Local Notes: 'Twin Islands' on Lough Carra captured in all their glory
The 'Twin Islands' on Lough Carra nestling among the magnificent multi-coloured waters unique to the famous lake. Picture: Tom Quinn
Carnacon Community Development Association is currently in the process of electing a new committee. Ballot papers will be delivered to each household in a number of areas and collected by Friday, July 24th.
Please nominate two people from your area - one male and one female and not from the same household.
The Development Association has achieved great things in the community since its inception in the early 1980s and all residents are urged to participate and ensure continued success on many fronts.
Get into the buzz at Mayo Day in Carnacon Community Centre on next Friday, July 24th, from 3pm. There is free admission and an afternoon packed with fun, bouncy castle, face painting, balloon making etc. There will also be a raffle with fantastic GAA prizes and much more.
Get on your Red and Green and come along, enjoy the community spirit and make great memories at Carnacon Mayo Day celebrations.
A new project that will document and preserve local knowledge, memories and traditions relating to Mayo's Cillíní has been launched.
The project welcomes information relating to the location, history, folklore and community understanding of cillíní sites throughout Mayo. Researchers would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
You can contact the Mayo Heritage Office on 094-9064092 or 094-9064619 or by email at heritage@mayococo.ie, or contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 087-9160730 or by email at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
Ballyglass clean-up group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the Community Centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes and other tools.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, July 13th, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 14, 17, 18 and 25. Nobody matched three numbers.
The consolation prize winners were Paddy Burke, Kevin Connelly, Tom Quinn, Danny and Noreen Killeen and John Prendergast. The latest draw had a jackpot of €18,500 up for grabs. You can play online or buy a ticket from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
The results of the card games played on Monday, July 13th, in Ballyglass Community Centre were: 1st, Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren with an amazing 14 games; 2nd, Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan shared with Michael Sweeney and Mattie Sweeney and Pat Griffith and Chris Turner.
Third prizes went to Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes shared with Mary Brennan and Philip White. The best of last 10 winners were Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan shared with Noel Costello and Breege Jennings. The raffle winners were Kitty Rumley and Judy Clarke.
The card games continue every Monday evening from 9pm.
The next Ballyglass Market will take place on August 22nd from 11am to 2pm in the Community Centre.
As the market falls during Heritage Week, there will be a display of old photos in the centre for people to browse through. Stalls will include Joe Kelly vegetables, Bernie Reilly’s beautiful hand knitted items and handmade soaps.
There will be a new coffee truck and of course the ice cream van. There will also be a community shop selling sausage rolls, greetings cards, honey, eggs, sourdough loaves and sweets.
Join us for a fun community day for all ages. All are very welcome.
Mi-Wadi FAI Football Camps 2026 are coming to Ballyglass FC for an action-packed week of football, fun, and friendship!
The important dates are Monday to Friday, July 27th to 31st, running from 10am to 1pm. Boys and girls aged six to 14 of all skill levels are most welcome to attend.
This is the perfect opportunity for young players to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game in a fun, safe environment. Book online.
Ballintubber GAA lotto Jackpot stood at €7,100 on Sunday night, July 12th, when the numbers drawn were 7, 10, 16 and 28.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Emer Thornton Crehan, Josephine King, Angela Corcoran, Aoife Flaherty, John Hynes and Eoghan Joyce.
The jackpot stood at €7,200 last Sunday night, July 19th. You can play online.
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool will be providing child care for children from two years and eight months up to five years of age.
Opening this September, it is an ECCE preschool service where children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play-based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning.
To express interest, please contact Siofra at 087-2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
The Tóchar Phádraig is back for another summer of pilgrimage, reflection and adventure. The route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick offers a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of generations who have walked this sacred way for over 1,500 years.
Whether you come for faith, quiet reflection or the challenge itself, the Tóchar is an experience you'll never forget. The next guided walks take place on July 25th and August 29th. Places are still available, so secure yours today.
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PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark management are extending the call for expressions of interest for a comprehensive training programme to support new business development in the Geopark's communities. The training (still subject to funding approval – it’s very close to confirmation) is planned for 10 two-hour sessions, starting September, continuing through autumn 2026.
It can include new ideas for start-ups that are broadly related to tourism, and also expansion/broadening of existing tourism businesses and will operate in the Geopark area. The deadline for new submissions is Friday, August 21st. Submissions already received earlier this year are still valid unless the proposer is no longer available for the training. Please circulate the information among community groups etc.
Applicants should email the completed form to info@jcwlgeopark.ie by 5pm on Friday, August 21st. Requests for clarification prior to the deadline can be sent to this same email address.
The Geopark management are looking forward to positive responses to this fabulous, fully-funded opportunity.
Partry Women’s Circle will host Bhangra Dancing on Thursday, July 23rd, at 8pm in the Monsignor Horan Community Centre in Partry.
What is Bhangra dance fitness? This is a fun, high-energy, feel-good workout based on the traditional “happy” dance from Punjab in India.
All women from Partry and the wider region are welcome. This is an over 18s event with a modest fee of just €5.
This year’s Ceol na Locha Festival will take place from August 10th to 14th. Each year this event goes from strength to strength attracting many students, participants and visitors to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh.
Tourmakeady National School Lotto Ball draws takes place on Saturdays. A prize of €100 is awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night (without Lotto Plus 1 or Lotto Plus 2). A recent winner was Eileen Ni Barker with ball 25.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw, the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, please contact the school via 094-9544088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
Stephen Donoghue will have an Honesty Box at his home in Gortmore in lieu of honey, vegetables, flowering plants, and fruit from time to time. All proceeds from the sale of the above items will be donated to Mary’s Meals Charity.
Tourmakeady Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am at Tourmakeady Woods. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
The death has occurred of Frank Costello, 11 St Patrick’s Avenue, Castlebar and formerly of 46 Rowan Drive, Castlebar, Cunnaker, Ballyheane and Ballyburke, and Ayle, Killawalla. Frank passed away unexpectedly at home.
Predeceased by his son Gary, parents Martin and Margaret and his twin sister Anne, he is deeply regretted by his loving daughters Lorraine, Lynda (and their mother) and Abby Leigh (and her mother), sister Patricia (Flannelly, Castlebar), brother Martin Joe (Costello, Killawalla), grandchildren, Nyle, Rían, Lily and Leo, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Frank's remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral home, Castlebar, on last Wednesday, July 15th, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 1.30pm followed by burial afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery.
Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
Congrats to Caroline McGing who recently won the 50/50 jackpot of €391 in the Killawalla Community Council's 50/50 Lotto.
Online and annual tickets for the fortnightly draws are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120.
Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s in Ballintubber and from Community Council members. You can play online at www.lottoraiser.ie.
Everyone at Partry AFC club would like to wish John Russell, who plays with Partry Masters team, all the very best of luck as he begins his new role with Shelbourne FC.
John is wished very success in this exciting new chapter in his life.
Congrats to the U12 girls who travelled to sunny Ballyvary for round two of the league recently and emerged victories on the score-line of 5-4.
In Partry Community Centre, Bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30pm. Guitar classes are on every Tuesday at 5pm and Irish dancing classes on Thursday evening while the Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday.
The Community Centre is available for meetings and other activities. Bookings can be made through any member of the Community Council. Event organisers and providers are required to have their own insurance.
There is defibrillator at the back of the Community Centre.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. The draws finance the ongoing activities of Partry AFC such an energetic part of the sporting community.
Partry Residents' Draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Membership of the draw is available from 087 2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
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BREAFFY/BALLYHEANE/BELCARRA
The death has taken place of Kay (Catherine) Doherty (née Dee), Deerpark Upper, Belcarra, Castlebar.
Kay, who was formerly of Kilgabriel, Clashmore, Co Waterford, passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital on July 13th.
Predeceased by her parents, Madge and Michael, brother Michael, parents-in-law Tom and Annie, sisters-in-law Sandra Dee and Marie Cannon, Kay is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by her husband Sean, sons Joe and Simon, daughter Rachel, daughters-in-law Tara and Rhiannon, and granddaughter Ellie, siblings Margaret, Breda, Tommy, Richie, and Helen, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, cousins, as well as her many nieces and nephews, neighbours and wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Kay's remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Wednesday and were taken to St Anne’s Church, Belcarra on Thursday for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Kay was then laid to rest in Guesdian Cemetery, Belcarra.
May she rest in peace.
Belcarra Annual Sports Day will take place on August 9th. There will also be a townlands' tug of war competition. All areas are requested to start training and get your teams ready! Will your townland take home the prize?! As always, a fun-filled programme is being devised and the sports day will have something for everyone.
Belcarra Tidy Towns have commenced with a Junior Tidy Towns- Clean and Green.
Over the remaining weeks of July and August, the group will meet for just one hour every Monday evening, taking part in fun, hands-on activities including village clean-ups, biodiversity walks, eco art, nature challenges, planting projects, environmental awareness campaigns and plenty of fun along the way.
Well done to all the Junior Tidy Towns children who came out to help last week. They got their second stamp in their passports ‘I helped clean up the village’.
The Tidy Villages are also having a biodiversity walk with Mike Kingdon. All are learning new skills, making new friends and taking pride in the community.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw, the numbers drawn on Sunday, July 12th, were 12, 14, 18 and 30. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot.
The €30 consolation prizewinners were Gay Conway, Tom and Sam Hughes, Marion Barnicle and Claire Cuffe.
The weekend jackpot stood at €7,400 on last Sunday night, July 19th. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies and also online at Clubforce.
There was no jackpot winner in the Breaffy GAA Lotto draw on July 14th when the numbers drawn were 1, 3, 13 and bonus number 9. There was also no Match 3 winners this week.
The jackpot stands at €21,500 for this evening's draw. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
You can buy Lotto tickets at www.breaffygaa.ie.
Age Action runs free digital skills classes in Castlebar Library on Wednesdays from 1.30 to 3.30pm.To register, please call 091-527831.
The death occurred on July 11th of Ellen (Josie) Richardson, Derrywash, Castlebar and formerly of Knockmoyleen, Ballyheane.
Ellen passed away peacefully at home, in her 101st year. Predeceased by her husband John, brothers, John, Michael and Paddy and sisters Ann and Bridie, she is deeply regretted by her sons Michael, John and George, daughter Ann, sister Teresa (Basquill), daughter-in-law Joanne, George's partner Louise, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, including her carers Dayna, Patricia, Jackie and Corina to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Josie’s remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on Monday, July 13th, and Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane with burial afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Beginners Irish Dancing classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be continuing throughout the summer months!
Bookings are now being taken for the sessions. All welcome - ages 4+ every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm with a fee of €10 per class. Classes for competition, grade exams, displays shows, fitness and fun. Please call Molly Hughes at 087-6562094 for details.
Ballyheane bingo session takes place every Wednesday at 8.30pm in the community centre. All welcome. Raffle on the night and refreshments served.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs on a monthly basis on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a Chair Yoga session.
All will be made welcome. Please contact Marie on 087-1708706 for further details.
The summer season of Mayo County Council's tourism section's photography competition is open until July 31st.
Share your best seasonal shots for a chance to be featured in the 'Mayo Moments' 2027 calendar.
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BALLA/MANULLA
From Irish Dancing, sewing, gardening and drama classes to dance workshops, church services, meetings, and of course the Sunday Night Bingo, Balla Community Centre continues to be a place where people come together to connect, learn, and have fun.
Whether you're joining a regular group or thinking about trying something new, the Centre would love to welcome you. Check out the weekly schedule and see what's happening! If you'd like more information about any of its activities or are interested in hiring a room for your own event or class, get in touch at 094-9365846 or info@balla.ie.
Calling all local makers, growers, bakers, creators and small businesses! Balla Summer Market is back on Saturday, August 15th, running from 11am to 3pm. Whether you create handmade crafts, grow seasonal produce, bake delicious treats, make pantry favourites, grow flowers and plants, or create goodies for our furry friends, the organisers would love to welcome you.
Last year's market was a wonderful celebration of community and supporting local crafts and business. To book a stall, contact Balla Community Resources Development on 087-1850860.
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Thursday, July 9th, in The Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €10,100.
The numbers drawn were 2, 10, 14, and 23 and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Peter McNea (online), Mary Garvey (cash sale) and John McHale (cash sale).
The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 16th, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €10,200. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA Club.
Balla GAA & LGFA Fundraising Bingo has officially launched!
This exciting fundraiser is on Wednesday, August 12th, and funds raised will help kit out all the underage football teams, ensuring Balla's young players have the equipment and support they need to enjoy their football journey.
Every book purchased makes a huge difference and helps to continue to develop and support the next generation of Balla players.
Get your Bingo book today and be part of something special in the community! Books are available now at www.willwego.com.
Congrats to Balla minor ladies who defeated Ballyhaunis LGFA on a score-line of 6-7 to 2-5.
It was a fantastic win to clinch the Mayo LGFA Minor League Division 3 title.
On Saturday, August 14th, Balla GAA will be celebrating its 140th birthday. It promises to be a gala occasion with quality entertainment guaranteed.
Why not join a welcoming circle of women of all ages for an evening of connection, reflection, and support in a safe and nurturing space featuring guided meditation, journal prompts, herbal tea, Oracle cards, optional sharing.
Whether you're looking to relax, meet like-minded women, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening, you'll be made very welcome. The Women's Circle meets every two weeks, and new members are always welcome.
Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy meaningful conversations, or simply take some time for yourself, they'd love to see you there. To book or find out more, contact Linda on 086-3936174.
The Parish Cemetery Masses schedule is as follows:
Drum is on Monday, August 10th; Guesdian - Tuesday, August 11th; Elm Hall - Wednesday, August 12th; Balla - Thursday, August 13th.
Masses will be at 7.30pm on each evening weather permitting.
Balla Community Centre Committee are looking into the possibility of creating a community walking group – a friendly and welcoming group where people can get active, enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and support their health and wellbeing. Before the next step, the group want to hear from you! Would you be interested in joining?
Whether you're an experienced walker or just looking to get out for some fresh air and good company, Balla Centre personnel would love to hear your thoughts. Please see the Facebook page or send a private message. Your feedback will help decide if there's enough interest to get this initiative off the ground.
Balla Sensory Room is designed to provide a calm, relaxing, and engaging environment that can support relaxation and stress relief, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, dementia care and memory support, a quiet family time and wellness and mindfulness.
Sensory rooms are now being widely used to support people living with dementia, helping to create comfort, reduce agitation, and encourage meaningful engagement through lights, sounds, textures, and calming experiences.
Balla Sensory Room welcomes everyone. Bookings are available now at the Inclusive Hub, Balla at 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Take a book or leave a book and enjoy reading great novels and stories. Just drop into Balla Community Centre and see the range of books available. It’s a free service and is open to all in the community.
Manulla FC Lotto stood at €7,000 on last Sunday, July 19th, for the weekly draw. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the community.
Bing volunteers required
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team. They are seeking a volunteer to assist with bingo sessions for approximately two hours once every six weeks. 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 at 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Sewing classes take place in Balla Centre on Mondays from 10am until 1pm. Please contact Josie on 085-1401229 for further details.
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ERREW/CLOGHER
Drum Cemetery Mass for 2026 takes place this year on Monday, August 10th, at 7.30pm, weather permitting. A large turnout in memory of the deceased of the region is anticipated.
The Clogher 500 Draw committee would like to thank all their patrons for their continued support during the past year. There is still one more draw left in this year's draw for July, after which there will be the opportunity to renew for the following year.
A beginners course in Irish Sign Language will run in Clogher Community Centre, commencing on Tuesday, July 28th. The six-week course will run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm weekly. The course is partly funded by MSELTB. Please call Fiona on 087-9440899 for details.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for July and August at 7pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99).
There are three different lengths of walk to enjoy along the quiet bog roads.
Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For health and safety, sturdy walking shoes and hi-vis jackets are recommended.
The Heritage Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4pm.
Errew Ladies Group meets up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities on Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm.
