Local Notes: Sam surprise for Nora, aged 101, on visit to Kiltimagh
101-year-old Nora Beisty (née Brennan) was surprised by a visit from Sam Maguire on her trip last week to Kiltimagh.
There was a special surprise for 101-year-old Nora Beisty, née Brennan, during a visit to her native Kiltimagh last week when she had the opportunity to welcome the Sam Maguire Cup home to Mayo.
Nora grew up in Cleragh, Kiltimagh, before spending much of her life in Manchester, where she now resides. Despite the distance, she has remained a frequent visitor to Kiltimagh over the years, returning regularly to spend time with her family.
On her latest trip, Nora flew into Ireland West Airport accompanied by two of her daughters. She is particularly delighted that the airport has made it possible for her to continue making regular journeys home.
A Kiltimagh and Mayo woman at heart, Nora took enormous pride in Mayo's All-Ireland success, making the unexpected opportunity to see the Sam Maguire Cup during her visit an especially memorable occasion for her and her family.
Plans have been lodged for a new residential development on James Street in Kiltimagh which would see a derelict property cleared to make way for three new homes.
Brian Forkan Carpentry & Construction Ltd has applied to Mayo County Council for permission to demolish the existing derelict dwelling on the site and construct three detached houses. The proposed development would also include connections to the public sewer along with all associated site works and services.
If approved, the project would see a currently derelict residential site on James Street brought back into active use while adding three new homes to Kiltimagh's housing stock.
Mayo County Council is considering the application. No decision date had been issued at the time of writing.
Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon took top honours at the latest 25 Card Drive, finishing ahead of another competitive field.
Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne secured second place, while third was shared by Brian McNulty and Tom Durkin and the pairing of John Clancy and Pius Forde.
Geraldine Turbitt and Anne Rowley collected the Last 10 prize, with Tom Walsh and Francis McNicholas taking the spot prize.
The raffle winners were Danny Doherty, Ciaran McDonnell, Liam Moran and Teresa Coleman.
Amy Gallagher was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week. Amy collected a prize of €630.
Kiltimagh GAA congratulated Amy on her win and extended its thanks to everyone who bought tickets and supported the draw.
Entries continue to be available online and through local shops and pubs, with the weekly fundraiser providing valuable support for the club’s activities.
Tom Allen from Aghamore was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €310.
The club congratulated Tom on his win and extended its thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the funds raised helping to support the club’s activities.
A special afternoon of celebration is planned at Gilmartin Park on Sunday, September 13, as Kiltimagh GAA marks the 50th anniversary of its home grounds.
Gilmartin Park has been at the heart of the club since 1976 and five decades of football and community life will be celebrated with a programme of matches, family activities, music and entertainment from 3pm. A barbecue and refreshments will also be available during the afternoon.
The football action will include the finals of the Mulhern, Charlton and Flannery Cups before another highlight at 5pm, when the Sam Maguire Cup arrives at Gilmartin Park accompanied by members of Mayo’s All-Ireland winning team.
The anniversary will bring together generations of players, members, supporters, families and friends who have shared in the story of Gilmartin Park over the past 50 years. Kiltimagh GAA is inviting everyone to come along and join in a memorable celebration of the grounds and their place in the club and wider community.
Kiltimagh/Knock United are putting together a Men’s Over-35s team for a new seven-a-side competition beginning later this month.
The competition gets underway on Wednesday, September 23, with matches taking place every Wednesday night at Milebush in Castlebar. Players aged 35 and over who fancy pulling on the boots again and returning to competitive football are invited to get involved.
Described by the club as “competitive, old man football”, the new competition offers an opportunity to enjoy the competitive side of the game again in a seven-a-side format.
Anyone interested can contact Enda Sweeney on 085-8589195 or Sean Carroll on 089-9442768 via WhatsApp.
Kiltimagh Dads and Lads are approaching their first anniversary following a busy opening year which has seen the group develop into a regular outlet for football, fitness and social activity.
Weekly football sessions and challenge games have formed the backbone of the first year, with members also taking part in a winter league and enjoying a number of social nights along the way.
The group has thanked everyone who helped get the initiative started and all those who have continued to turn up and take part each week.
With another winter season approaching, organisers say now is a particularly good time for new members to come on board. Previous football experience is not required, with the emphasis on participation, getting active, meeting people and enjoying the social side of the group.
Anyone interested in joining can scan the QR code on the group’s poster to access the Kiltimagh Dads and Lads WhatsApp group.
Their invitation is summed up in the group motto: “Come for the Football, Stay for the Craic.”
Sympathy is extended to Fr Pat Lynch on the death of his sister, Loretta Brennan (née Lynch), formerly of Stella Maris, Ballisodare, Co Sligo.
Loretta died peacefully in hospital in Manchester following an illness bravely borne.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents Dan and Lily and brothers Joe and Donal. She will be sadly missed by her husband Jim, son James, daughters Emma and Anne Marie, grandchildren Lottie, Jimmy, Mary, Sinead, Gloria, Alfie and Vinnie, sisters Mary, Betty and Dolores, brothers Fr Pat, Christy, Eddie, Tim and Jerry, the extended Brennan and Lynch families and a wide circle of friends.
Loretta’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Ambrose Barlow Catholic Church, Astley, Manchester, on Wednesday last. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated in St Brigid’s Church, Corhownagh, Ballisodare, at a later date.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mark Lavelle of Altbawn Crescent, Kiltimagh, and Bollingbrook Drive, Swinford. Mark died suddenly on August 30, 2026.
Mark was predeceased by his brothers Darren and Jason. He will be sadly missed by his mother Josie, brother Tommy, aunt Margaret, relatives and friends.
Mark’s remains reposed at Campbell’s Funeral Home, Swinford, on Wednesday evening last. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Swinford, followed by burial afterwards in Kilconduff Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Sr Jane Vereker of the Sisters of St Louis, late of Rosebury Court, Knock, Limerick, Nigeria, Ramsgrange, Co Wexford, and Gravesend, Kent. Sr Jane died peacefully on August 30, 2026, in the loving care of the staff of Claremount Nursing Home, Claremorris.
Sr Jane was predeceased by her parents Madge and Seán, brother Jack and sister-in-law Kay. She will be deeply missed by her cousins in Cork, Limerick and Boston, her St Louis community, many good friends and past pupils.
Sr Jane’s remains reposed in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Tuesday evening last with removal afterwards to St John the Baptist Church, Knock. Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May she rest in peace.
