Local notes: Plans to build upon Kiltimagh's rail history
Sisters Beatrice Groarke and Evelyn McNicholas enjoyed a bird's eye view of the 2026 St Patrick's Day Parade in Kiltimagh. Picture: Kathleen Feerick
Plans are set to be lodged with Mayo County Council for the development of a specialised rail skills academy in Kiltimagh, which would be a significant potential boost for the local economy.
The proposed facility, to be located on Thomas Street, is being advanced by ProRail Services (Ireland) Limited, a Mayo and Dublin-based railway infrastructure company that has been expanding its presence in the region since its establishment in July 2022.
Details of the development indicate that the academy will focus on practical, industry-specific training. The plans include dedicated training rooms alongside specialist infrastructure such as an overhead line electrification facility, an industrial rope access training centre and a confined space training unit. Additional provision is being made for meeting rooms, administrative offices and tool storage, reflecting the operational needs of a modern training and consultancy hub.
ProRail Services (Ireland) Limited operates in the areas of rail civil engineering, safety-critical labour supply and consultancy, with a strong emphasis on projects linked to Irish Rail. The company provides skilled personnel, including surveyors, and is involved in the management of large-scale rail engineering works across both Ireland and the UK.
The firm already has an established base in Kiltimagh, operating from Enterprise House on the Swinford Road, where it is part of the IRD Kiltimagh business network. Its continued investment in the town through the proposed academy is seen as a positive step for East Mayo, particularly in terms of job creation and skills development within a specialised sector.
If approved, the academy would further strengthen Kiltimagh’s growing profile as a location for enterprise and training. It would also complement existing rail-related activity in the area, including the Velorail tourist attraction, which operates along a restored section of the old railway line.
Kiltimagh’s historical links to the railway remain an important part of its identity, with the former station, closed to passengers in 1963, now serving as a museum. The proposed development signals a modern continuation of that connection, with a focus on training and innovation within the rail industry.
A decision on the planning application will rest with Mayo County Council in due course.
Kiltimagh Fire Brigade has announced that it will donate prize money received from this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade to Mayo Roscommon Hospice, in a gesture of remembrance and respect.
The brigade was awarded €600 after finishing second in the parade and has expressed its thanks to Kiltimagh Tourism Association for the recognition. Their parade entry marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, in which almost 3,000 people lost their lives, including 343 firefighters. In the years since, a further 220 firefighters have died from illnesses linked to their involvement in the aftermath.
In light of this, the brigade confirmed that the prize money will be donated in memory of all those who died, with particular remembrance for Eddie McDonagh, a firefighter with Kiltimagh roots who served on Engine 324 during 9/11. He passed away in November 2017, aged 49, following an illness related to the events of that day.
The gesture reflects both a tribute to fallen colleagues and a commitment to supporting vital local services through the work of Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
St Louis Community School will be hosting evening classes starting this April. The classes will be held at the school and will run on Thursdays from 6pm to 8pm.
The programme offers two courses: a gardening course, facilitated by Áine Bell, head gardener at North Mayo Heritage Centre, and a beekeeping course, led by Dr Helen Mooney. Both courses are priced at €90 each.
The courses are set to commence on Thursday, April 16 and will run for six consecutive weeks. For additional information or inquiries, interested participants can contact Patricia at 087-7996977 or email adulteducation@stlouiscscs.com.
A Youth 2000 Day Retreat is set to take place at Knock Shrine on April 25, offering young people an opportunity to deepen their faith in a welcoming and engaging setting.
The retreat is open to those aged between 16 and 35 and will include a structured programme of talks, personal testimonies and group activities, along with opportunities to meet others and explore different aspects of the Catholic faith.
Organisers say the day is designed to help participants develop their relationship with God while also providing a relaxed and social environment. The event operates on a donation basis, ensuring it remains accessible to all who wish to attend.
Those interested can register online at Youth2000.ie or contact the organisers directly via email at connaught@youth2000.ie for further information.
Plans are underway for this year’s Darkness Into Light walk in Kiltimagh, with the official launch set to take place in Ryan’s Bar on Thursday, April 2 at 8pm. Organisers are encouraging the community to come along on the night and help spread awareness ahead of the annual event, which has become a key date in the local calendar.
Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s flagship fundraiser, will take place on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 4.15am. The 5km walk symbolises the journey from darkness into light, bringing communities together in support of those affected by suicide and self-harm.
The impact of public support continues to be significant. In 2025, funds raised helped Pieta respond to more than 100,000 helpline calls and texts nationwide, provide 41,000 hours of counselling, and support 6,029 people through their own therapy journeys.
Pieta relies heavily on public generosity, with approximately 80 per cent of its funding coming from fundraising efforts. Every contribution, organisers say, helps ensure that vital services remain available to those who need them.
Participants who register for the walk will automatically receive a fundraising page, though fundraising itself remains optional.
The launch night in Kiltimagh will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the event, get involved locally, and support an initiative that continues to make a meaningful difference.
The Women’s Group will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 6, which falls on Easter Monday, in the Parish Centre at 7pm.
All members are invited to attend.
There was a great turnout once again at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of competitive spirit and close games throughout the evening.
First prize went to Patsy Flatley and Trish Hyland, who put in a strong performance to finish top of the table. Joint second place was shared by Mary and Richard Carney and Denis Regan and Aiden McDonagh, with both pairings level after a series of tightly contested hands.
The Last 10 prize was shared between John Feeney and Kevin Heffernan and Michael Carney and Michael Costello. James Maughan and Danny Doherty claimed the spot prize.
Raffle winners on the night were Pius Forde, Alo Langan, Patsy Flatley and Mary Moran.
John Cronin was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50-50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €558. The draw continues to receive strong backing from the local community, with tickets available online as well as through shops and pubs around the town. The club congratulated John on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who entered, noting that funds raised help support underage coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
Kilticamps will run an Easter Camp at Bohola Community Centre from April 10 to 15, welcoming children aged between four and 12 years. Activities will take place each day from 10am to 2pm.
The camp will feature a broad range of activities designed to keep children active and entertained. These will include a variety of sports such as GAA, soccer, rounders, tag rugby, basketball, volleyball and hockey, along with games and challenges like treasure and scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, quizzes, board games and talent shows. Yoga, gymnastics, puc fada and water fights are also among the activities planned.
Registration is available online through the Kilticamps Facebook page or by scanning the QR code on the event poster. A €10 deposit is required to secure a place and will be refunded once Revolut payment has been confirmed.
Places are limited and there will also be prizes available during the camp. Further information is available from Amy at 087-6749986.
