áras Inis Gluaire (The Arts Centre) in Belmullet. Bring an instrument/your dancing shoes/your voice and join in. Information from 097-81079.
Prepare for an unforgettable Heritage Day in Belmullet on Tuesday, August 11th, for what is one of the most exciting days in the West.
This remarkable event boasts a vibrant line-up of live music, delectable food, exquisite arts and crafts, a deep dive into history, and endless entertainment for the entire family.
If you are interested in showcasing your products or promoting your services at this year’s Heritage Day, now is the perfect opportunity! To express your interest, please email belmulletfest@gmail.com, include your name/business name, a brief description of your business, and the space required.
Seize this fantastic opportunity to be part of one of the most eagerly awaited events in Co Mayo this summer.
Belmullet Festival takes place from August 12th to 19th.
Did you know that you can rent a desk in Teach Greannaí in Cornboy in their modern Gteic centre? Work with confidence, using fast Wi-Fi in a relaxing atmosphere.
Have you an electric vehicle and wish to explore the beautiful Kilcommon area, knowing you have a place that you can charge your car whilst indulging in a tasty diner.
Teach Greannaí are looking for a general operative to work, with immediate effect. If interested, please send your CV to seirbhisicuram@gmail.com or ring 097-88935.
The Erris Agricultural Show returns next Sunday, July 26th, and hopefully the fine weather we are experiencing will continue until then.
Like other years, there will be lots of exhibits and features on the day. Those not going to the All-Ireland Final can view it on the giant screen and this year there will be a bar so you can toast Mayo's victory (we hope!).
There will be lots of music with Michael English and Johnny Brady.
