Local Notes: Kiltimagh looking its best for Coillte Come Home Festival
Members of Balla Foróige club are pictured with leaders and dignitaries at the Mayo Fóroige Citizenship Awards Celebration held at Ballina Arts Centre recently. Picture: Trish Forde
Congratulations to Kiltimagh Tidy Towns and all the local volunteers on the tremendous work carried out in preparing the town for this year’s Coillte Come Home Festival. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of so many people, Kiltimagh looked immaculate throughout festival week, providing a warm and colourful welcome to returning families, visitors and everyone who attended the celebrations.
The completion of the impressive new mural beside SuperValu by artists Yuri and Klim Bohatyrov added another striking feature to Kiltimagh’s streetscape. Following their earlier murals on Main Street and at the Old Ball Alley, the latest artwork has further strengthened the town’s growing reputation for public art and will remain a lasting reminder of the festival and the community’s commitment to improving the local environment.
A special word of appreciation also goes to Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals for the enormous effort involved in organising another outstanding programme of events. With six days of music, entertainment, sport, family activities and community celebrations, there was something for everyone to enjoy. A particularly welcome addition was the large-screen TV, which allowed festival-goers to come together to watch Mayo’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final, adding even more excitement to a memorable week for the town.
Well done to everyone involved in making the festival such a success and in showcasing Kiltimagh at its very best. The hard work of volunteers, organisers, artists and the wider community ensured the town looked vibrant throughout the celebrations, while the new murals will continue to enhance Kiltimagh long after the festival has ended.
Summer Camp returns
Kilticamps Summer Camp will return this summer with a new venue and another action-packed programme of activities for children aged between four and 12 years.
The popular camp will take place at St Aidan’s National School, Kiltimagh, from Monday, August 3rd to Friday, August 7th, running daily from 10am to 2pm. Organisers are looking forward to welcoming children for a fun-filled week combining sport, creativity, games and outdoor adventure.
A wide variety of activities has been planned to ensure there is something for everyone. Children will have the opportunity to take part in treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, yoga, gymnastics, soccer, GAA, tag rugby, basketball, volleyball, hockey, Puc Fada, obstacle courses, Mini Olympics, a talent show, board games, table quizzes, water fights, egg-and-spoon races and Ultimate Frisbee, along with many other activities throughout the week.
Organisers say the camp is designed to provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment where children can stay active, make new friends, develop new skills and enjoy their summer holidays. There will also be plenty of prizes on offer during the week.
The cost of the camp is €95 per child, with places expected to fill quickly. Registration is available online only through the Kilticamps booking system, and early booking is advised as numbers are limited.
Parents and guardians seeking further information can contact Amy on 087-6749986.
Jacqueline Killeen from Claremorris was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, collecting €368. The club congratulated Jacqueline on the win.
The club also thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser. Proceeds from the draw help fund teams, coaching programmes and the ongoing development of club facilities. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs each week.
John Stead was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €596. The club congratulated John on the win.
The club expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who continues to support the fundraiser each week. Funds raised through the draw help support underage coaching, maintain club facilities and contribute to the ongoing development of the club. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
A group of family members, friends and fellow runners from Kiltimagh will take on the 2026 Dublin City Marathon this October in memory of the late Shane 'Peach' Freeman while raising funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
Running was a major part of Shane’s life before he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 44, having completed the Dublin Marathon in both 2017 and 2018. Throughout his six-and-a-half-year illness, he was admired for his courage, resilience and positivity, while Mayo Roscommon Hospice provided invaluable care and support to both Shane and his family.
The marathon challenge has been organised to honour Shane’s memory and celebrate the friendship, determination and community spirit that defined his life, while helping other families benefit from the Hospice’s vital services.
A team of 29 runners, known as ‘Peach’s Runners’, will represent the fundraising effort. Organisers are encouraging the public to support the initiative, with all proceeds going to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
For the runners, the challenge is about more than completing the distance - it is a lasting tribute to a much-loved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend whose legacy continues to inspire the Kiltimagh community.
Congratulations to Dayna Finn and Shanaghy twins Grace and Niamh Kelly on their selection for the Irish squad for the AFLW International Rules match against Australia on August 1st.
Kiltimagh’s Dayna Finn, who plays for Carlton, continues her impressive rise in Australian Rules football and will now have the honour of representing Ireland on the international stage.
Grace and Niamh Kelly, who play for Adelaide, have also earned places on the Irish panel following their continued success in the AFLW. The Mayo stars have enjoyed outstanding careers and continue to inspire young footballers throughout the region.
The trio are among five Mayo players selected for the international, highlighting the county’s growing influence in women’s Australian Rules football. Their selection is a proud achievement for their families, clubs and communities, and a fitting reward for their dedication and talent.
There was another well attended 25 Card Drive, with plenty of keen competition and closely contested games throughout the evening.
First prize was shared by Joe Corry and Seamus Larkin and the pairing of Margaret Waters and Danny Doherty, with both teams finishing level at the top of the standings. Third place was also shared, with John Clancy and Pius Forde tying with Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas after another closely fought contest.
The Last 10 prize was divided between Tom Durkin and Brian McNulty and Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas. Mary and Jimmy Doyle claimed the spot prize.
Raffle winners on the night were John Clancy, Martin Regan, Aiden McDonagh and Manus Kilcoyne.
A record-equalling field of 29 players competed in Round 5 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last, playing for a prize pool of €1,015.
Following a heads-up deal to share first and second prize money, Michael Sheridan went on to defeat Pat Boyle to claim the Round 5 title. John Borza finished third, Alan Sheridan took fourth place, and Michael Higgins completed the prize-winning positions in fifth. The remaining finalists were Enda Ruane (6th), Nigel Maughan (7th), Derry O’Sullivan (8th) and John Reynolds (9th).
The previous week's Round 4 tournament was won by Gerry Groarke, who defeated Martin Regan in the final stages. John Borza finished third, with Kieran McGee taking fourth place.
After five rounds, Pat Boyle has regained top spot in the league standings with 123 points. John Borza is second on 107, just one point ahead of Michael Sheridan on 106. The remainder of the current top twelve is Michael Higgins (93), Majella Gilmartin (88), Gerry Groarke (86), Paul Walsh (83), John Reynolds (83), Derry O’Sullivan (74), Nigel Maughan (64), Conor Byrne (60) and Enda Ruane (58).
The Summer League runs over fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry fee each round that includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from every entry and rebuy contributes to the league final prize pool, with the balance paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players in the standings, together with two qualifiers, will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
With capacity now being reached each week, organisers have confirmed that no new players will be admitted for the remainder of the current league.
