Local Notes: Iorras Aonthaithe back in Super League after 9 year absence.
Congratulations to Iorras Aontaithe and management on adding the Premier Division Trophy to the League trophy for the 2026 season. The club is back in the Super League after a nine year absence.
Since founding the club there’s been many milestones and the club would like to celebrate every achievement. Recently the club reached another milestone, at the first junior championship in Bantry. This milestone like all the others, took preparation, but many hands make light work. Acknowledging the contribution of the coaches and parents, it’s not easy to get them to training, to organise other commitments, to help young people become and stay involved. The club youths crew in Bantry on the weekend are a reflection of that effort from parents and coaches. The club are so grateful for the help and support and for all getting stuck in when everyone is learning as they go along. Everyone was a winner this weekend. People started something that will give the club energy going forward. To come home with everyone having completed races, achieved personal bests, and All Ireland title in U14 quad is such a milestone for all. A special mention to Bantry Rowing Club for a well organised championship, the long trip to west Cork was well worth the trip.
The brand-new access ramp at Cross Beach is now completed, and Mayo County Council has done a great job. Huge credit goes to local engineer Barry Ryan for a brilliant design and finish. It blends so seamlessly into the natural landscape that it’s hardly noticeable, yet it makes a world of difference. This is such a massive improvement for wheelchair users, the elderly, and families with prams or beach gear. Everyone can now enjoy easy, safe access to the beach.
A huge thank you to everyone who walked, donated and supported the Cill Chomáin GAA annual charity walk recently. The club was delighted to present a cheque for €1,000 to NWSTOP Erris Branch. Accepting the cheque on behalf of NWSTOP were the board and staff of Erris Family and Community Support Centre.
Ahead of the 2026/27 season let’s reflect on the 2025/26 Player of the Year award winners. Most Improved/Young Player of the Year was Mikey Monaghan. What a season for this young man picking up 4 youth titles in a row the Mattie McHale, Tony Barrett, Tracey Moran and Pete Carey. Mikey also reached the finals of both the youths and senior Tom Rafter event back in February and was part of the Elly 2 team that won the Village League Plate.
The Erris Darts Player of the Year was Brendan Conway. A stalwart of Erris darts and a season littered with titles to boot. Brendan kicked off the season winning the Michelle Gaughan this time last year and capped the season off with some top quality performances in the Village League and Spring Series especially in the one man shootout in the cup final of the village league for The Valley Inn (1), Michelle Gaughan, Village League cup, Village League Player of the Year and Spring Series Cup Champion.
Congratulations to local motor trader Michael Conroy Motors situated in the town land of Derrycorrib been named Business All-Star Mayo Motor Dealer 2026, and a Two-Time Business All-Star. This recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) means a huge amount to Michael and the entire team.
The theme of Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”. It encourages people to have open and honest discussions about suicide. These important conversations can break down barriers, raise awareness and help to create better understanding and support.
There are lots of posts and information encouraging people to reach out, listening without judgement, and reminding people that they are not alone. All of this is really important on a day like today but there is another side that is important to acknowledge. Behind every person lost to suicide are those people left behind - parents, partners, children, siblings, friends and communities who are left with a loss that is incredibly difficult to bare and even harder to understand.
While the conversations around mental health and suicide prevention are on-going this month, keep at the forefront of your mind those who struggle to cope with losses to suicide. Families and loved ones need to know they too can speak about their loss, their experience, their grief and that people are able to hear them. People may not have the answers but they can simply be there and listen. So today people are asked to reach out, seek help, to talk, especially those grieving. North West STOP also think of those we have lost. And they offer their solidarity to those who navigate their lives without them.
For support contact 0818 444 000. North West STOP-Suicide Prevention provides an outreach service in Erris.
A great night was had by all in The West End Bar recently for the conclusion of the Mayor/Mayoress of Bangor Erris. All monies raised by the candidates were €35,517.23 in aid the painting and restoration works for Bangor Erris and Ballymunnelly churches. Congratulations to John Cosgrove who was deemed elected as he raised the most funds. The parish council thanks John, Seamus Cosgrove, Martin John Carey, Tony McKenzie and Bernie Dunne who did such tremendous work in raising money for the two churches - Bangor and Ballymunnelly. Paddy Mulligan was the reigning Mayor. The chain of office was presented by Enda Brogan on behalf of the Brogan family in memory of Frank Brogan who always believed “If you don’t have community you have nothing!”
The draw was held on September 13, and the numbers drawn were 1, 5, 6, and 20 for a jackpot €11,200. The house prize of €100 was won by Mary and Joe O’Malley, Cornboy and the €30 offline winners were Caolan O’Broin, Ceathru na gCloch and Michael McAndrew, Glengad. The €30 online winners were John Doherty, Inver and Michelle Naughton, Rossport.
Congratulations are extended to all the winners of the Summer draw. A massive thank you to everyone who bought lines, sold tickets, donated prizes and supported the draw. Every euro raised goes towards keeping Ballycroy Community Centre running for the community. Winners were; Fiona Conway – drinks hamper (€250); Nav Arain – Tom Moran oil voucher (€150); Deirdre Scanlon – AJ Keane’s voucher (€100); Róisín Leonard – The Grace voucher (€100); Katie Grealis – Erris Coast Hotel voucher (€100); Noreen Ruddy – Doherty’s No. 9 Bar voucher (€100); Adam Masterson – Westport Hotel Group voucher (€100); Michael Keane -Broadhaven Bay Hotel dinner for two.
This year’s golf classic in Carne Golf Links in aid of Ballyglass RNLI will be held on October 17. By supporting the service that is Ballyglass RNLI, you are not just donating your hard earned money to charity you are making a difference to someone’s life and when someone is in difficulty in the water around the coast. The volunteer crew will head to sea without question and make every endeavour to get them home safely. All because you believed in the value of the two boats and crews that are ready at a moment’s notice and you made a donation to the cause. Why not have your business, your brand, your family name, fly at Carne Golf Links on October 17.
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Information Meeting takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, September 23, at 6.30pm, in the IWA Centre, Logmore F26VY42. The meeting will explore the establishment of a local SVP branch in Erris. They will hear from Ballina Branch President, Kieran Walsh on the requirements to set up a local branch and they invite members of the community who are interested in being part of this to attend. To register your interest or for more information contact Leanne, Erris FCSC on 087 0670989.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €6,500 with the two €50 winners being Eada Harrington, Glencullen Lower and Aisling Hoban, Doohoma Head while Mary P Deane, Mountjubilee and Niamh O’Malley, Westport both won €25s. The two online winners were Fionn McDonagh, Geesala €50 and Anna Lavelle, Buckinghamshire €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, September 22, at 8pm when the jackpot will be €750 in 50 calls or less.
Sinn Féin TD for Mayo, Rose Conway-Walsh, has called for the immediate restoration of the Men’s Sheds Grant for 2025/26, warning that the funding gap could have serious consequences for the viability of vital community groups across Mayo.
Teachta Conway-Walsh said: “Men’s Sheds are a lifeline for many men across Mayo, particularly in rural communities where opportunities for social interaction can be limited but also in towns where men can often feel isolated.
“This decision not to proceed with the 2025/26 grant leaves Sheds nationwide facing a funding gap of at least 18 months. With the next dedicated grant not expected until 2027, many will struggle to meet basic running costs, including insurance, heating, electricity and rent.
“Men’s Sheds play a crucial role in tackling loneliness and isolation, supporting mental health and providing a sense of belonging. In a rural county like Mayo, their importance cannot be overstated.
“Last weekend I was delighted to attend the opening of Erris Men’s Shed’s new location in Belmullet. I would hate to see this wonderful facility face reduced opening hours, offer fewer activities or even be forced to close its doors due to a funding gap. This would be a devastating loss for the men who depend on them and for the wider communities they serve.
“I am calling on the Minister to immediately restore the grant or introduce emergency interim funding to ensure no Men’s Shed in Mayo is forced to cut services or close because of this decision.”
