Local Notes: Kiltimagh Tidy Towns seek help from new generation
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns volunteers, back row, from left: Francis McNicholas and Seamus Corry. Front row: David McNicholas (Chairperson,) Viktoriia Savytska and Brian Burke. Picture: John Corless
As Kiltimagh Tidy Towns steps into another busy summer of community clean-ups, painting projects and beautification efforts, its chairperson David McNicholas is both upbeat about the progress made and candid about the challenges ahead, particularly the need for younger volunteers to get involved.
“We’ve a core group of about ten who help out regularly,” David told the last week. “But the age profile is a serious concern. We have two volunteers in their 80s, two in their 70s, and a few in their late 60s. It’s great commitment, but it’s not sustainable long-term.”
Despite the demographic hurdles, David remains optimistic, citing the group’s strong network of local support and an encouraging level of community buy-in, especially from local businesses and the Kiltimagh diaspora.
“We’ve had brilliant backing from the community - businesses like SuperValu, Coen’s Tool Hire, Quinn’s, Tommy Ryan’s pub and Genfitt have always stepped up,” he says. “And our main sponsor, SuperValu, has been consistently generous.”
One of the most visible signs of community support are the vibrant flower planter towers lining the town centre. Manufactured by Murray’s Recycled Plastic, these colourful installations not only brighten the streetscape but serve as touching tributes from former residents.
“We have seven of them at the moment and four have been sponsored by members of the diaspora,” David said. “Joe Walsh and the Walsh family on Chapel Street donated one in memory of their parents, Frank and Maureen. Pádraig and Aisling Dempsey, who used to live on Main Street, sponsored another. Bernard Begley, originally from Carindine and now running a construction business in the United States, also stepped up.”
Begley, who has made multiple contributions, including the funding of painting works on the N17 two years ago, has become a key supporter.
“He’s given us a lot of money in recent years,” David said.
Another sponsor is West-A-Wake Eggs, and David believes more people will come forward to sponsor additional planters or projects now that the initiative has been established.
“We’ve had people approach us asking how they can sponsor something. That’s the kind of interest we want to harness.”
While sponsorship and goodwill are strong, David returns frequently to the need for boots on the ground.
“There’s a great buzz in the group,” he says. “But we do need more people out with us. Just look at the tasks we’re handling - repainting benches, maintaining flower beds, putting up new signs in the Square, and keeping the streets clean. It’s a lot.”
Recent efforts have included painting all the public seating in the town.
“We’ve moved most of them to the Men’s Shed, where they’re being refurbished and painted for the summer,” he says. “We’ve also had new signage installed in the Square, and a local resident, Mick Griffin, who owns the Poet’s Café, donated solar lighting for them out of his own pocket.
“There’s a mountain of small projects to stay on top of. Even something like the embankment at the station needs constant attention.”
The Tidy Towns competition itself brings mixed feelings for the long-serving chairperson.
“We usually come second. Belmullet has more money behind them, so it’s hard to beat that,” David said. “But the competition itself? I think it’s a bit over-complicated.”
His main frustration lies with the points system.
“You only get 50 points for cleanliness. That’s it. So even if you have the cleanest town in the country, you’re still stuck unless you’re ticking the boxes on biodiversity, sustainability, and a whole host of other things. It becomes more about form-filling than about actual results.”
Despite that, the group still participates and uses the competition as motivation to keep the town looking its best.
“For us, it’s not about trophies. It’s about pride in place.”
Much of the group’s work is assisted by key community employment schemes.
“Brian Raftery oversees the Community Employment Scheme through IRD, and Carolyn Cotter runs the Rural Social Scheme. They’re both absolutely crucial,” David said. “Any project we bring to them, they’ll get it done. But they haven’t the personnel for general weekly maintenance. And the council has a limited number of outdoor staff. That’s the reality.”
This growing absence of dedicated local authority workers has shifted the burden even more onto volunteer groups.
“We fill that gap, but we’re stretched.”
To sustain its work, Kiltimagh Tidy Towns relies heavily on local fundraising. A collection day at SuperValu is scheduled soon where volunteers will be on hand from 9am to gather donations.
“It’s not a raffle or anything fancy,” David said. “We’re just collecting. But the support is always generous.”
Later in the year, the group plans its annual pub quiz, hosted in Tommy Ryan’s Bar around October or November.
“That’s always a fun night,” David says. “We get a fantastic turnout and plenty of donated prizes from local businesses and individuals.”
Despite the challenges of an ageing volunteer base and the never-ending to-do list, David McNicholas remains upbeat.
“We’re lucky to have the people we do. There’s a great energy in the group, and there’s real pride in what we’ve achieved.”
He’s also keen to highlight how small communities like Kiltimagh can flourish when there's a bit of cooperation and civic spirit.
“We just need more people to join us, especially younger people,” he says. “If we don’t get that new generation involved, efforts like this can fade. But with them, we can keep the momentum going.”
For now, Kiltimagh Tidy Towns continues its summer campaign of paint, planting and pride - with hope that the next generation will be inspired to take up the brush and join the effort.
The Kiltimagh Community First Responders group is in the process of being reactivated, with work well underway to bring this vital community initiative back into action.
Spearheaded by local man John Conlon, the group aims to provide immediate, life-saving assistance in the event of cardiac and other medical emergencies, responding in those crucial minutes before emergency services can arrive.
While the group is not yet fully operational, efforts are progressing steadily behind the scenes. A core goal is to build a team of trained local volunteers who can be ready to respond when needed most.
John, who is also set to lead the upcoming training sessions, is calling on former volunteers to return and is warmly encouraging new recruits to step forward and get involved.
“This is about neighbours helping neighbours,” John said. “Anyone can learn the skills to help save a life. You never know when it could be your family, your friend, or a stranger in need - and having trained people in the community can make all the difference.”
The group will soon be announcing training dates, along with information on how residents can become certified responders. Updates will be shared in the coming weeks, including ways the public can get involved, show support, or simply learn more about the initiative. Those interested are invited to email the team at kiltimaghcfr25@gmail.com.
As part of the relaunch, the Kiltimagh CFR group has also published the current locations of defibrillators around the town - a crucial step in ensuring the public knows where to find these life-saving devices.
Defibrillators are currently located at the Youth Reach building, Kiltimagh GAA pitch, the Church, the Community Centre, Teach O’Hora, and Cleary’s.
The group encourages everyone to take a moment to familiarise themselves with these locations and to spread the word among friends and family. In a medical emergency, always dial 999 or 112 and follow the instructions given by the dispatcher.
Kiltimagh Community First Responders extends sincere thanks to everyone who has already expressed interest and support, and looks forward to seeing a strong community turnout as the group takes shape once more. Together, Kiltimagh can build a network of care that truly saves lives.
A week of fun, sport, and creativity is planned for Barnacarroll Community Sports Centre as the annual Let’s Get Moving Summer Camp returns from Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 1st. The camp runs daily from 9.30am to 2pm and is aimed at children aged between 5 and 12 years.
A wide range of activities is included in the programme, such as GAA, soccer, basketball, arts and crafts, yoga, and iPad sessions, with more entertainment promised throughout the week. Organisers say the camp is designed to encourage physical activity, social interaction and creative learning in a friendly and supportive environment.
The cost is €75 for one child, with discounts available for families: €140 for two children and €195 for three children from the same family.
Places are limited and early booking is advised. Anyone interested in registering a place can contact Ger on 087-6484334 or by emailing gercommins91@gmail.com.
Plans are well advanced for this summer’s Coillte Come Home festival in Kiltimagh, which will run from Wednesday to Monday, July 9th to 14th.
The event has become a much-valued fixture in the local calendar, and this year’s programme offers a mix of music, sport, comedy and family events aimed at all ages.
The festival will begin on Wednesday evening with the Coillte Laughs Comedy Show, a ticket-only event at the Cill Aodain Court Hotel that is already sold out. Later that night, the Festival Field will host the official opening and a fireworks display from 10.45pm.
On Thursday, street busking will take place in the town from 7.30pm to 9pm, followed by the popular Inter-Pub Quiz at 9.30pm. These events draw good support and are often among the most sociable parts of the festival.
Live music returns to Main Street on Friday night where the High Stool Prophets will perform. Entry for the event is €10.
The following evening, Saturday, brings the Race2Glory challenge. Supporters are welcome to line the route or take part themselves. Later that night, Ruaile Buaile will headline the Main Street stage from 9.30pm, with KOJAK providing support from 8pm.
Sunday’s programme begins at 12.30pm and includes a Family Fun Day and the popular Kiddies Tractor Run. Kiltimagh Knock United will host a Soccer World Cup event, and the evening will feature the Coillte Darts Finals in Langan's. Murray’s Funfair will run across the four central days of the festival, from Thursday through Sunday, based in the Festival Field.
Monday’s closing event will be the Coillte Golf Cup, taking place at Balla Golf Club.
Local pubs and hotels will also be hosting events throughout the festival, with music and entertainment planned across several venues. Copies of the full programme are available locally, and updates are shared on the festival’s Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok pages, as well as on its website.
The festival continues to draw people home and into the town centre, and is once again expected to bring together locals and visitors for a strong mix of community activity and local hospitality.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is holding a Scrap Metal Collection to help raise funds. The event takes place at Gilmartin Park on Sunday, August 17th, with a skip on-site from 9am to 5pm.
This is a great opportunity to tidy up around the house, farmyard, workshop or business premises while also supporting the continued growth and development of your local GAA club. All types of metal can be donated. Whether it’s a single piece or a trailer full, it will all make a difference.
The initiative is part of the club’s fundraising efforts, with proceeds going directly toward supporting activities for all within the club - from underage boys and girls to adult teams and a growing cohort of coaches and volunteers.
In recent years, Kiltimagh GAA has continued to strengthen its commitment to providing safe, inclusive and high-quality sporting opportunities for everyone in the community. Fundraisers like this help ensure that the club can maintain its facilities, invest in equipment, and support coaching for the next generation of players.
If you are unable to deliver your scrap to Gilmartin Park, collection can be arranged on the day. Just ring Karen on 087-0612079, Joe on 086-8077209 or Paddy on 085-1744117 to make arrangements.
There was good news for Coillte Pickleballers this week as the club received €600 in funding through the Mayo Sports Partnership’s 2025 Club Development Small Grant Scheme.
The grant was part of a wider allocation of €30,770 awarded to 56 clubs and community groups across the county. The funding, supported by Sport Ireland and Dormant Accounts, is designed to help grassroots clubs access new equipment and develop participation.
Mayo Sports Partnership commended local organisations like the Coillte Pickleballers for their efforts in promoting physical activity and community involvement, and extended thanks to Sport Ireland and Mayo County Council for their ongoing support.
It was another enjoyable evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of spirited competition and a good crowd turning out for the much-loved local event.
First prize on the night went to the pairing of Mary and Liam Moran, who played consistently well to finish ahead of the pack. Second place was claimed by Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne, who also had a strong showing across the evening.
Third place was shared by four pairs following a tightly contested night at the tables. Tom Durkin and Francis McNicholas, Michael Carney and Michael Costello, Seamus Larkin and Alo Langan, and John Feeny and Fr Joe Feeny all finished level.
The Last 10 prize went to Hilary Foley and Martin Regan, while the spot prize was claimed by John Clancy and Pius Forde.
Winners in the night’s raffle were Jack Pidgeon, Mary Doyle, James Walsh and Philip Moore.
It was another competitive and entertaining night at the Kiltimagh Poker League, as Round 4 of the 15-week series took place in Teach O’Hora on Wednesday last. The evening saw John Reynolds return to winning form, taking top prize for the second time in just three weeks and cementing his status as a serious contender in this year’s league.
John saw off a strong field to claim victory on the night, edging out AN Other, who finished in second place after a hard-fought final table. Nicky Cunnane took third, while Michael Sheridan rounded out the top four with a solid performance. The remaining finalists were Enda Ruane in fifth, followed by Tiernan Burke, Brian McQuillan, Kieran McGee, and Gerry Groarke, who completed the top nine finishers.
With four rounds now complete, the league standings are beginning to take shape, and competition is intensifying at the top. AN Other 1 currently leads the table with 82 points, holding a narrow one-point lead over the in-form John Reynolds on 81. Michael Sheridan is close behind on 76, with Enda Ruane (73), Michael Higgins (71), and AN Other 2 (70) also in the chasing pack.
Pat Boyle, Gerry Groarke, Nicky Cunnane, Aiden Maughan, Paul Walsh, and Kieran McGee complete the current top twelve - all of whom remain in contention for a place in the Grand Final.
The league continues every Wednesday night at 8pm, offering a well-run and competitive tournament structure. Entry is €20, with an optional rebuy or add-on also available for €20. A portion of each entry and rebuy contributes to the overall league prize pool, with the rest paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the 15-week league, the top 12 players on the points table, along with two qualifiers, will advance to the Grand Final, where a prize pool of over €2,000 is expected.
With strong weekly attendance, consistent prize money, and an exciting leaderboard battle emerging, the Kiltimagh Poker League continues to attract players from near and far. As the halfway point of the league approaches, the stakes are rising - and with John Reynolds in flying form, others will need to find their rhythm quickly if they hope to challenge for the top prize.
There was good news for Damian Kilkenny last week as he emerged the winner of Kiltimagh Knock United’s 50/50 draw, taking home a prize of €400.
The club continues to rely on the success of this fundraiser to support its underage programmes, equipment needs, and facilities. KKU extended its congratulations to Damian and offered heartfelt thanks to everyone who entered the draw, either online or by purchasing a ticket locally.
Weekly draws are held on Sundays, with ticket sales continuing through shops, pubs, and club representatives.
