Local notes: Festive celebration with markets, carols and tractor run
Kiltimagh-Knock United club member Deirdre Kelly, who also served as PRO of the Mayo Women's League, received the Appreciation Award from special guest Michael Ring at the Mayo Women's Football League's annual presentation dinner held recently at Breaffy House Hotel. Picture: Conor McKeown
Kiltimagh is set to welcome the Christmas season with a full programme of festivities on Sunday next, December 7, centred around the Market Square from afternoon into early evening.
The celebrations begin with the Christmas Markets, running from 2pm to 5.30pm, where visitors can browse a selection of seasonal treats, crafts and gift options suitable for all ages. At 5.45pm, the Cill Aodain Choral Society will lead traditional carol singing, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the town. The evening will also include the Blessing of the Crib followed by the switching on of the Christmas lights, officially marking the start of the holiday season in Kiltimagh.
Adding to the excitement, Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals has announced the return of the popular Christmas Tractor Run, also taking place on Sunday, December 7. Participants are encouraged to decorate their tractors and join what has become one of the town’s most colourful and anticipated Christmas events. Tractors will assemble at the graveyard from 5.30pm, departing at 5.45pm sharp. Spectators are invited to line the streets and enjoy the illuminated procession as it winds its way through the town. All proceeds from the Tractor Run will be donated to Down Syndrome Mayo, continuing the event’s strong tradition of supporting local causes.
Anyone seeking further details can contact Joe Corry 086-8077209 or Jack Malee 087-6956146.
In addition to these events, Kiltimagh Tourism has launched its Monster Christmas Raffle, with an impressive selection of prizes. The top prize is €1,500 in cash, with other notable prizes including two tickets to Les Misérables at the 3Arena on May 30, 2026 plus a hotel stay in Dublin, and two tickets to the Ireland v Italy Six Nations match on February 14, 2026, also with hotel accommodation. Additional prizes include a publicans’ hamper worth €400, a €300 voucher for the Cill Aodain Court Hotel, and tickets to concerts such as Kingfishr in St Anne’s Park and The Highstool Prophets at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, among many others.
Raffle tickets are available at €5 each or three for €10 from committee members, local businesses, and online. The draw will take place in The Tavern on Monday, December 29.
Cill Aodáin Choral Society is preparing for a wonderfully busy Christmas season, with a number of performances scheduled throughout December.
The choir will first appear at the Switching On of the Christmas Lights and the blessing of the town crib in Kiltimagh on December 7 at 5.45pm, an event organised by Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals. The group expressed its gratitude for being invited once again to take part in what it describes as a “very special evening” for the town.
On Tuesday, December 16 the choir will perform at the local church’s annual Carol Service at 7pm, bringing a blend of traditional and newly rehearsed Christmas pieces to the community. Later in the month, on December 21 at 3pm, the singers will travel to the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough, where they will entertain visitors with a selection of old and new carols. From there, the Society will travel to St Attracta’s Nursing Home in Charlestown to perform for residents – an engagement the choir says is “a real privilege.” With a full and festive schedule ahead, Cill Aodáin Choral Society says it looks forward to meeting friends, supporters and audiences over the coming weeks during what it describes as “such a lovely time of year”.
The Kiltimagh-Knock United quiz night, held last week, proved a huge success, bringing together supporters, teammates and local businesses for an evening of fun, friendly rivalry and fundraising.
Hosted in Carty’s Bar & Lounge, Knock, the event drew a lively turnout, with teams battling closely for the top spot. The competition was tight right to the end, adding to the excitement of the night.
Organised by the club’s senior women's team, the quiz night showcased strong community spirit and generous local backing. The organisers expressed their gratitude to everyone who attended, purchased raffle tickets, sponsored prizes, or supported the event in any way.
They offered a special thanks to Carty's Bar & Lounge, Knock for providing the venue and warm hospitality. Appreciation was also extended to the many sponsors who contributed prizes and support, including. Knock Foroige, Midwest Radio, Louise Sharpe Hair Salon, Life Pharmacy Knock, Duffy's Pub Kilmovee, Sam's Claremorris, Jonathan Campbell, Park Hotel Kiltimagh, Centra Knock, Knock Museum, Carty's Pub, Niall Higgins, the Collins family and the wider Kiltimagh-Knock United club.
The women’s team said the success of the night reflects the strength of the local community and the enthusiasm around supporting grassroots sport. Plans are already being discussed for future events, buoyed by the positive response.
Kiltimagh-Knock United extended sincere thanks once again to everyone involved, noting that the support received helps drive the club forward both on and off the pitch.
Rounds 8 and 9 of the Winter Poker League produced two competitive nights of poker in Teach O’Hora, with victories for Adam Earley and Andy Quinn.
In Round 8, Adam Earley collected his second win of the campaign when he took first prize ahead of runner-up Gerry Groarke. Julian Keane finished in third place, with Tom Maughan taking fourth. The remaining finalists were Pat Boyle in fifth, followed by Paul Walsh, Keith Lydon, Isaac Boyle, and Michael Sheridan in ninth position.
That result saw Adam extend his lead at the top of the league table, moving to 170 points and opening a clear gap between himself and the chasing pack. Behind him were Keith Lydon on 128 points, Michael Sheridan on 125, Julian Keane on 124, and Derry O’Sullivan on 126. The rest of the top twelve after Round 8 were Michael Higgins (106), Andy Quinn (105), Gerry Groarke (98), Kieran McGee (97), Martin Regan (97), and Marcella Gilmartin (95).
Round 9 saw Andy Quinn take the honours as he topped a field of 22 players. Paul Walsh finished in second place, with Michael Higgins securing third and Martin Regan fourth. The other finalists were Julian Keane in fifth, Enda Ruane sixth, Kieran McGee seventh, Bart Furtak eighth, and Douglas Wicks ninth.
Following Round 9, Adam Earley remained well out in front on 177 points. He was followed by Julian Keane on 143 points and Andy Quinn, who moved up to third place on 138. The rest of the top twelve were Keith Lydon (132), Michael Higgins (129), Paul Walsh (128), Michael Sheridan (126), Derry O’Sullivan (122), Martin Regan (119), Kieran McGee (113), Gerry Groarke (108), John Reynolds (108), and Marcella Gilmartin (108).
Entry to each round is €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from each entry and rebuy/add-on is added to the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the end of the league, the top twelve players, plus two qualifiers, will compete in a Grand Final for an expected prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Another enjoyable evening of cards was held at the weekly 25 Card Drive, where the top prize was shared between two strong-performing pairs.
Mary and Jimmy Doyle, along with Martin Regan and Danny Doherty, finished joint first after a series of closely fought games. Third place went to Michael Costello and Liam Moran. The ‘Last 10’ prize was claimed by Denis Regan and Joe Curry, while the spot prize went to John Clancy and Pius Forde.
Raffle winners on the night were Tom Walsh, Mary Doyle, Denis Regan, and Patricia Hyland.
The Women’s Group has confirmed that its annual Christmas party will take place in the Cill Aodáin Hotel this Friday, December 5, at 6.30pm. Bridie in the library is currently finalising numbers, and members are encouraged to get in touch with her as soon as possible.
At the group’s November meeting, representatives of ‘Alone’ gave a well-received and informative presentation on the work of the organisation which supports older people to live independently, safely and securely in their own homes. Their talk generated great interest among those present, highlighting the wide range of services offered by the charity. (Anyone seeking further information or wishing to contact Alone can reach them on 0818 222 024).
Kiltimagh GAA had two recent 50/50 winners, with Evie O’Mahony taking home €650 and Peter Conroy claiming a prize of €628 the following week. Both winners were warmly congratulated by the club.
Kiltimagh GAA expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the draw, noting that each ticket sold helps fund the running of teams and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets remain available online, in local shops and pubs, and from club sellers throughout the town.
The death has occurred of PJ Carolan of Woods, Kiltimagh, who died suddenly at his home on Friday, November 21.
PJ will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Anne, son Patrick, daughters Mary and Cathleen, son-in-law Alan Ivers, grandchildren Eoin, Orla and Niamh, along with his relatives, friends and neighbours.
PJ’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass took place last Tuesday, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
