Local Notes: Walkers taking part in the Tochar Phadraig Walk from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick.
Some of the large group of walkers taking part in the recent Tóchar Phádraig Walk from Ballintubber to Croagh Patrick. The group are pictured passing the Old Mill in Killawalla. Picture by Tom Quinn
Carra County
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Sunday week last in the Carra Lodge. 11, 13, 18 and 26 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes were Eimear Kelly, Brenda McDonnell, Sean Hallinan, Thomas Carter, Mary Hallinan and Michael Walsh. On last Sunday evening, August 4, the jackpot stood at €6,100 for the weekly draw.
Ballintubber GAA club has kindly requested that all entries in the county board development draw be in as soon as possible. The first draw takes place on August 10. The club would encourage all members to get behind their club and county by supporting this vital fundraising draw. Select 'Ballintubber' as your club when purchasing your ticket at: https://mayogaa.com/cairde-mhaigh-eo-draw-2024-entry.../...
The numbers drawn on July 29, were 8, 11, 19 and 32. There was no winner of the €8,200 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Tina Maloney, Deirdre Ryan, Maya Staunton, Jimmy Hession and John Heverin.
Winners from Monday, July 29, 1st Peter Glynn and Tomás Solan, 2nd Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford; Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and 3rd Philip White and Tom Fitzpatrick; Cathal Hennelly and Kevin Burke; Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan. The last 10 winners were Tom and Patsy Flatley; Mary Brennan and Breege Jennings. The raffle prizes went to Philip White and Tom Fitzpatrick.
Best wishes for a happy 60th birthday are extended to Helen Kelly, Knockboy, Clogher. Many happy returns from all your friends in Ballyglass.
Two ECCE places are available in Ballyglass Childcare Service for September. Call the manager on 094 9360820.
The next market in Ballyglass Community Centre will be on Saturday, August 10. The market features a varied selection of goods homemade and unique and is a big hit with its monthly patrons.
Congratulations to Patricia and Dermot Nestor, Kilgreana, on the arrival of their baby son Cathal. Cathal is in safe hands with his three sisters Kate, Aoife and Chloe and brother Conor to look out for him and his nanny Patricia next door. Best wishes to all the family and welcome to the world, little Cathal.
Mayo County Council awarded a civic reception to the Pipers Cross Céilí Band on Thursday, July 24. The award was in recognition of their achievement of being crowned the winners of the Senior Céilí Band Competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2023. The Pipers Cross Céilí Band are a collection of 12 musicians from all over Mayo who first came together in 2019 and have gone from strength to strength ever since. Along with being a top-class musical group, they teach music, song, and dance right across the county and organise musical sessions to get young people involved in music Two of the group Eoghan and Aodhan Hughes are the musically talented sons of Marie and Kevin Hughes, Carnacon.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Lily Rachel Hughes and Luke Cillian Ormsby, who were baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, on Saturday last, August 3. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Congratulations to Eoin Flatley, Ballintubber GAA who played at half time on Sunday week in Croke Park. Eoin was chosen through Cumann na mBunscol and he is wished continued success in his football career and perhaps a return visit to Croke Park playing field some day.
Congratulations are extended to Ballintubber and Mayo GAA star Diarmuid O'Connor has announced his engagement to fiancée Emma Walshe. The Ballintubber clubman and his long-time girlfriend announced their exciting news on Instagram during a recent holiday to Lake Como. The 29-year-old teacher from St Gerald’s College in Castlebar was awarded the GAA/GPA Young Footballer of the Year in both 2015 and 2016. His wife to be is also a teacher, at the Quay National School in Westport. They are both wished great success and fulfilment with their future plans.
Congratulations are extended to Niamh Morley and Richard Quinn, who were married on last Friday, August 2, in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber. They are wished health and happiness and lifelong joy in their married lives.
Recently Carra Life Group welcomed back a second study visit from Texas State University. The relationship with Texas State is going from strength to strength and the group were delighted to showcase the wonderful environment of Lough Carra with another student delegation.
The students took part in an immersive 'Bio-Blitz' event, helping to record and identify the unique flora found in local semi-natural grasslands. They also had the opportunity to participate in series of expertly guided habitat walks, and close partners at Lough Carra LIFE ran a morning of lively talks and discussions hosted by Project Manager Kieran Flynn. The group look forward to continuing this important collaboration with Texas State which is just part of a broader educational outreach.
There will be a secretarial position available in Burriscarra NS starting on August 28. 12 hours per week is the requirement and days and times are flexible. Email letters of application and CVs to burriscarraad@gmail.com or call 087 6413247.
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Along the Partries
This year's Féile Ceol na Locha takes place next week from August 12 to 16. Each morning of the festival from 10am to 1.30pm in Coláiste Muire, musical instruments will be taught by top class tutors - the accordion, tin whistle, fiddle, harp, flute, bodhrán, guitar and concertina. Amhranaíocht as Gaeilge will also take place. The programme includes art classes for adults and children and an Óige na Locha camp for the younger children aged five to nine years. A highlight of the Féile will be the sessions taking place every evening in the local pubs, where locals and visitors will receive a warm welcome.
A festival céilí with Matt Cunningham and his band will take place in Máire Luke's and a guided walk to Tourmakeady Waterfall, a family fun day and barbeque is also planned to take place in the Halla carpark. During the Féile week, there will be a book launch “Ceann Scríbe Baile Ghib” which has a collection of stories from the people who transferred from the West to Gibbstown, Co Meath in 1937/1939.
This year Féile Ceol na Locha is celebrating 25 years and is delighted that the talented Hernon family from Carna in Connemara will be on stage in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on the first night of the festival. They will be joined by singer Don Stiffe. Bookings for classes this year are online only at www.ceolnalocha.com.
The programme of classes and events can also be viewed online and brochures are available at local outlets. Further information is available from 094 9544295 or email ceolnalocha@gmail.com and ceolnalocha.com.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on July 27 for a jackpot of €13,000. 2, 13, 27 and 30 were the numbers drawn. There was no jackpot winner. The online consolation prizewinners were Donal O' Gairbhi and Thomas Kelly.
The jackpot stood at €13,100 on last Saturday night August 3. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/.
Sincere thanks have been extended to the boys and girls who attended Cúl Camps at Tourmakeady GAA last week. Thanks also to all the Cúl Camps coaches for providing an action packed and fun-filled week of activity.
Congrats to LGFA Tuar Mhic Éadaigh who had a 4-10 to 2-14 Clár victory over Chlár Chlainne Mhuiris. A strong second half performance saw the ladies come from 7 points down at half time to win by 2. Maith sibh.
Congratulations to Laura Gibbons, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, who was selected as Queen of the Lakes recently in Ballinrobe. Laura who was representing CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh was a highly popular choice for the prestigious award. She is wished good luck in her new reign and we hope she enjoys the experience.
South West Mayo Development Company is looking for a Rural Social Scheme (RSS) Supervisor. This full-time role offers the chance to support and manage RSS participants while engaging with local community groups. The deadline for applications is August 16. More info: https://southmayo.com/rssjobposting/.
A new summer season of Irish classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Wednesday, August 7, at 10m. There will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday) and another evening session running from 7 to 8pm. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Mass will be celebrated at the Glenmask Grotto on Sunday, August18, at 7pm.
Congrats to Sinead and David Lally who were recent winners of Tuar Mhic Eadaigh NS weekly fundraising draws. The latest draw took place on Saturday night last. Thanks to all for your continued support.
Partry remote working hub in the Monsignor Horan Community Centre is now ready for volunteers to try out. Anyone that is interested in using this excellent resource with ultra-fast broadband should contact Brendan Duignan 087 2835082 for more information and to book slots.
Congratulations to Kenny O’Malley, Kilfaul, and Ciaran Hennelly who were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
Congrats to Partry Resident’s numbers game lotto winners Stephen Broderick, Peter McMurray, Michael Kelly, Damien Heneghan, G and F Racoillet, Tim and Ann Foley, Jenny Gallagher, Peter Gibbons, Joe Collins, Peader Barker, Vincent Hennelly, Dermot Seymour, Walter Schevren and Gabriel Burke. Each winner has received €100.
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Breaffy Ballyheane Belcarra
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €23,200 for tonight’s draw on August 6. The numbers drawn last week on July 30 were 18, 21, 27 and bonus number 2. Congrats to the Lucky Dip winners.
Breaffy GAA was delighted to host the opening of the newly refurbished dressing rooms and kitchen at the clubhouse. A special 'thank you' was extended to Minister Alan Dillon for attending and officially opening the new facilities. The additions to the clubhouse will cater for generations to come and the club are delighted with the finished product. Alongside the opening the club hosted a coffee morning to raise funds for Castlebar Social Services and they raised over €750 for this well deserving organisation. Thank you has been extended to all who attended the community event and patrons can look forward to many more wonderful events in the near future.
There is a high leakage of water on Belcarra Community Co-Op water Scheme. It is important that members check for leaks as bills will increase with over usage of water. Please contact any member of the committee for any queries on this matter.
Local history and heritage groups in County Mayo are being invited to access a new guide to help secure the future of their volunteer organisation. The guide was officially launched on a recent Thursday at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar. Succession Planning Guide is a template for any volunteer led community group looking to plan for the future. The guide is available to download for free from https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home and https://www.ouririshheritage.org/.
As part of National Heritage Week, the North Mayo Heritage Centre and Mayo County Library are offering free genealogy consultations at the Castlebar Library on Friday, August 23. No booking or appointments necessary.
Belcarra Tidy Towns volunteers are currently doing trojan work, cutting back shrubs, briars and weeds that were encroaching on the riverside walk entrance, clearing weeds along the kerbs, planting and watering window boxes and planters, washing signs and gates, painting the bridge and hanging baskets and cleaning and sweeping along the kerbs. It all helps to keep the village looking beautiful. The group meet every Monday and Tuesday at 7pm. Thanks has been extended to all involved.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €7,600 on July 28. The numbers drawn were 2, 11, 16 and 22. The lucky dip winners of €30 each were Orlaith Payne, Caroline Cunningham, Lorraine McGrory and Ronan Mahon. The weekend prize was €7,700 on August 4.
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Balla / Manulla
The death occurred last week of Patrick (Paddy) Ward, Carrandine, Balla, Co Mayo. Paddy sadly passed away peacefully on July 31, surrounded by his loving family and under the care of the staff at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. Pre-decreased by his wife Teresa, Paddy is deeply regretted by his children Edward, Thelma, Clair, and Aiden, daughter-in-law Christina, and his much loved grandchildren Tara and Ronan, by his siblings Mary (Dublin), Michael (Newry), Kathleen (Dublin), and John (Balla), by his sister-in-law Mary and his brother-in-law Michael, and by all his nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours, and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Paddy’s remains reposed in O'Hora's Funeral Home, Kiltimagh, on last Thursday evening, August 1. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla Drama Group presents ‘The Weir’ by Conor McPherson at Balla Resource Centre on August 15, 16 and 17 at 8pm. Rehearsals are going well for the cast of Tim Oates, Robert Holden Aishling Costello, Karl Coyne and Ollie Barrett and they are putting in a lot of hours and hard work to bring the best show possible on stage.
The drama is directed by Alan Heneghan. Message 087 3588115 to reserve your seats on August 15, 16, and 17, in Balla Community Centre. Doors will be open from 7pm.
Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation Training Ireland recently facilitated a comprehensive First Aid and Defibrillation course at the Balla Community Centre. The course was expertly instructed by Michael Kilgallon, a certified Cardiac First Aid Responder. The participants were trained in essential life-saving skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Michael’s extensive knowledge and hands-on approach ensured that attendees left with the confidence and ability to respond effectively in emergency situations. This training is a vital step in enhancing community safety.
The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA lotto draw on July 25, in The Rendezvous were 5, 18, 24 and 31. There was no winner of the €7,400 jackpot. The €30 winners were Ann Tuohy (cash sale), Tom and Aileen Walsh (standing order) and Dean Kenny (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, August 1, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €7,500.
In the Mayo LGFA Minor League Division 2 final Balla LGFA beat Aughamore 2-16 to 4-08.
Free Tai Chi classes will take place in Balla Community Centre commencing on September 11, at 10.30 with the first class 11am – 12.15pm. For details on the rest of the classes contact: chealy@southmayo.com or 087 6151675 to book your place.
Applications for Built Heritage grants are open now until Friday, September 27. Up to €50,000 is available for works to conserve properties. Contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in your local authority for more information or visit: https://bit.ly/3Sj83sz #BHIS2025.
A part-time secretary is required for Manulla National School. Interested persons should apply by email to secretary@manullans.ie. The closing date for applications is next Friday, August 9.
The latest Manulla FC lotto draw was held on Sunday, August 4, for a massive jackpot of €15,500.
Manulla FC Summer Camp will take place from August 19 to 23 and will run daily from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The fees are 1 child, €60, 2 children €110 and 3 children €160. Book a brilliant week by contacting Conor on 0831753142.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Tom Ansboro, Knockmore, on the recent passing of his sister, Margaret Fenlon who has passed away in New York. May she rest in peace.
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Errew and Clogher
The Newtown Grotto Commemorative Committee are organising a special day on Saturday, August 24 at 3pm, when Archbishop Francis Duffy will celebrate Mass at the Newtown Grotto and rededicate it in honour of our Lady, on the 70th year of its construction. Mass will be followed by refreshments, tours of the cottage and forge and musical entertainment. Everybody in the Clogher area is invited to come and take part in the celebrations and all are invited to encourage the invitation of siblings or friends who have connections to Clogher and who live outside the area. This will be an intergenerational day where memories can be made for the future. If people have memories of the day or stories that they heard from 70 years ago it would be great to hear them and share them. Also, if anybody has any photos from the day in 1954 that would be great as they can be copied and returned.
Please try to arrive by 2.30 at the latest in order to allow for parking and seating. In order to estimate the numbers of people attending for catering purposes those attending should email cloghergrottocg@gmail.com or contact any member of the committee no later than August 9. Volunteers will be needed to help out on the day and in the lead up to ensure that everybody has a safe and enjoyable day. If anybody feels able to help out on the day or provide some home baking it would be greatly appreciated. Members of the organising committee are; Agnes Larkin, Mary McDonagh, Thomas Heneghan, Mary Walsh McDonagh, Bernie Kilboyle, Anne Marie Blake, Finian Bourke, Una McDonagh and Breege Blake.
Sand Martins are related to swallows. Like swallows, they migrate to Ireland from sub-Saharan Africa to breed. In recent times their numbers have depleted, and they are now on the IUCN Amber List of Birds of Conservation Concern. The Sand Martin colony on the Clogher Bog has dwindled to three nesting pairs, partly due to a lack of suitable habitat.
In an effort not to lose these birds’ altogether, Clogher Environmental Group (with financial assistance from Mayo County Council) constructed a nesting wall with 70 nesting holes, the first of its kind in Connaught. Join us for the official launch of the nesting wall on Wednesday, August 22, from 7 to 8pm which includes a short talk on sand martins, together with an opportunity to visit the wall. Refreshments will be served.
Errew Breakfast club and After school facility will be available to pupils from this September. The newly restored and refurbished Errew Community Centre, located directly opposite Errew NS, is ready to welcome children from Errew NS and the surrounding area.
Breakfast Club and After School Details: Morning opening hours: 7.30am until 9.10am (just in time for school), afterschool opening hours are 2 to 3pm (Junior and Senior Infants), 3pm to 5.30pm (1st to 6th class). All enquiries contact, 087 9005099.
The Errew Old Girls’ School restoration project began in March 2021. The main driving force behind this project was to provide this much needed facility for the school and the community. Support would be greatly appreciated.
Heritage week 2024 takes place from August 17 to 25 and this year there will be two events connected to the Clogher Bog Walks. On Tuesday, August 20, there will be an evening nature walk on the Clogher Walk led by Michael Kingdon Environmentalist. There will be the cup of tea afterwards as usual. On Wednesday 21, the launch of the Sand Martin Nesting Wall will take place at 7pm.This wall is unique in Co Mayo. This event will be based in the Clogher Community Centre. On Saturday 24th there will be the rededication of the Newtown Grotto and Community Gathering from 2 to 6pm. More details on all events in later issues. heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie.
The results from the Clogher Card Game on Friday, July 26, were as follows; 1st Michael Giblin and Bridie McDermott and Mary McDonagh and Breege Blake, 2nd Gay Conway and Mary Kelly and Tom Fitzpatrick and Martin Moran, 3rd Eileen Moran and Bernie Heneghan and Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. The last 10 winners were Margaret Mannion and Eileen Donnelly. The progressive 25 card game continues every Friday night.
Clogher community offers sincere sympathy to Padraic and Marian Prendergast and family, Catford and Junior and Mary Prendergast, Ballydavock, on the sad passing of their sister Maura Downey of Porterstown, Co Dublin. May she rest in peace.
