Local Notes: New mural project underway in Kiltimagh
Members of Balla Foróige Club at the Mayo Foróige 3rd Years Prom Ball, held at the Great National Hotel, Ballina. Picture: Trish Forde
Work is underway on a new mural at the Old Ball Alley on Thomas Street, with artists Yuri Bohatyrov and Klim Bohatyrov bringing fresh colour and design to one of Kiltimagh’s historic locations.
The project follows the completion of the large-scale mural on Main Street earlier this year, which attracted attention throughout April as the artwork gradually took shape in the centre of the town. The latest mural continues the artists’ growing connection with Kiltimagh and adds another public art feature to the area.
The Old Ball Alley itself has a long history within the town. It was first opened in 1937 by the Town Improvements Committee, while further development work was carried out in 1966 by Kiltimagh GAA Club. The new mural is expected to give the site a renewed presence while linking its history with a modern visual project.
Klim Bohatyrov, originally from Ukraine, is a former student of St Louis Community School and is currently studying Level 6 Art at Mayo College of Further Education in Westport. He has previously completed mural work on the school grounds and has continued to develop his work through community projects.
Speaking earlier this year about the Main Street mural, Michael Roache of Kiltimagh Tidy Towns Committee said the aim was to transform an unused wall into a public feature for the town while allowing the artist creative freedom in the design. Materials for that project were funded through donations received by the committee, while the artists volunteered their time and work.
Acknowledgement has also been given to Chris Glynn for his assistance with the new Thomas Street mural project.
Kiltimagh native Ciarán McGovern has been appointed President of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI), the representative body for consulting engineers in Ireland.
The organisation, which was founded in 1938, represents 125 member firms employing more than 5,500 people nationwide. Ciarán takes up the role at a significant time for the sector as Ireland faces increasing pressure to deliver major housing, energy and infrastructure projects.
A chartered engineer, Ciarán is Managing Director of TOBIN, the long-established engineering and project management consultancy with offices across Ireland. During his term as President, he said his focus will be on improving collaboration between engineering firms and client organisations while addressing barriers affecting project delivery.
He also highlighted the need to support long-term careers within engineering and called for changes to procurement systems, including a greater emphasis on quality-based tendering and balanced approaches to risk management.
The announcement comes during another significant period for TOBIN, following confirmation that international engineering company AtkinsRéalis plans to acquire the Irish consultancy. TOBIN, which was founded in 1952, employs approximately 200 staff across offices including Castlebar, Galway, Dublin, Limerick and Sligo.
Over recent years, TOBIN has been involved in several major national projects in areas including water infrastructure, renewable energy and sports development.
Kiltimagh Women’s Group will travel to Kylemore Abbey, Clifden and Clonbur on its summer trip on Wednesday, May 27. The coach will depart from The Square at 9am.
The cost of the trip is €50. Payment can be made to Bridie in the library before Friday, May 22.
A small number of seats remain available. Local women interested in joining the trip can reserve a place by giving their name and payment to Bridie.
Eamonn Byrne was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €622.
The draw continues to receive strong backing from the local community, with tickets available online and through shops and pubs around the town.
The club congratulated Eamonn on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who take part each week. Funds raised through the draw support coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
With the Spring Poker League entering its closing stages at Teach O’Hora, both Kieran McGee and Michael Sheridan recorded important victories over the past fortnight as the race for places in the Grand Final intensified.
Round 13 saw Kieran McGee continue his strong late-season form by claiming his second win in three weeks. Brian Quinn finished runner-up, while Martin Regan took third place and Michael Sheridan was fourth. The remaining finalists were Adam Earley (5th), Gerry Groarke (6th), Paul Walsh (7th), Majella Gilmartin (8th) and John Reynolds (9th).
Last week’s Round 14 tournament was won by Michael Sheridan, who defeated Thomas MacDonagh in the heads-up stage. Gerry Groarke finished third, with Keith Lydon taking fourth place. The other finalists were Majella Gilmartin (5th), Nicky Cunnane (6th), Michael Higgins (7th), Paul Walsh (8th) and Brian Quinn (9th).
Despite the recent pressure from chasing players, Enda Ruane continues to lead the league table and now sits on 252 points. Brian Quinn has moved into second place on 242, while Keith Lydon is third on 212. The remainder of the top twelve is Paul Walsh (196), John Reynolds (187), Conor O’Hanlon (187), Michael Higgins (180), Gerry Groarke (179), Michael Sheridan (178), Kieran McGee (174), Majella Gilmartin (173) and Adam Earley (169).
The Spring League runs over fifteen weeks with play every Wednesday night in Teach O’Hora. Entry each week is €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from every entry and rebuy contributes to the Grand Final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players along with two qualifiers will compete in the Grand Final for a prize pool expected to exceed €3,000.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals is preparing to launch the Coillte Come Home Darts League, with games set to take place on Sunday evenings at 6pm.
The league is open to players of all levels, with organisers encouraging both experienced players and newcomers to get involved. The initiative aims to provide a social outlet alongside friendly competition during the summer months.
Places are limited and early registration is advised. Those interested can register by contacting Brendan McDonagh on 085-2477892, Sean Langan on 086-2633281 or Mick Rougheen on 089-2479162.
The death has occurred of Derek O’Kelly of Oaklands, Salthill, Galway, and formerly of Kiltimagh, and Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Derek died peacefully at home after a long illness, borne with great courage, in the wonderful care of his loving family. He was predeceased by his first wife Mary (née Geraghty), Swinford, and his nephew Tony Manson, Dublin.
Derek will be dearly missed by his beloved wife Maeve (née Kenehan), daughters Ashling, Ivana, Eleanor and Ruth, son Derek Jnr. Redmond, grandson Connor, son-in-law James, brothers Emmett and Neil, sisters Jeanette and Brenda, brothers-in-law Ed, Doug and Padraig, sisters-in-law Marie and Cora, nephews and nieces Corrine, Laura, Graeme and Emily, the extended Geraghty family, his Garda colleagues, golfing friends, neighbours and his many dear friends.
Derek reposed at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue on Sunday evening, May 10, followed by private cremation.
May he rest in peace.
Sympathy is extended to Pat Lavin, Scardaun, Greyfield on the passing of her sister, Maureen Kelleher (née McGoldrick) of Lannanaria, Corlough, Co Cavan, and formerly of Altcrock, Corlough. Maureen died suddenly at Cavan General Hospital on Thursday, May 7, surrounded by her heartbroken family.
Her funeral took place in Cavan.
May she rest in peace.
