Local Notes: Kiltimagh hosts Spooky Walk and Fireworks for Halloween
At the Balla Golf Club Captain's prize presentation was winner of the Ladies section Helen Byrne receiving her prize from Club Captain Danny Lyons. Also pictured are Club President Maureen McDonnell and Lady Captain Nora Heraty with fellow winners. Picture: Trish Forde
Kiltimagh is preparing for one of its biggest annual attractions as the annual Spooky Walk and Fireworks event returns to Emigrant Park on Sunday, October 25th. The event is organised by Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals and has become a popular occasion for local families, with an evening of Halloween entertainment planned for children of different ages, followed by a fireworks display.
This year’s programme will begin at 4.30pm with the Tots’ ‘Less Spooky’ Stroll, designed especially for younger children who might find the main walk a little too frightening. The main Spooky Walk will get underway at 7pm when darkness will provide a suitable setting for the various Halloween characters and surprises along the route.
The event moved to the Emigrant Park last year when the organising committee decided to make greater use of the town’s amenity park and introduce a different experience for participants. The change of location has provided an opportunity to develop a route through the park, making use of its surroundings to create the atmosphere associated with Halloween.
Participants will enter through the Sculpture Park area and make their way through the Emigrant Park, finishing at the official entrance near the garage. The route is designed to provide plenty of opportunities for Halloween surprises, with the organisers hoping that the darkness and natural surroundings will add to the experience. There are also hopes that some street lighting along part of the route can be switched off to enhance the atmosphere.
The main walk is particularly aimed at primary schoolchildren, including those in fifth and sixth classes, although older children and teenagers are also welcome to take part. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children, particularly the younger participants, and to ensure that everyone follows the directions of the stewards.
Halloween costumes are very much encouraged, and organisers are hoping to see plenty of witches, ghosts, zombies and other frightening characters making their way through the park. The event offers families an opportunity to enjoy Halloween together, with the younger children catered for earlier in the afternoon and the main walk providing a more adventurous experience after dark.
The evening will conclude with the fireworks display at 9pm, traditionally one of the highlights of Kiltimagh’s Halloween celebrations. The display is expected to attract families and spectators who may not be taking part in the walk itself, bringing the evening’s activities to a close.
The Spooky Walk operates on a voluntary contribution basis, with those attending invited to make a small donation towards the event. The organisers have emphasised the importance of safety, particularly with large numbers of children and families expected in the park after dark. Everyone attending is asked to cooperate with the stewards, follow the designated route and observe any safety instructions.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals is encouraging families from the town and surrounding areas to come along and take part in the celebrations. With activities beginning at 4.30pm and continuing through to the fireworks at 9pm, the programme offers something for different age groups and another opportunity for the community to come together for Halloween.
Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon shared first place at the latest 25 Card Drive with Manus Kilcoyne and Chris Flatley. Third place was also shared, with Mary and Michael Lynskey finishing level with Michael Carney and Michael Costello. Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell took the Last 10 prize, while Geraldine Turbitt and Anne Rowley claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners were Danny Doherty, Aiden McDonagh, Tom Walsh and Brian McNulty.
Kiltimagh had three winning entries across the opening two Mayo GAA Club Development Draws, with Cathal Gilmartin enjoying a double success. Cathal won €200 in Draw 1 and followed that with another €200 prize in Draw 2, while Seán Mahon, Kiltimagh, was also among the winners, collecting €200.
Kiltimagh GAA congratulated Cathal and Seán on their success and thanked everyone who supported the club by purchasing tickets for this year’s draw. The Club Development Draw provides an important source of fundraising for participating clubs, and Kiltimagh GAA expressed its appreciation to all those who continue to support the club through the initiative.
Mark Walsh was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €692. The club congratulated Mark on his win and extended its thanks to all those who continue to support the draw. Tickets are sold online and through local shops and pubs, with each entry providing valuable support for the club.
Cathal Campbell from Knock was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €310.
KKU congratulated Cathal and thanked its supporters for their continued backing of the weekly draw. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the funds raised contributing to the club’s activities.
Nine productions will take to the stage when the Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre from Friday, November 13th to Sunday, November 15th. Irene O’Meara will adjudicate the three-day festival, which forms part of the qualifying circuit for the All-Ireland Finals.
The curtain goes up at 7.30pm on Friday with Balally Players presenting ‘One For The Road’, Shannonside Drama Group staging ‘Aubade’ and Doonbeg Drama Group performing ‘The Tinkers’ Wedding’. Saturday’s session, also at 7.30pm, features Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group with ‘No Romance: A Desperate Business’, Clann Machua with ‘Babysitting Calvin’ and Charlestown Drama Group with ‘The Donahue Sisters’.
Sunday’s programme gets underway earlier at 5pm, with ‘After’ from Castleconnor Drama Group, ‘Elegy For A Lady’ from Shed by the Road Productions and ‘Lucy In The Sky’ from Carraig na bhFear. The groups will compete across the Open and Confined sections, with points towards qualification for the respective All-Ireland Finals. Admission is €10 per night or €20 for a weekend pass, with tickets available at the door.
Kiltimagh Women’s Group will hold a social evening in the Park Hotel on Monday, October 19th, at 6pm. All ladies are welcome to attend and enjoy an opportunity to meet and socialise with fellow members. The group’s next regular meeting will take place in the Parish Centre on Monday, November 2nd, at 7pm.
Dave Brennan took first prize in the weekly poker tournament at Teach O’Hora, finishing ahead of runner-up Tiernan Burke. Andy Quinn claimed third place, with Martin Regan fourth.
The weekly poker tournaments will continue as usual at Teach O’Hora, although there are no plans to start a new league for the moment.
There are two opportunities to get active at Gilmartin Park each week, with Kiltimagh GAA continuing its Men on the Move and Couch to 5K programmes.
Men on the Move is held each Friday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and welcomes men regardless of their current level of fitness. The sessions offer an opportunity to exercise in an informal and social setting, with no previous experience required.
Couch to 5K takes place on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and caters for complete beginners as well as anyone returning to running after a break. The programme allows participants to gradually build their fitness with the aim of completing a 5K. Further information on either programme is available from James Boyle on 089-4054300.
The death has occurred of Joseph Sheerin of Ballinamore Nursing Home and formerly of Carrandine, Balla. Joseph died peacefully on October 1st in the wonderful care of the staff of Ballinamore Nursing Home.
Joseph was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Catherine, brothers Paddy, John and Tom, and sisters Mary, Teresa (O’Shea), Kathleen (Timmons) and Bernie (Wren). Joseph will be deeply missed by his sisters Frances (Horkan), Pauline (O’Sullivan) and Dympna (Moynihan), brother-in-law John, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and the staff of Ballinamore Nursing Home.
Joseph’s Requiem Mass was held on Monday, October 5th, in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Anne Donagher (née Trench) of Dollis Hill, London, and formerly of Barnagurry, Kiltimagh. Anne died peacefully on September 17th, 2026, at the Royal Free Hospital, London, surrounded by her loving family.
Anne will be very sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her son Michael, daughter Helena, grandchildren Luke, Kiera, Molly and George, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Anne’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Wednesday evening, October 7th, with removal afterwards to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Anne’s Funeral Mass was held on Thursday, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
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Bohola
Bohola Christmas Market will be held in the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre on Sunday, November 29th, from 6 to 8 pm. Stallholders get in touch now as tables book up early. The organisers look forward to welcoming everyone for another lovely Christmas themed evening. Contact sheridanmccbohola@gmail.com for more details.
A Halloween disco will be held in the Sheridan Memorial Community Centre, Bohola on Friday, October 23rd, from 5.30pm to 7 30pm.
The cost is €5 per child and €10 per family. DJ, raffle and spot prizes. All are welcome.
A new date has now been confirmed for the visit of Sam Maguire to Moy Davitts.
All-Ireland winner Cian McHale will be bringing Sam Maguire to Sraith Garbh alongside some of his Mayo team mates on Saturday, October 24th, from 1 to 4pm.
Further details of the event will be shared closer to the date.
The Mayo Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland express our huge gratitude to the parishioners of Bohola Church for donating €76.95 to their church gate collection recently..
Preparations are currently underway for the 2026 edition of The Bohola Post. Closing date for submissions to the 54th edition is October 31st. Please ensure if submitting photos that they are of good quality/resolution and please caption clearly when submitting. Photographs which are screenshots or downloaded from Facebook won’t be good enough to print. Please send your contributions or any queries via email to boholapost@gmail.com.
