Local Notes: Musicians at a recent Clogher Gathering.
Musicians pictured at a recent Clogher Gathering: Brendan McCarthy, Emily Scully, Áine Morgan, Moll McCarthy, Aoife Mongan and Alannah McDonagh.
Carra County.
It is with deep regret we record the passing of Thomas Joe Walsh, Curlisduane, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co Mayo. ‘Tommy Joe’ as he was affectionately known passed away on September 8. Tommy Joe died peacefully after a short illness bravely borne and patiently fought. He passed away in the wonderful care of the staff of Mayo University Hospital. He was widely known and respected as a great community activist, a talented and skilled craftsman and a kind and gentle person.
Tommy Joe will be very much missed by everyone, particularly his many friends at Ballyglass FC to whom he made a marvellous contribution. A co-founder of the club - Ballyglass FC - paid Tommy Joe a most poignant and deserved tribute – ‘From that memorable day in 1975, when he proudly took to the field in the club’s first-ever game, Tommy Joe’s dedication to Ballyglass FC never wavered. His love for the club was palpable —whether he was cheering on the senior teams or, in more recent years, watching his grandson Cian play. Ballyglass was more than just a football club to Tommy Joe; it was part of him.
He was there always with a kind word, sage advice and ready hands to help; he tirelessly worked to ensure the club’s success and well-being. Even in his later years, he cared deeply for Ballyglass FC, always offering his support in anyway he could, motivated by a love that never dimmed”. A skilled master carpenter, coach maker, wheelwright and craftsman he will be sorely missed.
Tommy Joe was predeceased by his parents Tom and Teresa Walsh and is deeply regretted by his wife Joan, his family; daughter Aideen, son Bryan and his adored grandson Cian, his loving sisters Rosaleen Halligan (Ballyglass), Josephine Walsh (Dublin), Bernie O’Connor (Cavan), his brother Sean (Claremorris), his brothers-in-law Jerry, Michael, Joe and Patsy, his sisters-in-law Gosia and Maureen, his nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. There was a large attendance present as his remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris, Co. Mayo on last Tuesday, September 10, from 6 until 8pm. Guards of Honour from Ballyglass FC, Ballintubber GAA and the greater community were formed to honour one who was deeply respected and who had left an indelible imprint on community life. The removal of his remains took place from his home on Wednesday, September 11, for his Funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, at 12 noon. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Burriscarra Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a n-Ainm dilis.
Ballintubber GAA Club will host a social evening in the new Clogher Clubhouse on Sunday evening next, September 22, from 6.30 till 8pm. A presentation will be made to special guest and former Ballintubber footballer, Fr Ulick Bourke in recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the missions as an SMA priest. Fr Ulick will share his many wonderful memories from his childhood days in Clogher right through to his football and soccer careers across the world as well as the enthralling story of his journey through the priesthood. It promises to be a special evening of memories and nostalgia.
On last Sunday week, September 8, the jackpot stood at €6,600 and the numbers drawn were 1, 13, 18 and 21. There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to Sean Flatley, Bernie Groarke, Hannah Staunton, Padraic Hughes, Seamus Corley and Mary Keane. The jackpot stood at €6,700 on Sunday, September 15.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association will hold a public meeting in Carnacon Community Centre on this Thursday, September 17, at 8pm. The meeting will include a monitor progress report from Kieran Flynn, Project Manager of the Lough Carra Life Project.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir are having an official launch of their new fundraising album ‘Dóchas ‘s Grá’ – Hope and Love by Ballintubber Abbey Choir in Ballintubber Abbey on Thursday, September 19, at 7.30pm. All proceeds from the sale of this album go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Centre East Wing Restoration Project and the ongoing upkeep of the abbey.
Due to popular demand, another Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk will take place on Saturday, September 28. All proceeds from the walk will go towards two local community projects: the Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders and the Celtic Furrow Outdoor Museum and Garden which will be reopening shortly as a community facility. With all proceeds from this walk being donated to two local charities, the funds raised will be vital for community development. Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders will use the money raised to purchase more essential lifesaving equipment. This fantastic service, run entirely by volunteers, covers an 8km radius around Ballintubber and is dispatched by the Ambulance Service throughout the community.
The second project is the Celtic Furrow, a unique visitor centre that traces Ireland’s cultural, historical, and spiritual roots over 5,000 years. Created by Fr Frank Fahey and opened in the late 1990s, the facility has been closed since the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Ballintubber Abbey Trust is working to restore and reopen the Celtic Furrow as a communal facility for families and friends to enjoy. This will be a fantastic resource for visitors to Ballintubber, especially with the newly opened café, Crave at the Cottage, run by two sisters from the community. Further funds will help enhance the area with picnic benches and other family-friendly structures.
In addition Ballintubber Abbey Trust has pledged to donate €1 for every registered walker on the Tóchar Phádraig to the Croagh Patrick Path Project, which provides sustainable access and habitat restoration on Croagh Patrick. Please book and enjoy this unique, unforgettable experience while supporting local community projects.
Ballintubber Abbey Trust is delighted to confirm that they have received funding from First Choice Credit Union. The funding received by Ballintubber Abbey Trust will go to restoring and the reopening of the Celtic Furrow Outdoor Museum and Garden, which is located beside “Crave at the Cottage”. This facility will be a fun and educational space for families and visitors to explore.
Ballintubber 5k or 10k fun run will take place on Sunday, September 22. Registration will take place at 9am at Ballintubber Community Centre. The adult entry fee is €10 for 5k and €15 for 10k and there are prizes for the 1st male and female in both races. The event is open to runners, joggers and walkers and strong support is anticipated.
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the community centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for a clean-up which include sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087 6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools, gloves and high-viz jacket is asked to bring them along.
The Christian Community in Carnacon welcomed its newest member Aoibhe Grace Coleman, who was baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon on last Saturday, September 7. Also the Christian Community in Ballintubber welcomed its newest member Molly Marie McKenna, baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber on Saturday, September 14. Congratulations to the parents and families.
Carmel and Mick Summerville are leading a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from October 23 to 30, accompanied by Fr Brendan Kilcoyne as spiritual director. For any enquiries contact Carmel on 087 1339668 or Mick on 087 2072194.
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CLG Thuar Mhic Eadaigh held the official opening of Páirc Ben, a most magnificent new astro turf pitch named in memory of Ben Duffy. This project has been in the works since the tragic accident that took young Ben's life on June 1, 2020. The opening of the wonderful new community facility took place on Saturday last September 14. Congrats to CLG Tuar Mhic Eadaigh CLG. Full report next week.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on September 7, for a jackpot of €13,600. 9, 16, 27 and 30 were the numbers drawn.. The online consolation prizewinners were Brenda O’ Malley and Anna Staunton. The jackpot stood at €13,700 on last Saturday night, September 14. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/.
Féilire 2025/2025 Calendar: Seol do ghrianghraf do Féilire 2025 chuig opt.cdst@gmail.com roimh 1ú Samhain 2024. Would you like to see your photo in the 2025 Gaeilge Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Calendar? Twelve pictures will be chosen for the 2025 calendar. Send your photo with your name, address and phone number to apt.cdst@gmail.com or by post to Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga, CDS Teo, Corr na Móna, Co. na Gaillimhe, F12 PT02. Forward you photo to opt.cdst@gmail.com before November 1.
A new session of Yoga classes are due to begin in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh starting Tuesday, September 17, at 6.30pm. Classes will run for 6 weeks until Tuesday, October 22. The cost for participants is €60. If interested in attending email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295.
Congratulations are extended to Leah Lydon, daughter of John and Nina Lydon, Carheen, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh who recently celebrated her 21st birthday. Leah is wished many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
The winter season of Irish classes commences in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on October 2. On Wednesdays, at 10m there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday). Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
A vacancy exists for an AIM support worker at Killawalla Playschool. Minimum educational requirement is Fetac level 5 in Childcare Education in Care or equivalent. For enquiries phone 086 3953961.
Congratulations are extended to Graham Fahey and Julie Gavin, who were married on Friday, September 6, in St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla. We wish them health and happiness in their married lives.
Congrats to former Partry Athletic player Róise Burke on making her debut for Sligo Rovers Senior Women's team in the League of Ireland Premier Division on a recent Saturday. Róise played with Partry Athletic for seven years before signing for Galway United last year and then made the move to Sligo Rovers this current season.
Congrats to Partry AFC U12 soccer team, who have won the league for the second year in a row. It was an incredible achievement for these young players and their coaches. Their hard work, dedication, and teamwork have paid off once again. Congratulations to Emer and Michael Morrin, Treenlaur and Kate Walsh, Drimcoggy and Vincent and Ann Marie Hession, Portroyal, all of whom were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws. The annual membership fee of €120 is due once again and the support of the broader community is greatly appreciated.
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The death occurred last week of Thomas J Mannion (Tommy) Hollyhill, Castlebar, and late of Burriscarra, Clogher, Claremorris. Tommy passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, in the care of the staff of Mayo Hospice, Castlebar on September 8. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many relatives and friends who regret his passing. He is predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget, his sister Bridie, his brother Denis and grandchild Maria Kelly.
Thomas is deeply regretted by his wife Kathleen (nee McNicholas), children Marie Therese Clune (Dublin), Michael (Breaffy), Elaine Kelly (Ennis), Katrina Irwin (Knockaphunta) and Paul (USA), sons in law Conor, Mark and Kieran, daughters-in-law Fiona and Brenda, sisters Maureen (USA) and Kitty (Castlebar), sister-in-law Maureen Mc Nicholas, 17 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, nieces nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Tommy’s remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on last Tuesday, September 10, from 5 until 7pm. The removal of his remains took place from his residence on the Wednesday morning for Requiem Mass at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €24,400 for tonight’s draw on September 17. The numbers drawn last week on September 10 were 3, 20, 21 and bonus number 4. There was no jackpot winner and there was no match 3 winners. Congrats to the lucky dip winners. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws.
The death has taken place of Michael (Mick) Kilkenny, R.I.P, Raith, Aughamore, Ballyhaunis and Corheens, Breaffy, Castlebar. Mick passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the outstanding care of Mayo Hospice, Castlebar on September 8. Predeceased by his parents, John and Kate, brothers John and Tom, sisters Delia, Kathleen and Margaret, nephew Michael, Mick is deeply regretted by his sister Rose Kilheeney (Ballymoe), nephews Johnny (Corheens) and Jody Kilkenny, Johnny, Martin Joe and Simon Kilheeney, nieces Helen Mannion and Mary Kilkenny-Mulchrone, grandnieces, nephews, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Saturday, September 14, from 10.30 until 11.30am and then to arrive at Aughamore Church for Funeral Mass at 12 noon on Saturday. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Aughamore Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €8,100 on September 1. The numbers drawn were 14, 15, 26 and 32. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 each were Rebecca McNeely, Andy Martin, Carmel Donnelly and Barry Cuffe. The jackpot was €8,300 on Sunday, September 15.
The death has taken place of Eileen Joyce, R.I.P, (née Dempsey), Ballyfarna, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Loonamore, Ballinafad, Balla, Co. Mayo. Predeceased by her parents, her brother James and Sister Breda, Eileen is deeply regretted by her sons, Barry and Ronan, and daughters-in-law Louise and Elaine, her grandchildren, Holly, Èabha and Cillian, Annie, Beth and Àròn, sister Kathleen, brother Tony, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and the extended family to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Her remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre from 5 until 7pm on Sunday evening, September 8. Eileen’s Funeral Mass took place on Monday, September 9, at St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra at 1pm with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Balla cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Yoga and Aromatherapy returned to Belcarra Community Centre on Thursday after 10am Mass on September 12. Contact Virginia at 087 2831400 or Kathy on 087 6712225.
Mayo County Council invites all community groups to have their say on the new Mayo County Council Corporate Plan 2024-2029. A workshop will take place on tomorrow night, Wednesday, September 18, from 7 to 8.30pm in the Outdoor Training Centre, Milebush, Castlebar (Eircode F23 TH29). Tea/coffee/refreshments served. No booking required.
Mayo Recovery College will facilitate a suite of mental health and wellbeing modules taking place on the following dates throughout September in the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar (online option also); Tuesday 17, at 10am ‘Let’s talk about stress’, Wednesday 18 and 25 at 10am ‘Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)’, Thursday 19th at 5pm ‘Recovery, let’s talk’, Tuesday 24, at 10am ‘Looking after our mental health while online’ and Thursday 26, at 5pm ‘Exploring Anger’. Call/text Karen McHale 086 0294901 or email recovery.educatormrc@hse.ie to register. www.recoverycollegewest.ie new and existing participants are warmly invited to attend.
Deputy Michael Ring has announced that €645,120 has been allocated to Mayo projects under the Community Climate Action Fund and among the beneficiaries are Ballyheane Community Sports and also the funding allocated under Action Strand 1a, is as follows:- CLG Tuar Mhic Eadaigh €36,210.
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The death took place last week of Lil Commons (neé Gannon), Derrowel, Balla, Co. Mayo. Lil passed away in the care of the staff of Mayo University Hospital and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow for her loving family.
Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Delia Gannon, her husband Bill, son Liam, son-in-law Michael, brothers Miko, PJ, Ger, Bertie, Seamus, Liam, and sisters Maureen and Angela. Lil is deeply regretted by her sons Ger and Noel, her daughter Anne Henry, daughters-in-law Teresa and Teresa, grandchildren Laura, Sarah, Aisling, Lisa, Liam, Luke, Dylan and Aoife, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Her remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on last Friday evening, September 13, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to The Church of Our Lady Queen Of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on last Saturday morning, September 14, at 11.30 followed by burial ceremonies in Mayo Abbey Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The jackpot on Thursday, September 5, in The Shebeen stood at €8,000. 23, 33, 34 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mark Killeen (cash sale), Georgina Murphy (online) and Donna Neary (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, September 12, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €8,100.
Congrats to Balla U14 team who clinched the Homeland U14A title against a very good Castlebar Mitchells side last week in McHale Park.
Mary Bourke is conducting a part-time childcare course: Child Development L5 QQI /Early Education and Play L5 QQI in Balla Community Centre from September. Forward queries to geraldineohaire@msletb.ie 087 1360694.
The latest Manulla FC lotto draw was held on Monday, September 16, for a massive jackpot of €16,100. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons.
Congrats to Manulla FC U14 girls who beat Killala FC 3-0 recently to win the league title. Not only did the girls clench the title, they have an impressive streak of no losses and no goals conceded.
Balla Community Centre have the following classes coming on stream in early September: Sewing 10am every Monday, Women's Healing Group, 7pm every Monday, Tai Chi (free) provided by SWMDC, Art for Children every Monday at 4pm, Drama for Children every Thursday at 3.30pm. Contact info@balla.ie or phone 087 1850860 or 094 9365846 for further information.
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The official opening of Errew Community Centre will take place on Friday, October 4, at 5pm. Errew NS and Errew Community Centre have transformed since March 2021. The past few years saw initial improvement works carried out by the community committee volunteers thanks to the response from the local community to the GoFundMe page established in 2021.
The support of Castlebar Mayo County Council Councillors, the DRCD- Community Centre Investment Fund Capital Grant was a huge plus for this small, rural area. Sincere thanks has been extended to Minister Alan Dillon TD and Minister Heather Humphreys Department of Rural Community and Development. Bringing the old school back to life has certainly enhanced community spirit and kept the proud history of the community alive.
The official opening will be carried out by Minister Alan Dillon. All are welcome to come along and enjoy real and unique Errew hospitality.
Coffee for Hospice On Friday, September 27, from 12-3pm Errew Ladies host ‘Coffee for Hospice’ in Errew Community Centre. Call in for a chat and a tea/coffee/scone. All donations will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
The community and their friends are invited to the Clogher Community Hall on Culture night on September 20, at 7pm. There will be a variety of events including a weaving demonstration, storytelling and Irish Traditional Music. There will also be an exhibition of ancient rocks and a table of mystery objects where people will be asked to guess what the items may have been used for. Tea and refreshments will be served and the usual Friday night card game will follow 9pm.
The AGM of Clogher Environmental Group will take place in Clogher Community Hall on Thursday, September 26, at 8pm. Everyone in the community is invited to come along and get involved in some of the activities that are being organised for the future.
