Local Notes: Sportsmanship at its best between Ballyglass FC and Glenhest players.
Sportsmanship at its very best! Ballyglass FC striker Jack Keane comes to the aid of Glenhest player Cathal Chambers who had a severe cramp problem in a recent match. Picture by Tom Quinn
The 13th International George Moore Conference will be held in the Mayo Campus of the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar running from Tuesday to Thursday, May 5 to 7. “George Moore Landscape and Memory” is the title of the three day event which will feature talks on the literary legacy of George Moore with references also to the Moore family. The International George Moore Conference will engage with the man and his writings, with particular focus on the influence of landscape and memory in his literature, and especially on the persistent influence of his Mayo roots and origin.
Many international visitors, academics and historians are expected to attend. There will be seven panel discussions, talks, poetry, music, a conference dinner and drama performances. There is a full schedule of highly attractive events over the three days organised by ATU history lecturer, Dr Fiona White and details for can be had on the ATU Website - for registration for the event see Eventbrite.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,900 on Sunday night, April 19, in the Carra Lodge. 10, 16, 17 and 21, were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Ann Cannon, Chloe Corrigan, Jim O’Toole, John Loftus, Éabha Óisin Coleman and Mary Burke King.
The lotto jackpot stood at €6,000 last Sunday night, April 26. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, April 20, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 3, 19, 31 and 36. Tony Corbett matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winners were Pat Igoe, Gary Browne, Ann-Marie Keane, Rose Doherty and Catherine Burke. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,300 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display. Congrats to the U17 boys for a strong performance on which saw them secure a 2-1 win against Ballina Town B in Michael Keaveney Park.
Winners from Monday, April 20: 1st Gus and Mattie Sweeney, 2nd Noel Costello and Dave Gibbons shared with Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings and 3rd Richard and Maar Carney. The best of last 10 prizes went to Pat Griffith and Chris Turner and the raffle winners were, Mattie Sweeney and Gus Sweeney. Congrats to all the winners and thank you for your continued support.
The Ballyglass Community Futures team thank the large number of householders who came out on Sunday, April 12, to vote for the projects they would most like to see carried out in the area. As part of the Community Futures Action Plan renewal process, this important stage determines what improvements will be planned for the next 5 years. The community centre was busy for the 2 hour voting window, with lots of community businesses and groups giving information on what they do. The steering committee of Nora Conroy, Breege Jennings, Danny O’Toole, Mike Bonar, Patricia Nestor and Leona Nestor were aided by Geraldine Leneghan and Marie Reilly Davey from Mayo Co. Council Community Futures Programme. The action plan will be launched in June and then the work begins in earnest. Special thanks to the pupils from Mountpleasant NS for their imaginative drawings of Ballyglass in 30 years, to the ladies who helped with refreshments and to Paddy and Mike on traffic control.
Congratulations are extended to Liam Cannon and Laura Taaffe, who were married on last Saturday, April 25, in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber. They are wished health and happiness down all the days of their married lives.
The Christian Community in the parish welcomes its newest member Mollie Jane Munnelly, baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, April 25. Congratulations to her parents and the families.
Ballintubber Community Council in connection with the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark will host a celebration for the ratification of Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project, on May 2 in the Scoibal, from 2pm. Join all for a cuppa and a treat.
Ballintubber Community Council Spring clean-up event will take place on Saturday, May 2. Participants will meet at 11am at the Abbey, carpark B.
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The death has taken place of James (Jamsey) Heneghan, Shangorth, Srah, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. James passed away suddenly, on April 15, surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Mary and his siblings Maureen (Martin) Staunton, Chicago, Bridie (Jackie) Godley, Kerry, Tommy and Michael, James is deeply regretted by his wife Maryann, his family, James, Liam, Rita (Conroy) and Maureen (Halpin), daughters-in-law Kathy and Sandra, sons-in-law Ruairi and Colin, sister Nancy Maguire, grandchildren Grace, Cathriona, Seamus, Colm, Aidan, Ben, Emma, Hannah and Rose, sister-in-law Nora Heneghan, brother-in-law P.J. Maguire, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and his many friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
His remains reposed at Tourmakeady Community Centre on the Saturday evening from 6 to 8pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady on Sunday at 11.30 am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
The newly developed Tourmakeady Ambush Memorial will be officially unveiled at Srah Bridge, Tourmakeady, on Sunday, May 3 at 6pm.
The unveiling will be carried out by Mr Tom McGuire, son of the late Commandant Tom McGuire, and Mr Stephen O’Brien, nephew of the late Michael O’Brien, who was killed during the ambush. A wreath-laying ceremony will take place and the Last Post will be played. The three men who lost their lives - Michael O’Brien, Padraig Feeney, and Tom Horan will also be honoured with the unveiling of commemorative benches at the site.
Following the ceremony, the event will continue at Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Noted historian Sinéad McCoole will deliver a talk on the role of women in the struggle for Independence. In addition, the grandson of local man Tom Lally from Srah-Ultan Lally will launch his book, The Ambushes at Kilfaul and Tourmakeady called The Tan War in Ballyovey Partry/Tourmakeady, South Mayo.
The evening will conclude with tea and refreshments. All are warmly invited to attend, especially the families and communities connected to the IRA volunteers.
Due to delays in the construction of the memorial, costs have increased. The committee would greatly appreciate any donations to help cover these additional expenses. Contributions can be made via the GoFundMe page on Ambush website www.cltme.ie or by donating on the day to any member of the committee.
The organising committee are proud to present this fitting tribute to the brave volunteers and Cumann na mBan members of 1921.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark were scheduled to officially receive its UNESCO Global Geopark accolade on last Thursday, April 23 at the UNESCO Executive Board meeting in Paris. The decision was announced last September after a UNESCO Global Geopark council meeting in Chile and has now been ratified. That means that the region can be called a UNESCO Global Geopark and use the UNESCO logo as well.
Each of the score approx. of communities involved in this project has their own unique heritage – there is a rich and abundant folklore, tradition and legend. The countryside is also dotted with the ruins of once majestic Castles and great Houses, lakes and a varying landscape of huge world-wide geological interest.
The importance of the application has increased dramatically among the communities with a reinvigorated interest in the natural landscape, terrain and abundance of wildlife. Geopark status represents a great opportunity to revitalise the rural villages and small towns and further enhance the local economy. The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geo Park project has a huge role to play in this region in that regard in the decade ahead. Comhghairdeas mór and warm congratulations are extended to the hard working staff and the visionary organisers who sterling efforts over the years for Geopark status has been duly rewarded. A series of events in the Geopark region has been organised this coming weekend to celebrate this historic announcement. All are welcome to attend.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, April 18, stood at €20,000. 2, 9.17 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. Tourmakeady U11s recently enjoyed a great day in Croke Park. Thanks have been extended to all who helped and made the trip so successful.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Ann Barker, Goirtinmore, Tourmakeady on the recent passing of her sister, Kathleen Smile in England. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Congratulations to Emma Kearns, daughter of Eileen and Sean Kearns, Carheen, Tourmakeady who recently celebrated her 21st birthday. She is wished many more such joyous occasions in the years ahead.
St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady was the scenic setting recently for the wedding of Lisa Mary Anne Callaghan, daughter of Sean and Sinead Callaghan and Mathew Patrick Fiszer Dalton, son of Peter and Lucyna Dalton. After a most moving and colourful Ceremony conducted by Fr Jarlath Heraty, the newlywed couple hosted a gala wedding reception for their families and friends in Breaffy House Resort. The couple are wished great joy and happiness down all the days of their married lives.
The next Makers Market will be in Tourmakeady Halla on Saturday, May 2. The event will run from 11am to 3pm and all are welcome.
An Art Exhibition' Landscape and Memory - The Moore’s of Moore Hall' will be launched at 6pm on Thursday, May 7, in Westport Town Hall. The theme of this exhibition is 'Landscape and Memory.' The subject matter is the Moore Family and Moore Hall. The exhibition coincides with the 13th International George Moore Conference taking place in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Castlebar from Tuesday, May 5, to Thursday, May 7. The conference has been organised by ATU in conjunction with the George Moore Association.
The art exhibition is a very exciting joint venture between WestInk, the Wright Group and Deirdre Walsh of Partry. It promises to be a top class exhibition in various media celebrating the Moore’s and Moore Hall in its historical and geographical context in Co Mayo.
Congratulations to Seamus Burke who won the gold medal in the All-Ireland U18 1500 metres in Athlone. Seamus ran a brilliant personal best of 4:04 to claim victory. Absolutely everyone in Partry Athletic is delighted for Seamus. Seamus runs for local Lake-District Athletic Club.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Philip and Caroline Staunton and Michael McAlpine who were recent €100 draw winners. Congratulations to Partry U11 girls who played Ballinrobe recently with Partry winning 1-0. The goal was set up by Emma Lydon and scored by Katie Staunton. Well done to both sets of teams for a great match.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to John Lally and Jim and Kathy O’Neill who were recent winners of €100 on number 21. improvements.
Killawalla Community Council has extended thanks to everyone who took part in the litter pick again this year. The weather wasn’t very favourable but the amount of rubbish picked up by everyone was substantial. The council will pick it up this week.
All are invited to join the sunrise walk on May 9, at 4.15am. This year the chosen charity is Pieta House - Ending Suicide - Beginning Hope. Participants are requested to meet at Killawalla Community Centre Bring and Hi-Viz and a head torch. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the centre. Donations can given on the day and for anyone who cannot make the walk see the link below so you can donate online. https://www.idonate.ie/fund.../killawallacommunitycouncilgm1.
Congratulations to John Carter who completed the Paris marathon on a recent weekend with over 55,000 others. What a fantastic achievement.
Killawalla Community Council has launched a super new 50/50 lotto fortnightly draw. The first draw will take place on Sunday, May 3 and there will be a guaranteed winner every two weeks thereafter. Online and annual tickets are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. All who enter before May 2 will be entered in a special draw with a prize fund in excess of €1,000.
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The death occurred last week of Patsy Corley, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo and formerly of Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Patsy passed away peacefully, at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family on April 17. Predeceased by his brothers Tommy, Martin, Jimmy and Hugh, he is deeply regretted by his wife Margaret (Staunton); daughters Sarah, Katie and his son Patrick; his adored granddaughters Lily Mae, Emma and Ayla; son-in-law David; daughter-in-law Linda; his brothers Sean and Oliver (Dublin); nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
There was a large attendance present as his remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on the Sunday evening from 5 to 7pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday at 12 noon in St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Ballintubber cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for April 21, had the numbers 9, 14, 18 and bonus number 9 drawn. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £20,300 on April 28 this Tuesday night.
The death has occurred of Maureen Hoban (nee Fadden), Aughaluskey, Castlebar and formerly of Hollyhill, Castlebar. Maureen passed away peacefully at her home and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her family and many friends. Predeceased by her husband Jimmy, brothers Liam, Fr Michael, Jack and Danny and her sister Bridie Kilcullen, she is deeply regretted by her family Bríd Hubert (France, Patrick), Sharon Williams (Killarney, Enda), Ruth (Castlebar), Mona Sors (France, Henri), Valerie O Dwyer (Birmingham, David) and Barry (Castlebar), brothers Patsy (Castlebar, Anna), Eddie (Newport), and Tom (Hollyhill, Yvonne), grandchildren Rory, Pierce, Finn and Juliette, brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences ate tendered.
Maureen’s remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on Tuesday from 5.30pm until 7pm. Her funeral arrived at St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane on the Wednesday morning at 11.30 for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards to Ballyheane cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, April 19, were 6, 11, 13 and 29. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The consolation prizewinners were Therese O'Malley, Claire Cuffe, Adrian Ward and Margaret Gavin. The weekend jackpot stood at €6,200 on April 26.
The Annual Belcarra 8km Fun Run will take place on Sunday, June 28. It is always a great event for all the family and the local community.
The annual Ballyheane Goes Country music festival kicks off from June 5 to June 7. There is a top line-up with on all three nights with Michael English and Andy Feery getting the festival underway on the Friday night. Derek Ryan and Olivia Douglas are the top attractions on the Saturday night followed by the High Kings and the super-talented Milo and Vinny on the Sunday night. Tickets which are sure to be in brisk demand are available from the Ballyheane Goes Country Festival Website or from The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane.
National Epilepsy Week 2026 takes place from May 18 to 25. For further information, visit www.epilepsy.ie/ content/national-epilepsy-week -2026-epilepsyweek.
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The death occurred last week of Seamus Derrig, Barnagreggaun, Mayo Abbey, Co Mayo. Seamus passed away peacefully, at Ballinamore Nursing Home. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and also to the wider community who held him in the highest regard. Predeceased by his parents Theady and Margaret, brothers Tommy and Seán, and grandson Thomas Connolly, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Teresa, daughter Loretta Connolly sons James, Paul, Fintan, grandchildren and extended family to whom sincere condolences ate tendered.
His remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home, Balla on Wednesday, April 22 from 5-7pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla on Thursday morning at 11.30am with funeral ceremonies taking place in the local cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, April 16, in Flukies for a jackpot of €8,900. 3, 6, 26 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Lisa Corish (online), Liam Flanagan (online) and Jamie Skeffington (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, April 23, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €9,000.
Manulla FC Lotto stood at €5, 900 on Sunday, April 26 for the weekly draw.
Manulla FC is counting down the days to the 50th Anniversary weekend on the May Bank Holiday weekend. The club are delighted to announce that they will have an action packed weekend with something for everyone. Tickets are on sale for the disco on Friday night with iRadio's Sharron Lynskey and the headline show on Saturday with Ruaile Buaile. It will be a weekend to remember, get your tickets through any club member, or on Eventbrite (links in bio) while they are still available and join the community in celebrating the fantastic achievement of 50 years of Manulla FC.
Balla Classic and Vintage Show 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 10, at Balla Mart Grounds, Balla, Co. Mayo. It will be a fantastic day celebrating classic, vintage, and modified vehicles. There will be cars, tractors, motorcycles, auto jumble, food stalls and family-friendly fun and entertainment. All proceeds go to local charities. It is an opportunity to support the community while enjoying a brilliant day out.
A most beautiful creation – a magnificent patchwork quilt was designed and made by Josie and the very talented ladies in Balla sewing class. It will be raffled off in the coming weeks, with all proceeds going to two very worthy charities: Laura Lynn Ireland's Children’s Hospice and the Balla Sensory Room. This special raffle is held in memory of Josie’s dear friend, Rebecca Brennan. Thank you for supporting these important causes and helping to make a difference. Tickets are a modest €2 each or 3 for €5.
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In conjunction with Mayo Co Council and as part of Mayo Day there will be a Come Home to Clogher for the Mayo Day Heritage Event at the Clogher Heritage Complex, Newtown (F12 PF99) on Saturday, May 2. Activities which will include traditional crafts, stalls, music and dance and refreshments will commence at 10 am and continue throughout the day with something for young and old. The day will round off with a traditional music session.
The results of the card game played on Friday, April 17, were 1st Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion, 2nd Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith shared with Eileen Donnelly and Gus Sweeney. The last 10 winners were Breege Blake and Michael Giblin.
Huge thanks to everyone who took part in the community An Taisce - National Spring Clean last week in picking up litter between Frenchill-Errew-Ringarraun. The collective effort from many made a big difference and is much appreciated. Special thanks to Errew NS pupils and staff for helping out the community and creating a sense of pride of place. Thanks especially goes to Ann Kilcoyne and her support quad bike for picking up all the heavy bags of litter and bringing them back to the centre. Thanks also to Mayo County Council for the litter grabbers, bags, gloves and bag collection.
Errew NS is currently enrolling for 2026/27. Please contact the school secretary via email for more details- office@errewns.com or check out the school Instagram page.
