Local Notes: National Heritage Week 2026 Award presented to Comhar Dun Chaochain Teo.
At the National Heritage Week 2026 Awards ceremony held at the RDS in Dublin recently, the Irish Language Award (Gradam na Gaeilge) was presented to Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo. Pictured are (from left) Síle Seoighe, Nigel Ó Taidhg, Bríd Ní Sheighin, Martha Ní Thaidhg, Tomás Mac Conmara, and Virginia Teehan (Chief Executive of the Heritage Council).
The National Heritage Week Awards 2026 ceremony took place at the RDS in Dublin recently. The event honored individuals, community groups, and organisations that organised exceptional, inspiring events, contributing to the promotion and protection of Ireland’s built, natural, and cultural heritage.
Over a nine-day period, from August 15-23, communities across Ireland came together to celebrate their local heritage through walks, talks, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and family-friendly events. This year’s theme, ‘Heritage at Risk’, encouraged people to explore and protect the places, traditions, skills, and stories that form an important part of our shared heritage.
Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo won the top award in the ‘Irish Language’ category for their project, *Glórtha Dhún Chaocháin: Taifeadtaí ó Thús na 1990idí* (Voices of Dún Chaocháin: Recordings from the Early 1990s). Working closely with Tomás Mac Conmara (Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting) and Mayo County Council, the project is digitizing oral folklore recordings - both audio and video - that was collected under the Euroform Scheme in 1992–1993 by Bríd Ní Sheighin and the late Bairbre Uí Thaidhg.
This original archive has been kept in storage ever since; however, by utilizing modern digital technology, the material can now be safely preserved and made available online as part of the Mayo County Council archive and the local community group’s archive. The digital archive highlights the traditions, folklore, and way of life that once existed in a small Gaeltacht community, making this material readily accessible to the current generation and those to come.
During National Heritage Week, a special event was held at the Old School Community Centre in Ceathrú Thaidhg, where Tomás Mac Conmara gave a presentation explaining the archival preservation process. Recordings of local voices - captured over thirty years ago, with many of the speakers having since passed away - evoked many memories for those in attendance. The preservation and documentation of these stories ensure that they will not be forgotten.
Saint Brendan’s College in Belmullet is delighted to be included in the recent announcement regarding the Climate Action Summer Works Scheme, which will see all of the remaining roofs across the school campus replaced.
This significant investment follows on from the recent successful reroofing of the Sports Hall and Technology Wing and represents another very positive step in the on-going development and improvement of our school facilities.
The completion of these works will ensure that our school buildings are fit for purpose for many years to come, providing an improved environment for the students and staff while also contributing to the sustainability and energy efficiency of our campus.
The college warmly welcome this announcement and would like to acknowledge and thank the Department of Education and Youth, together with Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, our fantastic Board of Management for their continued support and investment in Saint Brendan’s College.
There was a brilliant afternoon and evenings darts played out for the 2026 Tom Doocey Memorial Competition in The Valley Inn Bar, Pullathomas recently.
Kicking of the day the youths took to the oches battling it out in some cracking games to leave them with the semi finals of Alex Bielinski v Daithi McLaughlin and Ryan Moran v Mikey Conroy.
Alex and Ryan won their respective semi-finals and played out a top quality final in which Alex came out on top. Well done to Alex and commiserations to Ryan who also had the highest checkout of the competition. A huge mention must go to the standard of darts played in the youth’s competition.
In the main event 46 players took to the boards to battle it out for this year’s title with some great battles all evening. In the end Cathal Philibin came out on top beating the defending champion Alex Beilinski in the final. Congratulations to Cathal on the win and commiserations to Alex who was just the 1 game short of lifting both titles on the day.
Semi finalists were Pat Deane and Aiden Maloney with Aiden also winning the highest checkout prize. Yet again another brilliant event in Erris and a big well done to all the players who week in week out, support these competitions.
A huge thanks to Mixie, Hannah and staff at the Valley Inn Bar for the hospitality and set up as always and thank you to Rachel McBride and Mark Doocey for running the show on the day.
A huge €1812 was raised on the day with all proceeds going to Erris Defib. Again great to see local charities being supported, well done to the Doocey family and to all that supported, sponsored or helped out in anyway with the raffle and to those who sponsored trophies, too many to mention but your support as always is greatly appreciated.
The draw was held on November 1, and the numbers drawn were 3, 27, 29, and 31 for a jackpot €5,500 with no winner of jackpot. The house prize of €100 was won by Rose Corduff, Rossport and the €30 offline winners were David Walker, Kilgalligan and Sinead Tighe, Stonefield. The €30 online winners were Mary Deane, Belmullet and Gerard Irwin, Ballymote. The jackpot in the latest draw was €5,600. This week’s draw will take place in Connolly’s Stonefield.
This November, Erris Chamber of Commerce are asking everyone in Erris to make one simple promise: Shop Local, Support Local.
Every euro spent in a local business helps keep the towns vibrant, protects local jobs and supports the people who sponsor teams, fund events and give back to the community all year round.
A very successful quiz night was held recently in The Western Strands Hotel. The tidal pool committee extend thanks to David and the staff in The Strands for the hospitality and pass round bites; to Ian McAndrew quiz master extraordinaire on the night and to the entire quiz teams who made the night so much fun; to all the sponsors for the many amazing prizes; to all the people who bought raffle tickets and donated. All funds raised will go towards instructor training and equipment for teaching swimming and lifesaving.
The Kieran Monaghan Memorial Cup – Christmas Tournament 2026 which is proudly supporting Little Blue Heroes Foundation will be held on Wednesday, December 23, starting from 12p noon – 3pm and Bangor Hibs Astro, ages 7–17 and is open to boys and girls. It’s hosted by Connor Kilker Coaching.
The club will be organising two separate tournaments to ensure everyone gets the best possible football experience on the day with booking essential. Text 083 1753142 to book your place. Booking in advance is really important so they can organise the event properly based on expected numbers and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day.
Win fantastic English football club memorabilia, with prizes to be revealed closer to the event. There will be awards for Player of the Tournament and cup winners. All proceeds will go towards helping seriously ill children through the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.
The following services are available - wood turning classes have re commended for beginners; G-Teic high speed broadband can be rented out on a daily basis; there is also an EV charger at the centre; the defibrillator is attached to the front of the centre. Teach Greannai are now taking requests for Meals on Wheels for the winter season and they presently have a vacancy for a general operative/ laundry assistant. If interested contact 097 88935.
Glencastle Cemeteries committee will hold their annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 11, at 8pm in the Castle Inn. A full discussion on the past year as well as plans for the next year will take place. The committee are urging more people to become involved and invite anyone who feel they have something to offer to attend the meeting. Voluntary work is always rewarding and you will be helping your community.
Erris Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) is hosting an SEAI Grants information event on Wednesday, November 11, from 7-9pm in the Broadhaven Bay Hotel, Belmullet. Agenda: Introduction from Erris SEC. SEAI home energy grants: Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEAI SEC mentor. SEAI One Stop Shop, Pat Coyle, Churchfield Home Services. Home Energy Upgrade Loan Scheme (HUELS): Helen Daly, PTSB. Home energy loans: Olivia Munnelly, Erris Credit Union. Solar PV: Brian Barrett, Solar West. Free energy audit worth €2k for SMEs. Enquiries to Orla 086 3625057.
The 3rd Annual Pete Lavelle Memorial Doubles competition takes place Sunday, November 15, at 4pm in The Valley Inn, Pullathomas. It is always a cracking days darts with it being double teams (bring your own partner) and a round robin format on the day. There will be a raffle on the day in aid of Pullathomas Graveyard. The event is confined to Erris players.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €7,200 with the two €50 winners being Michael Holmes, Doohoma and Harry Barrett, Mountjubilee while Peter McDonagh, Geesala and Corina O’Donnell, Carrowmore both won €25s. The two online winners were Aoife Deane, Aughascavill €50 and Paul Deane, Glenamoy €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, November 10, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €600 in 47 calls or less.
Congratulations from Kiltane club to Ryan O’Donoghue on his outstanding achievement on being deservedly chosen as Footballer of the Year for 2026, and to Ryan and the five other Mayo players who were selected on the 2026 All Stars team, as well as Darragh Byrne on being chosen Young Footballer of the Year.
A massive thanks to Damien Padden, who ran 10k every single day throughout September in memory of his mother, Angela, covering an incredible 300km over the month and raising a phenomenal €20,226 for Cancer Care West.
