Local Notes: Lily Neary at Errew Centre with the Alzheimer's fundraising box.
Lily Neary aged two and a half pictured at Errew Centre with the Alzheimer’s fundraising box
There was a great turnout in Ballyglass in the early hours of May 10 for the 3rd annual Darkness Into Light walk in aid of Pieta House. A group of about 70 walkers, young and not so young, wiped the sleep from their eyes and showed up at the community centre for the 4.15 start. Elisa Toner gave a speech to remind everyone about the reason for the whole event, preventing suicide and supporting people with mental health struggles. Jimmy Murphy read the Pieta House manifesto and local hero Cora Staunton led everyone in a warm up, before the walkers took off. They were greeted on their return by cheers from the many volunteers and a breakfast of homemade scones and jam courtesy of some local bakers. There was also food sponsored by Crave, Ballintubber. A choir of local singers were on hand to keep everyone entertained before heading home as the sun came up. This lovely event could not have happened without a wonderful team of volunteers so many thanks go to Tomás on sound and music, John L. and John B. and the parking stewards, Breege and Joan on registration, Deirdre and Paula on the lights along the route, Heneghan Plant Hire for providing lights to keep everyone safe, Jimmy and John on road signs, Leona, Katie, Ruth, Nicole, Sheila, Rosaleen and Mick on breakfast duty, Sharon on First Aid, Nora the choir coordinator, Favia the photographer, Mike who drove the lead car and finally a special thank you to Elisa Toner who put a huge amount of work into coordinating the volunteers and making the event such a success. Special thanks to everyone who left their warm beds and came out to show support for a very worthy cause.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €10,200 on Monday night, May 19. The numbers drawn were 5, 12, 14 and 29. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Ann Cannon, Carmel Gillen, Eddie Walsh, Jason Gibbons, Brian and Clodagh McGreal, and Noreen Roche.
The jackpot stood at €10,300 on last Sunday night, May 25. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber minors edged past Louisburgh GAA and LGFA last week after extra time in the Homeland League Division 4 semi-final on the scorline of Ballintubber GAA 4-9, Louisburgh 5-13. In the U16 Division 1 league semi-final played on Thursday evening last Ballintubber recorded a splendid 3-11 to 3-9 victory over Westport.
Congratulations to Cillian O’Connor, son of Mary and Tony O’ Connor, Ballintubber and Hannah Wallace, Dublin, who have recently announced their engagement. They are wished great happiness and success with their future plans.
The death occurred last week of Bridie McDermott (nee Jennings) originally McDermott, Cashel, Ayle, Westport, Co. Mayo and formerly of Claureen, Ballintubber. Bridie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in her 94th year. Bridie was a legend on the card playing circuit - a kind and gently lady that radiated goodness, friendship and humour to all she encountered on life’s journey. Predeceased by her parents Bridget and Owen McDermott, her 13 siblings, husbands William Jennings and Paddy McDermott, daughter Cora, son Liam and grandson Barry, Bridie is deeply regretted by her sons Michael, Seamus, Benny, Paddy Jr, Brendan, Enda, daughters Maureen (Mahony), Patricia (Jennings), Breege (Buchs), Imelda (Browne) and Aileen (Walshe), and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends and her card playing colleagues to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at her home in Cashel, on Thursday evening, May 15, and her funeral Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Islandeady on Friday at 1pm with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Islandeady Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The results of Ballyglass lotto draw from Monday, May 19, are as follows: the numbers drawn were 6, 11, 31 and 32. There was no winner of the €12,400 jackpot and no Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Karyn O’Malley, Christopher Moran, Fahy family, Noel Burke and Timmy McGreal. Play now to be in with a chance of winning the giant jackpot of €12,400. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.
Winners from the card game played in Ballyglass on Monday, May 19 were: 1st Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes, 2nd Breege Jennings and Noel Costello and 3rd Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford. The last 10 winners were Mary and Richard Carney and the raffle prized went to Breege Jennings and Noel Costello. The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm. Ballyglass FC 50th anniversary ra.ffle Ballyglass FC recently announced a raffle as part of its year of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the club. The prizes, all generously sponsored by Riain Group, include a €1,200 Center Parcs voucher, €500 cash and a €250 Blue Book Hotel voucher. The draw will take place on June 2, and tickets are available on idonate.ie/raffle/BallyglassFootballClub50thAnniversaryRaffle. Your support is very much appreciated.
If you would like to be part of the group of volunteers who keep Ballyglass village looking its best, contact Breege on 087 6292164 to get your name added to the group. There is nothing too strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week. Many hands make light work.
Save the date for this year’s Ballyglass open sports which will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday, June 2. All the usual events for all ages are scheduled, including sprints, novelty races, relays, tug-of-war, weight-throwing, high jump, long jump and penalty kicking. There will be food trucks and ice cream and all the fun and games everyone loves about the Ballyglass Sports every year. Look out for further details to come.
There will be a Summer Choral Concert in the Abbey on Sunday, June 1, at 8pm. Doors open 7pm. They will be welcoming USI Chamber Choir from the USA, the Mayo Male Voice Choir and Ballintubber Abbey Choir. Admission is free, and all donations will go towards the restoration fund. Your support will be appreciated.
Highlights of Ballintubber Abbey, the next Chapter Official Launch Event, will be broadcast on TV Ireland Sky Channel 588 at 8.30pm on this Tuesday, May 27. The program will be available to watch on YouTube anytime from the same night.
The new Pre School in Carnacon is currently taking enquires for September 2025. If you would like more information contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
Congratulations are extended to Conor Summerville and Mary Hughes who were married on Friday, May 23, in St Coleman’s Church, Claremorris. They are wished lifelong happiness and joy in their married lives.
The summer cemetery Masses programme is as follows; Burriscarra on Saturday, July 5, at 7.30pm, Killawalla on Sunday, July 6, at 10am and Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday, July 6, at 11am. Veneration of Sacred Heart statue blessed in Rome by Pope Francis will take place in the parish from May 31 to June 5.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest member Caela Ellen Larkin, baptised in St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla and Lahlan Stephen Lavelle and Banbha Mallaidh Halligan who were baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, May 24. Congratulations to their parents and families.
A training day will take place on Saturday, May 31, in the Dorter, Ballintubber Abbey from 9.30am to11am with Maureen Walsh, Diocesan Safe Guarding officer. It is important that all adults are working with children in sacristy's, choirs, retreats and passion play to attend this important training. It is mandatory that all persons involved with children attend this event.
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The annual Tourmakeady parish trip to Knock will take place on Tuesday, June 3. The coach will depart O'Toole’s at 9.45. Mass will be celebrated at 11.45 in Knock at the Apparition Shrine by Fr Jarlath Heraty. The cost of the coach and lunch is €30 per head. To reserve a seat as soon as possible and avoid disappointment, phone Sally at 087 2974375 / Katie 087 9650911 or Oifig an Halla at 094 9544295.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, May 24, stood at €17,300. 2, 19, 26 and 27 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development, and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online or ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/. Ta ticéadaí ar diol freezing sa siopai O’Tooles/Oifig a Hoist/ Máire Luke’s/ Lough Mask Inn.
The annual 2025 Cúl Camp will be held at Páirc Naoimh Muire running from July 21 to July 25 running from Monday to Friday. Places can be booked at kellogsculcamps.gaa.ie. Tourmakeady U14 boys enjoyed a 9-11 to 8-11 victory over Naomh Pádraig in an exciting league game last week.
In the lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school commenced on May 17, a €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2. For those who wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months. Anyone who is willing to support the school, should contact the school via phone on 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. The winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball school fundraiser on Saturday, May 3 with ball number 31 was Linda and James Seoighe. Congratulations and many thanks for the continuing support.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, May 29, from 2-4pm. Why not pop along for a social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to give your name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie. Please return your Trocaire collection to both churches.
Ciorcal Cniotáil/Knitting Circle: Tegan a Grúpa Cniotáil le chéile gach oiche Luan i halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 7.30-9.30 in. Fáilte roimh bail nua. The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30- 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
It’s that time of the year again to prepare for Killawalla Community Day, on Sunday, June 20. Killawalla Community Council are selling bonus ball numbers 1 to 47 for €20 for a 50/50 draw on May 31, with 50% going to the winner and 50% to the community day. Contact 087 2879701 or Siobhan on 087 6713940 to secure your numbers.
Thank to everyone who has supported the 50/50 bonus ball community day fundraiser to date. Due to demand there will be a second draw on Saturday, June 7. Numbers are €20 with 50% going to the winner and 50% to the community day.
Partry Bingo sessions take place in the comfortable confines of Partry Centre on Monday nights each week. There are lots of generous prizes and a lovely atmosphere to savour by patrons.
Partry Residents Association Draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Jenny Gallagher who was a recent winner of the draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, May 24. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement. Tickets are on sale from Jim O’Neill at 087 2860565.
The Dementia Cafe continues on the first Tuesday of every month in the Tacu Resource Centre in Ballinrobe. The next one is on June 3, and guest speakers are the dementia advisor and homecare coordinator from Western Alzheimers. All welcome and refreshments served on the day.
AirBnB recently announced the Rural Tourism Fund, committing €100,000 in grants to support innovative tourism projects in the rural communities of Ireland where local families and businesses rely heavily on tourism. Data from Airbnb has uncovered an unexpected trend: while Irish people are more likely to book holidays abroad, many have yet to explore the beautiful landscapes just a few hours from home.
Airbnb has launched the Rural Tourism Fund to give a vital injection to rural areas across Ireland that relies on the benefits of tourism to support local families, businesses and culture. Airbnb is committing €100,000 in grants to preserve and enhance innovative tourism projects across the country. With 71% of Airbnb bookings in Ireland made in predominantly rural areas and the majority of listings outside of Dublin, Airbnb are already playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors to the heart of the countryside. Now, through the Rural Tourism Fund, grants ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 will be available to local organisations and community groups to help bring their local projects to life and boost rural tourism, from launching or expanding a local festival, to upgrading community facilities.
The Rural Tourism Fund is designed to help local organisations and communities bring their ideas to life. If you have a project that promotes or supports rural tourism in your community, apply by 11.59pm on June 16.
A number of places will become available on a training course at the South Mayo Family Research Centre in Ballinrobe at the start of January. Subjects will include word processing, spreadsheets, database, graphic and web design. The course, which is free, is open to adults of all ages and leads to QQI and ICDL certification. A training allowance may be payable to those in receipt of social welfare. For further details phone 094 9541214 or drop in to the South Mayo Family Research Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe 094 9541214.
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The death took place last week of Chrissie Galvin née Walsh, Lisaniskea, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Chrissie passed away on Wednesday last, May 21, peacefully in the care of the staff in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family.
Predeceased by her husband Pat, parents Mike and Celia (née McDonnell), and grandson baby Shay, she is deeply regretted by her children Corina (New York), Paul, Claire and Shane, her adored grandchildren Paddy, Darragh, Jack, Elise (Galvin), Adam and Quin (Lally) and their father Eamonn, her daughter-in-law Sabrina, Shane’s partner Nicola, her sister Paula Cuffe, and her many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Her remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Friday, May 23, from 6pm with removal at 8pm to St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra. Requiem Mass for Chrissie was celebrated at 11am on Saturday morning. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Elmhall Cemetery, Belcarra. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Get ready for an unforgettable Summer Country Music Festival in Ballyheane. Get ready, country music fans, Ballyheane Goes Country 2025 is back and bigger than ever at The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. This unmissable weekend of top-tier live music and unbeatable atmosphere runs from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8. Friday, June 6, kicks off the festival in style with country legends Jimmy Buckley and rising star Gavin Gribben.
Saturday, June 7, keeps the energy high with chart-topper Derek Ryan and fan favourite Stacey Breen.
Sunday, June 8, closes out the weekend with a bang - don’t miss Nathan Carter lighting up the stage, supported by the brilliant Mylo and Vinny. On Friday and Saturday, doors will be open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm. On Sunday, the doors open at 5pm and the show starts at 6pm.
Whether you're a country music fan or just looking for a weekend of great music, dancing, and craic, this is the festival for you. The Punch Bowl is delighted this year to be raising funds for the local Community First Responders through a weekend of bucket collections and festival donation.
Minister Alan Dillon announced last week that ten projects in Mayo will benefit from the Dormant Accounts Fund Growing Social Enterprise Fund. Ballyheane Community Sports Club was delighted to receive €9,478.00 for their development programme.
Plans are well advanced for a major benefit dance in aid of a great cause. The benefit dance entitled "Bring Breege Home" will be held in Breaffy House Hotel on July 4, at 9pm. Music will be by Concorde and local artists. It is sure to be a great night with some fabulous entertainment, raffle and great spot prizes. Tickets modestly priced at €20 will be on sale soon and everyone is urged to come out and support the worthy cause.
Looking to get into running in a relaxed, social and enjoyable environment? Look no further! Join the “Couch to Belcarra 8k” running programme, kindly led by Ann Heaney. Preparations have commenced and will continue every Sunday until the Belcarra 8k on June 22. The Belcarra 8k fun run will take place on Sunday, June 22. More details will follow, regarding registration etc.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €11,900. The jackpot stood at €11,800 on Sunday, May 18 when the numbers drawn were 5, 16, 18 and 21 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Emile Payne, Anna McCarthy, Cliona Ni Cheallachain and Mary B Prendergast. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
The next game in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, June 2.
Kiddie’s handball classes are commencing in Belcarra Sports Centre. The fun event is being held on Sundays.The classes are open to all and no experience is needed. The Sunday morning handball sessions are set as follows: 10 to 11am, for children aged 7 to 10 years and 11 to 12pm, for children aged 10 to 12 years.
Handball practise for 4th, 5th and 6th class girls takes place in Belcarra Handball Alley every Wednesday after school from 2.45 to 3.45pm. Mothers & Others Social Handball sessions will be kicking off soon. Whether you have played before or are complete beginners, everyone is welcome.
The death has taken place of Michael Tolan, Edmonton, London and formerly of Liscromwell, Castlebar. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Anne, he is deeply regretted by his brothers Martin, Séamus and Finbarr, his sisters Alice and Patricia (McEllin), his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Requiem Mass for Michael was celebrated in St. Edmund’s Church, Edmonton, London, on last Wednesday, May 21, at 12 noon followed by cremation ceremonies. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto which was held on May 2, were 10, 22, 23 and bonus number 8. There was no jackpot winner. The prize winner was Paddy Bourke, Ballyheane €250. The jackpot stood at €15, 500 on May 27.
The finals of the Walter Staunton Memorial Pool competition took place on a recent Friday night. The cup final went right to the wire. Thanks have been extended to everyone who supported it and thank you to everyone who entered the competition and of course thanks to all the generous sponsors. A special thank you is extended to Liamy Cannon who ran the competition. Congratulations to the winners - winner of the Cup - Liam Cannon, runner up Stephen Jennings (Jinx), and winner of the shield Ryan Feehan and runner up Padraic Golden.
The current Ballyheane Community Council are at the end of their 3 year term. In the coming weeks ballot papers will be going to each household registered in the area. Householders will be asked to select a female and male representative for your area in the new community council.
The community council wishes to extend thanks to everyone for their help, support, hard work and commitment throughout the past three years. The council have achieved a great deal but there are still a lot of ongoing projects that are in progress.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will meet in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar from 7 to 9pm on June 12. Refreshments will be provided. SMS / WhatsApp 086 2444376 to book your place for numbers only.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
