Local Notes:
Knockmore
On Wednesday morning last, January 14, at his 11am Requiem Mass, the late Michael McHale, Bayview House, Pontoon was fondly remembered by his beloved family during the eulogy at the end of his Mass. At the beginning of the Mass many symbols from his life were brought to the altar and included a miniature tractor representing his love for machinery, his phone for keeping in touch with family and friends, Holy water representing his great Christian faith, a family portrait showing the love he had always for family.
Michael passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, January 11, at his residence surrounded by his family, a family who took such care of him during his illness and especially his wife Nora Mai who will now miss him so very much. Like many of his peers he left to work in the UK where he met the love of his life Nora Mai Flynn (a Pontoon native). After a few years they returned to the parish with their family of two and set up home in Pontoon.
Michael worked with Mayo Co Council for some years. He was a great tradesman, working always to a very high standard. He was a great neighbour and friend always helping out whenever needed.
His passing has left a void in his neighbourhood that never can be filled. Predeceased by his parents and his beloved grandson James, he is survived by his beloved wife Nora Mai, daughter Eileen, son Gerry, his adored grandchildren and great-grandchild, brother Martin and sister Delia, son-in-law Eddie, daughter-in-law Brenda, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and many friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. May he now rest in peace in his final resting place in Ballinahaglish Cemetery.
The numbers drawn last week were; 6, 11, 22 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. Weekly winners were Davy’s Tool Hire and Stephen Gardner. Season ticket winners were Des Langan and Kenny Langan. Lucky dip winner was Cristine Boland.
A pilgrimage to Medjugorje will take place from September 23-30 with flight from Knock Airport. Save €50 by booking before the end of January. Further information from Bernadette Coleman on 086 8196653.
The numbers drawn on January 5, were 1, 10, 20 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. Weekly and season winners were; Shauna O’Boyle, Davys Tool Hire, Cepta McDonnell, John Peoples, Kieran Gardiner and Brendan Duffy. Lucky dip winner was John Brogan.
A retreat takes place on Sunday, February 7, from 10am-5pm in the Fr Peyton Centre, Attymass., and it will be conducted by Fr John Keane and Deacon Don Devaney. To book, contact Nicola on 087 9622800. The cost is €25 payable to Fr. Peyton Centre and this includes lunch and refreshments.
The numbers drawn last week were; 12, 14, 16 and 18. There was no jackpot winner. The €25 weekly winner was Fiona Beirne.
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Killala
A car treasure hunt will be held on Sunday, February 1, in aid of Templemary National School Parents Group. Registration will be at Templemary NS between 1.30 and 2.30pm, and registration fee is €20 per car and finishing up at Gilvarry’s Pub, Killala with light refreshments and a raffle with lots of prizes. Come along and support for a great day out.
There was no jackpot winner on January 14. The numbers drawn were 14,15, 20 and 21. €20 winners were Laurie Murphy, Breda McGuire and Una Kilbane. This week’s jackpot is €10,800.
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Moygownagh
Moygownagh Connect Café/Rambling House supported by the HSC Lottery Fund is coming on Thursday, January 29 with local historian and writer Dr Liam Alex Heffron.
Moygownagh club membership is now open for 2026 and will remain open until March 31. Join on line at www.foireann.ie.
Moygownagh GAA would like to reach out to businesses/individuals in the community to support the Moygownagh team through sponsorship. If anybody would like to sponsor or make a donation in relation to the purchase of football kits, jerseys and training equipment contact the chairman Alan Gallagher on 086 8418331 or email communicationa.moygownagh.mayo@gaa.ie.
Jamie’s knit night returns on Thursday, January 22 at 7.30pm and every other Thursday thereafter in the Learning Forum.

