Barry Loftus, Crossmolina, launches his book 'Baby Dara and The Sahara' in Pangur Ban Bookshop
Ultra-athlete Barry Loftus from Crossmolina at the launch of his book about competing in the toughest race on the planet — the Marathon des Sables. He is pictured with Ursula McShane and Raymond Brogan from Pangur Bán Bookshop, Ballina. Photo: John Mee Photography
Crossmolina U21 B team continued their good form in this round robin section of the championship with a good win over Naomh Padraig in Tiernan’s Park on Sunday week. The visitors started brightly with points from Shane Loughney and Colm McDonnell but a goal from Eoin Murphy in the fourth minute was followed with points each from Danny McDonald and Diarmuid Walsh. Aaron McDonnell’s point reduced the lead before Diarmuid Walsh and Eoin Murphy pointed and a Jack Naughton goal in the closing minutes gave the hosts a rather flattering 2-4 to 0-4 lead at the break after playing against a stiffish breeze. Sean McKeon and Matthew Long grabbed points each for the visitors and further points from James Maheady, Diarmuid Walsh, Eoin Murphy and Cillian Fergus made sure of the Deel-Siders place in next Sunday’s quarter final against Aghamore in Tiernans Park. The final score was Crossmolina 2-10, Naomh Padraig 0-6.
Congratulation to Barry Loftus who launched his book Baby Dara and The Sahara on his life and his Iron Man challenge in the Sahara in the Pangur Bán bookshop in Ballina.
There was no winner of Crossmolina Deel-Rovers GAA Club lotto jackpot on Saturday, November 18 in the Thatch Bar. The numbers drawn were 1, 9, 13 and 16. One ticket matched three; Aishling Timoney, Moylaw, Crossmolina, and she won €150. The latest jackpot was €8,100.
Best of 20 games 1st Pakie Hefferon and Tom Hanahoe, 2nd a six way tie John Reape and Frank Leonard, Ray and Mary McNamara, Liz Clarke and Bernie Gilroy, Liam Garvey and Vincent Crowley, Darragh Sheridan and Anthony Granaghan Patrick Gilroy and Richard Devers. Raffle winners were; 1st John Gilger, 2nd Sean Keane, and 3rd Michael McAndrew.
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Sean Thornton passed away peacefully in the Blackrock Nursing Home, Foxford. on November 17, following a long illness. Until the last few months he had been lovingly cared for at home by his beloved wife Margaret and family who were devoted to his care. His removal took place from his residence on the Sunday morning for his concelebrated Mass in Christ the King Church, Knockmore, where large numbers of family, relatives and friends gathered to remember and bid a fond farewell to Sean. During the homily he was paid many tributes and was remembered as a great neighbour and friend with a quiet and unassuming manner, a smile for everyone and handshake for all he met. Sean was born in Tavanaghmore and a member of a family of six. Like many of his friends he spent some time working in the UK, returning a few years later together with his wife Margaret to Tavanaghmore where they purchased a small farm. Sean loved the simple things in life, working the land, caring for his animals and keeping his farmyard always neat and tidy. He appreciated the countryside and living in the Pontoon area, overlooking Lough Conn and its beautiful scenery. He will be remembered always as a true gentleman, a loving husband, dad, grandfather, brother and friend. Pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Dick, Patsy and Eddie, his sisters Eileen and Bridie he is survived by his wife Margaret, daughters Maureen and Susan, sons Tommy and John, grandchildren Ryan, Nathan, Adam, Dane and Noah, his sister Nora, son-in-law John, daughter-in-law Dalene, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May he now rest in peace.
The numbers drawn in the lotto held on November 11, were 10, 25, 31, and 33. Weekly winners were Alan Duggan, Joe Clarke, Michael Molloy, and Vincent T. Lucky Dip winner was Johnny Flynn.
The death has taken place in Long Island, New York of Dr John Powers, husband of the late Dr Vera Powers (nee Brogan). He was brother-in-law of Ray Brogan, Knockmore and Patsy Doherty, Ballina and much loved Dad of Mary Patricia, Deirdre, Margaret Mary and Veronica, a devoted grandfather, brother and friend. His Requiem Mass was celebrated last week in his local church where family, relatives, neighbours and friends gathered in large numbers to pay him their final respects. May he rest in peace.
Deepest sympathy is extended to Patricia McAndrew, Runagry, Knockmore, on the passing of her sister Liz Langdon, Ballina. Her concelebrated Mass was celebrated on Saturday, November 18, and she was laid to rest afterwards in Leigue Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
The numbers drawn on November 13, were 6, 20, 22 and 23. €20 weekly winners were Alessia Barrett, Gemma Reape, Mary Faughnan, Jason Ruane, Enda Munnelly, and Siobhan Wilson. Lucky dip winner was Helena Donnelly.
The annual SVP Collection takes place on the weekend of December 9 and 10. This is the society`s primary source of income and depend on it to meet the needs of many requiring assistance.
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Ardagh GAA Club officials are organising a cash for clothes collection in the coming weeks. If anyone has clothes for recycling before Christmas they can drop the clothes in black refuse bags into the away dressing rooms which will be unlocked during daylight hours. The collection is part of the club's ongoing fundraising events and is a method for the club to raise some vital finance to help with on and off pitch and club development. Those wishing to support the event are asked to collect any old/worn clothes in clean and wearable condition; bed clothes/sheets, shoes and curtains and bag the items in black refuse bags. It's important to stress that no pillows, quilts, books or toys will be accepted. All support will be greatly appreciated by the organising committee.
Ardagh Social Services are hosting a Christmas party on Sunday week, December 10, at 5pm in Leonards of Lahardane. The cost is €25, and names and money to be paid by next Sunday, December 3. Transport will be provided from the community centre. Full details from Ita at 085 7891208 or Anne at 087 2756712.
Ardagh GAA Club's current lotto draw stands at €3,500. Tickets are available online through the club website, www.ardaghgaaclub.com.
Members of Ardagh GAA Club are organising a fundraising bag pack at Dunnes Stores, Ballina, next month. Full details later.
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The Rambling House Group extend a sincere thank you to Liam Alex Heffron local historian, for his delivery of an informative and interesting talk on the origins and establishment of the townlands, as well as the meaning behind their names, together with the origins of local surnames. The next event will take place on Thursday, November 30, where the Christmas spirit of wreath making will take place.
Daria’s Daycare are fundraising by bag packing in Dunnes on Friday, December 8, from 12-8pm. If anybody could spare an hour or 2 to help out, text 087 2999014 with the time you are available.
Daria’s Daycare are recruiting an Aim Support Worker. Requirements are minimum Fetac /QQ1 Level 5 and hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon. Email CV to dariasdaycare@gmail.com. Closing date for applications is Friday, December 1.
St. Brigid’s LGFA are holding their annual general meeting on Wednesday, November 29, in Ballycastle Club House at 8pm.
Santa is coming to the North Mayo Heritage Centre on December 9 and 10, and 16 and 17. Booking online only at www.northmayogenealogy.com/events. €22 per child. Adults are free.
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Ballycastle/Belderrig first ever parish party will take place on Sunday, December 10, in Ballycastle Community Hall with Mass at 4pm followed by Christmas dinner and dancing. Tickets cost €20 and are available from John Burke’s, Donnelly’s Village Store, Eilis Ormsby 087 7936942 and Margaret Burke 087 2858332.
Christmas Monster Bingo in Ballycastle Community Hall on December 18 at 8pm, with a jackpot of €1,000.
St. Bridget’s Church, Ballycastle, will host Carols by Candlelight with the Moy Singers and local artists on Friday, December 22, at 7.30pm.
Ballycastle GAA club AGM will be held on Friday, December 8, at 8pm in the clubhouse. A dinner party honouring the 1993 team, will be held on December 29, at 7.30pm in Ballycastle Community Hall.
Any news items for inclusion in Ballycastle Notes in Western People can be emailed to ballycastle4@hotmail.com by 8.00p.m. on Wednesday for inclusion in the following Tuesday’s issue.
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The numbers drawn in the lotto held on November 18, were 8, 24, 34, and 35. The €40 prize winners were as follows: Tom Lawrence, Ballina; Saorla McLoughlin, c/o A. Doherty; Ronan Barrett,c/o Mahony’s; John Devlin, Corrimbla; and Alice and Noelle Fleming, Killala. The latest draw was held on November 25, for a jackpot of €7,850. Play on line: Visit www.bonniconlongaa.com.
Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of John (Johnny) Loftus, Cloontia, who was laid to rest recently. May his soul rest in peace.
Notices for the parish bulletin can be emailed to cebonniconlon@gmail.com.
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News items can be handed into the Failte Room by 1am on Thursday or phone 34130 or email tithecoistra@gmail.com.
The annual Christmas party will take place on Sunday, December 3, at 4pm in the Merry Monk. Bus will leave Ballycastle at 2.30pm.
The bonus ball winner last week was Iarla and Ruairi Kelly. There are numbers available for bonus ball, if interested contact Leo on 087 9163851.
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Cooneal Community Christmas Party will take place in the Great National Hotel, Ballina, on Sunday, December 10, at 2 pm. For details contact Marion on 096 32576.
Killala GAA 25 card drive takes place on Sunday, December 3, at 8.30pm in Killala Community Centre.
For any notes or news of interest for Cooneal / Ballysakeery area including email, phone, or text 085 1421996.
