Local Notes: Funding confirmed for key road in Claremorris
Claremorris goalkeeper Peter Murphy saves from Jesse Devers (not in picture) with Ballina Town’s Jamie Moyles (12) ready if the ball rebounds. Picture: John Corless
Cllr Richard Finn has confirmed that funding has been secured for works on the R320 Claremorris to Kiltimagh Road. The project forms part of the Mayo County Council Road Improvement Grant Scheme.
A total of €706,223 has been allocated for the works beginning at the junction of the Kiltimagh Road and the Balla Road, and extending towards Drumeen, including sections adjacent to residential properties. A further €36,828 has been assigned for works from Coolaght towards Murneen.
Cllr Finn stated that the funding is intended to address road conditions in the area and to bring the route to an acceptable standard. He said that the condition of the road has been highlighted over a number of years and he has been heavily involved in progressing the project.
The majority of funding allocated to regional roads in the Claremorris area has been directed towards restoration grants.
Maiya Allworthy, a dancer with the Turley Duggan Academy, achieved third place in the under-15 category at the World Irish Dancing Championships, held this year in Chicago.
Maiya, from Barnacarroll, is a student at Mount St Michael Secondary School and has been dancing since early childhood. This marked her fifth appearance at the World Championships and her third time securing a podium finish.
Her latest result represents her highest placing to date, following previous finishes of fourth in 2022 and fifth in 2023.
The achievement comes after a period of recovery from injury. At last year’s competition, Maiya sustained a hip injury while on stage, which left her unable to walk for a number of weeks. Her return to competition and subsequent result this year marks a significant progression.
Maiya is the daughter of Caroline and Lars Allworthy.
Mary Saunders was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home an impressive €4,250 with an online ticket. The club had guaranteed a minimum prize of €3,000, but strong ticket sales saw the jackpot rise well beyond expectations.
The club congratulated Mary on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who supported the draw, noting that the continued backing plays a vital role in funding club activities, facilities and underage development.
In addition to the main draw, a number of Easter hamper prizes were also awarded on the night. Lisa Kilkenny and Lesley Murphy were among the winners, receiving hampers sponsored by Claremorris Hurling Club and Claremorris LGFA. Andrea Farragher was also a lucky recipient of an Easter hamper, sponsored by Claremorris GAA Club.
The club extended thanks to all sponsors and supporters who contributed to the success of the event, with tickets continuing to be available online and through local shops and pubs.
Claremorris Musical Society will hold its annual general meeting on Monday, April 20th, at 7pm in The Dalton Inn.
The meeting comes as the society begins preparations for its 20th production, planned for 2027.
Members, past participants and those interested in becoming involved in future productions are invited to attend the meeting.
Claremorris Athletic Club was well represented at the National Indoor Championships held at TUS Athlone, with a number of athletes delivering notable performances across track and field events.
Philip Griffith secured gold in the under-14 800m, winning in a time of 2:10 and setting a new personal best. In the same event, Luke Duffy also recorded a personal best following a strong run.
In the under-12 long jump, Paudie Vahey placed fourth, finishing just 5cm outside the medal positions in his first individual appearance at the National Indoor Championships.
Claremorris AC also recorded a number of strong results in racewalking events. Lily Mae Trench placed fourth in the under-14 1,000m, with Elena Crowley finishing sixth, both achieving personal best performances. Eva Kavanagh placed tenth in the under-15 1,000m racewalk, gaining experience in the event, while Michael Crowley finished fourth in the under-15 boys racewalk, narrowly missing out on a medal.
In the field events, Roise Duggan competed in the under-12 girls long jump, while Erin Payne recorded a personal best in the under-17 girls high jump.
The results mark a positive start to the season for the club ahead of upcoming outdoor competitions.
Transition Year students from St Colman’s College, in collaboration with students from Mount St Michael Secondary School, will present a musical production at the Town Hall on April 29th and 30th and on May 1st.
The production is based on the stage version of ‘Shrek The Musical’ and brings well-known characters to the stage through a student-led performance. The show includes music, choreography and costume design developed as part of the production process.
The cast and production team involve students working across performance and technical roles, contributing to all aspects of the staging. The performances are intended to provide an opportunity for students to present their work to a local audience.
Members of Claremorris Golf Club competed for the annual TJ Farragher Cup, sponsored by Carpe Diem.
In the ladies’ nine-hole competition, June Elliot finished first with 21 points. Mary O’Brien-Killeen came second with 20 points. In the ladies’ eighteen-hole competition, Mary Collins recorded 39 points to take first place.
In the men’s competition, Cathal Hennelly returned 43 points to secure first place. In Category 1, Ger Noone recorded 40 points. Category 3 was won by Johnny Monaghan with 37 points on countback. In Category 4, Sean Feerick returned 40 points. Category 5 was won by Darragh Conderon with 38 points.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre ‘s online workshops for parents, titled ‘AI for Parents’, continues this Thursday, April 16th, at 6.30pm. The session will examine how artificial intelligence operates and will address online safety for children. The workshop will be delivered through Zoom. Further information is available by contacting the centre on 094-9377838 or by email at info at claremorrisfrc.ie.
Weekly English language classes take place each Tuesday. A beginners’ class runs from 6pm to 7pm, followed by an intermediate session from 7pm to 8pm. The classes are open to participants at a cost of €2. Registration is available through the centre.
A Smartphone Essentials course runs on Mondays, from 10.30am to 12.30pm and focuses on everyday smartphone use. The fee for the course is €20. It will take place at the centre, with registration available by contacting the centre directly.
The centre has also introduced a service providing sanitary products for women and girls in the community. The initiative is supported by Healthy Mayo and the Department of Health. Access to this service is available by contacting the centre using the same phone number or email.
Claremorris AFC will run its annual MiWadi FAI Football Camps with weeks of fun, learning and football for young players across the community.
Open to boys and girls aged between six and 14, the camps are designed with inclusivity in mind, catering for all genders and placing a particular emphasis on encouraging new players to get involved in the game. The initiative continues to grow in popularity each year, offering children of all abilities the chance to develop their skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
A wide range of camp options will be available, ensuring there is something for everyone. These include mainstream camps, girls-only camps, specialised goalkeeper training, and the Football For All programme, which is tailored for children with additional needs who share a passion for football.
Participants can look forward to a packed schedule of activities aimed at building both skills and confidence. Sessions will focus on key elements of the game such as ball mastery, dribbling, passing and shooting, while also incorporating fun challenges like keep-ups, small-sided matches and team bonding exercises.
With a strong emphasis on enjoyment as well as development, the camps aim to create a positive first experience for newcomers, while also helping more experienced players refine their abilities.
Parents and guardians interested in securing a place are encouraged to register their interest through the FAI website or by visiting Claremorris AFC’s social media pages.
Carramore Gun club made a presentation of €1,000 to Claremorris Lions Club last week. The money was raised by the Gun Club at their card game which was held in Taugheen Hall on Good Friday night.
The club has raised money for various charities down the years from the annual event. The presentation was made by Padraic Colleran and John Campbell of the Gun Club to Melissa Walsh and John Whittle of the Lions Club.
The playground at Mayfield will be closed this week for refurbishment by Mayo Co Council. The playground will remain closed until Monday next, April 20th. The local authority has apologised for the inconvenience caused by the necessary upgrade works.
Cúram hosts a weekly Dementia Dance Memory Group for those caring for someone with dementia. The group meets each Wednesday from 11.30am to 1pm and provides an opportunity to spend time in a shared setting with music and conversation. Further information is available from Irene on 087 108 0650.
James Shaughnessy was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, taking home €626. James purchased his winning ticket in Gilligan’s.
The club congratulated James on the win and expressed sincere thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw, noting that proceeds help fund teams, coaching and the ongoing development of the club. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
The death has occurred of Paul Carleton of Ballymangan, Hollymount. Paul died suddenly at his home on April 5th in his 92nd year.
Paul was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Carleton, and his sisters Jean and Eileen. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, wife Mary, sons Peter and Brian, daughter Angela, daughter-in-law Philomena, grandchildren Daniel and Robert, brother John, sisters Alice, Patsy and Marie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Paul’s remains reposed at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Thursday evening, April 9th, with removal to his home. The funeral cortege arrived at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort on Friday morning for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Ann Murphy (née McNicholas) of Ballinastandford, Claremorris. Ann died peacefully at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. She was predeceased by her husband Frank.
Ann will be deeply regretted by her loving family, daughters Nicola, Andrea and Darina, son-in-law Alan, grandson Frank, brothers Bernard, Patrick, M.J. and Eugene, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Ann’s remains reposed at her home on Friday evening. Removal took place on Saturday morning to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May she rest in peace.

