Local Notes: Official opening of Kilkelly Community Centre.
At the official opening of Kilkelly Community Centre were from left Rose Conway Walshe, Cllr Gerry Murray and Anne Dunleavy. Pic James Hunt Photography.
Looking for a Christmas present? Then look no further. ‘On This Day in Mayo’ by Máirtín G. Ó Maicín is the ideal gift. It traces the story of Mayo in a unique and absorbing way connecting each day of the year with an event of significance relating to Mayo or with an event pertaining to a person from the county. There is a compelling story for every day. Stretching from the 12th century all the way up to April 2023, the book lauds the great and the good of Mayo including such luminaries as Michael Davitt, the brothers Joe and John Blowick, Bill O’Dwyer, Mary Robinson, Enda Kenny and Margaret Burke-Sheridan.
Seminal events are examined including the Landing of the French in Killala, the Apparition at Knock, Mayo winning their first All-Ireland and the first flight from Knock Airport. There are stories of triumph and tragedy, politics and pugilists, revolution and renewal. Discover about Mayo’s learned men and women, fighting men and women, resilient men and women. On This Day In Mayo masterfully conveys the richness of Mayo and those from the county in a riveting read.
The book is available in all good bookshops and online at mayobooks.ie
Manulla FC lotto draw was held on last Sunday week, December 1, for a massive jackpot of €17,100. There was no jackpot winner. The latest jackpot stood at a massive €17,300 on Sunday, December 8. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link below:
https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/. Manulla FC jackpot stood at €17, 200 on December 8.
Manulla FC was delighted to announce that they will see the return of a B team to Manulla FC for the 2025 season. The management team is filled with immense knowledge, years of experience and sheer passion for football in Manulla. The B team management is: Rodney Lyons - joint manager, Andy McGahon - joint manager, Paddy Canavan - player/ assistant manager and Shane Durkan player/ assistant manager. Two club men Keith Bourke and Derek McDonnell went down to the wire in the last game of the “Last One Standing” and came out sharing the spoils. Congratulations lads and thank you to all who supported the club. There will be another one starting very soon.
The club jackpot on Thursday, November 28, stood at €9,200 in Flukies. The numbers drawn were 7, 12, 24 and 32. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 consolation winners were Michael Rooney (cash sale), Patrick Brampton (online) and Maria Coleman (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, December 5, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €9,300. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Yoga at Balla Centre commenced on Mondays from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. On Friday morning’s it commences at 9.30am. Booking is essential as places are limited for the 5 week course which is suitable for all ages. Call Ann at 087 0938777 to book you space.
The death has occurred in Manchester of Maura Beehan (nee Byrne) and formerly of Ballyclogher. The deceased was a sister of Pattie Flanagan to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. May she rest in peace.
Balla Community Centre has a range of classes and activities suitable for the whole community. Please see Balla Community Facebook age for all programs during the week, including sewing, knitting classes, artful minds, yoga, bridge, parent and toddler group, English classes, and drama etc. Also hot desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further details.
Parents, toddlers and guardians can meet up for coffee and chat every Thursday from 10.30am until 12 noon in Balla Community Centre. All are welcome.
Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. Balla bingo will run on Sundays, December 15, 23 and 29. Come and join the Balla bingo bonanza €15,000 in prizes online or in the centre. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays. A great new service to enhance Balla bingo has recently commenced. The bingo bus service has pickups at Brickens, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyglass and Mayo Abbey destined to be in Balla for Sunday bingo at 7.40pm. Call 087 1850860 or 094 93 65846 to reserve your seat.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
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The death took place last week of Phil Murray nee Canavan, Clogher, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Phil passed away on November 29, 2024. The community of Clogher and surrounding areas extend sincere sympathy to the Murray family on the untimely passing of Phil. She was a warm kind and friendly person with a lovely smile who always had time for a chat. She was also a loving mother and doting grandmother. She will be sadly missed not only by her family but also by her community and all who knew her. Widely known across the region, she enjoyed the respect of her peers and former work colleagues in Baxter Labourites.
Pre-deceased by her parents Tom and Bridget, she is deeply regretted by her husband Micheál, sons Brian and Micheál, daughters Emer and Edel, grandchildren Chloe, Ciara, Kaleigh, Mathew, Cillian and Conleth, sisters Mary (Kenny), Margaret (Kenny), Kathleen (O’Hora), Eileen (Feeley), brothers Benny and Tom Canavan, sons in-law Michael and Colin, daughters in-law Lorraine and Rachel, her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. There was a large attendance present as her remains reposed at Clogher Community Centre on last Monday week, evening from 5 o’clock to 7.30. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on last Tuesday at 11 o’clock at Ballintubber Abbey with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The esteem in which Phil was held was evident by the large numbers who attended the funeral ceremonies on both days. After the graveside prayers her brother Benny played a last tribute on the bagpipes. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The annual end of year walk on the Clogher Bog Loop will take place on Friday, December 27, commencing at 11am. This is an opportunity to get back to normal after the few days of festivities. The Bog walks have been busy in 2024 and continue to attract walkers all year round. An added attraction this year has been the launch of the Sandmartin nesting wall which is a feature unique to this area. The wall has been selected as county winner in the National Heritage Week Awards which is great news for the community and for all who were involved in bringing this great project to fruition. The end of year walk will be an opportunity to get back to normal after the few days of festivities. The walk will be followed by refreshments around the open fire in the cottage. Everybody is welcome.
On Sunday, December 15, at 2pm Santa Clause will make his annual visit to the Santa Grotto at the Clogher Heritage Complex. The event costs €10 per child or €25 per family and all funds raised will go to Mayo Autism Camp. This will be a very special day for all the little people of Clogher and the surrounding areas.
Further details and bookings can be made through Fiona at 087 9440899.
The Clogher Card results for Friday, November 29, are as follows, 1st Joe and Shane Thomas, 2nd Patrick Barrett and Eileen Moran, 3rd Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey, Last 10 Martin Moran and Mary McDonagh. Game will continue until Friday, December 20, with a break for Christmas week and return again on January 3rd.
A Nollaig na mBan celebration will take place on Saturday, January 4, in Errew Centre from10am-1pm. Ladies, gather and enjoy a morning off and come together for a few hours of guided well-being, conversation, and nice food we haven’t had to prepare ourselves and a celebration of this lovely Irish tradition. Book your place with Carmel on 087 6972726. The cost is only €35pp - remember the venue Errew Community Centre.
Sage Wellbeing hosted a taster breathwork and mindfulness class in Errew Community Centre on Monday, December 9, from 8.30-9.30pm. Contact Carmel Hughes on 087 6972726 for more details.
A Re-turn Bin is now located at Errew Community Centre for all cans and plastic bottles with the Re-turn Logo only. Please support the community centre by using this recycling facility.
