Local Notes: Kiltimagh GAA celebrates county title
Kiltimagh’s Jack Creighton in action against Eastern Gaels Tony Aylward during the Mayo GAA Treanlaur Catering Junior A Football Championship Final at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park on October 26th. Picture: David Farrell Photography
It has been a remarkable year for Kiltimagh GAA, crowned by the club’s outstanding victory in the Junior A County Final on October 26th at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park in Castlebar. The senior men delivered a composed and determined performance to resoundingly overcome Eastern Gaels and secure a return to Intermediate ranks. The result was a proud moment for players, management, and supporters alike, marking a major milestone in the club’s ongoing progress.
Attention now turns to the next chapter, as Kiltimagh prepare to contest the Connacht Club Junior Championship semi-final on Saturday, November 15th. Hopes are high that the team can build on their county success and continue their impressive form on the provincial stage.
The triumph capped a season of achievement both on and off the field. Only a few weeks ago, Uachtarán an Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, visited Gilmartin Park to officially open the club’s impressive new facilities, a project that has transformed the venue for future generations.
Success has been shared widely across the club, with several underage teams producing standout performances, including a memorable National Féile victory. The senior ladies also enjoyed a strong campaign and will be aiming to push on again next season in pursuit of silverware.
Kiltimagh GAA continues to grow, with record numbers of boys and girls proudly representing the club. The new facilities will ensure that this progress can be sustained for years to come.
The club has now set up a GoFundMe online page with a €10,000 target. All funds raised by the club will support the development of players and the continued running of club activities, ensuring a bright and secure future for the Kiltimagh community. A link to the fundraiser is available on the club’s social media pages.
Kiltimagh Knock United have capped off an outstanding season in style, with five of their senior women’s players named on the Mayo Women’s Division 1 Team of the Year 2025, sponsored by Eco Powered Cabinets.
The club’s strong representation reflects a remarkable year on the pitch, with Kate Byrne, Hana Ueno, Anna McDonnell, Kayla Doherty, and Shona Mahon all earning well-deserved recognition for their performances throughout the campaign.
The selection is a testament to the talent and teamwork within the Kiltimagh Knock United squad, who have gone from strength to strength over recent seasons. Their inclusion among the county’s best underscores the club’s growing presence and the continued progress of women’s football in the area.
Club officials congratulated the players on their achievement, describing it as “a fitting reward for their commitment, consistency, and excellence during what has been a superb season for the team".
Kiltimagh IRD will hold its AGM at the Cairn International Trade Centre on Tuesday next, November 11th, at 7.30pm. The event is open to all members and interested parties who wish to attend.
Members and the community are encouraged to participate in the proceedings and contribute to the ongoing development of the IRD. For those interested in attending or seeking further information, should contact the IRD Office at 094-9381494 or via email at reception@ird-kiltimagh.ie.
It was another lively evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close games and great camaraderie among players.
First prize on the night went to Paraic Joyce and Austin Callaghan after a fine display throughout. Second place was claimed by Michael Costello and Michael Carney, while third place was shared between Mary and Liam Moran, and the duo of Seamus Nevin and Danny Doherty.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was divided three ways, with Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle, Paddy Carney and James Walsh, and Tom Walsh and Hugh Forde all sharing the honours.
Denis Regan and Aidan McDonagh took home the spot prize, while the raffle winners were Michael Carney, John Walsh, Seamus Larkin, and Michael Costello.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s latest 50/50 draw produced a top prize of €715 for PJ Cronin. The club congratulated PJ on his win and extended thanks to all who continue to support the weekly draw. Each entry helps fund the club’s teams and facilities, and tickets remain available online as well as in local shops, pubs, and from club sellers in the area.
Amy Shannon was the lucky winner of Kiltimagh GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, claiming a prize of €600. The club congratulated Amy on her win and expressed gratitude to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Proceeds from ticket sales go directly towards team development and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets are available online and in local shops and pubs throughout Kiltimagh.
Kiltimagh Knock United will hold a fundraising quiz night at Carty’s Bar and Lounge in Knock on Friday, November 21st, at 8pm. The event promises a night of challenging questions, great company, and plenty of entertainment.
Teams of four can participate for €40 per table, with all proceeds supporting the local football club. The organisers, led by the club’s senior women’s players, have arranged for cash prizes, spot prizes, and a lively atmosphere to make the night memorable.
The renowned writers’ group Pen & Ink, which has been fostering literary creativity across East Mayo since 2007, is set to host its third special event at the Folk Café in Kiltimagh. Marking a celebration of music and literary arts, the upcoming gathering promises an evening of inspiring performances and community engagement.
The event, scheduled for November 20th, will feature a diverse line-up of contributors from the worlds of music, poetry, song, and prose. Highlights include performances by harpist Mike Absalom and traditional Irish music by the Folk Café’s proprietors, Elish and Mick Griffin. Featured contributors such as John Hoban, the Greene Family, Gabriel Henry, Carmel Kilgallon, and Séan O’Brien will present their work, celebrating the theme of music.
In addition to scheduled performances, the evening will include open mic slots for community members to share their own creative pieces. Doors will open at 7.45pm, with the event beginning at 8pm. Admission is free, making it an accessible and welcoming occasion for all.
For further details, contact Pen & Ink at penandink.comayo@aol.com.
The Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre this weekend, promising three nights of engaging theatre. Tickets are €10 per performance, with a weekend pass available for €20. Tickets can be purchased at Langan’s Bar or at the door each evening.
The festival opens on Friday, November 7th, at 8pm with Upstage Players performing Jane Shepard’s ‘Last Nickle'. The evening continues with Compántas Lir presenting Norm Foster’s ‘My Narrator', and concludes with Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society’s presentation of ‘Dead Man’s Bells’ by Meabh de Brún.
On Saturday, November 8th, audiences can enjoy three more productions, starting at 8pm. The Butt Drama Circle kicks off the night with Robert Scott’s ‘The Ripple Effect’, followed by Phoenix Players’ staging of Harold Pinter’s ‘The Dumb Waiter’, and Drumgoon Play-Actors closing the evening with Anne Marie Bannon’s ‘Pull the Curtain’.
The festival concludes on Sunday, November 9th, at the earlier time of 5pm. Castleconnor Drama Group performs J.M. Synge’s ‘In the Shadow of the Glen’, followed by The Breffni Players with John McDwyer’s ‘In Loving Memory'.
The final curtain falls with Doonbeg Willow presenting Catherine McKiernan’s ‘Willow’. The adjudicator is Tom Byrne. For further information or ticket bookings, contact Langan’s Bar at 094-938 1234 or purchase tickets on the door.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns has extended thanks to all who contributed to the town’s efforts in this year’s National Tidy Towns competition. The group said it was deeply grateful to the many volunteers, local organisations, and supporters whose dedication helped keep Kiltimagh looking its best throughout the year.
Kiltimagh achieved another impressive result with adjudicators awarding the town a score of 354 points, up 20 from last year.
In a statement, Kiltimagh Tidy Towns commended the “wonderful volunteers, TY students from St Louis Community School, and members of the Scouts” for their continued commitment and energy in maintaining a clean and welcoming environment around the town.
Special appreciation was also expressed to Mayo county councillors, Adrian Forkan and Neil Cruise, as well as to Brian Raftery and the entire crew on the local Community Employment Scheme, whose assistance has been invaluable throughout the year.
The committee gave particular thanks to the sponsors of the Murray’s Recycled Planter Boxes - West Awake Eggs, Bernard and Catherine Begley (New York), Padraic and Aisling Dempsey (Galway), and the Walsh Family (Chapel Street) - for their generosity and continued encouragement.
Local businesses were also praised for their ongoing support, including Seán and Colette Langan, Leo and Mark Diamond, Chris and Marion Glynn, James Quinn, and Genfitt. Their contributions, along with those from individual donors, have made what the group described as “a significant transformation to the streetscape of Kiltimagh".
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns concluded by thanking everyone who offered time, sponsorship, or donations, adding that the community’s collective effort continues to enhance the town’s appearance and spirit year after year.
The death has occurred of Patrick Francis (Frank) Walsh of Birmingham, West Midlands, England and formerly of Cullilea West, Kiltimagh. Frank died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Frank will be deeply missed by his wife Maura, daughters Marie and Helen Greally (Ballyhaunis), Marie’s partner John, son-in-law John, grandchildren Demi and PJ, brothers Steven and Tom, sister-in-law Alice, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Frank’s remains reposed in Gavin’s Funeral Home, Knox Street, Ballyhaunis yesterday (Monday) evening. Funeral Mass takes place this morning (Tuesday) in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh at 12 noon, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
