Local Notes: Poster competition in Claremorris was huge success
Pupils of Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca in Claremorris who took part in the Lions Club poster competition with teachers, Máire Uí Dhinnéide and Sal Ní Éanacháin and Lions members, Catherine Cosgrave (left), Melissa Walsh and James Preston. Picture: John Corless
The Claremorris and District Lions Club recently held its annual poster competition, engaging local pupils from five primary schools across the area. The theme for this year’s contest was 'How can I have a positive impact on the elderly in our community', encouraging young minds to reflect on community care and compassion.
“Every year, we run this poster competition to raise awareness about different campaigns,” Lions President Melissa Walsh explained. “This year, we wanted to focus on the importance of supporting our elderly residents.
"It’s a wonderful way to get young people thinking about kindness and community responsibility.”
The competition saw enthusiastic participation, with over 100 students taking part. Each student submitted their artwork through their school with one winner chosen from each school. An independent local artist judged the entries to ensure fairness and to recognise artistic talent.
Melissa Walsh highlighted the dual purpose of the initiative.
“It’s not only about raising awareness of the Lions and the work we do but also about encouraging young people to think about different social issues. Every year, we select a different theme to inspire the students and broaden their understanding of community service.”
The winners received small prizes, and their artwork will be showcased as part of the Lions’ ongoing efforts to promote community spirit and awareness.
The individual school winners were: John O’Grady - Claremorris NS, Amelia McEvan - Taugheen NS, Nessa Lenihan - Meelickmore NS, Isabelle O’Boyle - Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca, and Carson Conway - Gortskehy NS.
The Claremorris and District Lions Club remains committed to fostering community engagement and nurturing the next generation of compassionate citizens through programmes like this poster competition.
Claremorris Musical Society has received two nominations at this year’s Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards for its 2025 production of . The nominations were announced following the society’s participation in the Sullivan category.
Mary Dempsey has been shortlisted for Best Comedienne for her performance as 'Grandma'. A long-time member of the society, her portrayal was noted for its comic timing and energy. Ruadhán Gormley, making his debut with the society, has also been recognised with a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as 'Lurch'.
The AIMS adjudicator for the Sullivan category, Therese Maher, attended the opening night of the production and described the show as “highly engaging and entertaining”. A group of 14 members from Claremorris Musical Society will attend the AIMS Awards weekend at the INEC in Killarney this coming weekend. The annual event brings together musical societies from across Ireland to mark achievements in amateur musical theatre.
was the society’s 18th annual production, and preparations are already underway for the 2025–2026 season. The committee and production team - director Donna Ruane, musical director Deirdre Lee, and choreographer Jay Molyneux - are currently in the process of selecting next year’s show. Auditions are expected to take place in September, with further details to be announced over the summer.
The society expressed its appreciation to all those who supported the production, including sponsors, local businesses, and members of the public.
Claremorris Musical Society welcomes new members, particularly male performers, and is open to interest from new sponsors and supporters. Those interested in getting involved on or off stage are encouraged to get in touch.
Updates and announcements are available on the society’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Mount St Michael Secondary School has bid farewell to one of its dedicated staff members, Maureen Commons, who has retired after an impressive 38-year career teaching Biology and Science.
Maureen reflected fondly on her time at the school.
“I have lovely memories,” she told the . “It’s been a great school with fantastic staff and terrific students. I couldn’t say enough positive things about them.”
Maureen proudly held the role of Green Schools Co-Ordinator since 2005. Under her stewardship, the school was awarded five Green Flags, recognising its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead to her retirement, Maureen admits she’s unsure of what the future holds.
“I have no idea what I’ll do in retirement. I’ll get the summer over as normal anyway. I’ll see then if I want to do something new or not,” she said.
Maureen’s dedication and positive influence will be greatly missed by colleagues and students alike. The school wishes her a happy and fulfilling retirement.
Clár ICH’s manager, Alma Gallagher, played a pivotal role in the county’s recent engagement with innovative funding opportunities aimed at strengthening social enterprises across Mayo.
Alma represented Clár ICH at a key seminar organised by Pobal and the Department of Rural and Community Development, focusing on the New Solutions Innovation Fund, a €1.8 million initiative designed to support local social enterprises in launching innovative growth projects.
Alma Gallagher’s extensive expertise in social enterprise development positioned her as a leading voice at the event. Her insights into the needs of Mayo’s social enterprise sector and her advocacy for increased support highlighted her dedication to fostering sustainable community initiatives. Her active participation underscored her commitment to ensuring that Mayo’s social enterprises, including Clár ICH, are well-equipped to access new funding streams and expand their vital services.
The New Solutions Innovation Fund offers grants between €250,000 and €300,000, with projects lasting up to 2.5 years (30 months). Alma’s leadership is expected to influence local enterprises to seize this opportunity, which aims to facilitate the launch of innovative, localised solutions in response to community needs.
Mayo boasts 77 social enterprises that currently provide employment for 458 people and generate a combined turnover of €17.1 million. Recognised as a best practice during the launch of the County Mayo Social Enterprise Strategy in Westport in May 2023, Clár ICH exemplifies the county’s strong social enterprise spirit - a tradition Alma Gallagher passionately champions. The strategy emphasises boosting support mechanisms to help social enterprises grow and become more sustainable, with Alma’s expertise playing a central role in shaping these initiatives.
Looking ahead, funding for early-stage innovators is expected to open in Summer 2026, creating further opportunities for ground-breaking projects in Mayo. Alma has been appointed to a new county-wide implementation committee, which aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders such as Southwest Mayo Development Company and North East Mayo. Her leadership will be crucial in guiding the county’s social enterprise sector toward a prosperous future.
Mayo’s rural towns and villages have long thrived on the spirit of social enterprise, providing essential services like Meals on Wheels and befriending programs. Alma Gallagher’s expertise and dedication are vital in ensuring this spirit continues to flourish, enabling local organisations to innovate, expand, and meet the needs of vulnerable populations. Thanks to her pivotal role and committed leadership, Mayo’s social enterprise community is well-positioned to harness new opportunities, ensuring a resilient and vibrant future for the region.
Claremorris Men’s Shed and Claremorris Family Resource Centre will host their annual Men’s Health Awareness event on Friday, June 13th, from 1pm to 3pm at The Square in Claremorris.
Now a firm fixture on the local calendar, this event promotes health, wellbeing and community connection for men of all ages. A wide variety of information stands will be present on the day, covering key topics in physical and mental health. Motivational and interactive workshops are also planned, alongside guest speakers, spot prizes, raffles, live entertainment, and light refreshments.
All are welcome to attend. The event is part of ongoing community health initiatives supported by Healthy Ireland and Mayo Public Participation Network.
Sheila McGahon was the winner of the Claremorris GAA 50/50 draw. Sheila took home an impressive €1,604 with the lucky ticket purchased at Hillside Service Station.
The club expressed its appreciation to all who entered and reminded supporters that each ticket sold helps fund youth development and club improvements. Tickets are available online and in local shops and pubs around the town. The draw continues to be a key source of support for the club’s ongoing initiatives.
Knock native and Garda Sergeant James Carty has completed an extraordinary endurance challenge, raising over €17,000 for Down Syndrome Mayo, a charity close to his heart.
Inspired by his daughter Iris, who was born with Down Syndrome in 2021, James ran 40 kilometres, pulled 1.7 tonnes, rowed, lunged, pushed a sled and threw a 6kg ball 500 times - all in just over 11 hours. The event took place in Crossmolina’s North West Fitness Academy, where James was cheered on by supporters.
As chairperson of Down Syndrome Mayo, James leads efforts supporting over 100 families across the county.
Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw produced another lucky winner last week, with the prize of €630 going to Emma Sloyan.
Emma bought her ticket in The Shamrock and came out on top in what was another successful round of fundraising for the club.
Claremorris AFC extended sincere thanks to all participants in the draw, highlighting the continued impact each ticket has in supporting the running of the club, and in particular, the development of its growing youth teams.
Registration is now open for this year’s Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp in Garrymore, which will run from Monday, June 30th to Friday, July 4th. Places can be booked online at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie, and early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited.
Please note that all registrations must be completed online.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre is calling on the local community for support as it seeks nominations for the AIB €1 Million Community Fund. The centre, which has served Claremorris for over 18 years, continues to provide essential services to young people, families, older residents and new communities.
To nominate the centre, visit www.aib.ie/community-fund and enter the following: Charity Name – Claremorris Family Resource Centre; Charity Number – 20069148; Location – Connacht; Social Theme – Other. Nominations close on June 25th next.
Claremorris Community Radio is also appealing for public nominations as part of the AIB Community Fund initiative. The station, broadcasting on 94.6FM and online at ccr946.ie, is a vital local platform promoting education and opportunity across the Connacht region.
To nominate the station, visit www.aib.ie/community-fund and complete the form using the following details: Charity Registration Number – 20166311; Location – Connacht; Social Theme – Education and Opportunities.
A suggested sentence of support is: “They are the voice of our community.” Every nomination is a show of support for local, independent media.
Claremorris Drama Group is appealing to the community for help sourcing key props for its upcoming production of , set in 1930s' Ireland. The group is specifically looking to borrow a small kitchen table and four old-style chairs, as well as a compact workbench suitable for a cobbler’s tools.
If anyone has items that might fit the bill tucked away in a shed or attic, the group would love to hear from you. All items will be carefully looked after and returned following the production. For further information, contact the Claremorris Drama Group via their social media pages.
St Colman’s College extended congratulations to past pupil Adrian Gaynard of Kilcommon, Hollymount, who was recently a finalist in the prestigious Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Awards 2024.
The awards ceremony took place in Dublin on May 22nd where Adrian was recognised among the top graduates from Teagasc Level 6 programmes across agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry studies. He received his certificate from FBD's Emer O’Byrne, Teagasc Chairman Liam Herlihy, and Dr Anne Marie Butler, Head of Education at Teagasc.
There was a moment of history at Mount St Michael, Claremorris last week, as the Jennings sisters reached a significant milestone. With Tara Jennings graduating, her final day in school marked the end of a unique chapter - the only time in the school’s records that five sisters from the same family attended together in the same academic year.
Valerie, Shauna, Emma, Katie and Tara have made a lasting impression on the school community. Staff and classmates extended their best wishes to Tara as she embarks on her next chapter, and thanked the Jennings family for their contribution to school life.
The death has occurred of Philomena Attracta Kelly, Carrowmore Meadows, Knock, and formerly of Peterborough, UK and Taverane, Cloonloo, Boyle, Co Sligo. Philomena died peacefully in the care of the staff and nurses at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar.
Philomena was predeceased by her husband Maurice, and will be deeply missed by her brother Gerard Kelly, sisters Ann Higgins and Mary Pannu, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and dear friends.
Philomena’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Saturday morning, June 7th, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock for Funeral Mass. Burial will take place in Peterborough at a later date.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Tommy Gibbons, Coventry, England and formerly of Limehill, Claremorris.
Tommy was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Annie Jane, his brother Frank and sister-in-law Ann (recently). Tommy is deeply regretted by his brothers Dave and Hugh, sister Mary (Offaly), sisters-in-law Maureen and Bridie, brother-in-law Frank, nieces, nephews and extended families.
Tommy’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Sunday evening, June 1st, with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Crossboyne. Funeral Mass was held on Monday morning followed by burial in Crossboyne Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Annette Rattigan, Carrowlena, Ballindine and Hazel View, Knock Road, Ballyhaunis. Annette died peacefully on June 4th at Mayo Hospice in Castlebar, surrounded by her family.
Annette was predeceased by her father Paddy. She is sadly missed by her mother Mary, brothers James, Martin, Pat and Kevin, sisters-in-law Marion, Aine and Pauline, aunt Bridie, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and her Western Care family.
Annette’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Friday evening last. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday morning in St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine, followed by burial in Ballindine Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Sheila Kilkelly (née Walsh), Castlebar, and formerly of Kilvine, Claremorris. Sheila died peacefully on May 30th, in her 91st year, surrounded by her family and in the care of the team at Sonas, Knock.
Sheila will be forever loved and deeply missed by her husband of 67 years, John, children Siobhan, Frank, Brigid, Fionnghuala, Maria, Sinead and Ursula, sons-in-law Neil, Seamus and Cathal, her twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family in Ireland, the UK, Dubai and the USA, and many friends.
Sheila’s remains reposed at Cody’s Funeral Home, Linenhall Street, Castlebar on Sunday, June 1st, with removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary in the town. Funeral Mass took place on Monday morning, June 2nd, followed by burial in Castlebar New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
