Local Notes: Poignant images from Ballintubber Passion Play.
Poignant images from the Ballintubber Passion Play last week were captured by photographer Tom Quinn.
Congratulations are extended to the Ballintubber Bulls U14 Boys panel and coaches on an incredible weekend of basketball at the AIG U14 Boys All-Ireland Club Championship recently in Gormanstown.
On the Saturday, the lads showed unbelievable heart and determination as they kicked things off with a win over Sligo All Stars. The second game saw them come back from a 14 point deficit, to snatch a 2-point victory. Despite a tough loss in the final group match, they topped their group and qualified for Sunday’s knockout stages.
On the Sunday, they gave it everything in the Division 1 quarter final but narrowly lost out to a strong Limerick Celtics side.
To finish in the top 8 teams in the country is a phenomenal achievement and all in the club area are very proud of this talented and hardworking group of players and coaches. The future is bright for the Bulls.
There was a great turnout for the Easter market in Ballyglass Community Centre on April 12. Young and old turned out in the cool spring sunshine to enjoy the treats on sale and have a chat and a cuppa with neighbours and friends. Henry McGlade from Ireland TV was there to interview people on camera and to sample some of the items on sale. Elisa Toner explained to him that market day was also the launch day of the 3rd annual Ballyglass Darkness into Light Walk coming up in May. There was plenty to keep the little ones busy in the outdoor area and the school goers had a great time figuring out the clues in the Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks as ever to the vendors, food sellers and organisers and especially to everyone who came along to show their support once again. Raffle winners: Rhys Gaughan - large hamper; Donnacha Hughes - small hamper; Ross and Heather Burke - basketball hoop; Helen Boyle - large Easter Egg; Conor Nestor - Quality Street; Kevin Prendergast - wine; Conor and Cathal Nestor - Ferrero Rocher; Leona Nestor - toiletries set; Dana O’Toole - knitted hat; Aoife Nestor - knitted hat; Lily Hughes - handbag.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €9,700 on Sunday, April 13. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 13 and 25. Consolation prizes went to John Gibbons, Patricia Gill, Bernie Lydon, Mary Keane, Kitty Dillon, and Vincent and Mamie Glynn. The jackpot stood at €9,800 on last Sunday night, April 20.
Ballintubber seniors have made a mixed start to the senior league this season. A young fit and fast Crossmolina side posed a real challenge to Ballintubber in a high-quality game played at Clogher a fortnight ago. It was with the very last kick of the game that Crossmolina scored a goal to sneak a 1-12 to 1-10 victory. The margin should have been even closer as Ballintubber had a valid point adjudicated wide during the game, but Crossmolina were worthy winners and merited the victory on their superb display.
In the comfortable confines of the saucer, (new seating installed), at Hollymount, on Saturday week last ‘Tubber beat Holly/Carramore on a scorline of 2-18 to 2-8. The concession of two goals in the first half gave cause for concern but Ballintubber found their groove and played some delightful football in the second half.
Westport are sure to provide stern opposition in a home game for Ballintubber next Saturday evening at Clogher.
Ballyglass FC have launched their 50th Anniversary raffle. They have invited everyone to celebrate with them and win amazing prizes:
1st €1,200 Center Parcs voucher, 2nd €500 cash and 3rd a €250 Blue Book Hotels voucher. Tickets are just €10 for 1, €20 for 3, or €50 for 7. The draw takes place on Monday, June 2, so don’t miss out. Your support means the world to the club so grab your tickets today for a chance to win. Tickets can be bought online at the link on the club Facebook page or contact any committee member.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto held on Monday, April 14, were 6, 24, 26 and 36. There was no winner of the €11,900 jackpot and no Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Regina Flanagan, Chloe Conroy, John McNeely, Frank McNamara and Rebecca McNeely. The weekend jackpot stood at a highly attractive €12,000. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.
Winners from Monday, April 14 were 1st Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan, 2nd Richard and Mary Carney and 3rd Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford; Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan. The last 9 winners were Kitty Rumley and Judy Clarke, and the raffle prizes went to Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all the players for their continued support. The progressive 25 games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
If you would like to be part of the group of volunteers who keep Ballyglass village looking its best, contact Breege on 087 6292164 to get your name added to the group. There is nothing very strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week. Many hands make light work.
Chloe Reilly Fitness is running a new fitness class in Ballyglass Community Centre on Thursday nights. This class is suitable for all fitness levels, and it blends cardio, HIIT, and strength training, so participants can expect to boost their fitness, build strength and have a great time in a supportive environment. Contact Chloe on 087 6802225 for further information.
Yoga classes will be starting up in Ballyglass Community Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11.15am to 12.15pm commencing on Wednesday, April 30. For further information contact Maureen Murphy on 087 2990357.
The Lough Carra Catchment Associations next public meeting will be held on May 20.
April 12 saw a clean-up of Ballintubber and surrounding areas taking place. A whole-hearted thank you has been tendered to all who turned up and helped. Thanks has also been extended to Stanley Burke for sponsoring the skip and Ballintubber NS for lending their pickers.
The new pre school in Carnacon are currently taking enquires for September 2025. If you would like more information contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
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Spring 2025 has brought changes to Killawalla Community Council. Some long-standing members have taken a step back and thankfully new members have joined. It is heartening that people believe in a great future for the scenic village.
Thanks have been extended to Micheal Larkin who stepped down as chairperson and congrats to Siobhan Jennings who is the new chairperson. Likewise, thanks to Peter Jordan who is stepping down as vice-chair and congrats to Carmel Carter is taking over the role.
Gratitude has also been expressed to Mary Conway outgoing secretary and Stephanie Caine who is new to the council and has taken over the secretary’s role. Mary will stay on to assist her.
A warm welcome is tendered to Karen Hallinan who is taking over from Siobhan as treasurer with the help of Claire Conway.
Thanks also to Marie Cannon who is remaining on as PRO with the help of Carmel. Appreciation has also been expressed to Florence Mc Hale for her help during her term and she is now stepping down. A huge 'thank you' was extended to Martin Gibbons who stepped down after many years’ service. He has been a huge part of the success of the Killawalla lotto and spent many weekends collecting tickets from houses around the village for the last number of years. He will be missed by his lotto crew.
At the last meeting, the community council acknowledged the years of service and dedication that Ann Conway and Mary Conway have given to the community council and everyone is delighted that they are staying on to serve.
A sincere welcome has been extended to the new members, Jim Twohig, Padraig Hallinan, Anita Molloy, Chris Kerrigan, John Carter, Barbara Heneghan, Margaret McGing and Ciaran Gavin and sincere thanks to Geraldine Kelly, Rita Corcoran, Ann Conway and Phil Higgins who are staying on.
Here’s hoping for an enjoyable term for the new community council and many more successful events to come.
Feel free to contact the council if you have any ideas for events or classes that you would like to see happen and remember that the centre can be booked for classes or events.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, April 12, stood at €16,800. 2, 10, 18 and 20 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The jackpot stood at an attractive €16,800 on Saturday, April 19. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development, and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne Ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/. Ticéadaí ar diol freezing SA siopao O’Tooles/Oifig a Hoist/ Máire Luke’s/ Lough Mask Inn.
The 8km Out of the Woods is an event suitable for all family members and will take place in Tourmakeady on April 27 at 1pm. Walk jog or run through the beautiful Tourmakeady woods. This super event is enjoyed annually by many athletes and members of the local community. There will be lots of refreshments back in the community centre to refuel. Entry fees are €20 and U16s free.
In the lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school which will be commencing on May 17, a prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2. For those who wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months. Anyone who is willing to support the school, contact via phone 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com before Wednesday, May 12.
In the most recent Tourmakeady NS lotto ball winning draw, number 42 - Michael John Casey won the €100.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to give you name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
Ciorcal Cniotáil/Knitting Circle: Tegan a Grúpa Cniotáil le chéile gach Oiche Luan i Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 7.30-9.30 in. Fáilte roimh bail nua. The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30- 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
Divine Mercy Sunday for the Holy Souls in purgatory with Aidan Bond and the Holy Souls Crusade in St Marys Church Partry starting at 2pm on April 27, with Mass, prayers, adoration and blessing with 1st Class Relic of St Faustina.
Partry FC bonus number draws take place mid-week on Wednesday nights. Congrats to Sean and Kathleen Folan, Shanvallyard and Christelle and Joe Staunton, Partry who were recent winners of the popular flutter.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Tim and Ann Foley who were recent €100 winners on April 5. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, April 19.
Geological Survey Ireland, a division of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2025 Graduate Geologists job competition. There are 6 graduate geologists positions, each of 11 months duration. These positions equip recent Geoscience/Earth Science graduates with new skills, while further developing the skills gained throughout university.
Graduates will be assigned to specific programmes within Geological Survey Ireland, but there will be plenty opportunities to get involved in a variety of projects, attend conferences, carry out fieldwork, and represent the survey at major outreach events such as the National Ploughing Championship and the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. Deadline for application is 1pm (Irish time) on Friday, May 2. Visit the website for the application form and more information here: https://www.gsi.ie/.../eve.../news/Pages/Grad-Geos-2025.aspx.
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The death has occurred recently of Seamus Joyce, Cornevagh, Ballyheane, Castlebar. Seamus passed away on April 11, and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his loving family and many friends. Pre-deceased by his father John and his parents-in-law Tim and Kitty Fitzgerald, Seamus is deeply regretted by his wife Clare, son John, daughter Heather, his mother Alacoque, sister, Annette, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains reposed at his home in Cornevagh, Ballyheane, on last Monday, April 14, from 4-7pm and removal from his residence took place on Tuesday morning at 10.30am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Seamus was then laid to rest in Ballyheane Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €11,400. The jackpot stood at €11,300 on Sunday, April 13, when the numbers drawn were 15, 17, 19 and 29. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Kanan Martin, Jack Morrin, Sharon Ward and Mary Shine.
The next monthly card game in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, May 5.
Kiddie’s Handball classes will be starting shortly in Belcarra Sports Centre on Sunday as follows: 10 to 11am, for 7 to 10 years and 11 to 12 noon for children aged 10 to 12 years. Come learn the game, have fun, and get active. If you have any questions, feel free to send Belcarra Handball Club a message on face book or Whatsapp!
Belcarra Community Co-Operative Society Ltd Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), with the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is undertaking their Energy Master Plan with the aim to help the people of the community to - understand energy usage in the area, create an action plan to help the community increase its energy efficiency and independence, reduce carbon emissions, and harness local energy generation opportunities.
The feedback from this survey will help form an understanding of home energy needs of the people within the community, providing an opportunity to input into the study and strategy. By submitting a response to this survey, you will also be automatically entered into a draw to receive a free Building Energy Rating Certificate and Technical Energy Retrofit Assessment of your home worth €500.
All information gathered will be treated with strictest confidence and no identifying information will be included in the final report, to be launched in early 2026.
Complete the survey ASAP at https://forms.gle/f8Js34HBSNmVa3gA8.
There will be a Mayo Stoma Support Group meeting at The Ellison Hotel Castlebar from 7-9pm on April 24.
A one-day retreat to Lough Derg will take place on Monday, May 5. The bus will be leaving St. Mary's Church Westport at 5.30am and pick up in Castlebar at the Fire Station at 5.45am. For bookings contact the Presbytery, Westport on 098 28871.
Adult mentors are required for Foróige's Youth Mentoring Programme. Would you have an hour to spare in the week? If you are interested in supporting a young person, this is an enjoyable way to spend your time and have a positive impact in a young person’s life. For more information telephone 086 3835859 / 086 0471420.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD announced on Friday, April 4, the opening of the 2025 CLÁR programme for applications. The budget for this year’s programme has increased to €11 million. Under the initiative, funding will be provided across three measures: development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more. Support for community transport such as cancer care support, community first responders, meals on wheels vehicles, or for persons with reduced mobility and tailored funding for our offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.
The level of funding for community facilities and amenities has increased from €50,000 to €65,000, with a new option this year for local authorities to apply for funding of up to €100,000 for 2 larger scale projects. Full details are available on the Department’s website: https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, April 10, in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €3,700. 15, 22, 33 and 34 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Michelle McCormack (online), Anne Keane (online) and Corina Galvin (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, April 17, when the jackpot stood at €3,800.
The latest Manulla FC jackpot stood at a massive €19,200 on last Sunday night, April 20. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Manulla FC online registration is now available for all members. Please follow the link below: https://reg.sportlomo.com/club/fai/mayo/manulla Both Manulla FC Academies (boys and girls) are starting up again this month. The boys begin on Thursday, April 24, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and the girls will get back on the pitch on Monday, April 28, at 6pm in Manulla FC. All current players and new players are welcome to attend. All are looking forward to the sessions already
A full-time office administrator is required for Balla CRD. Email applications to jobs@balla.ie.
Balla Centre hosts a 25-card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre on 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New 25 card players are always welcome.
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The Community Futures Day will be on Sunday, April 27, from 2-5 in Clogher Community Centre. Thanks to all the people of the community who returned their household surveys. The results of the stakeholders' interviews, the Youth night, the business survey and the household survey will all be revealed on Sunday, April 27, and everyone will have an opportunity to vote for the ideas that they feel are most practical and appropriate for Clogher in the next five years. These will then go into the five-year plan for Clogher which will be launched later. There will also be an opportunity to meet local people and have a cup of tea.
Thanks to all the young people who participated in the youth night on Monday, April 14. This was their chance to have their say on how they view Clogher into the future. Thanks to their parents and especially to Mary Walsh McDonagh who organised the event and the refreshments.
Card results from Friday, April 11, were 1st Bridie McDermott and Eileen Moran, 2nd Seamus Jennings and Sean Hopkins and 3rd Joe Thomas and Gay Conway. The last 10 were Mary McDonagh and Breege Blake. The 25 progressive game continues every Friday night.
The four basket weaving classes have just been completed in Clogher Community hall. This class proved to be extremely popular and successful. Each student came home with their own basket. Many thanks to Tom Delaney, Ould Crafty https://www.ouldcrafty.com/about-us/ for all the help support and patience he showed to everyone. Thanks also to the MSLETB who has part funded the classes. Thanks to the participants who supported the class and who provided fun and witty conversation through all the learning.
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail which is from Aughagower to Murrisk will take place on Sunday, May 10, and all profits from the day will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Bus transport will be available from Murrisk back to Aughagower on the Sunday morning where there will be tea/ coffee and scones for all the walkers and helpers. Refreshments will be served at Brackloon School and there will be a celebratory barbecue at Campbell’s of Murrisk to round off what promises to be a very enjoyable day. The walk will commence at 9.30. Register at croaghpatrickheritagetrail@eventbrite.ie .
Errew Community CLG was delighted to receive €664 from the Tesco Blue Token Community Funding Scheme. The award will be used for the Errew Breakfast and After School Club. Many thanks to all those who supported the cause with their blue tokens!
Enrolments for Errew National School are open. Contact secretary@errewns.com for further information or to view the school out of school hours.
Spaces are available on Thursdays for Yoga in Errew Community Centre at 7pm for a 4 week block. Contact Lorraine on 087 6835623 for further information.
