Local Notes: Hugh Armstrong, Knockmore, is crowned National Champion at the Dublin Marathon.
Hugh Armstong, Lisdovogue, Knockmore, a member of Ballina AC, and a past pupil of Currabaggan NS, was crowned National Champion at the 45th Irish Life Dublin Marathon on Sunday, October 25 last.
Hugh Armstrong of Ballina AC, Lisdovogue, Knockmore, and a past pupil of Currabaggan NS, became the men’s national champion at the 2026 Irish Life Dublin Marathon, finishing eighth overall in 2:14:51. Inspired by Mayo’s All-Ireland football triumph this year, the 32-year-old was determined to win a title of his own for his county. “I raced for the Irish title. I tried to be patient, didn't push too hard early on, especially up through the park, and just feeling that into the teeth of that wind was tough. "It probably is the pinnacle for me. To win a national title would be up there, and the marathon title is probably one of the toughest and highest-profile ones to win.” Reflecting on the All-Ireland football final Armstrong said: “There were guys I went to school with or played underage with who were out there playing, and that was the day I decided I'm going to go to Dublin and win it, I'll have my national title as well and I'll have my own cup to bring back.”
Set dancing classes have commenced in the Knockmore/Rathduff Centre on Tuesday evenings at 8pm. Further details are available from the centre on 094 9258016.
Knockmore GAA supporting Sunflower Children's Hospice presents an evening of dancing with Declan Nerney and his band in the Great National Hotel, Ballina, on Friday, November 13, commencing with Pat’s Country Roadshow at 8pm and Declan Nerney will be on stage from 10pm to midnight. Tickets are available at the reception, Corcoran's shop, Frank Mulvihill on 087 6486710, P Boyle on 086 3334124, or B Boland on 086 8678715.
Brendan, Sharon, Siobhan and Samantha have expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported the coffee morning in memory of Mary Boland (RIP), Currabaggan held recently in the centre in Knockmore. €5,200 was raised and this goes directly to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. They family extend a sincere thanks to all who baked the lovely eats and helped out on the day, and to the centre for hosting it. It was so much appreciated.
Cemetery Rosary was recited in Ballinahaglish Cemetery on Sunday, November 1, and it will be held in Cloghans Cemetery on Sunday, November 8, at 12 noon.
A special Mass of Remembrance for all who died in the parish during the past year was celebrated in both churches last weekend. The following are the names of those who died from the Rathduff area and were remembered at the special Remembrance Mass in St Teresa’s Church: Kenneth Clarke, Connecticut, USA and Rinnmore; John McDonagh, Hillside Rise; Francis Rutledge, Newtown Cloghans; Benny Jordan, Rehins; Mary Killeen (nee Rice), Ballyderg; Padraig McGowan, Knockleagha and late of Cloghans; Alan Jackson, Cloghans; May Clarke (nee Jordan ), Killala Rd, Ballina; Seamus Killeen, Church Rd, Ballina and (formerly Cloghans), Knockmore. May all rest in peace.
Over 55 and looking for low impact, moderate exercise classes? Move it or lose it classes have resumed in the centre in Knockmore (main hall). Contact Kate at the centre on 085 7558361 for further details. You can pay as you go.
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Scenes of unbridled joy were witnessed throughout the whole parish when Ardagh GAA team led by captain, James Carr, returned to their home community last Sunday week after being crowned Mayo GAA Treanlaur Catering junior football champions for 2026. Earlier at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar the green, gold and black clad heroes had created history by winning their first ever County Junior Exclusive A football championship crown when defeating Eastern Gaels in stylish fashion on a 3-14 to 1-11 scoreline. The team and management were boosted by a large number of loyal supporters who travelled to the county town to cheer them on against a side who provided stiff competition throughout the very memorable final.
Ardagh's on field performance was proficient, skilful and clinical. Every player, substitutes included, played his part in securing the coveted title which was amply demonstrated in the second half by some stunning scores. This victory was enjoyed by everyone who had the privilege to witness it. For all those who couldn't be there and for all those who were closely associated with the club but now deceased were all fondly remembered by the speakers in attendance at the packed reception in the community centre.
Just as the county's long awaited All-Ireland victory on July 26, 2026, is indelibly etched in the memories of all Mayo people, October 25, 2026, will likewise be forever woven into the memories of all Ardagh people. And to cap it all, one James Carr is inextricably linked to both remarkable and well merited accomplishments. All thirty players, team managements past and present, and club officials deserve the high praise heaped upon them these past few days.
A special Remembrance Evening for the dearly departed will be celebrated in Ardagh Church next Sunday, November 8, at 5pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the community centre and everyone is welcome.
Ardagh Social Services and Community Centre committees deserve special praise and gratitude for hosting the well-attended and very enjoyable reception afforded to the Ardagh team and officials following their historic Mayo county junior football championship victory last week.
A total of €411 was raised at the ProLife church gate collection held at Masses last week. The organisers sincerely thank all those who generously contributed to the collection.
Ardagh footballers take to the field once again next Saturday, November 7, when they take on Roscommon side, St. Aidan's GAA Club, in the quarter final of the Connacht GAA junior football championship at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park at 1.30pm and all support is greatly appreciated.
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News items can be handed into the Failte Room by 10am on Thursday or phone 34130 or email tithecoistra@gmail.com.
Go along to Clay Creations at Rosie’s Studio in Easkey for a fun, relaxed and friendly pottery experience.There is a free one-hour class on Wednesday, November 4, from 10am or 12.30pm, Wednesday, November 11, at 10am or 12.30pm and Wednesday, November 18, at 10am. Booking is essential. Contact Carol on 085 1166951.
Preparations have already begun to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Lacken Drowning Tragedy on Sunday, October 24, 2027, to ensure all known relatives of the lost 9 fishermen are invited/notified and involved if they so wish. Please share this notification with them or pass on any contact information you may know to Carol Whelan (granddaughter of Tom Lynott RIP) email: whelan.creevagh@gmail.com or text/WhatsApp +353 087 2523434.
Bonus ball winner last week was Maureen Walsh. There are numbers available. Contact Leo Loughney on 087 9163851.
Killala Community Council (Newstart) Ltd are running a Meals on Wheels service for Killala and surrounding areas. They aim to provide nourishing quality meals at an affordable price to any senior citizen who signs up. The meals will have two courses and can be collected or delivered. Orders can be taken up to 11.30am each day. This service is available to anyone over 60 years or recovering from illness. If interested contact 096 32992/32484.
