Best wishes: Mayo woman celebrates retirement after 50 years with same company
Niamh Charlton, Pam Ní Thaighe, Maria Walsh MEP, Shauna Tarpey, Vanessa McNicholas, Anne Marie Carroll and TD Keira Keogh at the official opening of the new wellness garden at Youthreach Kiltimagh. Picture: Alison Laredo
After an incredible 50 years of service, Rita Conway has retired from her role with Genfitt, now known as Kramp Ireland.
Rita first joined the company in 1975, initially taking up a summer job in the office of her neighbour, Larry McEllin, who had founded Genfitt just two years earlier in Greyfield. Following a commercial course in typing and shorthand at Kiltimagh Vocational School, Rita became Genfitt’s first full-time office employee in September 1977. She worked alongside her brothers, Ambrose and Christy O’Connell.
Rita paid tribute to the late Larry McEllin, describing him as “the driving force” behind the company.
In a statement, Kramp Ireland praised Rita’s warmth, dedication, and positivity, calling her a true friend and valued colleague.
Rita is wished a long, happy, and well-earned retirement.
Clann Machua Drama Group will stage ‘The Snapper’ by Roddy Doyle in the All-Ireland Drama Confined Final in Claremorris on Wednesday, April 30th.
Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D. Higgins, will perform the opening ceremony on Friday next, April 25th, at 8pm. This year’s adjudicator is Anna Walker.
Kiltimagh will once again host the popular Race2Glory on Saturday, July 12th. Participants can choose between a 20km sprint course or the more demanding 40km full course, both featuring scenic trails, hills, river crossings, and a mix of running and cycling stages.
There are prizes across multiple categories, and the event promises fun for all ages, with food stalls, an epic BBQ, ice cream, coffee, and face painting at the finish line. Athletes will be well looked after too, with ice baths and physio support available. Whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines, it's set to be a great day out!
To register, log on to https://race2glory.com.
Win a voucher for Center Parcs
Kiltimagh-based national organisation, the Federation for Victim Assistance, is holding a special draw for a €300 voucher to Center Parcs.
This is a bonus draw for anyone who buys a ticket for their main fundraising draw, which has a top prize of a brand new Nissan Qashqai. The car draw will be held before Christmas.
To enter the draw for the Center Parcs voucher, simply buy a ticket for the car draw before June 1st. Tickets are priced at €20 each or three for €50. Two draws for the price of one!
Center Parcs is an international holiday organisation and its only Irish location is set in 400 acres of beautiful historic forest, just five kilometres from Ballymahon, Co Longford. The Parc has plenty of activities, restaurants and accommodation options tucked away amongst the trees, offering everything you need for a perfect short break for all the family.
You could win on the double, and by supporting the draw, you are helping a really worthwhile cause in the process. Tickets are available from the Federation offices in Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, and online at www.victimassistance.ie.
James Walsh and Paddy Carney and Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle tied for first place in the weekly 25 card game, held in the Parish Centre last week. Third prize was shared by Mary and Richard Carney, Flor Higgins and Colette Lavelle and Kieran McDonnell and Jack Ryan.
The Last 10 winners were Aidan Lydon and Alo Langan with spot prizes going to Pius Forde and John Clancy. The raffle winners were Francis McNicholas, Seamus Larkin, Liam Moran and Richard Carney.
School Transport Scheme
Parents are reminded that the School Transport Scheme for the 2025/26 school year is now open for applications. The closing date for applications is this Friday, April 25th, and early action is advised to secure your child’s place.
Applications should be submitted online at www.buseireann.ie/schools.
The scheme is open to first-time applicants, as well as to students who will be changing home address or school in the coming academic year.
Families already using the service simply need to log in and pay the applicable fee to confirm their place. The cost is €50 for primary school pupils, €75 for post-primary, and a maximum of €125 per family, offering excellent value for larger households.
Ensure your child’s seat is secured for the upcoming school year - apply before the deadline on Friday, April 25th.
Kiltimagh Knock United Masters lost out in the Oliver Kelleher Masters Cup on Wednesday, going down heavily to Partry Athletic.
The final score was 9-2 with John O’Hara and Gavin Groarke getting the KKU goals. Sligo Rovers senior men’s manager, John Russell, a former League of Ireland player who lives in Castlebar, scored three for Partry.
KKU’s record remains impressive winning 13 out of 14 games. In the process, they scored 77 goals including 13 hat-tricks. Four of the squad are coaching underage teams within the club. The team went unbeaten in the league and secured the title.
Cill Aodáin Choral Society, Kiltimagh presents Spring into Song at the Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, on this Thursday, April 24th, at 8pm. The society had two sold-out nights at the venue last year and is hoping for a full house for this event.
This year the society is privileged to have the very talented Alannah Thornburgh - an award-winning multi-instrumentalist and composer with a focus on traditional Irish harp, join the society on stage. Alannah's music explores her family's musical heritage, reimagining ancient airs and tunes from the Irish harping and American folk and jazz traditions. The musical director is Finola Higgins.
Tickets for the concert cost €20 each and are available online at the Linenhall Arts Centre or by phone on 094-9023733.
Football for girls born in 2015, 2016 and 2017 (Under 11 - Under 9) is returning at Kiltimagh Knock United on this Saturday, April 26th, from 5 to 6pm on the astro at the club. New and returning players are invited to attend on Saturday evening. All are welcome to attend and give it a try.
For more information, contact the club with a PM on Facebook.
Congratulations to Margaret Casey, Kilmovee, winner of last week's Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. The jackpot was €398.
Pat McGowan was the winner of last week’s Kiltimagh GAA 50/50 draw. Pat won €725 on a ticket bought in Kittie’s.
The death has occurred of Rev. Liam Martin C.S.Sp. of Kimmage Manor, Dublin, and formerly of Kiltimagh.
Fr Liam passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13th. A dedicated missionary, he served faithfully in Ireland, England and Sierra Leone throughout his ministry.
Fr Liam was the beloved son of the late Minnie (née Costello) and John Martin and was predeceased by his siblings, Fr Frank C.S.Sp., Eileen (Sr Enda MSHR), Joe, Beth, JP, Theresa (Stephens) and Patricia (Bellman).
Fr Liam will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family, friends, and his Spiritan confrères.
Fr Liam’s Funeral Mass took place in the Holy Spirit Parish Church, Kimmage Manor, followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
