Local notes: St Louis, Kiltimagh senior ladies through to Connacht final
St Louis senior ladies Gaelic team who are through to the Connacht final on January 17.
It was with a deep sense of sadness that the local community learned of the death of Kevin Foley, Cordarragh, Kiltimagh, which took place peacefully on Monday, December 11. Predeceased by his parents Michael and May, brother Michael and sisters Mary Teresa, Eileen and Marcia, Kevin was the beloved husband of Hilary and loving father of Marina, Lucy, Kevin and Mary, brother of Sr Lucille, Gerry, Frank and Pat who will sadly miss him in the times ahead. He will be also sadly missed by in-laws and partners, Fiona, Graham, Gemma and Paul, his grandchildren Darragh, Zara, Dylan, Max, Kyle and Ali and great grandchildren Kayden and Kai, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Kevin was a highly respected member of the community and was a good neighbour and friend to many. He was well known in the motor trade having worked in Cleary’s garage for many years where he was always helpful and courteous to those he came in contact with. He will be missed not only by his family but by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him over the years. May he rest in peace.
Reposing was in O’Hora’s Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, December 13, with funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family the following day after which burial took place in Kilkinure Cemetery. Sympathy is extended to the bereaved family.
Congratulations to Padraic Ivers and his partner Monika Rutkowska on the recent opening of their new coffee shop in Kiltimagh. Postbox Coffee is a welcome addition to Main St and it’s wonderful to see a new business opening up when so many others are closing their doors. The shop, originally the Kiltimagh Post Office, has had a complete makeover and decorated to the highest standard; it features some beautiful artwork as well as some features familiar to locals from the old Post Office era. But most importantly they are serving some delicious coffees, teas, cakes and lots more treats for you to enjoy.
Padraic, who is son of Eugene and Ann Ivers, and Monika are wished the best of luck with their new venture.
The Church of the Holy Family was full to capacity for the Christmas Carol Service held there last Monday evening. Fr Michael Quinn welcomed everyone and said it was wonderful to be back again for this lovely service after a lapse of four years.
The evening began with the parish choir singing Adeste Fidelis and then it was time for Fr Michael to bless the Christmas tree and Ciaran Moore, the youngest pupil at St Aidan’s NS, to switch on the lights on the tree. Next up was the Junior Infants’ choir from St Aidan’s NS with a lovely rendition of Shepherd’s Song, Three Wise Men and Away in a Manager.
The St Louis CS Traditional Group gave a fine performance of Joy to the World, Polka, Fairytale of New York ending with a lively selection of reels. The parish choir gave a beautiful rendition of Silent Night and this was followed by the St Aidan’s choir from the 3rd to 6th class who sang Let There be Peace on Earth and Somewhere in My Memory.
Then the Cill Aodain Choral Society gave their usual fine performance of Noel Noel and Glow, after which the 2nd class from St Aidan’s NS gave a great presentation of their ‘Peace on Earth’ Nativity Play, with signing (ISL) that got a rousing reception from the congregation. The beautiful and meaningful service concluded with the parish choir, together with all the other choirs and the congregation, singing Joy to the World.
Fr Michael thanked all who participated as well as those who had everyone so well prepared for what was a lovely celebration in the run up to Christmas Day.
The winners of the first prize at the 25 Drive held in Kiltimagh on Thursday night, December 14, were Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell, sharing the second and third prizes were Michael Costello and Michael Carney and Patsy and Tom Flatley. Last 10 prize shared by Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle and Alo Langan and Aidan Lydon, spot winners were Paddy Carney and James Walsh and winners in the raffle were Patsy Flatley, Aidan Lydon, John Walsh and Michael Carney. The game is held in the parish centre every Thursday night and will continue on December 28, and into 2024 commencing on January, 4, (weather permitting).
The 10th Mayo Scouts are having a walk on December 30 starting off from the GAA Park at 10am. This a challenging but rewarding 13.5km hike up around Sliabh Cairn and back. En route there will be tea/coffee and a treat for everyone. Cost is €5 or a donation of your choice to 10th Mayo Scouts on the day. It is advised to wear good hiking shoes/boots, waterproofs and warm clothes. The hike is being organised by Kiltimagh Scouts Youth members.
The Tractor Run which was cancelled on Sunday, December 17, took place on the following Saturday evening and drew a large crowd of onlookers to the town. The decorated tractors sporting flags, tinsel and plenty of coloured lights added a welcome sparkle on a cold December evening. Well done to everyone who put in the time and effort to have their vehicles looking their best for this annual event.
The Knock Shrine Bereavement Support Group meet every Wednesday at 11am at the Family Centre, Knock. Following a family bereavement you can feel very lonely. Sometimes spending time with others who know the experience can be helpful. All are welcome. Further information is available from Monica Morley 094 9375320.
Congratulations to Rita Quinn, c/o Paul O’Shea. Park Rd, Kiltimagh, who scooped the GAA club’s big jackpot of €743 at the draw held in Langan’s Bar on Saturday night, December 16. Envelopes for the draw are on sale in most local outlets at €2 each or three for €5; you can also play online at https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KiltimaghGAA/. Thanks to everyone for supporting the draw over the last twelve months and hope they will continue to do so in the new year.
The December Mayo Poker monthly freezeout in the Cill Aodain Court Hotel on Saturday, December 9, saw thirty three entries create a prizepool of almost €3,000. Local man Paul Walsh divided first and second prizes with Mark Fox after a heads up deal. Nuala Nolan was third, Manuel Mizzi in fourth and fifth placed Nicky Cunnane were the other prizewinners. There will be no game in January but it is hoped to have the first one of the new year in early February.
Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals’ Christmas draw which will be held in Ryan’s Bar on Friday night next, December 29. There are some fantastic prizes to be won and tickets are just €5 or get a book of three or €10. Tickets are on sale from committee members, local outlets and also available on line. Prizes on offer are 1st €1,000 cash; 2nd two tickets to Sister Act plus overnight stay and evening meal; 3rd Publicans Hamper to the value of €400; 4th two nights B/B plus dinner on one evening at the Mill Park Hotel, Donegal value €400; 5th local voucher bundle value €300, 6th two tickets to 6 Nations Rugby match, plus many more prizes to be won. If you’re not in you can’t win!
Pieta House provides a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed. The contact number for Pieta House, Bishop St, Tuam is 093 25586 or you can email mary@ pieta.ie for a professional one to one theraputic session.
St Louis Community School TY students have their 2024 calendar now on sale, it is available from the local shops for €5. All profits will be divided between St Vincent de Paul, Trocaire and Donal Walsh–Live Life Foundation.
Paul Stafford the volunteer support officer for ALONE is urgently looking for volunteers in Mayo and its surrounding areas for older people who need befriending for up to one hour per week and/or telephone support for up to 2 hours per week. The befriending program is designed to help older people combat loneliness and isolation. They now need your help more than ever. If this is something that interests you, then contact Paul on 086 0135043 or email paul.stafford@alone.ie.
If anyone in the parish would like to receive their silver or gold pioneer pin or become a member of the Achonry Pioneer Association, email achonrypioneers@gmail.com or contact Thomas at 087 2344338 before December 31, 2023.
