Local Notes: Padraic Sheeran, Ballyglass RNLI retires as Lifeboat Operations Manager.
Members of Ballyglass RNLI with Padraic Sheeran who has retired from his position as Lifeboat Operations Manager after 12 years.
All at Ballyglass RNLI wish Pádraig Sheeran the very best on his recent retirement from the position of Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM). Pádraig has been a dedicated leader within the RNLI and a much-valued member of the team for the past two decades. He joined Ballyglass RNLI in early February 2006 as Deputy Launching Authority (DLA) and served in this position until he took over as LOM in 2014.
Pádraig has fulfilled this role for the last 12 years with great courage, selflessness and a deep understanding of all that's involved. He will be missed by all at the station but, no doubt, his successor Robbie Barrett will take up the mantle and lead Ballyglass RNLI into the future with pride and dedication as new LOM, with Pat McHale by his side as DLA.
Minister Dara Calleary TD was delighted recently to confirm that Erris has been included in the latest round of Family Resource Centre allocations. This is a milestone day for the people of Erris and surrounding areas who rely so heavily on the existing services provided in the Erris Family and Community Support Centre.
The Minister consistently made the case to Minister Norma Foley TD, and previous ministers, about the reach and depth of the work in Erris and the need for an upgrade to full Family Resource Centre status.
For many years he has met with Leanne Barrett and her team who have campaigned for this. It’s a special day for them. FRCs does incredible work every single day. They are at the heart of communities and represent investment in children, families, and communities across Ireland.
‘In Budget 2026, Minister Foley secured an increase from €160,000 to €180,000 for all FRCs and I want to thank her for her commitment to this issue. I met with her regarding Erris a number of times and I’m delighted that today, she has delivered for Erris and for Mayo’ concluded Minister Dara Calleary.
Congratulations to the 17 athletes who competed in the Mayo Indoors recently. A fantastic day was had, everyone put in amazing performances with personal bests from Erris Conroy, David Walsh, Callum Brett, James Reilly and Liam Quinn. The club had athletes who were competing for the first time on a track and in new events. They represented the club amazingly and the club are very proud of them all.
Medal winners were: Mary Kate Reilly U16 60m sprint 60m hurdles, Reyna Walsh U15 60m sprint 800m, Ailbhe McHugh U15 1500m walk, Zoey Carey U14 60m hurdles, Padraic Edwards U14 shot putt,Emma Naughton U14 shot putt, Noah Hefferon U14 60m hurdles, Róisin Edwards U12 60m sprint long jump, Ben O’Connor U12 60m sprint, Oliver Reilly U12 60m hurdles, Michael Walsh U12 600m and Shane Naughton U12 shot putt.
The club extend thanks to all volunteers and officials on the day and roll on the Connaught’s in a few weeks.
A night to remember as the club celebrated yet another year of TBRC recently at their awards night and congratulations to Caoimhe Walsh who was presented with the ‘Special Achievement’ award. Lauren Cuffe is ‘one to watch’ for the upcoming season. Sean Gallagher is Youth Rower of the Year and Mary Walsh is recognised as Club Person of the Year. Matthew Keegan was voted Rowers Rower of the Year. Certificates were presented to half marathon rowers Richie Keane, Hugh Egan, Martina Cronin, Lorraine Keane, Sofia Gaughan, Martin Gaughan, Jonathon Deane, Kathleen Doocey, Emma Gaughan, Sean Gallagher, Caoimhe Walsh and Tony Reilly.
Congratulations to Mary Tallott Walsh who is the 2025 Club Person of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution in many different roles in the club over the years. Mary’s wider definition of community is what really set her apart this year as she leads the pontoon project for the ferry. This project will benefit fishermen, boat users, visitors and of course the rowing club. Keira Keogh TD and Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Sean Carey were both in attendance at the awards and agreed that Mary’s work with the club was outstanding as they committed to continued support.
Matthew Keegan is Rowers Rower of the Year voted for by all club members. Matthew together with Jonathon Deane, Lorraine Keane and Paige Gaughan were the top four recipients of votes from their fellow rowers and club members. Matthew was on the night revealed as the winner.
There was a great night of boxing at the Geesala Boxing Club tournament recently. First up was Casey Coyle in an exhibition bout against a top class opponent. Both girls put on a great display of boxing. Next up the club had Girts who put in three hard rounds against a tough opponent but just missed out on the decision. Girts showing he's improving every time he steps into the ring. Chloe Coyle was next into the ring and Chloe showed great skill and ring craft to come away a worthy unanimous winner. Last up was Patrick Coyle and Patrick had a good performance against a good lad and also came away unanimous winner. It was great preparation for upcoming championship.
Thanks to Geesala BC for the invitation and great night of boxing.
Do you have a medical condition, difficulty or disability? Are you looking for work, or wanting to improve your employment prospects? Do you want to make plans for the rest of 2026? Not sure where to start? Contact the Mayo North East Workability programme now to find out how they can assist you. Email rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com or call Siobhán 087 499 6605 for more info. Labhair linn i módh ruin. All confidential.
Another brilliant day of darts was held recently in the Castle Inn Glencastle for the 2026 Pete Carey Memorial. The day kicked off with 38 players taking part in the first youths doubles memorial with a great afternoon of darts leaving them with the final of the pairing of Ryan Moran and Ashton Monaghan against Mikey Monaghan and Alex Bielinski. Mikey and Alex proved too strong in the final sealing, an incredible 4th youth event on the spin for Mikey. Semi-finalists were the pairings Mikey Conroy and Noah Hefferon and Paul Neary Jnr and Brent Kelly with Mikey Monaghan also taking the highest checkout prize with 130 finishes on the bull. Well done, Alex & Mikey, and well done to all the youth players who again turned out in big numbers great to see.
Some high-quality battles took place in the main event with Kevin Naughton coming out on top in a cracking final against Pat Deane. Semi-finalists were Brendan Conway and Johnny Deane and Kevin also took home the highest checkout with a brilliant 158.
On behalf of Peter and the Carey family a big thank you to Stephen Gaughan for the sponsorship of the trophies and of course to Paul, Andrea and all the staff at the Castle Inn in Glencastle for a brilliant day's hospitality as usual; to Catherine McIntyre and all who sponsored prizes for the raffle and to all that sold tickets in the run up and on the night, a massive €1,550 was raised for Glencastle National School. Thanks to the usual heads in Erris Darts for keeping the show going but a special mention for Lauren Farrell for her help all day, keeping everything running smoothly.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €6,900 with the two €50 winners being Eoghan Barrett, Sea Rod Inn and Paddy Mulligan, Bangor while Ciaran Kerr and Maureen Barrett, Geesala both won €25. The two on line winners were Damien Carey, Galway €50 and Shauna Barrett, Bangor €25.
The application window for a part-time Sports Hub Coordinator (Ballycroy) role has been extended to Friday, February 13. This is a rewarding, flexible role supporting community sport, physical activity and wellbeing across Ballycroy and the wider area. No formal sports qualifications are required - just enthusiasm, people skills and an interest in making a positive local impact. CVs to info@ballycroycc.com. Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.
A Mr & Mrs fundraising event will be held on next Saturday, Febuary 14, in the High Chaparral in Geesala beginning at 7pm. All funds raised are for Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSeadhna Teo Community services with music by Martin Reuland and please support.
Each year, Our Lady’s celebrate Wellbeing Week to promote positive mental health in the school. This year there was a number of guest speakers. Pádraig O’Hara spoke to the students about his upcoming expedition to Mount Everest, Jenna visited from Mayo Mental Health and taught the 5 ways to wellbeing and Community Garda David Reilly provided advice to the students about how to stay safe and well. Students also enjoyed a mindful walk with Ms. Carey, yoga with Ms. Hurst and the TYs travelled for a day out to Mayo Movieworld. The week ended by hosting students from Belmullet National School for a fun-filled day of wellbeing-related activities. Well done to all involved in organising this very important annual event.
The school is incredibly proud of transition year student Matthew Keegan on receiving the Rowers Rower of the Year voted for by his peers at the recent Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club Awards Ceremony. A special mention also for second year students Lauren Cuffe (‘one to watch’ for the season award), and Sofia Gaughan (half marathon rower certificate) and fifth year student Seán Gallagher (youth rower of the year award) on their awards and certificates.
Congratulations to Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club on what looked to be a great night marking a very successful year, well done to all involved.
