Local Notes: St Patrick leads the Thuar Mhic Eadaigh parade.
St Patrick leads the Thuar Mhic Éadaigh parade past Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. A large crowd turned out to enjoy the festive proceedings. Picture by Tom Quinn
Music lovers are invited to experience the powerful 8-part harmonies of Mayo’s acclaimed vocal group Coda, blending Irish trad, folk, and contemporary music in the breath-taking setting of Ballintubber Abbey. The event will take place on this Thursday, March 26.
The doors will be open at 7.30pm with the concert commencing at 8pm. It will be an unforgettable evening of harmony and heritage.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, March 16, in Malachy Byrnes, Mayo Abbey. The numbers drawn from the drum were 9, 12, 24 and 28. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Vinny Keane, Jimmy Murphy, Noreen and Danny Killeen, Joe Killeen and Zoe and Lucy Burke. House prizes were won by Padraic Carney and Gerry Kilgannon. The latest draw had a jackpot of €16,800 up for grabs.
Results from Monday, March 16; 1st Mary Brennan and Phillip White, 2nd Dave Gibbons and Noel Costello and 3rd Kevin Burke and Jimmy Sheridan. The best of last 10 prizes went to Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick shared with Pat Griffith and Chris Turner.
The raffle winners were, Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick. The 25 progressive card games continue every Monday night in Ballyglass Community Centre from 9pm.
Thanks to all who took part in the recent Ballyglass Community Futures household survey. The community day, which is the next step in the process, will take place on April 12 in the community centre, from 2-4pm. All are welcome to come and enjoy a fun community occasion, while also voting on which priority project you would like to see carried out.
Congratulations to the boys and girls from Mountpleasant NS who received the sacrament of Confirmation in Carnacon church on Thursday, March 12. The ceremony was performed by Fr Todd Nolan, along with Fr Michael Farragher and Deacon James McLoughlin. Special thanks to principal Mary Leydon and the school staff for preparing the children for their special day. The following children were in the Confirmation class: Seán Connolly, Cian Walsh, Finn Mulroe, Liam Gillespie, Oisín Geddes, James Clarke, Freya Burke, Amber Malone, Delia-Mai Durkan Malone, David McGuinness, Tom Staunton, Dónal McGinty, Niall Malone, Conor Malone, Layla McNeely, Evan Mulroe, Patrick Prendergast, John Boyle and John Warde.
Ballyglass Active Age group continues its popular exercise class with Sarah Keane every Tuesday morning at 11am in the community centre. After exercise class the group partakes in a cuppa and a chat. Last week, they headed to Mayo Abbey where they enjoyed good company, delicious three course lunches and a lovely day out. Thanks to all involved in the Mayo Abbey Resource centre where the hospitality and food is always wonderful. As ever, new members are always welcome to join the Active Age group.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,400 on Sunday night, March 15. 2, 11, 20 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mary Quinn, Riche McCormack, Ger Brady, David McHugh, Meadhbh Larkin and Tommy Grey. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,500 last Sunday night, March 22.
Congrats to Adam Burton who has been appointed joint vice captain on the Mayo U17 team. Their first competitive outing this season will be on Friday, March 27.
The 2026 Ballintubber registration is now open on Foireann.ie. Each member of Ballintubber GAA must login to foireann.ie and update their membership even if they are a gold patron. All players must be fully registered before taking part in training or matches. To register: Log in to - Update your details - Select your 2026 membership option and complete payment and confirm.
Gold patrons can choose the pay in club option if paying by standing order or pay annual to the club directly.
New members wishing to have full gold patron membership for 2026 cannot opt for the instalment method as they will not be fully paid before end of March and those who want to use this option will not get additional benefits until 2027.
Gold patron membership covers one adult full membership, one adult social member and 2 children 12 years and under. Additional children under 12 are extra and children over 12 have separate membership* If you have any issues, contact the club registrar Aisling on 087 6569696.
Are you interested in finding out about the rich and diverse array of wildflowers that exist within the wetlands of Lough Carra? Lough Carra Catchment Association has released an exciting new booklet, ‘Wildflowers of Lough Carra: Part Three', exploring the wetland flowers found around the lake. This booklet is supported by LAWPRO and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is available to view at: https://bit.ly/4lnBJm1.
The Multiple Sclerosis Ireland South Mayo Branch thank everyone who donated to and organised the recent church gate collection at Killawalla, Ballintubber and Carnacon Churches.
Ballintubber Cycling Club are welcoming new members of all abilities. If you are interested in joining a local club and would like to find out more come along to the open night on this Thursday night March 26, from 7.30 to 8.30pm in Ballintubber Resource Centre. The club has group cycles on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings with everyone meeting for coffee afterwards. For further information please contact Stephanie on 0872902491 or Deirdre 0876305577.
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The organisers of the Tourmakeady St Patrick’s Day Parade have extended heartfelt thanks to the community members who participated despite the wet weather and who helped make the event such a memorable occasion.
A special word of appreciation goes to St Patrick himself who leads the parade every year followed by the children and teachers from the Naíonra and National school. Thanks to all who had a float in the parade and to Pleanáil Teanga Dhúiche Sheoigheach and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh for sponsoring the prizes for the winners: 1st €150 went to Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh; 2nd €100 - Corrib Mask Search and Rescue; 3rd €50 - Marie Maloney, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh.
Thanks to the ladies who prepared the sandwiches and refreshments, and to everyone who generously donated food and home baking; the local dancers from Coleman School of Dancing who performed on stage and entertained the crowd deserve great credit; the CE and SST scheme participants for their help and a special “Thank You” to Gemma and Shane for decorating the halla inside and outside; to Pat, Tom and Philip for their help on the day and for erecting the shelter outside and to everyone who helped with the clean-up of the halla.
Events like this are only possible because of the help and support and everyone working together. Thank you again to each and every person who played a part, big or small, in making the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Tourmakeady such a success.
The death took place last week of Martin Lydon, Fortfield, Castlebar and late of Derrypark, Tourmakeady. Martin passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Abbey Breaffy Nursing Home, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family on March 15. A popular personality in his home community of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh he also had a long association with Castlebar Mitchells and Castlebar Athletic Club. Predeceased by his son Noel Patrick, parents Martin and Mary, brothers and sisters, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Theresa, sons Martin, Kevin and Sean, daughters Mary (Regan) and Helen (Nevin), brother Pete (Tourmakeady), sisters Sarah (Lydon, NYC) and Ann (Lydon, London), daughters-in-law Audrey, Vanessa and Fiona, sons-in-law Mike (Regan) and Mike (Nevin), grandchildren Sarah, James, Maeve, Claire, Kate and Dáithí, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Martin’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on last Thursday, March 19, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to his residence. Removal from his residence took place on Friday morning at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery. Go raibh leaba I measc na Naomh aige.
Currently a housing survey is being held in the Gaeltacht region. It is important that as many people as possible complete this survey so pressure can be kept on the appropriate authorities. The survey is based on Irish speakers who wish to live in the Gaeltacht.
An indoor market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will continue on the 1st Saturday of every month from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo. The next date is Saturday, April 4, from 11am to 3pm in the Halla. The market will feature a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts, to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts. For further details make contact by email to; makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, March 21, stood at €20,000. 17, 22, 26 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. You can play on line / ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/ nó sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/Máire Luke’s/Lough Mask Inn.
St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady was the scenic setting recently for the wedding of Ruth Heneghan, daughter of Tommy and Patricia Heneghan, Churchfield and Darren Kelly, Sraheen, Aughagower. After a most colourful ceremony celebrated by Fr John Kenny, the newlywed couple hosted a gala reception for their families and friends in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. They are wished good health and a long and happy married life together.
There will be a meeting of Tourmakeady Sustainable Energy Community in the Halla on this Thursday, March 26, at 7pm.
There will be contributions from Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEAI SEC mentor, Daire Doyle DC Heat Pump Services, Heat Pumps and Servicing and Oliver Killeen of Westquay Energy on Solar PV and Storage. A large attendance is anticipated.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball No.20 was drawn on Saturday, February 28. Congrats to Tom and Aisling Uí Neachtain and on Saturday March 7, No 15, Mike and Anna Stundún. Persons who are willing to support, please contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or Email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
A LCCA public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31, at 8pm in Partry Community Centre. The guest speaker will be Kate McAney of The Vincent Wildlife Trust on the topic “The Secret Life of the Lesser Horseshoe Bats and why they matter to Lough Carra and the Catchment”. There will also be updates on LCCA recent activities and news from the Lough Carra LIFE Project. Enquiries: info@loughcarra.org.
3, 16, 17 and 24 were the numbers drawn in the recent Killawalla lotto draw. There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to Abbey McCormack, Michelle Heneghan and Pauline Donnellan. The last of the old system of lotto draws took place at the weekend as Killawalla lotto will shortly enjoy a “makeover” to a 50/50 format.
Congratulations to the following pupils from 5th and 6th class in Killawalla National School who recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation in Ballintubber Abbey – Lola Towey, Lucy Carter, Niamh Corcoran, Jack Jennings, Malachy McGing, Mickey Cannon and Myles McHale. We trust they will long remember the special day.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Michael Kilcoyne and Cathal Flannelly who were recent draw winners.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Mattie Lally, Partry and James Prendergast, Tourmakeady who were recent winners. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565.
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Get your thinking caps on and join Breaffy GAA for a great night of fun, laughter and friendly competition at the Breaffy Senior Team Fundraiser quiz night. The event will take place on Friday, April 3, at 9pm in Breaffy GAA clubhouse. The modest fee is €40 per table of 4. Bring your teammates, friends or family and test your knowledge while supporting the Breaffy senior team. A brilliant social night guaranteed!
Breaffy GAA lotto results for March 17, had the numbers 5, 24, 28 and bonus number 10 drawn. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £19,800 on March 24 this current week.
The deadline for Breaffy GAA memberships registration is March 31. Membership keeps you connected to the club and plays a vital role in supporting teams, facilities, and development at all levels. Any queries contact club registrar Martina McManamon on 087 2720929.
Belcarra Community Council and begun the process of formulating a Belcarra Area Community Action Plan 2027 to 2032. The first step in this process is hearing from the community. From April 10, volunteers will be calling to homes to deliver the community survey and they will return to collect it on the 17th.
Your feedback is very important, so take the time to complete the survey and have your say in shaping the future of Belcarra. The community council are also looking to gather photos of the Belcarra area that will be included in the ‘Belcarra Area Community Action Plan’. Photos should be high quality with the focus on places rather than faces. You must also own the photos and be happy to have those used in the publication. Make contact or email photos to: belcarracommunitycouncil@gmail.com.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on March 15 were 14, 18, 19 and 24. Consolation prizewinners were Marian Barnicle, Ronan Prendergast, Michelle Conway, and Fran and J P Reilly. The weekend jackpot stood at €5,700 on Sunday last, March 22.
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.
After the success of the first night, the Big Brain of Ballyheane Table Quiz, Round 2 takes place in the Punch Bowl on next Friday night, March 27, at 9pm. The fee is €40 for a table of 4. The event is organised in support of Ballyheane FC and is the penultimate Quiz night before the winner is crowned next month in April. Please come along and support the night.
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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.
Following the drama of the recent All-Ireland Secondary Schools final in Ballyshannon, Balla school has expressed their deepest gratitude to everyone who made the historic journey possible. The team were "gallant" and "heroic", as the local and national media headlines pronounced. The 1-19 scorline would win most finals, and while two points was the margin at the end of extra time, the team’s status as history makers is secure.
The team coaches Mr O’Donnell and Mr. Phillips and staff have been thanked for their tactical guidance and fostering the great chemistry that the team clearly possesses. They didn't just build a football team; they built a group of young men, the whole school and surrounding community is proud of. To the parents and families – you are credited to have been with the boys since they first picked up a ball in Balla, Mayo Abbey, Ballintubber and the surrounding clubs. Thank you for your tremendous support; to the community- to witness and hear the cheers of the Balla supporters at Father Tierney Park was something all present will never forget. Sincere thanks to everyone who supported the Go Fund Me fundraising and special appreciation to the sponsors, both those can be named and the many who wish to remain anonymous. The team didn't bring the cup home, but they illustrated that Balla Secondary School firmly belongs on the national stage.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, March 12, in Flukies for a jackpot of €8,400. 8, 28, 29 and 34 were the numbers drawn and the €30 consolation prize winners were David Duffy (Cash Sale), Edmund Fallon (Annual) and Ciara Nestor (Online). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, March 19, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €8,500.
Balla GAA and LGFA have a fantastic night organised for the Rendezvous. Brush up on your general knowledge for a table quiz and raffle. Dance the night away afterwards at an 80s disco. It’s going to be a fantastic night so share the post and tag your friends for this Friday, March 27, at 8pm.
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team. Just 3 hours of your time once every 6 weeks can make a real difference to the community. It’s a great way to meet new people, have a bit of fun. No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today 094 9365846 or 087 1850860.
The Christian Community have welcomed its newest members; Lucy Marie Gallagher and Tara Donna Hyland. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Balla Secondary School students are only a month away from participating in the brand new annual in-house golf classic. A large number of students have signed up across all years. There will be prizes for overall first, longest drive, nearest the pin and many more prizes on the day. The trophy looks absolutely fantastic. Sign up on the school PE noticeboard before Friday, March 27.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €5,400 for last Sunday nights, March 22 draws. The club are deeply grateful to all who support the weekly lotto.
Ruaile Buaile is coming to Manulla FC to headline the 50th celebrations on Saturday, May 2. Tickets are on sale now at €25 and they are selling fast. A night not to be missed - https://www.eventbrite.com/.../marquee-in-manulla-ruaile...
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Clogher National School and the Clogher Environmental Group are working together to raise €40,000 for a modular facility that will provide a Breakfast Club, Pre-School and After-School service for local families. The project aims to create much-needed childcare and sessional places for children aged 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. It is hoped the facility will be in place for the 2026/2027 school year. Any support from local businesses or the wider community would be greatly appreciated, with all funds going directly towards the modular building.
Clogher card results for Friday, March 13, were: 1st Michael Giblin and Gus Sweeney shared with Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith and Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, 3rd Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Donnelley. The last 10 winners were Breege Blake and Mary McDonagh. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
The Clogher Community offer sincere sympathy to the Nally family, siblings and extended families on the recent sad passing of Tommie Joe. May he rest in peace.
Clogher Active Age Group is planning their outings, projects and classes for the coming year. New members are always welcome. The group meet every Wednesday morning at 11am at the Clogher Community Hall. A bus service is also available for people who might like to avail of it.
Congratulations to former Errew NS pupil Anna Joyce and all her Mayo team members on winning the recent U14 All Ireland shield final against Midlands Blue in Limerick.
On Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm, Errew Ladies Group meet up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities Contact Eileen on 087 922 7567 with any enquiries.
In Ireland today, over 45,000 people live with epilepsy. For further information, visit www.epilepsy.ie. Purple Day (or Epilepsy Awareness Day) will take place on this Thursday, March 26. Enquiries are treated with confidentiality.
