Local Notes: Tom is recognised for his service to Claremorris FC
Members of Claremorris Soccer Club making a presentation to Tom O’Dea to mark his outstanding service to the club, from left: Rory Walsh, Tony Gleeson, Tom O’Dea, Noel Daniels and Vinny O’Loughlin.
Claremorris Soccer Club made a presentation to Tom O’Dea at half time in their men’s junior side’s recent win over Crossmolina.
The presentation was in recognition of Tom's many years of service and dedication as a volunteer and coach with the club.
Tom held a number of roles and was always generous with his time. He began his involvement as a coach of boys’ teams in 2006-'07 and also coached one of the first girls’ teams in the club at that time.
In 2010, while continuing to coach, Tom joined the committee and spent nine years as club secretary before stepping down, leaving a strong legacy.
Tom built a great rapport with local businesses who continue to provide support. He also had a great relationship with other clubs within the region and is still very well thought of within the game. Tom has been, and still is, one of the main supporters of the 50/50 initiative and is responsible for recruiting many of the current volunteers, and is always on hand to help out where needed.
The presentation was made by another great club servant, Tony Gleeson, with committee members in attendance.
The 50/50 runs weekly and is a main source of fundraising for the club. The club recently announced a sponsorship scheme where businesses are invited to display an advertising sign at Concannon Park and there has been a great response to date. The good news is that there are some spaces remaining. The signs are visible at matches and to those passing by the ground (which is on the N60 Castlebar to Roscommon road) and are captured in action photographs from the club’s games, which frequently appear in local newspapers and on social media.
Congratulations are extended to Yasmin Grace-Kemp who married Kevin Byrne in St Colman’s Church on Friday, August 23rd.
Yasmin, who now lives in Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon, is from Án Clár. Yasmin’s new husband, Kevin is a native of Knockcroghery.
The couple celebrated with family and friends afterwards at Breaffy House Hotel.
Yasmin is the Meeting and Events Coordinator at the Athlone Sheraton Hotel. The couple are wished a great life together.
Claremorris National School opened its doors for the first time this week.
The new, co-educational school, is the result of the amalgamation of Mhuire gan Smál and the Boys National School. The school will be spread across the two existing facilities.
The Mhuire gan Smál facility will be known as the Convent Campus, while the Boys School will now be known as the Kilcolman Campus. The Convent Campus will cater for the classes up to fourth, with fifth and sixth classes attending the Kilcolman Campus.
Ms Grace Burke, who has been teaching in Claremorris since 2020, is the principal of the new school. Ms Burke previously was principal in Scoil Íde, Corbally, Co Limerick.
Claremorris Musical Society, renowned for its outstanding productions, has announced auditions for next year’s show,
Following on from the tremendous success of last year’s , which saw Nicole Scott being awarded runner-up in the Best Comedienne category at the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards, the society members are excited to return to the stage with their 18th production.
Auditions will take place on Sunday, September 15th, in the Dalton Inn. The highly anticipated auditions have already generated significant interest, and the Society is eager to bring this delightfully macabre musical to life.
musical is an absolute comedic delight that follows the quirky and mysterious family of the same name, as they face an unexpected challenge: their dark and deadpan daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a "normal" young man! When his family comes to meet the Addams family for dinner, the evening spirals into a whirlwind of secrets, surprises, and hilariously dark humour.
At the heart of the story are Morticia and Gomez Addams, who must navigate their daughter's new romance while keeping their own passionate relationship intact. This story revolves around the power of love. Heart-warming moments ensue, all set to a vibrant and catchy score.
Audiences can expect the award-winning Claremorris Musical Society’s signature touch with this production, featuring great music, fabulous sets, and stunning costumes. The production will be guided by the exceptionally talented team of director Donna Ruane, musical director Deirdre Lee, and choreographer Jay Molyneux. The team is highly enthusiastic about the upcoming auditions and is excited to begin the creative journey with a talented cast.
Spaces for auditions are limited and registration is essential. Interested performers are asked to book their slots as soon as possible. To secure an audition time, you need to contact claremorrismusicalsoc@gmail.com or click the link on Claremorris Musical Society's social media platforms. takes to the stage at the end of January.
The community was saddened to hear of the passing of Eamonn Balfe of Ardkeen Village, Waterford and formerly of Claremorris.
Eamonn died peacefully on August 21st after a long and full life. He was predeceased by his daughter Bern and brother Seán.
Eamonn will be missed by his wife Áine, children Mary, Anne, Tricia, Carmel, John and Nora, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, sisters, Maura, Ethel, Anne and Noreen, brother Liam, partners and extended family, neighbours and friends.
Eamonn’s funeral Mass was held in St Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Condolences are offered to Noel Riordan and Colette Balfe on the peaceful passing of their brother Patrick James, known as PJ, on August 22nd at the Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
PJ, who lived in Malahide, was predeceased by his wife Maura and sister Mary. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Grainne and Delia, son Donal, son-in-law Dave, daughter-in-law Fiona, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters Ann and Colette, brother Noel, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and neighbours.
PJ was in his 86th year and was buried on Tourmakeady after Funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church.
May he rest in peace.
Claremorris Colts Minis Rugby is starting back on September 14th and running every Saturday at the Convent Pitch from 10am to 11.15am.
The rugby is for age grades Under 6 (born 2019,) Under 7 (2018), Under 8 (2017), Under 9 (2016), Under 10 (2015), Under 11 (2014) and Under 12 (2013).
People are asked to park their vehicles at the school carpark and are reminded that gum shields must be worn (by the children!).
Full details are available from Will on 087-9351624.
Olive Gilligan was last week’s winner of the GAA 50/50 draw. Olive won €1,000 in the draw which was held in the family premises – Gilligan's Bar.
Claremorris Golf Club faced a tough challenge last week in the third round of the Connacht Shield against Ballinasloe.
The first away pairing, Connor O’Brien and Connor McLoughlin, but found themselves five down by the 9th hole, eventually concluding their match on the 13th with a 6 and 5 loss.
The second away pairing, John Haverty and John Finn, had a more favourable outcome. They secured a solid victory on the 15th, winning 4 and 3.
At home, the first pairing, Dermot Costello and Luke Gibbons - who was making his club debut this year - played a steady game, tying the overall score at 1½ each. The second home pairing, Derek Reilly and Shane McDonagh (also making his debut), were two down at the 15th but still managed to win the hole.
The match came down to Connor O’Brien and Connor McLoughlin, who went to the 19th hole under immense pressure. Their composure shone through, and Connor O’Brien secured the victory with a clutch five-foot putt, sending Claremorris into the quarter-finals.
It was a fine performance against a strong Ballinasloe team and the club now looks forward to the quarter-finals against Dunmore.
The inaugural Kyle Pilbrow Memorial GAA Cup will take place on this Friday, September 6th, at 7pm in Garrymore.
This is an Under-16 tournament and will feature teams from Carras, Claremorris, Hollymount/Carramore and Gaeil na Dáibhéadaí which is an amalgamation of Mayo Gaels and Davitts.
The Cup is named after 13-year-old Kyle, who was a first-year student at St Colman’s College and loved sports. He will always be remembered for his lovely personality, his friendly smile and his pleasant demeanour.
The late Margaret Walsh
Condolences are extended to the Walsh and Ruane families on the passing of Margaret Walsh (nee Ruane), of Mace Middle, Barnacarroll.
Margaret died peacefully at the Dalton Nursing Home following a short illness, surrounded by her family.
She was predeceased by her husband Patrick and is survived by her sons Edward, Kenneth, Nicholas and Kevin, daughter Patricia, daughters-in-law Carmel, Margaret and Eimear, son-in-law Gerard, eight grandchildren, one great-grandson, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Margaret was laid to rest on Thursday, August 29th, at Barnacarroll Cemetery after Requiem Mass in the Church of Our Lady.
May she rest in peace.
Basket Making, Tai Chi and Felting classes have been announced for Curám, Claremorris.
The Basket Making Class will be presented by Tom Delaney, from 'Ould Crafty', and will be held over four Monday evenings, September 23rd and 30th and October 7th and 21st from 7pm to 9.30pm. The class promises to be a fun-filled and very enjoyable experience for all, and each participant will complete a traditional handmade basket from willow. The fee for the course is €60, which includes materials.
The Tai Chi class commences on Tuesday September 17th from 10 to 11am. Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise where participants perform a series of deliberate, flowing motions while focusing on deep, slow breaths.
According to Curam, Tai Chi is beneficial for overall muscle strength, joint health, flexibility, and improves balance and coordination. The cost for the course is €60.
Morning and evening options are on offer for the felting class. The Monday morning classes will be on September 23rd, 30th and October 7th from 10.30am and to 12.30pm. The Thursday evening classes will run form 7 to 9pm on September 19th and 26th and October 3rd.
Felting is very tactile work. It stimulates creativity and imagination in participants, and is an enjoyable and relaxing class. Full details and booking (which is essential) for all classes in by telephoning Curam on 094-9362096.
