Local Notes: Mass celebrated on Church Island.
To celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, Fr Michael Farragher, PP celebrated Mass on Church Island on Friday, August 14. Photographer Tom Quinn was on hand to photograph the scenic and spiritual occasion.
The death has occurred of Ann McGurrin nee Mullins, Weatherfort, Clogher, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Ann was formerly a native of Clara, Co. Offaly and she passed away peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her loving family on August 13, 2026. Predeceased by her parents and her loving husband Michael, sisters Maura, Nora, Monica and Betty, she is deeply regretted by her loving family: John (Angela), Michael (Brigid), Maureen (Gerry), Michelle (John), Declan, (Naomi), her adored grandchildren Neil (Ciara), Tara (Martin), Farrah, Ryan, Aisling, Fintan, Jack, Darren, Ciara, Sinead, Nathan, Lauren, and Aoife, her great grandchildren Nora, Tadhg and Tom, sister Agnes, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a huge attendance present as Ann’s remains reposed in Ballyglass Community Centre on Sunday, August 16. Removal of her remains took place on Monday to The Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey for funeral Mass at 2pm with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ann will be greatly missed by her many friends and neighbours in Weatherfort, Ballyglass and beyond. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballyglass FC lotto draw was held on the August 17, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were: 9, 15, 30 and 34. There was no winner of the €18,900 jackpot. The consolation prizewinners were Peter and Shelia Philbin (3numbers), Caroline Corbett, Zoe and Lucy Burke, Paul Connolly and Gary Browne. The Monday jackpot pool stood at €19,000 on August 24.
The results from Monday, August 17: 1st Mary Brennan and Philip White, 2nd Tom Fitzpatrick and Martin Ford and 3rd Liam Davoren and Michael Loftus. The best of last 10 prize went to Kitty Rumley and Judy Clarke, and the raffle winners were Liam Davoren and Michael Loftus. Cards continue every Monday night from 9pm in the Community Centre.
Yin Yoga and Breathwork pop-up session at Ballyglass Community Centre on this Tuesday, August 25, from 7.30–9pm. €20. Yoga classes start back after the summer break on Tuesday, September 8 from 7.30 to 8.30pm with a four week block costing €50. There are limited spaces and beginners are welcome. Booking is essential by contacting Emma on 087 997 3357.
Ballyglass Cleanup Group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes, and other tools.
The death has taken place of Anthony (Tony) formerly of Ballintubber and Birmingham and most recently of Main Street, Buttevant. His Funeral Mass was hosted in Ballintubber Abbey last week. Sincere sympathy is extended to his loving wife Sheila, his daughters Aoife, Dearbhla and Ailish, his brothers Thomas, Eugene, and Declan, and to his wider family, friends and loved ones who lament his passing.
Fr Michael Farragher celebrated a beautiful and moving Mass, with music provided by family, relatives, and the Ballintubber Abbey Choir. The service was a wonderful tribute to Tony’s hardworking life, his deep love for his family, and especially his devotion as a father to his three girls.
Tony was also an immensely proud Mayo GAA supporter and was delighted to see Mayo win the All-Ireland a few weeks ago. It was particularly fitting that, as Tony’s final journey left Ballintubber Abbey, he was accompanied by a beautiful rendition of “The Green and Red of Mayo,” sung by the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, with the whistle played by John Thornton. Private committal took place at Shannon Crematorium. May Tony rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,600 on Sunday night, August 16. 2, 23, 32 and 34 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Geraldine Chambers, Pauline Conway, Denice Tuffy, John Moran, Tommy Kilcoyne and Liz Conway. The lotto jackpot stood at €7,700 for last Sunday night’s draw. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber underage teams at U14, 16 and Minor are progressing well in their championships in 2026. Ballintubber minors playing in the B championship due to a lack of numbers are progressing well recording solid wins. So too with the U14 side who have reached the semi-final of the A competition. The club U16 side enjoyed a great joust with Claremorris in an away game recently. After a hectic hour of end-to-end action Ballintubber won the competitive game on a scoreline 1-13 to 1-11. Best wishes to all the teams in the upcoming knock-out stages.
Congratulations are extended to Patrick Conmy and Lisa Flannery who were married on Friday, August 14, in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber. The couple are wished health and happiness all the days of their married lives.
Carra Life directors, Lynda and Chris Huxley, will be speaking on day two of Green Sod Ireland's biodiversity summer school on Sunday, August 30, in Kylemore in Connemara. You can get tickets for this event through Eventbrite and you will also have chance to hear from the other speakers on Sunday morning with talks from Biodiversity Ireland and LIFE on Machair also included. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../biodiversity-summer-school...
Analysis by the Marine Institute of dead Crayfish on Annie's River (which flows into Lough Carra) have confirmed that, unfortunately, Crayfish Plague is in the catchment. This is a very worrying development, and it is vitally important that water users check, clean and allow all boats and equipment to thoroughly dry-out, then dry for further 48 hours to prevent the spread of the plague. More details can be found on the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
https://invasives.ie/species-alerts/crayfish-plague-disease/ Crayfish plague can result in 100% mortality of the protected native, White-clawed Crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) so this is very worrying for the crayfish population in Lough Carra. Its European range has already been seen; this species has been decimated by the impact of Crayfish plague disease which spread to Europe with the introduction of the plague carrier North American species of crayfish.
The final Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk for this year takes place on Saturday, August 29. Full and Half Tóchar Walk options are available. Pre-booking is essential. Reserve your place and find full details at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
Atlantic Care is hiring. Looking for a rewarding place to work? Atlantic Care is a fantastic company to work for. Consider joining a team that values people, compassion, and making a difference in the community. Check out their current job opportunities today by calling 094 9014028 or email nollag.mchale@atlanticcare.ie.
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The death took place last week of Joe Coyne, Gortmore, Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Joe passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar on August 15. Joe was a kind and obliging neighbour liked by all. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Mary, and by his brothers Padraic and Tommy, he is deeply regretted by his brother Michael, relatives, friends, and neighbours to who sincere condolences are extended.
Joe’s remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on Monday evening from 6pm with removal at 7.30pm to St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. Joe’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Churchfield cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Huge congratulations to Tara Ní Bhaoighill who won first place in the uilleann pipes and second place in the slow airs competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast. This is an outstanding achievement. Tara is putting Dúiche Sheoigheach (Joyce Country) on the map every single year. She is an inspiration to all the community.
St Mary’s Church in Tourmakeady was the venue recently for the wedding of Ann Gardiner, daughter of Kathleen and the late Tommy Gardiner, Chicago, U.S.A and Michael Kelly, son of Michael and Kitty Kelly, Tourmakeady. After a most moving and colourful ceremony conducted by Fr Jarlath Heraty, the newlywed couple hosted a gala reception for their families and friends in the Mulranny Park Hotel. The couple are wished great happiness and joy in their married lives.
Well done to the minor boys on winning both the West Mayo Division B Championship and the Division 3 League Final this year. A great achievement for the team and management. Many thanks to Idoman Teoranta for sponsoring the half-zips and to a local club supporter for generously sponsoring the polo tops. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Tourmakeady Wood Parkrun runs every Saturday meeting in the carpark of the wood at 9.30am. This is a timed 5k route. It is a vibrant community event and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy outdoors and connecting with others. It is also completely free. It is open to walkers, joggers, runners, families and dogwalkers if the dog is on a short leash. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, August 15, stood at €20,000. 6, 26, 27 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Jennifer Moran was the online draw winner.
Stephen Heneghan has an honesty box at his home in Gortmore with honey, vegetables, flowering plants and fruit from time to time. All proceeds and monies from the above go to a worthwhile charity “Mary’s meals”.
Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council fortnightly draws are available - one annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120.
Western Alzheimer’s are organising a “Peak of the Reek” community climb. Join local families, individuals, and groups climbing Croagh Patrick on Saturday, September 12. Walk for a loved one or enjoy a community day out. All funds support hands-on care for local families living with dementia in the west. Register at westernalzheimers.ie or contact 094 9364900 for further details.
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The death had occurred of Anne Elliott (née Bourke), Sheeroe, Westport, Co. Mayo and late of Knockmoyleen, Ballyheane. A former station manager in Irish Rail Westport Anne passed away peacefully, in the wonderful care of the staff in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family on August 15.
Anne was a kind and helpful person who enjoyed the friendship of many people. She enjoyed great popularity and innovative success as Station Master at Westport Station where she was well respected by colleagues and the travelling public. Predeceased by her parents Paddy and Mai and her brother John, Anne is deeply regretted by her loving and devoted husband Willie, her sisters Mary King (Tony), Patricia Walsh (Tom), Breda Buckley (Aidan), Carmel Sheridan (Michael), Evelyn Faherty (Willie), brothers Pauric, Tommy (Mary), aunt Kathleen Kelly (Kilmaine), nephews, nieces, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
There was a large attendance present as Anne’s remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on Monday, August 17, from 5pm-7pm. Her remains were taken to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane on Tuesday, August 18, at 12.15pm for Requiem Mass at 1pm followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the happiness of heaven.
Congratulations to Kelly Redmond and Eoghan O’Connor who were recently married in St Anne’s Church, Belcarra. The couple are wished great joy and happiness in their married lives.
The next monthly Monday card game will be held in Belcarra Centre on September 7.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, August 16 was 7, 13, 24 and 29. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Peggy Flatley, the Quinn Family, Tony Cunningham and Joseph Blowick. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,900 on last Sunday night, August 23.
The death has taken place of Thomas Wesley Bennett, Plovervale, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Thomas passed away on August 13, peacefully in the care of the staff in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Thomas and his brother William, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Margery, daughters Pamela, Helen and Andrea, sons Jason and Jonathan, sisters Elizabeth, Olive and Doris, sons-in-law Gerry, Stephen and Damien, daughter-in-law Allanah, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Thomas’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Saturday, August 15. Funeral services took place on Sunday, August 16, at 2.30pm in Christ Church, Church of Ireland, The Mall, Castlebar followed by burial afterwards in Turlough Church Of Ireland Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto on Tuesday, August 18, were 21, 25, 28 and bonus number 2. The match 3 winner this week was Michael Morley - €250. The jackpot stands at £22, 000 on this Tuesday night, August 25.
Calling all the ladies of Ballyheane and surrounding areas, Ballyheane AFC are now recruiting for the upcoming Women's Master's League which will commence in the Autumn. Contact Catherine on 087 6195025 or Julie on 087 9846401 if interested in participating.
The National Learning Network Castlebar can help you gain QQI Certification and assist with finding employment. Your Social Welfare payment will remain protected. Call or message Sharon on 087 290 9064 to discuss.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a chair yoga session. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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The death has taken place of Bernie (Bernadette) Keane nee Gannon, Kiltimagh Road, Balla, Co. Mayo. Bernie passed away in the exceptional care of the Mayo Hospice and Mayo University Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her beloved husband Eamonn, her parents Patrick and Sarah, siblings Mary, Stephen, Kathleen, Michael, Paddy and Eileen, she is deeply regretted by her daughter Eilis, son Dara, son-in-law Graham (Forkan) daughter-in-law Sandra (Burke) adored grandchildren Aidan, Sarah and Naoise, brother Willie Gannon (Renvyle) sisters Anne Jack (Renvyle) and Geraldine Mannion (Galway), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, extended Gannon and Keane families, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed in Balla Funeral Home on Thursday, August 13 from 5 to 7pm. The Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla on Friday, August 14, at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Are you ready to get your garden prepared for the winter and make life easier for spring? Join Jimmy Kelly at Balla CRD for a practical, hands-on Autumn Gardening Course, starting Saturday, August 29, from 11am to 1.30pm. The course will cover what to grow outdoors and in the tunnel over winter, preparing and protecting your soil harvesting and storing methods, no-dig gardening, how to make compost and preparing your garden for next year.
The venue is Balla CRD and the course will run very second week through August and September into October. This is a great opportunity to learn practical tips and get your garden ready for the seasons ahead. For more information call Jimmy on 089 231 7744 or John on 087 185 0860. Now is the time to start working on your garden for next year.
All at Balla Community Centre are thrilled to welcome Mayo Performance Academy back this September with a brand-new term of Speech and Drama classes for children. Speech and Drama is a fantastic way for young people to build confidence, develop communication skills, make new friends, and most importantly, have fun in a creative and supportive environment. Free taster classes take place on Wednesday, September 9, giving children the chance to experience the classes before committing to the 10-week term beginning on September 16. If your child loves to perform, tell stories, or simply wants to grow in confidence, this is a wonderful opportunity.
To register for a free taster session or to find out more, please email june@mayoperformance.ie.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, August 13 in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €10,600.7, 8, 10 and 23 were the numbers drawn and the €30 consolation prize winners were Michelle McCormack (online), Michael Conway (cash sale) and Michael Cummins (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, August 20, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €10,700.
Balla GAA and LGFA bingo fundraiser was a great success. A huge thank you has been extended to everyone who sponsored a game, bought a book, donated, or supported in any way.
A new women’s six-week strength training class runs on Tuesday’s from 7 and 7.15pm to 8pm. Contact Michelle by email on michelleoconnorfitness@gmail.com or WhatsApp 098 4437407for information or bookings.
The jackpot has commenced again and stood at €1,100 on last Sunday, August 24. Manulla FC are deeply grateful for the continuing support of the community.
Manulla FC senior ladies team and management and Manulla U14 girls made a presentation to Simona Fernandes who is moving across the water to take up a new position with the Burnley Football Club women's team. This is a great opportunity for Simona and is well deserved for all her hard work and dedication to Manulla teams over the past 10 years. All at Manulla FC wish Simona the best of luck and she will be really missed by all at Manulla Football Club.
Taekwon-Do classes with Gerry Mooney runs on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. September special – free 1st class and free uniform for September starts. Contact gmooney@takewondo.ie or phone 087 3596723 for details.
Why not join a welcoming circle of women of all ages for an evening of connection, reflection, and support in a safe and nurturing space featuring guided meditation, journal prompts, herbal tea, oracle cards, and optional sharing.
Whether you're looking to relax, meet like-minded women, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening, you'll be made very welcome. The Women's Circle meets every two weeks, and new members are always welcome. Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy meaningful conversations, or simply take some time for yourself, they would love to see you there. To book or find out more, contact Linda on 086 393 6174.
People over 65 wishing to have Seniors Alert Alarms should contact Balla Centre to plan and obtain same.
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The death has taken place of Mary Kelly (née Roper) Pullalena, Clogher, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Mary passed away peacefully at St. John’s Unit, Mayo University Hospital, in her 88th year, surrounded by her loving family. Widely popular among her peers, she had a warm personality which endeared her to many friends. Mary was a long-time member of the Clogher Active Age Group and a wonderful supporter of the Clogher Card Game. She was a lovely person who brought joy and laughter wherever she went. As a mark of respect, the card game for Friday, August 14, was cancelled. Predeceased by her loving husband Frank and infant daughter Esther, Mary is deeply regretted by her heart broken family, son Eddie, daughters Nora King (Cross), Kathleen Vahey, grandchildren Oliver, Nickolas, Cathal, Colm, Ronan, Orla, Emer, Desmond, Seamus, Chloe and Daithi, daughter-in-law Helen, sons-in-law Peter and Gerald, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Huge crowds attended as her remains reposed at her residence in Pullalena, Clogher on Sunday evening from 5 to 7.30pm. The removal of her remains took place to St Anne’s Church, Belcarra for her Funeral Mass on Monday at 12 noon, followed by burial afterwards in Burriscarra cemetery. Dia dean trocaire ar a nAinm.
Congrats to Lexi Murphy, daughter of Nicola and Stephen, Clogher, who has been called up to the Irish U15 soccer team. They travel to Croatia to take on Croatia, Slovakia and Ukraine this week. The highly talented Lexi is wished great success in her sporting career.
Support the flag day fundraiser for Clogher NS which takes place in Castlebar on Saturday, September 5. All money raised will go towards the ongoing development of the new childcare facility which will open with the new school year and other ongoing projects in the school.
Expressions of interest are being sought for the running of Errew breakfast and and after school club in Errew Community Centre. Contact Riona at 087 9005099 for details.
