Local Notes: Wonderful cast of Ballintubber Passion Play.
Cathal McCarthy, Sean McHugh, Tom Hayes, Pat Moran and Darragh Walsh all part of the wonderful cast of the Ballintubber Passion Play 2026. Picture by Tom Quinn
It is with deep regret we record the passing of Christina (Chris) Barnicle nee Horan, Cranmore, Ballintubber, Co. Mayo. Chris passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Chris will be remembered in her home community as a wonderful warm, kind and generous person. Some years ago she was strongly associated with the publication of a comprehensive book “The History of Ballintubber Families down the Years”. Chris will always be remembered in Ballintubber for her generosity and tireless dedication to the Abbey.
She was also a founder member of Ballintubber Over 55s club and was supportive of every worthwhile community and sporting initiative down the decades. However Chris will be best remembered by many folk for her deep friendship, her warm personality and genuine care and concern for others. A truly wonderful lady she will be acutely missed by her many friends and neighbours.
Predeceased by her loving husband Paddy, her sister Mary (Hefferon) and her brother Cathal Horan, she is deeply regretted by her sons Tony and Ger and daughter Marie (Reddington), daughters-in-law Ann and Jean, son-in-law Mick, grandchildren Mark, Gary, Damien, Leanne, Cleo, Jack, Zoe, Pearse and great-granddaughter Alayah, sisters Liz (Richardson), Kathleen (Mulroy), Ita (Munnelly), Carmel (Clancy), Mona (Staunton), Martina (Barrett), brothers Liam and Sean (Horan), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. There was a large attendance present as her remains reposed in Ballintubber Resource Centre on the Friday evening from 6pm until 8pm. Chris’s Requiem Mass was celebrated on the Saturday at 10.30am in Ballintubber Abbey, followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Fr Frank Fahey has expressed his heartfelt thanks and sincere appreciation to everyone who visited him, and sent such kind and thoughtful gifts and cards in celebration of his recent 90th birthday. The generosity, warm wishes, and presence of many made the occasion truly special and memorable. He is deeply grateful for the kindness shown and for keeping him in your thoughts on this very significant milestone.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,600 on Sunday night, March 29. 1, 2, 8 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Peter Rowan, Brid Egan, Michael and Marie Cannon, Cillian O’Connor, John King (x2). The lotto jackpot stood at €5,700 last Sunday night, April 5. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, March 30, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 21, 24, 27 and 36. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Bernard Haywood, Katie McLoughlin, M&T Loftus, Una Maughan Prendergast and Paula Staunton. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,000 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
The winners from Monday, March 31, were: 1st Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion shared with Peter Glynn and Tomás Solan. 2nd Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren shared with Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly and 3rd Kevin Burke and Dave Gibbons. The best of last 10 prizes went to Mary Brennan and Mary Boyle and the raffle prizes were won by Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren.
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. More details to follow.
An assistant manager position is available. Benefits include pay above ERO rate, CPD support, Employee Assistance Programme, Christmas bonus, time in lieu for staff training and meetings, €20.80 per hour (level 5/6), €22 per hour (level 7/8). Early Years educator position available. €17.79 per hour (level 5/6), €19.70 (level 7/8).
Afterschool assistant position available from €15.50 per hour. Apply to the manager for all positions ASAP. ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com.
There was a great turnout for the recent Ballintubber Bord na nÓg presentation night in Carnacon Centre. Ballintubber underage teams enjoyed a fantastic year especially at U15 and U16 levels. A huge congrats to all involved. Managements are very proud of their team's achievements. Sincere thanks was extended to Cillian and Diarmuid O’Connor and Michael Plunkett for presenting the medals.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Harry Patrick Lynott and Caoimhín Patrick Hall baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, March 28. Congratulations to their parents and family.
The Tochar Phádraig is returning for the 2026 season. This ancient pilgrim path has been walked for centuries, linking Ballintubber Abbey with Croagh Patrick and weaving faith, landscape, and tradition into one shared journey.
With guided walks taking place throughout April, June, July, and August, 2026 offers the chance to step into a living piece of Mayo’s heritage and experience the Tochar.
Tickets: www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
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Killawalla Community Council has launched a super new 50/50 lotto fortnightly draw. The first draw will take place on May 3 and there will be a guaranteed winner every two weeks thereafter. Online and annual tickets are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. All who enter before May 2 will be entered in a special draw with a prize fund in excess of €1,000. Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s and from Community Council members. The old lotto draw was wound-up with a special give-away draw. Congratulations to the winners Michael Cannon, Amanda Tuffy, Bernie Conway, Robert Jennings, Martin Gibbons, Padraig Higgins, Phil and Mary Derrig, Mary Conway, Michael and Marie Cannon and Michael Conway.
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. https://ow.ly/xo7y50YpKst.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, March 28, stood at €20,000. 4, 11, 15 and 24 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winner was Judy Fallon. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week.
Congratulations are extended to Ciara Gibbons, daughter of John and Cait Gibbons, Tawnagh, Srah who recently celebrated her 21st birthday with family and friends in Paddy’s Bar and Restaurant. She is wished many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
In the halla, Tourmakeady, the knitting circle meet up on Mondays from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Yoga classes take place on Tuesdays at 6.30pm for 5 weeks. The social club meet on Thursdays at 2pm.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws takes place on Saturdays. 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, contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
The memorial to honour the volunteers who took part in the Tourmakeady Ambush on the 3rd May 1921 will be unveiled on May 3, this year on the 105th Anniversary.
After the unveiling there will be a wreath laying ceremony and the playing of the Last Post. There will be three benches put in place in memory of the three people on the Republican side who lost their lives, Michael O’Brien, Kildun, Padraig Feeney, Ballinrobe and Tom Horan, Srah.
There were volunteers from across South Mayo involved in the ambush. They came from Cross, Ballinrobe, Robeen and of course Srah and Glenmask. The Tourmakeady Ambush was the largest strike against the British army in South Mayo during the war of Independence. The IRA volunteers were dependent on support from their local communities and Cumann na mBan members.
After the wreath laying ceremony at Srah Bridge there will be a talk on the role of women in the struggle for Independence by esteem historian Sinead McCoole in nearby Tourmakeady Hall (F12 C6F2). This will be followed by the book launch by Ultan Lally -The Tan War in Ballyovey. Partry/Tourmakeady South Mayo. Ultan is grandson of Tom Lally who was the local man who took charge when Michael O’Brien was killed and Comdt Tom McGuire was seriously wounded. The evening will conclude with tea and refreshments.
Due to the delay in erecting the memorial costs have increased. The organisers would greatly appreciate any donations to help with the cost. Donations can be made on the GOFUNDME page on Ambush Website www.cltme.ie or to any committee member on the day.
It is time the brave men and women of 1921 were honoured. All those who wish to honour their memory are invited to join on May 3, at Srah Bridge, Tourmakeady. Fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.
In Partry Community Centre, Bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30. Guitar classes are on every Tuesday at 5pm and Irish Dancing classes on Thursday evening and the Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday. The community centre is available for meetings/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 Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Mark and Siobhan Gibbons, Ballinern and Dympna Byrne, Partry who were recent winners. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
Sincere condolences are extended to Yvonne McGing, Killadeer on the recent passing of her brother, Peadar McGovern, Liscarney and Redding. May he rest in peace.
Killawalla Community Council are organising a litter pick campaign running until Saturday, April 11. A rubbish pick up is available or drop bags to the shelter. For information contact Siobhan on 087 671 3940 or Carmel on 087 2879701.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Paul McAlpine, Jim Durcan and family and Rory Conroy and family all of whom were recent draw winners.
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The death has taken place of Michael Flatley, Manchester, UK and formerly of Carrajames, Belcarra, Castlebar. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family, siblings and many friends on both sides of the Irish Sea. Predeceased by his father Michael, he is deeply regretted by his mother Peggy, sons Peter, Jordan, Ashley and Fiacra, daughters Tanya, Elizabeth and Megan, brothers and sisters Francis, Robert, Donna, Anthony, Sharon, Sinéad, Sean, Marcia, Dermot and Damien, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. A Memorial Mass and the burial of his ashes will take place at a later date. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The death occurred last week of Maureen Cunnane (née Harte), Elmhall, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Kilclonfert, Co Offaly. Maureen passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, at Galway University Hospital. Maureen was an active member of Belcarra Ladies Group and very popular among her peers. Her passing is an occasion of great sadness to her family and many friends.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Tommy, her parents John and Bridget Harte, her sister Bernie, her brother Joseph, and her granddaughter Siofra, she is deeply regretted by her sons Brian (Elaine) and Thomas (Irene), her daughters Sharon (John) and Susanne (Danny), her treasured grandchildren, her brothers Noel, Sean, and Ignatius, her sister Liz, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and her extended family, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Maureen’s remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Friday, April 3, from 5 to 7pm with removal afterwards to St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra. Requiem Mass on was celebrated on Saturday, April 4, at 12 noon followed by burial ceremonies in Elmhall Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Belcarra Tidy Towns met on last Wednesday, April 1, at 8pm in the community centre. The group would love to see some new members join up. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the community, meet others and be part of a great team. Your ideas, energy and support are always welcome. Come along, get involved and help to keep Belcarra a village all the community are proud of.
Great progress in Guesdian graveyard recently, with the completion of new pathways making the space more accessible and welcoming for all. A sincere thank you has been extended to Castlebar Municipal District, Mayo County Council, for providing the materials and also to the families who kindly contributed through financial donation to support the work. Belcarra Community Council continues to maintain the graveyard, and projects like this are only made possible through community support and collaboration.
Congrats to the Mayo handball team made up of players from Belcarra and Newport clubs who have won All Ireland silver medals at U17 level. This talented squad - Ethan Nally, Cian Brady, Dylan Sheridan, Joshua Holmes, Ciaran O’Carroll, and John Irwin, delivered a performance full of heart, skill, and relentless determination.
Their efforts helped power the Mayo team all the way to the All-Ireland semi-final in the U17, where they proudly brought home silver for Mayo. Thanks especially to Aidan Connaughton of Newport - your dedication, leadership, and relentless drive in training the Mayo team.
School going young people are requested to take up the game of handball, no experience needed, it’s just fun, games, and a chance to make new friends. Every Sunday come along and give it a try - 6–8 years from 10am-10.45am - U10s from 10.45am-11.30am and U12s from 11.30am-12.15pm at Belcarra Sport Centre.
Belcarra Community Council has 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 April 17.
Your feedback is very important, so please 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 29, were 15, 16, 22 and 30. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The consolation prizewinners were Judy Clarke, Peggy Boland, David McNamara and Marion Barnicle. The weekend jackpot stood at €5,900 on last night, Monday, April 6.
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.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto on March 31 were 16, 22, 29 and bonus number 7. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at €20,000 on April 7, this Tuesday night. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA. https://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/.
A Women’s summer body fitness boot camp will commence on Friday, April 17, in Ballyheane Community Centre at 7pm. The fee is €90 for a 7 week block. After a successful two blocks of box and tone classes, Adrian will incorporate both indoor and outdoor training, weather permitting. Get summer ready, booking essential. Contact Adrian on 086 0581956.
The finale of the "Big Brain of Ballyheane" table quiz will take place on Friday, April 10, at 9.30pm in the Punch Bowl in Ballyheane. There will be spot prizes on the night and the event is organised by Ballyheane FC Club and players. Please support.
Ballyheane AFC Soccer Academy will be starting back on next Sunday, April 12, at 11am at Ballyheane FC pitch. The Academy will cater for boys and girls born from 2018 to 2020. Learn new skills; make new friends - boys and girls welcome. For further details call Martin at 086 1642309 or see club social media pages.
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In conjunction with Mayo Co Council and as part of Mayo Day there will be a Clans of Mayo Homecoming Heritage Event at the Clogher Heritage Complex, Newtown (F12 PF99) on Saturday, May 2. Activities will commence at 10am and continue throughout the day with something for young and old.
There was a great end of term for Errew NS with a very successful Easter Bake Sale hosted by the sixth class students. Parents, grandparents, past pupils, neighbours and the extended community were welcomed into the school for an afternoon of tea, cakes, chats, reminiscing and lots of laughter.
Acting principal Ciara Walsh expressed her sincere thanks to all those who attended, supported the school and donated towards the fundraiser and especially to all those who baked the tasty treats. She was very proud of the sixth class pupils who decided themselves to donate the impressive €679 raised towards the end of school summer tour next term, helping to lower the costs for everyone. Both Ms Walsh and acting deputy principal Kate Tiernan commended their generous and thoughtful gesture. A lovely afternoon was had by all.
The results of Card Game played in Clogher hall on Friday, March 27 were 1st Eileen Donnelly and Gus Sweeney, 2nd Gay Thomas and Joe Thomas shared with Mary Jo Cannon and Eileen Moran and 3rd Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahy. The last 10 winners were Mary McDonagh and Breege Blake. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
Congratulations to Irene McLoughlin who was the March winner of the Clogher 500 draw. Thanks to all the sponsors, ticket sellers and ticket buyers for their recent support of the fundraising draw in aid of the provision of the Modular Building for Clogher Pre and After School. The lucky winners were Brian Murray, Dinner for 2 at Leinster House sponsored by Kiera Keogh TD. Maureen Donovan dinner for 2 adults and 2 children at the Mulberry Restaurant sponsored by Breaffy House Hotel, Ciara Gill 2 tickets for the Clogher 500 draw sponsored by Clogher Environmental Group, Thomas Maloney Sealix Seaweed Bucket Lick and Bag of Seaweed Flake sponsored by Sealac Seaweed Production and Mary McRandall € 200 voucher for any Aurivo Store. The support of everybody is greatly appreciated.
A big thank you has been extended to all the boys and girls from the Holy Angels National School, Clogher who took part in handball courses over the past few weeks. A fantastic group of kids, and it was brilliant to see your enthusiasm and skills improving each week Belcarra Handball Club hopes to see you all on Sundays in Belcarra Sports Centre to keep up the training and fun. Gratitude also to the teachers for their wonderful support of the handball club - it’s greatly appreciated!
Clogher Active Age Group is currently planning their outings, projects and classes for the coming summer months. 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.
On Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm, Errew Ladies Group meet up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities. All welcome. Contact Eileen on 087 922 7567 with any enquiries.
