Local Notes: Volunteers sought for major Kiltimagh event
Participants in the Race2Glory in Kiltimagh earlier this year. Volunteers are sought to help organise next year's event. Picture: Sally Lavin
The Race2Glory Kiltimagh committee is calling on dedicated individuals to get involved with one of the town’s biggest annual events. Volunteers are essential to help deliver a fantastic, community-based experience for Kiltimagh.
The annual general meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, at 8pm in the Cill Aodain Court Hotel, where those interested can learn more about volunteering and how to contribute.
Anyone interested in joining the committee or volunteering for this exciting event is encouraged to attend the AGM or contact Ciara at 087-4050271 for more information.
Further details can also be found at www.race2glory.com.
There’s plenty happening with Clann Machua Drama Group in the months ahead, with opportunities for both young people and adults to get involved in theatre.
One of the most exciting developments is the launch of a brand-new Youth Theatre, beginning on October 15th. Run in association with Clann Machua and funded by Mayo Arts Council, this initiative promises to give 12 to 18-year-olds the chance to experience the thrill of performance and creativity. Over the course of an eight-week term, participants will enjoy weekly workshops, theatre visits and masterclasses, all for just €40. With places limited, early booking is advised by contacting Adrian Lavan on 086-8676737.
Clann Machua itself is already well established on the amateur drama circuit and is looking ahead to its 2026 festival entry, ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ by Frank McGuinness. Auditions for this production take place on Thursday next, September 18th, at 7pm in Kiltimagh Town Hall, with parts available for actors aged 17 to 70.
The same evening will also see auditions for two one-act comedies, which will be staged at the end of November as part of a night of laughter and light-hearted entertainment. New members are always welcome, whether for the one-act plays or the larger festival production, making September the perfect time to step onto the stage with Clann Machua.
The Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival will be held this November, running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 7th to 9th, with Tom Byrne as adjudicator. The full programme of plays to be performed won’t be known until later.
The One Act Fstival was first held in 2012 and is a well-established event on the drama calendar.
CLG Coillte Mach has launched a parish-wide school art competition to celebrate the upcoming visit of GAA President Jarlath Burns, who will officially open the newly renovated Gilmartin Park this October.
The competition invites pupils to illustrate a seanfhocal (proverb) of their choice. The chosen saying should be written clearly on the front of the artwork, which can be created in any medium up to A3 in size.
Entries will be judged across four categories: First to Third Class, Fourth to Sixth Class, up to Junior Certificate level, and post-Junior Certificate level. Each submission should include the pupil’s name and class on the back, signed by their teacher.
There is no entry fee, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each category. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, October 1st.
Prizes will be presented during the official re-opening of Gilmartin Park on Saturday, October 11th, when an exhibition of the winning artworks will also take place in the clubhouse.
Further details are available from Aingeal Uí Mhaicín, Oifigeach Cultúrtha, CLG Coillte Mach, on 087-9886165 or by email at aingealuimhaicin@gmail.com.
Kiltimagh Foróige will hold an information evening for parents and guardians of prospective members for the 2025/26 year on Friday, September 19th, at 8pm in the Bocce Court.
Places are limited, and membership priority will be given to families who attend the meeting, live in the Kiltimagh area, and whose children attend St Louis Community School. Priority will also be extended to leaders’ children, past members, and siblings of past members.
This year, Kiltimagh Foróige is actively seeking new leaders to join the club. As with all volunteer-led groups, the club relies on dedicated leaders to keep activities running smoothly. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to speak with current leaders or attend the information evening on September 19th.
For more information, parents and guardians are invited to contact Kiltimagh Foróige directly.
Kiltimagh GAA’s 50/50 jackpot last week went to James McHugh, who won €565.
The club extended its appreciation to all who entered the draw and highlighted the importance of the ongoing support, with tickets continuing to be sold online as well as in local outlets and pubs.
The weekly draw remains an important fundraiser for the club, and James’s win was warmly congratulated.
Seamus Waldron, from Castlerea, was the lucky winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €283.
Tickets are available online, through club members, and in pubs and shops around Kiltimagh and Knock. The club extends thanks to all who support the draw.
The weekly 25 Card Drive once again drew a strong turnout, with plenty of competition across the tables.
First prize on the night went to James Walsh and Paddy Carney, who finished ahead of Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon in second place. Third prize was shared by no fewer than four pairings: Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, Mary and Richard Carney, Mary and Liam Moran, and Tom Durkin and Francis McNicholas.
The 'Last 10' prize was won by Geraldine Turbitt and Anne Rowley, while the spot prize went to Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley.
Raffle winners on the evening were Patricia Hyland, Richard Carney, Tom Conroy and Seamus Nevin.
The fifteenth and final round of the Summer Poker League in Teach O’Hora ended in a family showdown as father and son, Pat and Isaac Boyle, faced off heads-up, with Isaac emerging victorious.
Nigel Maughan secured third place, while AN Other 2 finished fourth. The remaining finalists were Enda Ruane (5th), Michael Sheridan (6th), Derry O’Sullivan (7th), Keith Lydon (8th), and Martin Regan (9th).
John Reynolds finished the league top of the table with 167 points, taking the chip lead into the Grand Final. Michael Higgins was runner-up on 154 points. The rest of the top 12 includes AN Other 1 (250), Pat Boyle (228), Michael Sheridan (226), Derry O’Sullivan (221), Keith Lydon (213), Enda Ruane (210), AN Other 2 (207), Kieran McGee (197), Gerry Groarke (187), and Nicky Cunnane (181). These 12 players have all qualified for the grand final, and they will be joined by two more players from a last-chance play-off tournament.
A date for the grand final is yet to be confirmed, when the 14 qualifiers will compete for a prize pool of €2,540 and the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion. A new 15-week league will begin shortly, continuing the popular Wednesday night series at Teach O’Hora.
Kiltimagh GAA Club had three more winners in the Mayo GAA Club Development Draw last week.
The club’s amazing run in the draw saw Michael Higgins Jnr and Michael D Freeley, take home prizes of €200 each, while Tomás Keegan and Conor Malee’s shared ticked was also a €200 winner.
This countywide fundraiser provides vital income for clubs across Mayo, with a significant portion of ticket sales staying at local level once the club’s initial target is reached. For Kiltimagh GAA, the draw is an important part of funding day-to-day operations, player development, and long-term improvements to club facilities.
The club extended its congratulations to the winners and sincere thanks to all who purchased tickets, whether online or through local sellers. Supporters are reminded that each entry not only gives a chance at winning substantial prizes, but also directly benefits the future of the club and its teams.
The first senior match played on the new realigned Gilmartin Park was held last week when Crossmolina Deel Rovers saw off Ballyhauins to secure top spot in their group in the Mayo Championship. There was great praise from both clubs for the new pitch and stand and the overall facilities. Approximately 700 people attended.
The ground will be officially opened by GAA President, Jarlath Burns, on Saturday October 11th, at 10.30am.
Victim Assistance, a registered charity established in 2005, has been providing support to victims of crime and trauma across Ireland for almost 20 years. The organisation assists those affected by a wide range of issues, including domestic violence, elder abuse, coercive control, scams, bullying, assault and neighbour disputes.
The charity, which is regulated by the Charities Regulator, does not receive government funding and relies entirely on fundraising to keep its services available. To help secure funding for the coming year, a fundraising raffle will take place on December 20th, 2025, with a Nissan Qashqai Hybrid, supplied by Cleary Nissan Kiltimagh, as the top prize. Tickets are priced at €20 each, or three for €50, and are available through www.victimassistance.ie.
To ensure the success of the raffle, Victim Assistance is seeking volunteers who may be able to give a few hours of their time to help with the car draw. A volunteer information meeting will take place at the organisation’s office on Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, on Monday, September 22nd, at 7.30pm.
Victim Assistance offers a range of free services to those who need them, including telephone support, face-to-face meetings, court accompaniment, onward referrals, and advice on victims’ rights and entitlements. Anyone affected by crime or trauma, or their family members, can access support through the Freephone service on 1800 277 477.
Further details about the raffle, volunteering opportunities, or the services offered by the charity are available on www.victimassistance.ie or by contacting the office at 094-9000251.
