Local Notes: Hillcrest wins Claremorris Estates competition
Damien Hall, Manager of Kavanagh's SuperValu in Claremorris, presents the residents of Hillcrest with their prize as winners of the Tidy Towns Residential Estates Competition.
There was a memorable homecoming at St Colman’s College earlier this month when the Sam Maguire Cup was brought to the school by seven former students who were involved in Mayo’s historic All-Ireland triumph on July 26th.
Students lined the avenue to welcome Eoin McGreal, Enda Hession, Stephen Coen, Darragh Beirne, Fenton Kelly, Colm Finn and Conor Finn as they carried Sam Maguire towards their old school. The celebrations continued in the gym, where the seven received a rousing reception from the assembled school community.
Acting principal Suzanne Lohan welcomed the players back to St Colman’s, while the school’s GAA Coordinator, Gareth Duggan, spoke about the historic nature of Mayo’s achievement and the particular pride felt within the college at the role played by so many former students.
Mr Duggan also remembered some of the great St Colman’s GAA stalwarts who were not there to witness the occasion, including PJ McGrath, Tony Geraghty, Michael McDonnell, TJ Farragher and James O’Toole. All had given years to coaching and developing young footballers at the school, including future Mayo players.
Colm Boyle, representing the Mayo players and management, spoke about what it means for a young footballer to progress from representing school and club to pulling on the Mayo jersey. He also praised the seven former St Colman’s students and the dedication which had helped them reach the highest level.
The connections between the seven players and the college span more than a quarter of a century. Colm and Conor Finn first entered St Colman’s in 1999 and 2000 respectively, while Darragh Beirne was among the most recent to leave. Darragh was joint captain of the St Colman’s team which won the college’s seventh Connacht Senior 'A' title and reached the Hogan Cup Final in 2025.
The links with Mayo’s success went back even further. Former student Kieran Kilkenny, who won an All-Ireland Senior B title with St Colman’s in 1996, also attended and played an important part in organising the visit.
All of the returning players spoke during the celebrations and answered questions submitted by current students. They recalled their own time at St Colman’s and the part the school had played in both their football and personal development. Their message to the current generation was also about much more than football. They encouraged students to work hard and listen to their teachers and coaches, while stressing the importance of honesty, perseverance and resilience both on and off the field.
A recurring theme was that sporting success rarely exists in isolation. The students heard that the dedication required to succeed in sport can also be reflected in how people approach their education, careers and personal lives.
The school also acknowledged the continuing contribution of its former players long after they had left St Colman’s. Members of the group have returned over the years to take training and gym sessions, speak to students, offer advice and support school teams. For the current generation of students, the visit provided a particularly tangible connection with Mayo’s All-Ireland success. The seven players being celebrated had once walked the same corridors, sat in the same classrooms and represented the same school. The sight of them returning with the Sam Maguire Cup provided a reminder of just how far that journey can lead.
St Colman’s described the seven as wonderful ambassadors for the college and expressed its pride not only in their achievement on the football field but in the men they have become since leaving school.
Claremorris novelist Elizabeth Reapy will be among the featured writers at the Something In The Water community arts festival in Headford this week.
Elizabeth, who won the 2017 Rooney Prize for Irish Literature for her debut novel and followed it with in 2019, will take part in an evening of literary conversation at The Angler’s Rest Hotel on this Thursday, October 1st. She will be joined by fellow novelists Patrick Doherty and Alan McMonagle.
The appearance forms part of the fourth Something In The Water festival, which runs from Wednesday, September 30th to Sunday, October 4th. The five-day programme encompasses literature, music, theatre, film, dance and visual art at venues throughout Headford.
Hillcrest Estate has been named the 2026 winner of the SuperValu Claremorris and Claremorris Tidy Towns Residential Estates Competition. The competition recognises outstanding efforts by local communities in maintaining and enhancing their residential areas and provides valuable funding and incentives to support the ongoing upkeep of local estates.
The achievement marks another significant milestone for Hillcrest Estate, which has long been recognised for its strong community spirit, well-maintained surroundings, and dedicated residents who continuously work to improve the area.
The Hillcrest Residents Committee expressed its sincere gratitude to the many individuals who have supported the estate over the years. Special acknowledgement was given to Cllr Richard Finn and former councillor Tom Connolly, who have provided discretionary General Municipal Allocation (GMA) funding since the estate was established in 2005. Their continued support has played an important role in the development and maintenance of the estate and has not gone unnoticed by residents.
The committee also recognised the recent support of Cllr Deirdre Lawless and Cllr Patsy O'Brien, who have also provided discretionary GMA funding. The impact of this funding has been clearly visible in the ongoing upkeep, enhancement, and progression of Hillcrest Estate.
A major achievement for the estate this year was the installation of a defibrillator, providing an important resource not only for residents of Hillcrest but also for the wider community. The project was made possible through the generous co-sponsorship of Harrington Concrete & Quarries and Michael Monaghan.
The defibrillator was purchased from local supplier Darren Forde, who has been instrumental in promoting the availability of life-saving equipment throughout the region. The committee also extended its thanks to Donna Cassidy, who assisted with training and the registration of the device with the National Ambulance Service, ensuring it can be accessed quickly in the event of an emergency.
Further appreciation was expressed to residents Brian Mullin and Laura Glennon, who facilitated the installation and electrical connection of the defibrillator near their home, helping to ensure the device remains accessible to the community when needed. The Residents Committee also acknowledged the generous offers of support and donations from members of the surrounding community towards the future upkeep and maintenance of the device.
The committee extended thanks to all residents of Hillcrest Estate, both past and present, for their contribution to building and sustaining the vibrant community that exists today.
Claremorris Tidy Towns congratulated the residents and committee on their success and thanked all of the estates which entered this year’s competition, praising the pride and enthusiasm shown by communities throughout the town. The group also thanked SuperValu Claremorris for its continued support of the competition.
Keith McCormack was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a jackpot of €1,320. Keith bought his winning ticket in Warde’s.
The club congratulated Keith on his win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to support the club’s activities.
Eva Murphy won €570 in the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week. Eva purchased her winning ticket in O’Brien’s.
Claremorris AFC congratulated Eva and thanked all those who continue to take part in the draw each week. Tickets are sold online and through local shops and pubs, with the club grateful for the continued support of its patrons.
The death has occurred of Thomas Joseph (Tom) Walsh of Redditch, UK, and formerly of Ballydaff, Claremorris. Tom died peacefully at Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, on August 21st, 2026.
Tom was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Josephine Walsh, sister Liz McMahon, brothers-in-law Al Fox and Peter Moroney, and nephew Sean Oglesby. Tom will be sadly missed and remembered by his sisters Maureen Moroney, Helen Hackett and Phil Fox, brothers Jimmy and Michael, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Tom’s Funeral Mass was held on Friday, September 25th, in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Redditch, followed by cremation afterwards at Redditch Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Ann Staunton (née Monks) of Portarlington, Co Laois, and formerly of Claremorris and Rathmines, Dublin. Ann died peacefully on September 17th, in the wonderful care of St Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh, surrounded by her loving family.
Ann was predeceased by her daughter Sarah and sister Connie. She will be sadly missed by her loving son Simon, daughter-in-law Stephanie, grandchildren Blaic and Kahlan, sister Mary, brothers Pat and Jim, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Ann’s remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Newbridge, on Sunday, September 20th. A Humanist funeral service was held at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin, on Monday.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Noreen Dowd of Park New, Ballindine, and formerly of Liverpool and Manchester. Noreen died suddenly at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on September 22nd.
Noreen was predeceased by her son Wayne, parents Joe and Margaret, brother George and uncle Ed. Noreen will be sadly missed by her husband Martin, daughter Cheri, son Joe, daughter-in-law Babs, granddaughter Elle, grandson Joe Jnr., nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and her wide circle of friends in the UK and Ireland.
Noreen’s remains reposed at her residence in Park New, Ballindine, on Thursday evening, September 24th. Funeral Mass was held on Friday in St Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs, Co. Roscommon, followed by burial afterwards in Kilbegnet New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
