Local Notes: Halloween Tractor Run was a great success in Clogher
Skilled young drivers ready for the off at the recent Tractor Run in Clogher.
Clogher Community Centre and the local area was a hive of excitement on Sunday, October 27th, as the Clogher Environmental Group presented the first annual Halloween Tractor Run and children’s tractor run.
This was a family event which provided fun and excitement for three generations of families.
After weeks of planning, everything fell into place, including the weather from 4pm as a large contingent of John Deere, New Holland, Massey Ferguson among many other models gathered for the off at 5pm. And what a sight it was as the convoy passed the hall which was well decorated for the Halloween Festival.
On the first short day of the year, they brightened up the roads to Carnacon, Ballintubber, over through Newtown and back to base.
Not to be outdone, the juniors had their own very enjoyable run around the grounds of the Holy Angels Primary School. Again there were many different models of transport on display and it was obvious that everyone was having a great time. Afterwards, there were treats, face painting and a film in the hall.
The organisers would like to thank the Garda escort, stewards and Community Employment staff who gave up their time to make sure the event ran off smoothly and safely. Thanks also to all the local media for promoting the event over the past few months and to Stephen Heneghan of Heneghan Plant Hire, who kindly donated a set tower lights for the assembly area for the tractors.
Thanks to David Brennan for the use of his marquee for the registration. Thanks to Aurivo, Ballintubber Agri-Store, and Western Co-op Balla who sponsored prizes for the occasion. Thanks to local councillors, as well as local politicians Alan Dillon and Lisa Chambers for taking the time out of their busy schedule by attending and supporting the event, and to Clogher National School for their ongoing support and use of their facilities also to all those who did Trojan unseen work in the background.
Lastly, thanks to all the members of the Clogher community and all of the surrounding areas, both young and old, who came out to support the very first Halloween Tractor Run. Your support was greatly appreciated and made all the hours of planning worthwhile.
Errew Community Committee has extended thanks to James Kilbane Music for supporting Errew’s newly restored community centre.
There are two shows scheduled on Sunday, November 17th. The 6pm show is now fully booked but James has kindly offered to perform for an afternoon performance at 2pm as well.
There are limited tickets available for the 2pm show. It will be an intimate afternoon of folk songs in support of the new centre.
Please ring/message 087-2029144 to reserve a ticket or email errewcc@gmail.com with any queries.
Thanks for your support.
On Saturday, November 16th, the annual Clogher Table Quiz will take place in the Drum Inn at 9pm. Tables of four participants are desired. There will also be a raffle on the night. This is always a very enjoyable quiz.
All welcome.
On Sunday, December 15th, Santa Claus will make a return visit to the Santa Grotto at the Clogher Heritage Complex.
This will be a very special day for all the little people of Clogher and the surrounding areas so note the date and watch this space and social media for further details in the coming weeks.
The results of the card game held in Clogher on October 25th were: 1st, Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons; 2nd, Joe Thomas and Breege Blake; 3rd, Michael Giblin and Mary McDonagh; Last 10, Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahy.
Game continues every Friday night. Everyone is welcome to attend the Friday night game.
Errew ‘Pay as you Go’ Breakfast Club and After School facility welcomes children from the surrounding area. It is open from 7.30 to 9.10am and 2 to 5.30pm.
It is a drop-in childcare service with no weekly or monthly set fees.
Please contact Ríona Lawless on 087-9005099 for more information.
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CARRA COUNTRY
The U-15 boys finished off the GAA season for Ballintubber GAA Club by picking up a prestigious Mayo Division 1 title with a merited 1-7 to 1-5 victory over gallant rivals Westport.
Truthfully, it was a shocking day for football with drizzly rain, a disruptive breeze and a wet soapy ball. Westport benefited from an early goal but Ballintubber, showing maturity, ball control and abundant skills, were always on the Covey boys' heels until Richie Finnerty scored a clincher of a goal with the clock ticking down.
Westport never gave up and pressed hard to the very end but superb Ballintubber defending, midfield dominance, possession football and some outstanding forward play ensured Ballintubber added the U-15 title to the recent U-13 Division 2 title.
The sight of the Ballintubber captain, Tiernan O’Toole receiving the cup in the same week as the club and community bid farewell to his legendary grandfather, Liam O'Toole, was very special.
The victory has been a great fillip to the club and it would be unfair to praise some splendid individuals in what was an overall great team performance. Congrats to the management and coaches and the Ballintubber U-15 panel, which has a fine balanced spread of really good footballers.
Ballintubber GAA Lotto jackpot has surpassed €7,000 and is snowballing fast. The numbers drawn on Sunday night, October 27, were 8, 9, 13 and 19.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Nora Conroy, Sean Flatley, Declan Joyce, Lorraine Bourke, Padraic Hughes, and Peter Tuohy.
The jackpot stood at €7,400 on last Sunday night, November 3. You can play online via the club's social media pages.
The annual general meeting of Ballintubber GAA Club will be held in Clogher Clubrooms on next Sunday evening, November 10th, at 5pm. All who support the club and participate in its activities are asked to be in attendance.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto on Monday, October 28th, were 2, 4, 28 and 31.
There was no winner of the €9,500 jackpot and Ivan Carroll was the Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Katie Loftus, Jason O’Regan, Bobby Reilly, Brian, Niamh and Peter Killeen, and Michael Corcoran.
Play now to be in with a chance of winning the giant jackpot of €9,600! Go to www.smartlotto.ie. Thanks to all our loyal supporters.
The winners of the Ballyglass 25 card game on Monday, October 28th, were: 1st, Jimmy Sheridan and Philip White; 2nd, Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley; 3rd, Mary Brennan and Tom Fitzpatrick.
The last 10 winners were Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford and the raffle prizes went to Jimmy Sheridan and Philip White.
The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
At the recent annual general meeting of Ballyglass Community Childcare service, the election of officers went as follows: Chairperson, Patricia Nestor; Vice-Chairperson, Joan Walsh; Secretary, Mairead Nestor; Assistant Secretary, Trish Vahey; Treasurer, Breege Jennings; Assistant Treasurer, Gráinne Murphy.
Save the date for the Ballyglass Christmas Market on November 30th from 2 to 6pm.
There will be crafts, baked goods, food vans, activities for the children, Christmas tree lighting, carol singing and maybe even a visit from the man in red! Look out for more information on the Ballyglass Community Council Instagram. See you all there.
Irish Dancing classes for children aged four and upwards in the Community Centre continue every Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30pm and the cost is €5 per class, pay as you go. Beginners are very welcome.
Best wishes are extended to P.J. Brett, Carrowhall, who celebrated his 70th birthday recently.
Congrats on the happy occasion from all your neighbours and friends in Ballyglass.
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Ballyglass FC Hall of Fame Award, Breege Jennings.
Breege served as treasurer of the club for many years until she stepped down recently. She is known far and wide as a tireless community worker, a great organiser of people and events, and someone who is the first in any committee to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in. Well done, Breege, on this well-deserved award.
Art classes have commenced in Ballyglass Community Centre on Mondays at 6.45pm. Six classes cost €50. Anyone who is interested in upgrading their art skills can contact Nora on 087-9729672.
A new Mother and Baby/Toddler Group is being formed in the Childcare Centre, Carnacon. All facilities are being offered to them free of charge.
The first meeting will be tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6, from 10am to 12 noon, but if attendees want to change to any other day they will be able to do so. All mothers from the parish and beyond are welcome to avail of this wonderful facility. For further details, contact 087-6752668.
A 25 Drive (Singles hands with 16 games) started in Carnacon Community Centre on Thursday night, October 17, at 8.30pm.
There is a raffle and refreshments served after the game. There is a special prize for the person with the greatest number of games, and the least number of games at Christmas. All card players are welcome.
Ballintubber Community Council has extended thanks to Sgt Sean Cunnane for his talk and advice on crime prevention which was most informative and valuable. There was solid advice on preventing crime, in the home and online.
Mass for deceased members of Ballintubber GAA Club will take place on Friday, December 6th, in Ballintubber Abbey at 7.30pm.
Set Dancing classes continue with Chris Oates in the Scioból every Thursday night at 9pm. See you there.
Have you visited Ballintubber Abbey recently? Why not book a guided tour and hear the fascinating tales of over 800 years of history, explore the landscaped grounds and visit the well-stocked gift shop, which has a fantastic array of Mayo-based products?
Make it a day to remember and explore Moorehall and marvel at the multi-coloured waters of Lough Carra and visit The Pine Rack.
Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre and Gift Shop is open daily. Guided tours are available seven days a week including Sundays after Mass, Monday to Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093-9030934 or email info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the gift shop.
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PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
The death has occurred of Annie Barker (née Hoban), Treenlaur, Tourmakeady, and Derrendafderg, Srah.
Annie passed away on October 25th in her 88th year.
Widely known and hugely respected in her community, her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her family and many friends and peers who held her in the highest regard.
Predeceased by her parents John and Nora Hoban, her husband Tommy, sister Margaret, brothers Pat and Jimmy and grandsons Ronan and Gerard, she is deeply regretted by her loving daughters Mary and Noreen, sons Tom, Sean, Willie, Tony, Pat and Peadar, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren , sisters Nonie and Mary, brothers Matt, Tom, Sean and Mick, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Huge crowds attended as her remains reposed at Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Tourmakeady on Sunday week last with removal to St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady on Monday morning for Funeral Mass and burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €14,300 for the draw on October 26th and the numbers drawn were 2, 8, 10 and 18.
The online winners were Riona McManamon and Breege Gibbons.
The jackpot stood at €14,400 on last Saturday night, November 2nd.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online at www.smartlotto.ie.
The death took place last week of John Edward (Eddie) Summerville, Ferrybridge, Kilbride, Finny.
Eddie, as he was fondly known, passed away peacefully on October 30th surrounded by his loving family at his home in Ferrybridge.
Predeceased by his late wife Kathleen, sister Mary, and brothers Paul and Francis, he is deeply regretted by his children Geraldine, Brendan, Rose, Tom, and Áine, son-in-law Hendrik, grandchild Liam, sister Anne (Tourmakeady), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed at Cong Community Centre on Thursday, October 31st, from 5 until 7pm. The Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Finny on last Friday at 12 noon followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Pilates with Ailís have commenced on Wednesdays and will run until November 27th.
Further information is available by emailing eolas@tourmakeady or calling 094-9544295.
Tourmakeady Knitting Club has resumed their activities once again on Monday nights from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Phone 087-7657191 for details.
Tourmakeady Parent and Toddler meet in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh each Tuesday from 10.30am to 12.15pm. There are lots of toys for the children and a chance for adults to chat and have a cup of tea. Details are available from 094-9544295 or 083-3600770.
Tuar Mhic Eadaigh Social Club meets from 2 to 4pm on Thursdays and new members are made most welcome.
Congrats to Yvonne Finn, Churchfield who was a recent winner of €100 in the National Schools lotto draw.
The next round of the lotto bonus ball will commence on November 16th. Please let the school know if you wish to continue with your ball number.
Applications are now open for the Local Authority Waters Programme Community Water Development Fund 2025. This is a grant scheme to enable community-driven projects that will help improve water quality.
Various types of projects are considered including landscape management actions e.g. invasive non-native species surveys and removal, blanket bog restoration projects.
The winter season of Irish Classes takes place in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Wednesdays each week - at 10pm there will be a morning session for complete beginners.
For more experienced speakers, there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11am to 12 noon. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie or contact Stiofán at 087-23970227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com.
An information evening on housing grants will be held on Thursday, November 21st, at 7.30pm in Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh.
Speakers on the night will include Deirdre Swords, Vacant Homes Officer, Mayo Co Council and Orla Nic Suibhne, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) mentor. All are welcome.
A clothing collection to raise funds for St Mary's National School will be held on December 17th. If you wish to contribute used/unwanted clothes, shoes (pairs only) handbags and belts, please drop them off at the school before December 17th.
The latest Killawalla Community Council Lotto draw took place on November 3rd in Pakie’s Lounge, Killawalla. The support of patrons is greatly appreciated.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Geraldine Bourke, Devlish, on the recent passing of her brother Patrick Lynch, Stockport.
May he rest in peace.
Gentle exercise classes in Killawalla Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm and an optional cuppa and chat afterwards for anyone looking for a way to pass a dark evening. Come along at 7.30pm or contact Louise at 086-6034601 for information.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Clodagh Doyle and Mary Feerick who were recent winners on number 27.
The funds raised go towards running the club during the year.
Congrats to Tommy Joe Hennelly, Tooreen and Fergal Murphy, Portroyal who were recent winners of Partry Residents' Association Saturday night draw.
The numbers lotto draw takes place on Saturday nights and all funds raised go towards local projects and village enhancement.
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BREAFFY/ BALLYHEANE/ BELCARRA
The death took place recently of Annie Gibbons (née Mitchell), Kinturk, Ballyheane, and late of Logaphuill, Castlebar.
Annie passed away peacefully at her residence in her 97th year on October 25th. Her passing was an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family and many friends made on life’s journey.
Predeceased by her sons Padraic and Michael, husband Paddy, parents Michael and Maria and her sisters and brothers, Annie is deeply regretted by her loving family, daughter Mary Rose (Kelly, Caherlistrane, Co Galway), sons John (Rocklands, Castlebar) and Joseph (Aughagower, Westport), son-in-law Peter, daughters-in-law Marie, Mary, Nuala, and Breege, sister-in-law Kitty, ten grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom condolences are tendered.
Annie’s remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on October 28th with removal to her residence. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane, on Tuesday morning with burial afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Breaffy GAA Lotto stood at a massive €25,600 for the October 29th draw. The numbers drawn were 12, 25, 29 and bonus no 3.
There was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners. Congrats to the consolation prize-winners.
The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. You can play online at www.lottoraiser.ie.
The Jackpot stands at €25,800 for tonight’s draw.
Congrats to the Breaffy team on overcoming a tough An Cheathrú Rua side in the Connacht GAA Club Minor B Football Championship 2024 semi-final played last week in the Connacht GAA Centre in Bekan.
Breaffy U-13s participated in the U-13 David Canney Invitational Tournament on the Halloween Bank Holiday Monday at Corofin GAA, Co Galway.
Breaffy Club has extended thanks to the Canney family, Liam Cawley and all those in Corofin for organising a really well-run event and for the wonderful hospitality shown.
Congrats to Edwin McGreal whose book 'Our Finest Hour' was launched as part of the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival.
The book is on sale in bookshops throughout Mayo this week and is also available online via www.mayobooks.ie.
The death has taken place of Mary Surdival, Chestnut Grove, Castlebar and formerly of Ballinalassa, Belcarra, who passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital.
Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Nora, she is deeply regretted by her relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on Thursday evening from 5 to 6pm followed by removal to the Church of The Holy Rosary, Castlebar.
Requiem Mass for Mary took place on Friday at 10am with burial afterwards in Elmhall Cemetery, Belcarra.
May she rest in peace.
Belcarra Community Council’s Lotto jackpot has reached a whopping €9,000.
The jackpot stood at €8,900 on Sunday, October 27th, when the numbers drawn were 4, 17, 26 and 27.
The Lucky Dip winners of €30 were Michelle Cunningham, Bernie Martin, Philip Gormley and Ray McGreal.
Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies.
A Fundraiser for Gaza will take place at Turlough Community Centre next Saturday, November 9. There will be an all-day Coffee Morning and Book Fair plus art for kids from 10am to 4.30pm.
Please support this most worthy cause.
Mayo Yoga with Aromatherapy takes place in Ballyheane Community Centre on Thursdays at 7pm and 8.15pm - suitable for all abilities
The next six-week block will start Thursday, November 14th. Message if you’re interested in joining on 087-2831400. Availability is limited.
Kieran Kelly commenced dance classes on Mondays in Ballyheane Centre. Solo dancers are welcome and refreshments will be served.
The fees are €15 euro per class. Call 087-7414968 for more details.
The Over 55s Active Age Group meets in Ballyheane Centre on Tuesdays from 11am to 1pm. New members are welcome to join and participate in the wide range of activities and outings that occur. Details are available from Pat at 087-7412516.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
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BALLA/MANULLA
Manulla FC lotto draw was held on last Sunday week, October 20th, for a massive jackpot of €16,600.
The numbers drawn were 1, 4, 12 and 24, and there was no jackpot winner.
The consolation prize-winners were Andrew Shally Grattan (online), Karen Brennan, Manulla (online) and Mary Jo McDonnell, Curryeallaun (online).
On October 27th, the jackpot stood at €16,700 when the numbers drawn were 9, 17, 21 and 28, and there was no jackpot winner.
The consolation prizes went to Tracey Hall, Knockatemple (online) Michael Jennings, Derreen (online) and Mark Cunningham, Vinnell House (online).
The jackpot stood at a massive €16,800 last Sunday night. The club is deeply grateful for the weekly support of its patrons. Tickets are available at www.lottoraiser.ie.
Congrats to Manulla FC players Ellie Dunleavy and Sophie O'Donnell who both started for Mayo U16s in their first Inter League match of the 2024-25 season.
The Mayo ladies took on Clare in Milebush and came away with a 3-0 win.
Balla Community Centre hosted a coffee morning in support of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice on Friday, October 25th, and €695.19 was collected for the worthy cause.
Thanks have been extended to all who contributed so generously.
The Balla GAA Lotto jackpot on October 24th stood at €8,700 when the draw was held in The Railway Tavern and the numbers drawn were 8, 22, 23 and 34. There was no winner of the jackpot.
The €30 consolation winners were Trevor McNicholas (online), Kieran Keane (online) and Evan Canavan (cash sale).
The latest draw was held on Thursday, October 31st, in The Shebeen when the jackpot was €8,800.
Thanks to all those who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla U-13 girls won the Mayo LGFA U-13 County Final last week in the Connacht Centre of Excellence in a great game against Burrishoole.
Congrats to Balla LGFA on the success as this adds to the fantastic array of silverware for the season.
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) and local Field Support Officer, John Caulfield, have extended thanks to all those people in Balla and surrounding areas who participated in the recent census survey.
Households who were selected to participate showed an excellent response.
Balla Christmas Market with Santa, Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Tuck Shop, Kids/Adult Tractor Run and Fireworks Show will take place on December 7th. More details to follow.
Balla Community Centre have the following classes coming on stream:
Sewing at 10am every Monday, Women's Healing Group at 7pm every Monday, Tai Chi (free) provided by SWMDC, Art for Children every Monday at 4pm.
On Tuesday - Moms and Me at 10am, while Move It Or Lose It at 10am with Claire.
Balla Women’s Healing Circle is on Tuesdays at 7pm with Julie Ann (contact 085-1956954).
Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10.30am, Bridge on Wednesdays at 7pm and SNA on Wednesdays at 9pm.
English Classes for Ukrainian at 11am each Thursday followed by Children’s Drama at 3.30pm.
On Friday, there is Yoga at 9.30am followed by Active Age at 3pm.
Please contact info@balla.ie or phone 087-1850860 or 094-9365846 for further information.
Hot Desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Please contact infoballa.ie or 087 1850860 for further details.
Parents, toddlers and guardians can meet up for coffee and chat every Thursday from 10.30am until 12 noon in Balla Community Centre.
All are welcome.
Balla Community Resource development team will hold their annual general meerting on November 20th at 8pm in the Community Centre, Balla.
Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the Community Centre. New members will be made most welcome.
A great new service to enhance Balla Bingo has recently commenced.
The Bingo bus service has pick-ups at Brickens, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyglass and Mayo Abbey destined to be in Balla for Sunday Bingo at 7.40pm. Please call 087-1850860 or 094-9365846 to reserve your seat.
Balla Bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online at 8pm sharp.
Balla Bingo usually features a generous €12,000 prize fund. 50/50 winners in-house and online, plus free book giveaway on the night.
Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
There is a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094-9365843 for more information.
Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
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