Local Notes: South Mayo community pays tribute to Fr Mike

Culture Night in Ballinrobe; Gardening Club; charity football match; big GAA ties
Local Notes: South Mayo community pays tribute to Fr Mike

Fr Mike Murphy, parish priest of Roundfort, Robeen and Carras, is pictured on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ordination with his mother Delia, and the Roundfort Church bicentennial organising committee. Picture: Trish Forde

Culture Night

Ballinrobe’s Culture Night celebrations will take place on Friday, September 18, from 7 to 9pm at Ballinrobe Racecourse. 

An array of events are planned and a large attendance is anticipated. Free shuttle buses to the event will depart Main Street at 6.45pm and 7pm. For further details and information, you are asked to contact Mary at 087-2859973. 

The organisers would love to see all cultures participating and this could be with food, music or dance. Those interested in participating in Culture Night or who require further details call to the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Main Street, Ballinrobe or phone 094-9542908. 

Alice and the Rabbit in Ballinrobe

An art and placemaking workshop entitled ‘Alice and the Rabbit in Ballinrobe’ for children aged 6-11 will take place on Saturday, September 19 and Saturday, September 26 from 4pm to 5.30pm (both days). 

The workshop, organised by Noreen Lydon, will take place in Slí Nua Studio (former Ulster Bank), Glebe Street. Parents wishing to register their children are asked to email nexus@slinua.org.

Gardening Club

The gardening club meets every Wednesday, from 11am to 12.30pm in the Parish Centre. Those attending can expect a relaxed and friendly morning of gardening, and a cup of tea/coffee. The cost to take part is €3. Contact Monica on 087-4111343. 

Tacú Centre 50/50 draw

Mary Gibbons was the winner of €106 in last week’s 50/50 draw conducted by the Tacú Family Resource Centre.

Kids Pottery classes

Pottery classes for kids take place in the Tacú Centre every Friday from 4 to 5.30pm and Saturday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. Parents who would like to register their children should contact Amanda on 087-0698026.

Children’s art classes

Children’s art classes will recommence in the Tacú Centre on September 17. For bookings or for further details contact Aine on 087-3149690.

Charity Football Match

The Neale GAA Club in conjunction with the Tacú Family Resource Centre, Ballinrobe, are hosting a charity football match in Cong on Saturday, September 26, at 6pm, to help raise funds for low-cost counselling services in the local area.

A raffle will take place after the game and some of the prizes include: dinner for two at Ashford Castle; dinner for two at Wilde's at The Lodge at Ashford; golfing for four at Ashford courtesy of Niall Rochford; a fantastic food hamper, sponsored by O’Malley Food Distribution, Cross. 

Lines cost €5 each or three for €10. For further information, contact 087-2859973. 

Intermediate Football Championship

Next Saturday, September 19, Ballinrobe will face a stern test away to Ardnaree Sarsfields in the quarterfinal of the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship. This match will take place in Ardnaree and will throw in at 4.30pm. Your support for the maroon and yellow would be appreciated.

Ballinrobe Town AFC U21 team

A new U21 men’s winter league is set to commence next month and Ballinrobe Town is currently recruiting players to form a strong competitive squad. Training will commence soon and players wishing to join can contact 087-1478954.

Garrymore GAA lotto

There was no winner of the €5,900 lotto jackpot draw on Sunday, September 6 in Garrymore GAA Club. The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 10 and 26. The €50 winners were Tony Corcoran, Annfield; James Hegarty, c/o Country Club, Hollybrook, and Charlene Maloney, c/o Country Club, Hollybrook.

Rugby Club membership

Ballinrobe Rugby Club membership is now open for the 2026 season. The options include: family packages; student membership; multiple players membership; and non-playing packages. Those who would like to become a member for the 2026 season can do so via the Ballinrobe Rugby Club App, or by visiting the club’s Facebook page.

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Balla/Manulla 

The late Timothy (Timmy) O’Malley

The death has taken place of Timothy (Timmy) O’Malley, Lakelands, Manulla, Castlebar. Timmy passed away peacefully in University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his loving family. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his loving family.

Manulla FC has paid a warm tribute to Timmy who was a former committee member and coach of Manulla FC for many years as well as a dear friend to many of the club’s current and past members. As a mark of respect to Timmy, the grounds at Manulla FC were closed until the Tuesday evening. 

Predeceased by his loving parents Frank and Nora O’Malley, father-in-law Richard (Dick), and mother-in-law Peggy Quinn, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary (Quinn), son David (Sophie), daughter Siobhán (Alan), grandchildren Orla, Emmy, Holly, Emma, James, and Mae, brothers Michael and Francie, sister Maureen (Crossmolina), sisters-in-law Carmel, Viv, Teresa and Ann, brothers-in-law Alan, Ray, Fintan and Gary, aunt-in-law Patsy Corley (England), nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, relatives, neighbours, and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.

Timmy’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Monday, September 7, from 5 to 7pm. His funeral cortege arrived at St Cronan’s Church, Balla on Tuesday at 12.15pm for Requiem Mass at 1pm followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. 

Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.

Derby relegation battle

The last thing either of these teams, Balla and Mayo Gaels, would have wished for was the upcoming end-of-season relegation battle between the neighbouring clubs. Both sides showed some decent form over the season and are on an upward curve. But that won’t ease the nerves on Saturday next at 6pm as they clash at the Saucer in Hollymount.

The late Frank Rumley

The death has taken place of Frank Rumley, Manulla, Castlebar. Frank passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. 

Predeceased by his loving wife Peggy, nee McLoughlin, and his parents Annie and Thomas, Frank is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by his daughter Anita, partner Frank, his son Peter, grandchildren and all his surviving relatives and friends.

His remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Sunday evening, September 6, from 5pm, with removal at 6.30pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday, September 7, in St Cronan’s Church in Balla at 11am. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. 

Dia dean trocaire ar a nAinm.

Culture Night is coming

Balla Community Centre is preparing for an evening celebrating culture, community, music, food, and togetherness to mark Culture Night on September 18.

Balla GAA notes 

Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, September 3, in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €10,900 and the numbers drawn were 2, 13, 21 and 28. 

The €30 consolation prize winners were Kenneth Moran (Standing Order), Trevor McNicholas (Online) and Mark Sheridan (Online). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, September 10, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €11,000.

Congratulations to Balla U16 boys on their splendid achievement in winning the County U16A title. It heralds a bright future for the senior club.

Manulla FC lotto

The jackpot has commenced again and stood at €1,400 on last Sunday, September 13. Manulla FC are deeply grateful for the continuing support of the community.

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