Local notes: Historic first cup crown for United girls
Cian Gallagher of Kiltimagh goes on the attack in the Stephen Jordan Memorial match that was played at the redeveloped Gilmartin Park on Friday, July 25, watched closely by John Gilmore of Moy Davitts. The game was refereed by local man Paul Lydon. Kiltimagh begin their Mayo JFC campaign next Friday evening away to Kilmovee Shamrocks. Picture: Michael Donnelly
Kiltimagh-Knock United lifted the Mary Walsh Cup for the first time, last week, following a 5–3 victory over Killala in the final at Umbro Park, Castlebar. The match, sponsored by Eco Powered Cabinets, brought together two familiar rivals who had exchanged wins in league meetings earlier in the season.
Both sides entered the contest with strong records. Killala were the defending champions, while Kiltimagh-Knock, Division One runners-up, had recorded notable wins during the season, including two over league champions Kilmore. Their previous encounters, particularly at underage level, suggested another close and competitive game was in store, and the final lived up to that expectation.
KK began the brighter of the two sides, immediately pressing forward and creating early chances. Shona Mahon threatened inside the opening minute before Kayla Doherty forced a save from Killala’s Emma Munnelly. Killala responded quickly, with Alva Munnelly bringing a stop from KK’s Elaine Duffy.
The opening goal arrived in the fourth minute, with Kayla Doherty finishing confidently to continue her impressive scoring run. Killala equalised soon after, and moments later, Killala struck the crossbar.
The game’s third goal was a well-executed team move finished off by Shona Mahon.
Kiltimagh-Knock extended the advantage on 35 minutes when Anna McDonnell scored directly from a corner. However, Killala responded almost immediately, to reduce the deficit to one goal once again, but then Shona Mahon added her second of the game, to make it 4–2 at half-time.
Killala started the second-half strongly and made it 4–3 early on and with the game finely balanced, KK’s defence came under sustained pressure, but the backline of Juliet Duffy, Nicola Maloney, Anna McDonnell and Cliona Callaghan stood firm. Elaine Duffy remained largely untroubled for the remainder of the half.
Kayla Doherty continued to test the Killala defence, striking the bar from a free-kick and going close on two further occasions. Substitutes Rachel Clarke and Noelle Kilduff added fresh energy, while Hana Ueno played a key role in breaking up opposition play and later dropped into a deeper role as the game entered the closing stages.
Shona Mahon completed her hat-trick in the final minute, sealing the 5-3 win and a first Mary Walsh Cup success for Kiltimagh-Knock United.
The presence of Rosie McDonnell, currently recovering from injury, provided a welcome boost to the team. Amber Noone, who contributed earlier in the campaign, was also acknowledged despite missing the final. Mascots from the club’s underage ranks – Molly, Caileen, Julie, Treasa, Gemma, Aoife, Valentino, Roisin and Molly Mai – joined the squad on the day, organised by Chris Jennings and Nicola Maloney.
Anna McDonnell and Grainne Collins, both of whom featured in the club’s first underage match in 2013, were among the players involved. The win marks the club’s first silverware at this level since a Division play-off win in 2022, with eight members of that squad also involved in Sunday’s final.
In a gesture of appreciation, the team and management – Dee, Ciara and Michael – have dedicated the victory to Mary Niland. Mary, a long-standing volunteer with the club, has been acknowledged for her consistent work and support, particularly in the development of the club’s female teams.
Kiltimagh Knock United squad: K Byrne, M Barrett, C Callaghan, R Clarke, G Collins, K Doherty, A Duffy, E Duffy (C), J Duffy, L Dunne, E Egan, N Kilduff, S Mahon, N Maloney, S Murray, A McDonagh, A McDonnell, R McDonnell, S McGuire, E Ryan, H Ueno.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns has introduced a new Herb Wall Garden on the Knock Road approach to the town. The project, still a work in progress, has seen the transformation of an old, damaged shed that had a tree growing through its roof. Chris Glynn led the restoration work, repairing and repainting the structure, and converting its front into a functional herb garden.
The initiative is designed for the local community, and herbs may be used free of charge for private domestic purposes. Organisers have asked users not to remove entire plants and to limit additions to herbs or edible flowers only. Community members are also encouraged to water, feed, and generally care for the garden as needed.
The project has received support from several others, including Anna Gavin, Henry Kelly and Michael Roache. Elsewhere in town, Seán Kelly has repaired seating in Market Square, which is now painted in Coillte’s colours. Brian Raftery and the local CE Employment Scheme team were also thanked for their assistance with the project.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns also acknowledged Kitty Tarpey and Kieran Kenny for their long-standing volunteer work, which continues to play a central role in maintaining the town’s appearance.
The Folk Café in Kiltimagh will host RECITE, a performance of music and poetry by Terry McDonagh and Emer Mayock, on Thursday, August 14 at 8pm.
The event features original poetry, traditional music and spoken word, combining live readings by McDonagh with musical arrangements by Mayock on uilleann pipes, flute and whistle.
Terry McDonagh from Cill Aodáin, is a world-renowned poet and dramatist whose work often draws on place and memory. Emer Mayock is a composer and traditional musician with a wide range of collaborative projects to her name.
RECITE is part of an ongoing collaboration between the two artists, who first worked together on the Arts Council’s ‘Festival in a Van’ project.
Tickets for the event are €10 and can be booked by contacting 085-1058597 or thefolkcafe@gmail.com.
Roisin Molloy, a former player with Kiltimagh-Knock United, made a sensational UEFA Women’s Champions League debut last week, as she helped Athlone Town to a commanding 4-0 victory over Cardiff City.
The 22-year-old from Gurteen, Co Sligo, played a starring role in the first qualifying round clash, setting up one goal and scoring two herself, in a performance that underlined her growing reputation as one of the brightest attacking talents in Irish football. Her pace, composure, and creativity caused the Cardiff defence constant problems throughout the night.
Rosisn’s journey to the European stage has strong roots in the west. She played for Kiltimagh-Knock United’s U19s for two seasons and featured for their senior women’s team before making the step up to the national stage with Athlone Town in 2021. She previously lined-out with Sligo Rovers U17s and began her football journey with Castlebar Celtic and her local club, Gurteen.
Last season, Roisin was instrumental in Athlone’s historic campaign, playing all 20 league games as they clinched their first SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title and finished runners-up in the FAI Cup. Her Champions League debut marks another milestone in a rapidly rising career.
Roisin’s contribution against Cardiff was pivotal, and her performances continue to highlight the talent being developed at grassroots clubs like Kiltimagh-Knock United.
Kiltimagh GAA are placed in Group 2 of the Treanlaur Catering Mayo Junior ‘A’ football championship and the team will begin their campaign with an away fixture against Kilmovee Shamrocks this Friday, August 8. The match is scheduled for a 7pm throw-in at Kilmovee.
Kiltimagh will then host their second group game at home, welcoming Tuar Mhic Éadaigh to Gilmartin Park on Sunday, August 24. That match will get underway at 3pm.
Both fixtures will be crucial in determining progression from the group stages, and preparations are well underway as Kiltimagh look to make their mark in this year’s competition.
There was plenty of competition at the weekly 25 Card Drive, where three pairs ended the night tied for top spot. First place was shared between John Clancy and Pius Forde, Francis McNicholas and Tom Durkin, and Mary and Jimmy Doyle, following an evening of closely fought games.
The 'Last 10' prize was also divided, with Tom Walsh and Hugh Forde sharing it with Mary and Liam Moran.
Aidan McDonagh and Denis Regan took home the spot prize on the night, while raffle winners were Pius Forde, Jack Pidgeon, Jimmy Doyle and Manus Kilcoyne.
A season-high turnout of 24 players took part in Round 9 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last, with a prize pool of €780 up for grabs.
Derry O’Sullivan emerged as the winner, securing first place following a heads-up deal with John Reynolds, who finished second. AN Other 2 took third place, with Mary McGlynn finishing fourth. The other finalists were Martin Regan (5th), Michael Higgins (6th), Enda Ruane (7th), Nicky Cunnane (8th), and Keith Lydon (9th).
J Reynolds’ runner-up finish sees him move to the top of the overall standings with 175 points, ahead of AN Other 1 on 169 and Michael Higgins on 145. The rest of the current top twelve includes Pat Boyle (134), Derry O’Sullivan (133), Gerry Groarke (129), Enda Ruane (127), Michael Sheridan (119), AN Other 2 (116), Keith Lydon (113), Martin Regan (112), and Kieran McGee (107).
The league continues every Wednesday at 8pm. and runs for fifteen weeks in total. Entry is €20, with a rebuy or add-on also available for €20. €5 from each buy-in and rebuy goes towards the Grand Final prize pool, which is expected to exceed €2,000. At the end of the league, the top twelve players on the table, plus two qualifiers, will compete for the final prizes.
Meanwhile, the Road to Killarney satellite series also continues at Teach O’Hora throughout the summer, giving players a chance to win packages to the Paddy Power Irish Poker Tour Killarney Festival at the Gleneagle Hotel in September. Each package includes entry to the €700 Main Event, which has a guaranteed prize pool of €500,000, plus three nights’ B&B accommodation for two. The next mini-satellite takes place on Sunday, August 10 at 4pm, with entry set at €20.
