Local Notes: Kiltimagh Knock Utd girls win U16 cup

George Lee will be missed in Kiltimagh

It was with a deep sense of sadness that the people of Kiltimagh learned of the unexpected death of George Lee, which took place recently at the Galway Clinic.

George (87) was the church organist and musical director in Kiltimagh since the 1970s and retired from those positions just two years ago. It was only recently that he and his wife Mary attended a luncheon in the Cill Aodain Court Hotel organised by the church choir to pay tribute to George for his long association with the choir.

George was widely known in musical circles throughout Mayo and beyond. He served as musical director of the Mayo Concert Orchestra for 21 years before his retirement in 2016 and was a former musical director of Castlebar Concert Band. His achievements were recognised many times, most notably in 2016 when he was awarded the People of the Year Award, and again in 2018 when he was awarded the title Mayo’s Musical Maestro by the Mayo International Choral Festival for all he did for music in the county. He was also presented with the Bene Merenti Papal Medal by the then Bishop of Achonry Brendan Kelly in 2013 in recognition of over 40 years dedicated to the Kiltimagh Parish Choir.

During his years as vice-principal and a teacher at the Secondary School in Swinford, he instilled his love of music and Irish into hundreds of young people and was an inspiration to so many.

George was instrumental in the formation of the Kiltimagh Musical Society in 1978 where he was musical director and chairman for many years. In 1979, the society staged their first show Oklahoma with full houses for six nights in the local Community Centre. This was followed in the years after by The Golden Years, Calamity Jane, Rose Maria, Viva Mexico, South Pacific and Annie Get Your Gun.

George also organised carol singing for charity around the streets of the town in former years which was always a joyful evening in the run-up to Christmas.

A native of Co Kilkenny, George loved hurling; he was an avid supporter of the Black and Amber and he himself once played with Tooreen Hurling Club and also had the distinction of wearing the Green and Red on occasions. When Kilkenny were playing in Croke Park in semi-finals/finals, the Kilkenny flag was always proudly displayed outside the Lee homestead in Ballinamore.

But above all else, George was a family man, through and through, who was so proud of his wife Mary and their four daughters who all shared his great love of music and they spent many happy musical evenings together, memories of which they will treasure long into the future. George will be missed not only by his family but by all those who had the great pleasure of knowing him over the decades.

Predeceased by his brother Michael and sister Phil, he will be sorely missed by his beloved wife Mary, treasured daughters Martha, Deirdre, Vivienne and Barbara, siblings Teresa and Tom, brother-in-law John, son-in-law Stephen, cherished grandchildren Darragh, Saoirse and Senan, partners Joe and Adrian, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces grand-nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.

Following his Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family on October 25, he was laid to rest in Kilkinure Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.

One Act Drama Festival

Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival will be held this year from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12 at the Town Hall Theatre. Admission is €10 or there is a special weekend ticket for €20. Tickets are available at Langan’s off-license or on the door.

Curtain up each evening at 8pm except on Sunday when the shows start at 5pm.

The plays to be staged are: Friday, November 10: Hoodwink Productions from Cavan stages ‘Bloodties’ by Elaine Birkett; Mostrim Players from Edgeworthstone stage ‘A Wolf by the Ears’ by Mattie Lennon; Ennis Players stage ‘Meeting Miss Ireland’ by Rosemary Jenkinson.

Saturday, November 11: Cloonacool Players stage ‘The Quiet Land’ by Malachy McKenna; Ray Leonard Players stage ‘A Night Without Stars’ by Carl Nuzum; Bunclody stage ‘Dead Man’s Bell’ by Meabh DeBrun.

Sunday, November 12: Glenamaddy Players stage ‘The Hen House’ by Tara Maria Lovett; Gaggin Drama Group Cork stage ‘I’m Not ADHD, I’m BOLD’ by Georgine McKevitt and Jacinta Sheerin; Millrace stage ‘An Agreement’ by Freda Donoghue.

U16 cup winners

Congratulations to the Kiltimagh Knock United girls on winning the Mayo Under 16 Cup.

The team defeated Conn Rangers 4-1 in the final played at Solar 21 Park, Milebush.

KK raced into an early lead through Siofra McGuinness but Conn fought back to deservedly draw level before Ava Mitchell nudged her side ahead again just before the break.

Conn forced a number of corners early in the second half but KK dealt with the pressure and as the half developed they put on a fantastic display of football, with Kellie Mallee following in to score the third goal and Ava, who was named Player of the Match, popping home the fourth.

Captain Aoife Collins was presented with the cup by John Flanagan.

Squad: Kate Byrne, Melissa Clarke, Rachel Clarke, Aoife Collins, Ciara Conlon, Cora Durkan, Sive Flanagan, Ria Foy, Mollie Gaughan, Kellie Mallee, Siofra McGuinness, Niamh McNicholas, Ava Mitchell, Emily Moore, Mary Moran.

Award for Kiltimagh GAA club

Comhghairdeas to Kiltimagh GAA Club who won Gradam na Gaeilge at the Mayo People of the Year Awards which were announced recently in Breaffy House Resort.

The Gradam is in recognition of the efforts and endeavours of the club to promote and encourage a greater use of the Irish language. For the past number of years, the club has made a conscious decision to ensure that Gaeilge is central to all of its activities. The award will be presented at a gala function in Breaffy House Resort on Friday, November 17.

Poker

The Kiltimagh Poker League goes from strength to strength and for the first time a fourth table had to be opened on Wednesday night last for Round 7 of the league in Teach O’Hora, such were the large numbers that turned up to play.

Derry O’Sullivan and John Borza shared first and second prizes with Derry taking the win, third prize was won by Adam Earley with Bernard McDonagh fourth and John Reynolds fifth. The other finalists were: 6th, Bart Furtak; 7th, Michael Higgins; 8th, AN Other; 9th, Julian Keane.

Michael Sheridan remains top of the table on 141 points and he is followed by three players closely bunched, Gerry Groarke 119, Nicky Cunnane 118, and Michael Higgins 117. The rest of the Top 12 is Paul Walsh 110, Julian Keane 103, Thomas McDonagh 102, Mary McGlynn 92, Derry O’Sullivan 87, Enda Ruane 85, Bernard McDonagh 84, and John Reynolds 84.

The league runs for 15 weeks with a tournament in Teach O’Hora every Wednesday night at 8pm sharp. Entry is €20 with one optional rebuy and late registration until 9.30pm. A total of €5 from each entry and rebuy goes towards the league final prize pool and the rest is paid out each night. The Top 12 in the league table automatically qualify for the final along with two other qualifiers from a play-off for those outside the Top 12. The final is on course to have a prize pool of approximately €3,000.

Player of the Year

Congratulations to former Kiltimagh Knock United player Thomas Morley who has been named Sligo Rovers Under 17 Player of the Year. Thomas received his award from the new Sligo Rovers CEO, Andrew Feakins.

Heartbreak for U12 Girls

The Kiltimagh Knock United Under girls, unfortunately, lost out in their Shield County Final to Ballyglass. The girls certainly gave it their all, but Ballyglass were just too strong and ran out 2-0 winners.

After the game, the three match officials unanimously awarded the Player of the Match award to Michaela Kavanagh, who put in another flawless, eye-catching performance between the sticks.

Michaela has also been called up to the Mayo Under 12 team.

Seven of the squad will have another stab at Under 12s again next season, and the team will be looking to recruit a few more 2012 girls over the winter months to hopefully build on a fantastic season.

Well done to all - the future’s very bright.

GAA winner

Congratulations to Grainne Mulhern, Kiltimagh who was the winner of the GAA club’s 50/50 jackpot of €581 at the draw in Teach O’Hora on Saturday night, October 28. Envelopes are available in most local outlets at €2 each or three for €5; you can also play online at www.lottoraiser.ie. Thanks to all who support this fundraiser each week.

KK 50/50

Last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 jackpot was €336 and the winner was Ambrose O’Connell from Kiltimagh. The winning ticket was bought in The Tavern Bar, Kiltimagh. Lotto tickets are available from most local outlets, online at www.lottoraiser.ie, or if you want to set up a standing order contact any committee member. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.

Basilica Concert

An Evening of Songs of Faith, Hope and Love in Knock Basilica - Friday, December 1, featuring Margo, Philomena Begley, Donna Taggart, John McNicholl and Marc Roberts - a fundraiser night for Victim Assistance charity that supports victims of crime and trauma in Ireland.

Tickets are available from Mary McNicholas, Victim Assistance Head Office, Aiden St, Kiltimagh, at 094-9000251 or 086 3938871. Price: €30. Tickets also available from www.ticketmaster. ie.

Ciorcal Comhrá

Ciorcal Comhrá will continue this Thursday, November 9, from 6.30 to 7.30pm at the GAA Clubhouse. The Ciorcal is open to all and is an ideal opportunity to improve your cúpla focal in an informal setting with a cupán tae. Beginners welcome.

25 Drive

Paraic Joyce and Seamus Nevin and Manus Kilcoyne and Danny Doherty shared the first and second prizes at the 25 card game in Kiltimagh on Thursday night, October 21. Aidan McDonagh and Denis Regan were third and best of the last 10 were Kathleen Gill and John Walsh. Spot prize went to Francis McNicholas and Martin Regan and raffle winners were Mary Doyle, Hugh Forde, Mary Moran and Francis McNicholas. The game starts every Thursday night in the Parish Centre at 9pm.