Local Notes: Isaac is poker champion in Kiltimagh
Isaac Boyle was the winner of the Spring Poker League in Kiltimagh. He claimed the coveted Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup and a prize pool of €2,165.
There was a strong turnout and high stakes at Teach O’Hora in Kiltimagh for the Grand Final of the Spring Poker League, where Isaac Boyle was crowned the new Kiltimagh Poker Champion. Isaac claimed the coveted Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup on Sunday, June 8, following a competitive final involving 14 qualifying players and a prize pool of €2,165.
After almost seven hours of play, Isaac emerged as the overall winner, with Michael Sheridan finishing in second place. Third and fourth prizes went to Keith Lydon and Michael Higgins respectively.
Attention now turns to the Summer League, where Round 2 took place last Wednesday night. It was a welcome return to the prizes for John Reynolds, who secured first place after defeating Michael Higgins in a close heads-up finish. Pat Boyle placed third, with Martin Regan in fourth. Other finalists on the night included Derry O’Sullivan, Annette Reynolds, Paul Walsh, Enda Ruane and two players listed as AN Other.
With two rounds played, Pat Boyle leads the league table on 53 points, followed by Ann Cribben and John Reynolds on 42. The remainder of the current top 12 includes Enda Ruane (40), Michael Sheridan (39), AN Other (38), Derry O’Sullivan (37), Gerry Groarke (31), Michael Higgins (28), Kieran McGee (26), and both AN Other and Paul Walsh tied on 24.
The Summer League runs for 15 weeks, with tournaments held each Wednesday at 8pm. Entry costs €20, with an optional €20 rebuy or add-on. €5 from each buy-in contributes to the final prize pool, with the rest paid out nightly. The top 12 players, plus two additional qualifiers, will compete in a Grand Final for a prize pot expected to exceed €2,000.
The Cill Aodain Court Hotel in Kiltimagh is set to host a standout evening of live comedy as part of the Coillte Come Home programme on Wednesday, July 9.
Organised by Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, the Coillte Come Laugh event promises top-tier entertainment with a strong line-up of acclaimed Irish comedians taking to the stage.
Tickets for the show are priced at €15 and are available to purchase at www.kiltimagh.ie. Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show scheduled to start promptly at 8pm.
The evening will be hosted by Karl Spain, one of Ireland’s best-known comedians. Karl has appeared at comedy festivals across the globe and spent most of 2022 on tour with Kevin Bridges. With years of writing and performing experience, he is a familiar face to Irish audiences and promises a lively night of quick wit and sharp observations.
Joining him on stage is Fred Cooke, whose high-energy performances mix physical comedy with music and storytelling. Well-known for his appearances on , , and , Fred is a favourite with audiences across Ireland and the UK. His unpredictable, humorous style has earned him a loyal following at comedy festivals and venues nationwide.
Sligo-born John Colleary also joins the bill, bringing his sharp satirical voice and acting talent to the night. With credits including , , and on Today FM, John is both a celebrated writer and performer. His sketch work has received awards and critical acclaim, and his live comedy is described by Tommy Tiernan as “playful, inventive and brilliant".
Rounding off the night’s line-up is Julie Jay, a comedian, writer and podcaster who has been building a strong reputation on the Irish comedy scene. Julie has supported major names including Neil Delamere, Ardal O’Hanlon and Des Bishop, and is also known for her writing in the and . Her on-stage presence combines relatable humour with sharp insights and crowd-pleasing delivery.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals has encouraged early booking for what is expected to be a popular event. With a stellar line-up and a strong community spirit behind it, Coillte Come Laugh is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most enjoyable local events.
There was pride for the Derrowel village and Kiltimagh GAA Club last week as Conor Hession played a key role in Mayo’s dramatic victory over Offaly in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship quarter-final at Hyde Park in Roscommon.
Conor scored an early goal and added three vital points, including the free that gave Mayo back the lead late in the second half, as the team edged past the Leinster champions in a 3-13 to 4-7 thriller.
Conor’s goal, struck inside the opening 90 seconds, set the tone for an exciting encounter. His steady hand and sharp finishing proved crucial in the contest with Mayo leading by nine at half-time before Offaly roared back into contention after the break.
As Mayo held off the Offaly onslaught in the closing minutes, it was Conor again who kept his nerve. His 59th-minute free nudged Mayo back in front and helped settle nerves just as the game looked to be slipping away. Further points from substitutes Oran Murphy and Ben Joyce secured the win, but it was Conor’s consistent influence that stood out on the day.
The 16-year-old has long been seen as a promising prospect for both club and county, and his performance in Hyde Park only served to underline that potential. He finished with 1-3, including two pressure frees, and was a constant threat to the Offaly defence.
This result sees Mayo into the All-Ireland semi-final for the third time in four years, with a meeting against Kerry next. Locals will be hoping that Conor’s form continues and that this talented Mayo minor side can take another step towards national honours.
Kiltimagh continues to shine thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers and community groups who are working to prepare the town for summer and the upcoming Coillte Come Home Festival.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns volunteers have been active throughout the area in recent weeks, bringing colour and care to the streetscape. New signage was recently installed in Market Square by Chris and Andrew Glynn, with the design work completed by Declan Foley of Designwest. The addition has been warmly received and is seen as a smart enhancement to the town’s visual identity. Mick Griffin added the finishing touch by installing solar lighting on the new signs.
The planting of flowers also got underway recently, with a full pallet of compost used to fill newly introduced three-tier planter boxes. A group of volunteers came out on Thursday evening to prepare the boxes, and early Friday morning, John Brennan was out at 6am planting flowers throughout the town. Kiltimagh Tidy Towns extended their appreciation to John for his continued dedication, describing his contributions as vital to the town’s welcoming atmosphere.
Work has also continued on the ground with Kitty Tarpey and Jimmy Fleming busy weeding on Main Street and Thomas Street. Meanwhile, Kieran Kenny and Seamus Curry undertook tidy-up work at the embankment near the Railway Station, helping to keep the area in top condition.
As part of the build-up to this year’s Coillte Come Home Festival, Kiltimagh GAA Club and Kiltimagh Tidy Towns are joining forces for a special community clean-up initiative. ‘Team Up to Clean Up’ will take place on Saturday, June 28, with volunteers meeting at Gilmartin Park at 10am.
The event is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs programme and calls on players, parents, club members and members of the wider community to get involved. Everyone is invited to lend a hand. Volunteers are asked to wear hi-vis vests and gloves. Litter pickers and bags will be provided on the day.
This combined effort between Kiltimagh GAA and Tidy Towns aims to ensure the town is looking its best ahead of the summer festivities, while also promoting pride in place and a spirit of community collaboration. Organisers extended thanks to all who have helped so far and expressed hope for a strong turnout on the day.
Another enjoyable evening was had at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with good attendance and plenty of competitive hands played throughout the night.
Top honours were shared on this occasion, as Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy tied for first place with the pairing of Alo Langan and Aidan Lydon. Third place went to Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley after a strong showing.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was claimed by John Gallagher and Brian McNulty, while Hilary Foley and Danny Doherty secured the spot prize.
Raffle prizes on the night went to Jack Ryan, Tom Durkin, Michael Costello and Hugh Forde.
Kiltimagh will once again host the popular Race2Glory on Saturday, July 12. Participants can choose between a 20km sprint course or the more demanding 40km full course, both featuring scenic trails, hills, river crossings, and a mix of running and cycling stages.
There are prizes across multiple categories, and the event promises fun for all ages, with food stalls, an epic BBQ, ice cream, coffee, and face painting at the finish line. Athletes will be well looked after too, with ice baths and physio support available. Whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines, it's set to be a great day out!
To register, log onto www.race2glory.com.
Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw took place last week in Langan’s, where Brenda McNicholas emerged as the winner of a jackpot totalling €787. The club acknowledged the strong community support that keeps the draw going week after week, and thanked all those who purchased tickets.
Michael Walsh, from Kiltimagh, was the winner of last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw, claiming a prize of €250. The club thanked all who entered the draw, which continues to provide important support for the club’s ongoing activities and youth development initiatives.
Tickets are available online and can also be purchased locally in shops, pubs and from sellers on Sunday nights. The club extended its sincere appreciation to all who continue to take part each week, noting that every ticket sold contributes directly to improving facilities and opportunities for players across all levels.
The death has occurred of Annie (Anne) Heneghan (née Sheridan) of Station Cottage, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Birmingham, United Kingdom. Annie died peacefully in her 94th year, surrounded by her loving family, in the compassionate care of the staff at Queen of Peace Nursing Home, Knock.
Annie was predeceased by her husband Louis, parents Agnes and John, sister Marie, and brothers Seamus, William, Frank, Kenneth and Oliver. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by her daughters Maura and Annette, son-in-law John, grandchildren Louise, Emma and James, Louise’s husband Alex, as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Annie’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Friday evening, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Her Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, followed by burial in Shrule Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
