Local Notes: Lacken community raise over €38,000 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
The Farrell family presenting a cheque of €14,000 which was raised in 2026 to Martina Jennings, Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Photo credit: @Wildatlanticimagesaok
Three years, one special community, and more than €38,000 raised for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. What began as a family's way of saying thank you has grown into one of the most heartwarming annual fundraising events in County Mayo. The Lovely Lacken 5km Fun Run/Walk, Raffle and Auction was created in memory of Mary Farrell and in appreciation of the exceptional care she received from Mayo Hospice during her final days. Since its launch in 2024, the event has raised an incredible €38,104.30, bringing together family, friends, neighbours, local businesses, and supporters from far and wide in support of a cause that touches so many lives.
Following the passing of their beloved mother Mary on April 19, 2023, after a brave battle with illness, siblings Sarah, Patricia, and John Farrell wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the hospice that cared so compassionately for her.
The idea was simple: organise a community fundraiser that would celebrate Mary's life while supporting Mayo Hospice. A 5km fun run and walk, combined with a raffle and auction, seemed like the perfect fit.
The event was named "Lovely Lacken" after a phrase Mary often used in the days before she passed away when speaking affectionately about her beloved home place. For the Farrell family, there could be no more fitting tribute.
The venue was an easy choice too. Bessie’s Bar, the heart of the Lacken community, became the home of the fundraiser and has played a central role in its success ever since.
Atlantic Care are urgently looking for caregivers in Killala and surrounding areas. Competitive rates of pay, flexible hours and support network. If you are interested contact Nollag on 094 9014028.
Last weeks winner was Robyn Reilly. There are still numbers available. Contact Leo Loughney on 087 9163851 for further details.
Defibrillator contacts for Lacken are; Teresa Kelly 086 6699859, Marie Kelly 085 2800557, Enda Rooney 086 311 9312 , Adrienne Loughney 087 6464694, Tara Loughney 086 2099358, Katherine Hickey 083 4838849, Ann Loughney 087 6314067, Aine Lavin 087 1238497, Jackie Jackson 086 8755957, Ann Marie Walsh 087 2104367. Defibrillators are located at the Enterprise Centre, Banagher and the Failte Room beside Lacken Church.
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What a weekend it turned out to be for James Gough who took double gold in two table tennis events at last week's finals of the 2026 Special Olympics Ireland Games held in Dublin. James, who is a member of Crossmolina Tennis Club, had magnificent support at the finals and was accorded a very well deserved reception in Mickey O'Boyle's on his return home on Sunday evening. James possesses an innate skill in his chosen sport having won many other provincial and national titles in recent years and he is a credit to his club and family. Indeed, James is Ardagh GAA club's number one fan and all at the club and in the parish delight in his success. Well done James!
With the thermometer mercury hitting high figures the current spell of sub-saharan weather is giving us all a very welcome mental and physical boost. It is also a very busy time for our farming fraternity as they grapple with long and arduous hours of silage making and saving. Many of our main and secondary roads are currently very busy with high volumes of traffic. We must all heed the customary words of caution which are issued annually at this time of year by the various Government agencies particularly during this current heatwave. Suffice to say, it's in all our best interests to look out for each other, particularly the most vulnerable amongst us, children and the elderly, so that everybody has the opportunity to enjoy and soak up the tropical weather which envelops the country. It won't last forever.
Time is fast approaching for Ardagh GAA Club's annual summer camp which will be held from July 13-16 inclusive at the club grounds. Three action-packed days of GAA, soccer, rounders, tag rugby, dodgeball and numerous other fun activities. To secure your child's place please phone James at 087-3215229. Camp coordinators are Jenny Kelly and James Carr. Lots of fun- loving and jam-packed activities to be enjoyed. The summer camp provides a great opportunity for children of all ages to mix and mingle in a safe, joyful and fun-filled environment.
A timely reminder that Ardagh GAA Club's lotto draw for the new season kicks off this Sunday evening, June 28. Tickets may be purchased from any committee member or online through the link https://games.smartlotto.ie/#/pages/lotto/play?c_id=5e819689ed80b83c81648dce. The lotto is the main source of finance for the club throughout the year and all support will be greatly appreciated.
Ardagh Social Dancing continues this Sunday evening, June 28, with Sean Kerrigan (White Lightning) from 8-10pm in Ardagh Community Centre (Eircode F26 W521). Price €10 payable on door. All are welcome.
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The death occurred on June 23, of Christina (Chris) Maughan (nèe Shelvin) Cappagh, Ballycastle and formerly of Briska, Bangor-Erris. Sympathy is extended to her husband Michael, daughters Cliona and Maria, sisters Mary (Boland, Crossmolina), Bridie (Carolan, Briska), brothers John and Peter, Peter's partner Bridie, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, former work colleagues and friends. May she rest in peace.
The death occurred on June 23, of Margaret (Maureen) Rodgers (nèe Walsh) Glenedagh, Ballycastle. She was predeceased by her husband James (Jim) and her father Peter. Sympathy is extended to her daughters Elizabeth, Anne and Rachel, sons-in-law Darren and Samuel, grandchildren, her mother Margaret, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.
Congratulations to Mauretti Flatherty, last week's winner of €191 in the GAA 50/50 draw.
News items for inclusion in Ballycastle notes in the Western People can be emailed to ballycastle4@hotmail.com by 8pm on Wednesday evenings for inclusion in the following week's edition.
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Moygownagh walking group will meet Wednesday at 8pm.Please wear high-vis. All members of the community are welcome to come along.
The monthly meeting of Moygownagh ICA will take place in the Learning Forum on Wednesday, July 1 at 8pm. New members welcome.
Carn NS Tour 2026 took place in Westport House recently where all the children had a great day.
A talk delivered by Paula Naughton to Moygownagh’s Rambling House group via the Connect Café initiative, was an inspiring evening’s reflection on connection through world travel, opportunities and conversations structured around the importance of local community and shared humanity.
Ardagh Social Services are organising a trip to the Fr Peyton Centre on Tuesday, June 30 (today). The bus departs Ardagh Community Centre at 10.30am, tea on arrival, Mass at 12.15pm, a 2 course lunch with tea /coffee at 1pm followed by music until 3.30pm. The price is €20 and for further details contact Breege on 087 2591862 or Lena 0872584333.
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