Local Notes: Killawalla community unveil plaque honouring local patriot.
Members of Killawalla Community, Officials of Galway, Connacht and the National Camogie Association pictured recently at the plaque honouring local patriot, Seaghán O Dubhthaigh in whose honour the All-Ireland Camogie Cup is presented each year. Picture by Tom Quinn.
A bursary has been established in memory of the late PJ Murphy, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Paddy Joe fondly known as PJ was a tremendous community activist and a man who made a great contribution to his community, the wider region and to Mayo Mental Health Association. Details of the bursary were recently outlined at ATU Mayo, in Castlebar, recognising his lifelong contribution to mental health services in Mayo and beyond. The prestigious event was hosted at the West Wing in ATU’s Castlebar campus and family members, colleagues, students and representatives from Mayo Mental Health Association were all among the large attendance.
The bursary is a fitting tribute to PJ Murphy’s legacy, supporting Applied Social Care students as they commence their drive in making a difference in the lives of others. The students studying Applied Social Care are contributing to the welfare of marginalised individuals and communities a cause that PJ held dear.
The PJ Murphy Bursary is funded by the Mayo Mental Health Association in memory of a tremendous man who did outstanding work for the association down the decades. PJ Murphy dedicated his life to advancing mental health issues and the Mayo Mental Health Association, pioneering community care, education and supporting inclusion for those experiencing mental health challenges. Application forms for student support can be printed and completed, scanned and sent by email to Teresa.fahy@atu.ie , or by post to: Teresa Fahy Atlantic Technological University, ATU Mayo Campus, Westport Rd., Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Margaret Mulchrone (née Moran), Lakeview, Knockglass, Newport and formerly of Knockaraha, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. Margaret passed away peacefully, at Mayo Hospice, on May 13. Margaret was a warm and friendly person who enjoyed life and she always spoke with great pride and love about her children and family. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who were privileged to have known her.
It has been an incredibly difficult time for the family over the past 18 months, following the loss of Margaret’s mother, brother, and beloved husband. Her untimely passing is deeply lamented and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Moran and Mulcrone families and we wish them strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Predeceased by her husband Michael (Mick) on 19th August 2025, her parents Tommy Joe and Joan, and her brother Joseph, Margaret is deeply regretted and by her heartbroken family; her son Keith, daughter Amy, brothers Patrick, Martin and Frank, sister Roseann (Kevin O’Connor), niece Ellen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, wonderful neighbours, work colleagues, and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. There was a huge attendance present as Margaret’s remains reposed at Ballintubber Resource Centre on the Tuesday evening from 5pm with removal at 7.30pm to Ballintubber Abbey. There was a huge attendance present as her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon, followed by burial ceremonies afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €6,300 on Sunday night, May 17. 8, 12, 22 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Oliver Mortimer, Lucian Cristea, Jimmy Lally, Teresa Hoban, Pete Mulroe and Mary Feeney.
The lotto jackpot stood at €6,400, last Sunday night, May 24. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Congrats to St. Gerald's College winning the recent Connacht Juvenile ‘A’ final and the Ballintubber players involved with the team - Donnacha Mannion, MJ Walsh, Oscar Diffley, Finn Bracken, and Johnny Feeney.
Ballintubber and Garrymore seniors played out an exciting draw 2-13(19) to 0-19 (19) in a hugely entertaining game played at Clogher on Saturday week. In the U16 Division 1 league played in Castlebar on Sunday week, Ballintubber and the home team drew on the scorline 2-9 to 1-12. The point earned was enough to qualify Ballintubber for a semi-final playoff place with Claremorris played in Claremorris on Wednesday evening last. After a high quality game Ballintubber recorded a 3-14 to 2-14 victory over the home team. A semi-final date with Westport awaits.
Congrats to the three Ballintubber U14 boys who represented St Gerald’s College and won the All-Ireland 1st year basketball schools final on Thursday last in Tallagh Arena – Eoin Flatley, Sean Feeney and Dara Coyne. Well done boys.
A Pastoral Council meeting will take place in the Dorter on this Tuesday, May 26, at 8pm. Mass will be celebrated at Castleburke on Friday evening, June 5, at 6pm, (weather permitting.) There will be no 7.30pm Mass in the Abbey on that evening. The incentive to organise a Mass there this year was to organise it for Fr Fahey as part of his 90th birthday celebrations. Exciting progress continues at Ballintubber Abbey with €6.4 million secured for the new Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre. Cunningham Civil and Marine have now been appointed as contractors, and construction is set to commence in the very near future.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, May 18, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 8, 18, 19 and 20. The Gibbons family, Helen O’Boyle, Tony Corbett and The Walsh family each matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winner was Sean Conner. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,700 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
Ballyglass Sports will take place once again on the June Bank Holiday Monday, June 1, in the grounds of Ballyglass FC. The action starts at 1pm. The usual mix of events will take place on the day, including sprints, long distance running, novelty races, tug-of-war, weight throwing, long jump, high jump and penalty shooting. Something for all ages, all are very welcome. Helpers are needed to keep things running smoothly on the day. Contact any committee member to volunteer.
Thanks to all who turned out to support the Ballyglass Market in the Community Centre on May 16. Raffle winners were Delia Mai Malone, Bridie Killeen, Kayla Reilly, Agnes Coakley, Kevin Reilly, Nora Conroy, Robert Malick, Aaron and Gemma Gill, Ann Barnicle and Maura Hamilton. Look out for our next one in August.
Congratulations are extended to Blathnaid Hughes, daughter of Christina and Walter Hughes, Carnacon and Sean McCann, who were married in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon on May 9. After a most colourful ceremony the newly-weds hosted a gala reception for their families and friends in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. They are wished good health and happiness down all the days of their married lives.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association is seeking to secure the services of a project consultant to help deliver an exciting programme of education and communication initiatives through to November 2026, with possibility of extension through to 2027.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support community engagement, environmental awareness, and the protection of one of Ireland’s most unique freshwater catchments.
If you are passionate about sustainability, communication, education, and making a positive environmental impact, the association would love to hear from you. Closing date is June 1. For more information and application details see the website or email: info@loughcarra.org.
The annual Cemetery Masses rota is as follows: Burriscarra: Saturday July 4, at 7.30pm, Killawalla on Sunday, July 5, at 10am and Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery Abbey on Sunday, July 5, at 11am.
Ballyheane / Ballintubber First Responders annual flag day will take place on Friday, July 10. Volunteers are required to assist on the day. For further details contact Karen McGuiness on 086 8457419.
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"The Tan War – Ballyovey (Partry/Tourmakeady), South Mayo" by Micheál and Ultan Lally is an enthralling new local history title, for a comprehensive book published by mayobookspress.
This updated edition uncovers new research and personal accounts from the War of Independence, focusing on the people and community behind the events in the War of Independence in South Mayo over a century ago.
The book was launched on Sunday, May 3, in Halla Tourmakeady, as part of a special day marking 105 years since the Tourmakeady Ambush. The evening also featured the unveiling of a new memorial and a talk on the role of women in the struggle for independence by Sinead McCool.
"The Tan War – Ballyovey (Partry/Tourmakeady), South Mayo" is available at the bookshop in Castlebar or online at mayobooks.ie.
The annual Tourmakeady and Partry Knock outing will take place on Friday, June 5. The bus will be leaving O’Toole’s at 9.45 with a pick-up in Partry if needed. Mass at Knock Shrine is at 11.45am followed by lunch afterwards at Caife le Chéile on the grounds of the Shrine. The cost is €30 each. Book by June 1, calling any of the following numbers 087 2974375/087 9650911 or 094 9544295.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, May 16, stood at €20,000. 3, 18, 25 and 27 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner.
The annual 2026 GAA Summer Cúl camps will be held in Páirc Naoimh Muire running from July 20 to the 24. All young people who wish to participate should register as soon as possible.
SN Thuarmhicéadaigh - School Fundraising lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school has re-commenced. A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, (without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). Recent winners were Noel and Sophie Uí Choileain.
The next Makers Market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh is on Saturday, June 6. Strong support is anticipated.
The AGM of the Killawalla Group Water Scheme will take place in the community centre on this Thursday, May 28, at 9pm.
Killawalla Community Council has launched a super new 50/50 lotto fortnightly draw. Online and annual tickets are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. The results for the May 17th draw were - The Twohig Family were €308.50 winners. Next draw is on May 31. Play online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KillawallaCC.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Mary Barrett, Kiltharshane and Ann Conway, Bohaun on the recent passing of their brother-in-law, Paddy Morriarty, Killorglin. May he rest in peace.
Congratulations to the following Partry children who recently received their First Holy Communion - Saoirse Hession, Alanna Keaveney, Aoibheann Gibbons, Amber Foran, Dara Staunton, Maddie Byrne, Aaron Garry, Selmi Staunton, Ryan Staunton, Charlie Shaughnessy, Robert Strugacz and Rian Hennelly. Fr Jarlath Heraty conducted the special colourful ceremony and sincere thanks have been extended to their teacher Caitriona Ni Chadhain and the children’s families and all who helped on the special day.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Martin and Helen Garry and John (Darcy) Heneghan who were recent €100 draw winners on the number 18.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will hold its Annual General Meeting on this Wednesday, May 27, in Ballinrobe Parish Centre at 8pm. All are welcome to attend.
Bereaved
Sincere sympathy is extended to the Heraty family, Moate, the McGing Family, Croaghrim and the Hayes family, Derreen, Ballintubber on the sad passing of Shane Heraty, Rockfield, Sheeaune. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
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A huge thank you has been extended to everyone who supported the recent highly successful Belcarra Community Day. It was brilliant to see such great engagement, positivity and interest from across the community and across all age groups. As part of the community futures programme and the Belcarra five year action plans, a very successful youth consultation process took place. Young people in the area came together to discuss what they would like to see in the plan. They also visualised what they would like Belcarra to look like in future years. Thanks to all the young people involved.
Thank also to all the local groups, volunteers and community members who helped make the day such a success. The ideas, feedback and participation are very important in forming the five year action plan.
A summary report from the day, along with a draft Community Futures Plan will be available by the end of May.
All are invited to join Belcarra Tidy Towns Group and Friends for a Dawn Chorus walk on Saturday, May 30. The group will stroll along the riverside walk and biodiversity trail. The walk will be led by Michael Kingdon, who is a naturalist, conservationist and writer. Meet up at 6am at the Belcarra Community Centre (F23HY58). There will be a cuppa and a chat after the walk. All are welcome to come. This is a Belcarra Tidy Towns event.
There will be an end of season celebration skills competition on Sunday, May 31, at Training Times in Belcarra Alley. Join in for a fun-filled day of handball skills, games, and excitement. Enjoy plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and great prizes. Medals and tasty treats for all participants. Congratulations to Aaron Surdival from Belcarra Handball Club on proudly representing Mayo in the Connacht Juvenile “A” Handball Championship. After an incredible display of skill, determination, and heart, Aaron battled his way to the final and an outstanding silver medal finish.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, May 17, were 4, 8, 18 and 31. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Zara Keane, Bernie Burke, Ann Ruane and Karen Serantes. The weekend jackpot stood at €6,600 on last Sunday night, May 24.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for May 19, - the numbers drawn were 9, 11, 21 and bonus number 10. The Jackpot stands at £20,700 on May 26.
All are welcome to the official opening of Ballyheane National School which will take place on Friday, June 5, at 12 noon. The Minister of State Alan Dillon will perform the official opening.
The annual Ballyheane Goes Country music festival kicks off from June 5 to 7. There is a top line-up with on all three nights with Michael English and Andy Feery getting the festival underway on the Friday night. Derek Ryan and Olivia Douglas are the top attractions on the Saturday night followed by the High Kings and the super-talented Milo and Vinny on the Sunday night. Tickets which are sure to be in brisk demand are available from the Ballyheane Goes Country Festival Website or from The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, May 14, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €9,300. 1, 4, 16 and 20 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Fintan McKiernan (online), Mark Sheridan (online) and Paula Cuffe (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, May 21, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €9,400.
Manulla FC lotto stood at €6,300 on last Sunday, May 24, for the weekly draw. A Safetalk course being hosted in Manulla FCs facilities on June 3. This is a very important course and it is open to everyone, not just Manulla FC members or volunteers. Find link below:
https://bookwhen.com/srotrainin.../e/ev-s2g3a-20260603183000.
Why not join “RoboThink” for a hands-on robotics workshop where children will build, code and play using real robotics kits. It is perfect for curious minds who love to create and explore. The venue will be Balla Community Centre on Saturday, May 30, from 10am – 5pm. Book by the hour with a fee of €10 per hour. Learn new skills, boost creativity and make new friends To book, call 094 936 5846 or 087 185 0860 / info@balla.ie.
The Women’s Only DIY Academy Day will take place on Saturday, June 27, at 9.30am at Balla Community Centre. Ladies should attend for a fun and inspiring day of creativity, learning, connection and empowerment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or love getting hands-on with DIY projects, this day is all about creating together in a welcoming women-only space Book at https://thediyacademy.thrivecart.com/balla-diy-beginners.../ @the.diyacadem.
Congrats to Balla School Green Schools Committee, who were awarded a second consecutive Green Flag at the awards ceremony in Claremorris recently. The committee completed a two year project on the water theme. Huge congratulations also to the LCA students on winning the Youth Environmental Awards at the RDS, Dublin last week. This was a fantastic achievement and a wonderful recognition of all your hard work, creativity, and commitment. The school are incredibly proud of you all — well done to everyone involved.
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The community of Clogher and surrounding communities have been plunged into gloom and disbelief this week with the news of the sudden and untimely passing of Berni Kilboyle (née Heneghan) of Newtown, Clogher. Berni was employed by Mayo Mental Health Service where she was a kind and caring nurse and a loyal colleague. She had a great enthusiasm for life and was involved in many different organisations in the local area. She was the current chairperson of the Clogher Environmental Group, a role she put her heart and soul into. She was also involved with Carra Community Games, Irish Dancing and Swimming as well as other activities.
Berni passed away suddenly at UCHG on May 13. Predeceased by her father Mick Heneghan and mother-in-law Mary Kilboyle, she is deeply regretted by heartbroken husband James, adored daughter Emma, son Aiden, her devoted mother Mary Ann, uncles Tom, Dermot and Jim, aunts Sheila and Kathleen, father-in-law Seamus, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, work colleagues, wonderful neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom profound sympathy is accorded. The esteem in which she was held was evident in the numbers of people who attended at the Clogher Community Centre on the Sunday evening where she lay in repose and again at her funeral Mass in Ballintubber Abbey on Monday. The chief celebrant at her funeral Mass was Fr Brendan McGuinness (uncle of James), with concelebrants Fr Michael Farragher, PP Ballintubber, Fr Pat Donnellan, Fr Karl Burns and Fr Gerry Burns friends of the family. Guards of honour were formed at her home, the community centre and the church by her neighbours, the local community and work colleagues.
The passing of a young mother is a great blow to her family and the Clogher community. Rest in peace Berni, you will be greatly missed by all. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The annual Tuesday evening walks at the Clogher Heritage Centre (F12 PF99) will recommence on Tuesday, June 2, at 7pm. Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For health and safety sturdy walking shoes and hi Viz jackets are recommended.
Thanks to all for the support received for the Clogher Alzheimer's Tea Day which was hosted by the Active Age Group recently. Thanks to the members of the Active Age group, the members of the community and the card players all who supported this very worthy cause.
Errew fundraiser All ‘Return’ cans and bottles are greatly appreciated. This effective fundraiser really helps towards all the running costs for Errew Community Centre. Bags of multiple bottles/cans can be given directly to Marian Deasy. Alternatively the orange Return bin can be used at the front of Errew Community Centre. Huge thanks are extended to Marian Deasy for leading this community initiative. Every donation makes a difference – thanks to all donators.
Huge thanks have been extended to everyone who has supported the recent Western Alzheimers Tea Day Fundraiser in Errew Community Centre. An impressive €855 was raised for the very worthy cause which is supporting families living with dementia. On behalf of Catherine Hoban, Marian Deasy and Eileen Conway, many thanks are extended for your support and kind generosity.
