Local Notes: 'Sisters' got special dispensation to participate in the Ballintubber Annual Tractor Run.
Ballintubber being an important event in the annual tractor run Calendar - the above trio of “Sisters” got a special dispensation to participate. They have vowed to return next year. Picture by Tom Quinn
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,200 on Sunday night, December 29. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 27 and 33.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Joan Joyce, Ann Lally, Mena Mahon, Joe Earley, Jonathon Cawley and Leah Carroll.
The jackpot stood at €8,300 on last Sunday night, January 5. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers. The club extends New Year best wishes to its many patrons and is eagerly looking forward to 2025.
Best wishes are extended to Fiona McHale, Lisconnell, who has retired from ladies inter county football. Fiona McHale has featured for Mayo ladies on numerous occasions since making her senior intercounty debut in 2004. What an outstanding tremendous long record of service that is and worthy of the highest praise and accolades. She is wished every success with all her ventures in the years ahead.
Ballintubber Bord na nÓg has extended thanks to all who participated in their annual “Turkey Trot” fun run on St Stephen’s Day. Thanks have also been extended to all who helped out and provided refreshments. Results; Male, 1st Ciaran Prendergast, U16 Brendan McCarthy, M-U12 J P Gilligan and female 1st Kate Brennan, U16 Isobelle Hoban, U12 Elinda Gilligan.
The results of Ballyglass FC lotto draw held on December 30, are as follows. The numbers drawn from the drum were: 1, 14, 21 and 29 and there was no winner of the €10,400 jackpot. The match 3 numbers draw went to Michael Adams. The consolation prize winners were Joe Glynn, Jimmy Hession, Peter and Shelia Philbin, John Corrigan and Kathleen King.
Play to be in with a chance to win next the ever growing jackpot by using the link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr. The jackpot stood at €10,500 last night on January 6. Thanks to all club followers for your ongoing support.
The AGM of Ballyglass FC will be held in the clubhouse on Friday, January 10, at 8.30pm. All members are urged to attend. New members will be made most welcome.
The AGM of Ballyglass Community Council will be on Wednesday, January 22, at 8pm in the community centre. New members are always very welcome.
Joe Kelly, who sells fresh vegetables at the monthly Ballyglass markets, has organised a weekly vegetable box delivery service to Ballyglass Community Centre. He delivers boxes of fresh seasonal organic vegetables, to be picked up on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 5.30pm at the community centre. The boxes cost €20 each. If you would like to order a box of Joe’s vegetables, call him on 089 4519198.
Congratulations are extended to Ciara Loftus, Rostigue and Sean McManus who announced their engagement over Christmas. The popular couple are wished great success with their future plans.
Three new information booklets are available from the LCCA with funding support from NPWS Small Recorder Grant Scheme. Hard copies will be available able at the next LCCA public meeting on Tuesday, January 14. Interested persons can find pdf copies of all LCCA booklets on the website www.loughcarra.org.
A new single about the late Br Joseph McNally has been released from singer songwriter Barney McCabe, from his new album ‘Between the Corrib and the Mask’ and was inspired by a recent visit and a tour by the Abbey Guide Muriel Barry. Barney is from the beautiful village of Cong in Co. Mayo. There are copies of this new album available in the Abbey Gift shop.
A 25 Drive (singles hands with 16 games) has started in Carnacon Community Centre on Thursday night at 8.30pm. There is a raffle and refreshments served after the game. All card players are welcome.
Ballintubber Abbey retail outlet are fully stocked with beautiful Hawthorn Handmade Skincare Giftsets and they also stock a fantastic range of products, gits, candles, books and toys from local suppliers. The Gift Shop is open daily. Guided tours are available 7 days a week including Sundays after Mass. Monday - Friday at 12 noon and 3pm.
Contact 093 9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie. A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the gift shop. Support is greatly appreciated.
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To celebrate the 60th year of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club (1965 to 2025) a dinner dance will be held on February 15 in The Castlecourt Hotel Westport. It promises to be a historic and memorable night in the annals of the club. A huge response is anticipated and tickets will be available shortly.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €15,200 on December 29. 9, 10, 11 and 15 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Nora McHugh was the online consolation prize-winner. The weekend jackpot on January 4, stood at €15,300.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne Ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/.
CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh has extended their deepest sympathies to the Maloney family on the passing of Éilis and also to her fellow teammates at Ballinrobe LGFA.
Éilis was a talented football player and a cherished past pupil of Coláiste Muire. Éilis was known for her dedication on the football pitch when she played for the school. The thoughts and prayers of Tuar Mhic Eadaigh community are with her family, friends and teammates at this difficult time.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh’s 2010 Intermediate triumph features in the new Mayo GAA book ‘Our Finest Hour. The club’s 2010 Mayo Intermediate title win is the focus of the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh chapter. Club legends Kevin Dolan, Tommy Heneghan, Brian Naughton, Brendan Prendergast and Ciarán Walsh reflect on a famous win for the Gaeltacht club. Written by experienced GAA journalist Edwin McGreal, ‘Our Finest Hour’ is a must-read for anyone with a grá for Mayo GAA.
It is on sale in TJ O’Toole’s in Tourmakeady, Castle Books in Castlebar, Martin Murphy’s in Ballinrobe, The Bookshop (Duffy’s) and McLoughlin’s in Westport, all good bookshops and online via https://www.mayobooks.ie/Our-Finest-Hour-Edwin-McGreal... where it can be shipped anywhere in the world.
The 37th annual edition of “Waterfall” that eagerly awaited community magazine is available in local retail outlets. This is a high quality production and is tremendous value at only €10. It features a parish record of all Births, Deaths, Marriages, Retirements and Graduations. The activities of local sporting organisations, GAA, soccer, Community Games, and swimming are comprehensively covered. There is a superb series of interesting articles including ‘Ballinrobe to Baghdad – the many adventures of Henry Blosse Lynch, Fr Patrick Malone, friends you used to know, Ceann Scribe Baile Ghib, Páirc Ben, History of medical Services in Tourmakeady, Statistical Survey of County Mayo 1802, Féile na Locha 2024, a Geopark feature, and a Coláiste Muire article’ among many more features. There is a superb spread of community news embellished by multiple colour photographs.
The long serving editorial committee are deserving of the highest plaudits for their dedication and commitment to this highly praiseworthy annual initiative. This is the ideal ‘letter from home’ for Tourmakeady Folk around the country and across the globe.
Tá Féilire 2025 atá curtha le chéile ag Coiste Pleanála Teanga Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh ar fáil anois agus le fáil ins na áiteacha seo a leanas ó tráthnóna. The 2025 calendars compiled by Coiste Pleanála Teanga Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Tuar Mhic Éadaigh are now published and hopefully available at the following venues - O'Toole's Post Office and Shop, Máire Luke's and perhaps in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Calendars are free of charge, so when they are gone, they are gone.
Oifig an Halla was reopened on Monday, January 6. They wish everyone a Prosperous New Year and sincere thanks are extended to everyone who helped and supported the Halla activities during the past year.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme - Applications are being invited across a diverse range of initiatives with a community benefit including: events, education programmes, promotions, publications, exhibitions, development of conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational measures, maintenance measures that support conservation measures, monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects, invasive species and fire control measures, anti-littering initiatives to local environmental improvements in the area of the designated sites and other peatland areas.
Successful applicants for this year’s assistance will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project's eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 designated sites and up to €20,000 for Non-Natura 2000 peatland sites.
Further details of the scheme are available on the NPWS website: https://www.npws.ie/.../peatlands-and-natura-community... The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, January 24.
The AGM of Killawalla Community Council will be held on February 11, as the 3 year term of the current council is up. Some members are staying on and some are moving on so they are looking for some new members who would like to get involved in the community events.
There is a voting and information sheet being circulated and they will be available in the church porch to pick up and a box will be placed there for their return by January 5.
A community council is vital for the area to address any issues, make improvements and bring the community together for different events.
The death occurred pre- Christmas of (Micheál Ó hOdhráin - Rúnaí Uachtarán na hÉireann tráth), Michael Horan, Dublin, formerly Partry, Co Mayo and previously the secretary to the President of Ireland. Michael passed away on December 20, surrounded by his loving family. He is deeply mourned by his beloved wife Marie, his sons Micheál and Dara, daughters Bríd, Deirdre (Harte), Aedín (Dillon), daughters-in-law, Eleanor and Gina, sons-in-law Gary and Mike, much loved only granddaughter Libby, grandsons Conor, Seán, David, Cian, Dylan, Mark, Michael, Kevin and Carl, brothers, sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed at the Massey Bros. Funeral Home, Blackrock, on Monday, December 23, from 5 to 7pm. The removal of his remains took place on the Tuesday morning, December 24, to the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Foxrock for reception of remains at 9.45am with Requiem Mass at 10am followed by burial at Shanganagh Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
Partry Community Park is part of the Blue Tesco Token initiative. Please support this worthy cause with purchases and blue tokens at Tesco, Ballinrobe.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html. Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra.
Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €27,400 for the December 30 draw. The numbers drawn were 12, 16, 18 and bonus number: 6.
There was no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the weekly prize winners – there was no Match 3 winner. The jackpot stood at €27,600 for tonight’s January 7 draw. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/. Congratulations to Aisling Flanagan on making the panel for Mayo Senior LGFA for the 2025 season. All at Breaffy LGFA are so proud of Aisling and wish her the best of luck in 2025 season ahead.
Breaffy GAA Club walking events commence on this Tuesday, January 7, at Breaffy GAA pitch and on tomorrow night, Wednesday, January 8, at Ballyheane GAA pitch from 8 to 9pm. The programme runs for six weeks. All members of the local communities are most welcome to participate.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot is fast approaching €10,000. The jackpot stood at €9,800 on Sunday, December 29. The numbers drawn were 5, 15, 21 and 25.There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Laura O'Donnell, Eva Keane, Carmel McManamon and Jimmy and Patricia Walsh. On January 5, the jackpot stood at €9,900. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
The role of parish secretary for Balla/Belcarra is offered initially on a part time basis for 15 hours per week and will be based in Belcarra Parochial House. Reporting to the parish priest the duties will include, providing administrative service to Balla/Belcarra parish, managing parish office, maintaining computerised accounts, church rotas and weekly newsletter.
Requirements include confidentiality, computerised book keeping, computer skills including excel, publisher, word and email, and good interpersonal skills. Training will be provided - immediate start. Email letters of application with CV and referees to ballaparish@gmail.com or post to the Parochial House Balla, Co Mayo. The closing date for applications is January 15.
All monies placed in the candelabra while the Crib is in place in St Anne’s will be donated to Sr Mary O’Malley to support her missionary work in Kenya. The annual generous contribution enables Sr Mary to help many needy people.
Mayo FC is delighted to announce that they are hosting a 24 hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
The Soccerthon will be held on March 14 and 15 from 6pm-6pm. The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24hrs. Players participating must be 16 or older. Why not get your club, business, friends, family, work colleagues or even an all-star team together and support Mayo FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Click our link below to register your team’s interest. Contact mayofcsoccerthon@gmail.com for more information.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
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The death took place last week of Thomas Lynskey, Ballinamore House, Kiltimagh, and late of Knocksaxon, Balla and Manchester, UK. Thomas passed away on December 31, in his 100th year in the compassionate and loving care of the staff at Ballinamore House. Predeceased by his wife Bridie, his parents Patrick and Anne and his brothers and sisters he is deeply regretted by his daughters Johanna and Linda and their partners, Allan and Stuart and by his nieces and nephews and many friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5pm until 6.30 with removal St. Cronan’s Church, Balla. The Funeral Mass for Thomas was celebrated on last Friday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Everyone in the community is welcome to join up for Balla GAA and LGFA Healthy Club Project. Registration and blood pressure check is on this Tuesday evening, January 7, at Balla Community Centre. Those participating will walk every Tuesday night after that for 6 weeks from Balla Community Centre.
The club jackpot on Thursday, December 26, stood at €9,600 in Mannion's. The numbers drawn were13, 16, 23 and 35.There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 consolation winners were Grace Flanagan (online), Fiona Murtagh (online) and Raymond Holian (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, January 2, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €9,700. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
The latest jackpot stood at a massive €17,700 on Sunday night, January 5. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link; https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/.
Congratulations to Shane Durkan and Declan Tonra who were selected on the Mayo Football League Ryan Gallagher Photography Masters League Division 2 team of the year. The awards ceremony for the Mayo Women's Football League annual accolades night is on January 17, at The Western Hotel in Claremorris.
Huge congratulations have been extended to Damien Joyce on his ‘Henry Downes award’ for service to football. Damien has been an integral part of Manulla club for over 25 years and he is a true community man working tirelessly for Manulla FC.
His contributions to the club have never ceased. He has worked in all areas as a coach, an administrator, a committee member, an affiliate of numerous sub-committees, manager of various teams, academy leader, senior football liaison officer, groundsman, pitch facilitator, fundraiser to name a few of the roles that Damien has assisted in. There is always one standout individual in each club who ultimately dedicates their lives to the sport and dons their colours with great pride and Damien Joyce is ‘Mr Manulla’. His name will be echoed on and off the field of play for years to come as he continues to dedicate his life and inspire and instil his knowledge on to the future generations of the game.
Balla Town Park Community Walk was a feature of the New Year's Day celebrations in Balla. This year the group were celebrating 25 years since the Dawn Oak 200 Millennium Project. It is now 25 years since Balla Town Parks wrote itself in the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted in one hour by 100 people. Refreshments were served afterwards in Balla Resource Centre. Well done to all.
Balla Community Centre has a range of classes and activities suitable for the whole community. Please see Balla Community Facebook Page for all programs during the week, including sewing, knitting classes, artful minds, yoga, bridge, parent and toddler group, English classes, and drama etc. Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome.
Also hot desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further details.
The Christian Community has welcomed Theo Seamie Dunne Ginter, Ardcronan and Kayla Martina Reilly, College Woods, who were baptised recently in St Cronan's Church, Balla. Congratulations to their parents and families.
All monies placed in the candelabra while the crib is in place in St Cronin's will be donated to Sr Mary O’Malley to support her missionary work in Kenya. The annual generous contribution enables Sr Mary to help many needy people.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays. A great new service to enhance Balla Bingo has recently commenced. The Bingo bus service has pickups at Brickens, Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyglass and Mayo Abbey destined to be in Balla for Sunday Bingo at 7.40pm. Call 087 1850860 or 094 93 65846 to reserve your seat.
Balla Active Age is holding their AGM on Friday, January 24 at 3pm in Balla Community Centre. All are very welcome to attend.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 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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Congratulations to Bridie Hopkins (nee Feeney), Newtown, who celebrated her 90th birthday on December 27. Bridie celebrated the joyous occasion with her family and friends. She is wished many more years of health and happiness.
Card results for Friday, December 20 were; 1st, Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn, 2nd Michael Giblin and Finian Bourke and 3rd Gay Conway and Majella Corbett. The last ten winners were Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons. Best wishes for the New Year to all Clogher card players and the community.
Clogher Active Age Group is taking a seasonal break until January 15.
Errew Centre is to host another Sage Wellbeing Breathwork course. It will be starting this evening Tuesday, January 7, from 7 to 8pm. Begin the New Year exploring wellness with sisters, mothers, daughters, friends and neighbours. Contact Carmel at 087 6972726 to book your place. Limited numbers are available.
Errew Community Centre has been chosen for the current round of the blue token Castlebar Tesco Ireland Community Fund. All local folks and supporters of the new Errew Centre project are requested to use the store to vote for the centre with their tokens. The slot will be available to Errew until the end of January.
A Re-turn Bin is now located at Errew Community Centre for all cans and plastic bottles with the Re-turn Logo only.
Please support the community centre by using this recycling facility.
