Local Notes: Robeen NS win Credit Union quiz in Claremorris
The team from Scoil Mhuire, Robeen, who were the winners of the 2026 Credit Union Schools Quiz Competition B, organised by St Colman's Credit Union, Claremorris.
Photographer Marek Petrovic will open the Claremorris Camera Club exhibition of photographs in Claremorris Townhall Theatre on Wednesday, March 11th, at 7.30pm.
The exhibition is entitled Magic Moments 2026 and will run until April 3rd. All are welcome.
The Claremorris and District Lions Club asks for your support for its annual tree appeal on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, in the lobby of SuperValu.
The club holds its Annual Tree Appeal every March to coincide with National Tree Week. Silver birch saplings can be brought home and planted, or a donation can be made, and the trees planted by students from the two secondary schools in public spaces around the town.
With the soccer season having just started, newly-promoted Claremorris AFC has appointed James Kavanagh to take charge of their Super League men’s side for 2026.
James believes the club is well positioned to enjoy a strong campaign as they look to establish themselves in the Super League once more and has been encouraged by what he has seen since returning to pre-season preparations.
“I think we’ll go well this season,” he said. “We were back training in October and it’s given us a good, solid run-in. The attitude from the players has been excellent. There’s a good buzz around the place and plenty of competition for positions.”
That early return to training has, in his view, laid important foundations. Standards have been raised, sessions have been intense and consistent, and the squad has had time to absorb fresh ideas from the new management team.
“It’s been a good learning experience for the players and for ourselves as coaches,” he added. “We’re happy with where we’re heading into the season.”
There have been additions to strengthen the panel. Simon Vahey has come in to bolster the central midfield area, while James McCormack has been training with the group as a centre-back option. In addition, several young players have stepped up from the B team, increasing depth and internal competition. James hinted that there could yet be further movement before the window closes but is already satisfied with the numbers available.
Claremorris have experienced something of a yo-yo existence in recent years, moving between divisions. James believes the groundwork laid since October can help bring greater stability this time around. With many training sessions under their belts and a core group retained, he feels the squad is better prepared for the demands ahead.
Other sports are unlikely to significantly disrupt plans.
“Most of our lads are soccer players,” he said, “only one or two who might occasionally feature in junior Gaelic football. It is not an issue for us.”
The new split-season format presents a different challenge.
“Once the split comes, you’re playing teams at a similar level,” James said. “It makes for very competitive games.”
He believes the structure should raise intensity across the board.
St Colman’s College has been marking Wellbeing Week with a series of informative and reflective events aimed at supporting students’ physical and mental health, while also encouraging social responsibility within the wider community.
Senior students received a presentation on the importance of blood donation from Brendan Conroy, who outlined how donated blood is tested, the significance of different blood groups and the critical role the service plays in saving lives.
Students were told that while many people may feel apprehensive about donating, most discover there is very little to fear once they go through the process. The talk emphasised that people often only recognise the value of blood donation when they or a loved one require it, and students were encouraged to consider becoming donors before such a need arises. The school has urged members of the wider St Colman’s community to check their eligibility and consider supporting this vital service.
Third Year students also attended a talk by Gerry Nugent, accompanied by Pat Cribbin, as part of the week’s programme. Gerry shared the story of his early life, explaining that despite coming from a loving family, he struggled in school, was expelled from several schools and left without completing his Leaving Certificate. He described reaching a turning point in November 1979 when he chose to take responsibility for his decisions rather than blame others, and began to make positive changes in his life.
Students heard how his faith and a renewed outlook helped him rebuild his path, beginning his working life in an entry-level position before eventually becoming a successful business owner. Gerry also spoke about raising a family of six and about his experiences addressing audiences in schools and venues both in Ireland and abroad. He now devotes his time voluntarily to speaking to young people, offering encouragement and reinforcing the message that it is possible to change direction and shape a better future.
The themes of resilience, connection and responsibility - key indicators of wellbeing promoted within the school - were central to his address. He also acknowledged the respect shown by the students during his visit, something staff said reflected positively on the school community.
Second Year students, meanwhile, took part in a workshop delivered by Jenna Walsh, Mental Health Promotion Officer with the Mayo Mental Health Association. The organisation provides free and confidential support services for people of all ages experiencing mental health difficulties and works with schools across the county to promote positive mental health.
During the session, students were presented with data suggesting that up to 30% of people may experience a mental health difficulty at some point in their lives, underlining the importance of awareness and early support. The discussion highlighted how negative comments can accumulate over time and impact wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of kindness towards others and towards oneself. The influence of social media was also explored, with students encouraged to recognise that carefully curated online images do not reflect the full reality of people’s lives.
Staff expressed appreciation to all of the guest speakers who contributed to the week’s events and commended the students for their engagement and conduct throughout the programme, describing the series of talks as both informative and thought-provoking.
John O’Malley from Kilmeena was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,031. John purchased the winning ticket in Gilligan’s.
The club congratulated John on the win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who supported the draw, noting that proceeds continue to assist with coaching, facilities and youth development. Tickets remain available online as well as in local shops and pubs throughout the town.
Bernard Trench was the lucky winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, winning €545 with an online ticket.
The club extended congratulations to Bernard and thanked all who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser.
Tickets are on sale online and from local retailers and pubs each week.
Claremorris Golf Club hosted a Scotch Foursomes competition on February 22nd, kindly sponsored by the club.
In the Ladies’ section, first place went to Sara Creighton and Erika Ryan with an impressive 39 points.
The Men’s competition was won by Alan Gurren and Ronan Gurren, who finished on 43 points. Second place went to Fergal Tuohy and John Finnegan on 40 points, with the result decided on a back nine countback.
The death has occurred of Anna O’Connell Dixon of Devlin Farm, Ahena, Claremorris, who died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Anna is survived by her loving husband Oliver, daughter Hazel, son Daniel, mother Siv, father Donal, siblings, Siv’s husband Thommy and Donal’s wife Rita, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Anna’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Sunday evening. Her Requiem Mass was held on Monday in St Michael’s Church, Taugheen, with burial afterwards in Taugheen New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Liam Madden, late of Ballyphehane, Carrigaline and Hollymount.
Liam will be deeply regretted by his much loved daughter Fiona, son James, their mother Mary, adored grandchildren Isabelle and Adam, son-in-law Greg, daughter-in-law Deirdre, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
His funeral took place in Cork.
The death has occurred of Anne Hynes (née Wooley) of Castlelawn Heights, Headford Road, Galway, and formerly of Roose, Hollymount.
Anne died peacefully at University Hospital Galway on February 22nd after a short illness, in the presence of her loving family.
Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband John, parents Peter and Mary, brother Mick Wooley (Seefin) and sisters Nora Walsh (Hollymount) and Maisie Sweeney (Ballyhaunis), and will be deeply regretted by her heartbroken daughters Marie and Fionnuala (Curry, Cummer), adored grandchildren Ethan and Aoife, son-in-law Anthony (Curry, Cummer), brother Peter Wooley (New Jersey, USA), sister Kathleen Murphy (Blindwell, Cloghans Hill, Tuam), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Anne’s remains reposed at the Holy Family Funeral Home, Mervue on Tuesday evening last with removal to the Church of the Resurrection, Ballinfoyle. Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday with funeral afterwards to the New Cemetery, Bohermore.
May she rest in peace.
The death occurred on February 23rd of John Halligan of Garryduff, Claremorris.
John was predeceased by his parents John and Dilly, sister Catherine and baby son Andrew, and will be deeply missed by his loving wife Mary, sons Shane, Darragh and Oisín, daughters Eimear and Gráinne, daughters-in-law Catherine and Emer, son-in-law Kevin, Gráinne’s partner Billy and Oisín’s partner Bridgette, sisters Mary, Ger and Patricia, loving grandchildren Saoirse, Cathal and Caoimhe, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
John’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Thursday evening, with Funeral Mass held on Friday in St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine, and burial afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
