Local Notes: 35 year reunion for the Class of 1990 in Belmullet.
Our Ladies Secondary School Belmullet leaving cert class of 1990 who recently celebrated their class reunion at the school.
On Saturday, January 27, Our Ladies Secondary School leaving cert class of 1990 celebrated the 35-year reunion at the school and what an incredible evening it was. It was heart-warming for so many familiar faces to share stories of where life has taken them and to relive those treasured memories from their school days. From heartfelt conversations to laughter that echoed through the night, the reunion was truly special.
Thank you to everyone who attended and made the night so memorable. The organisers also extend their gratitude to all those who helped organise the event, making it a seamless and joyous occasion. To those who couldn't make it, you were missed, and they hope to see you at the next gathering. Until then, stay connected and keep those memories alive.
Our Ladies Secondary School was thrilled recently to announce that former student, Molly McManamon, has been awarded an entrance scholarship to University College Dublin. This prestigious scholarship is in recognition of her outstanding results in the 2024 Leaving Certificate exams.
Molly's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have truly paid off. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to the entire school community, reminding everyone of the power of perseverance and academic passion.
Molly’s is wished incredible success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter studying Physiotherapy at UCD. Our Ladies Secondary School couldn’t be prouder of you, Molly, and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Belmullet library will host a screening of the award-winning movie ‘Small Things Like These’ based on the novel by Claire Keegan on Thursday, February 27, at 8pm in Áras Inis Gluaire with admission free.
Special Olympics Ireland staff will attend a meeting in the IWA Centre, Logmore on Monday, February 24, at 7.30pm to provide information on Special Olympics Ireland. The meeting will also decide on viability and demand to re-establish Erris Special Olympics. A local group will only be established if there is sufficient interest/support.
Gaeilge Iorrais offer their heartiest congratulations and a huge round of applause to all the children from the Gaeltacht area that took part in Ceol an Gheimhridh on January 11. This Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Mhaigh Eo event was held in Swinford by host branch CCÉ Michael Davitt. A total of three boys and nine girls took part in various competitions across different age groups at this event (sean-nós singing, recitation, storytelling and traditional music – in instruments such as whistle, accordion, harp and concertina).
These twelve young members from CCÉ Craobh Chlann Lir branch in Gaeltacht Iorrais range in age from 8 to 13 years old and are currently in various classes from 2nd class in Scoil Bhreandáin, Eachléim to 2nd year in Coláiste Bhreandáin Naofa, Béal an Mhuirthead; Alyssa Ní Fhearghaill, Aoibhinn Ní Mhonacháin, Ava Ní Fháthaigh, Cara Ní Ghiollabháird, Eimear de Róiste, Fionn Ó hIarbháin, Lauryn Ní Fhearghail, Méabh Ní Mhonacháin, Nora Ní Mhongáin, Paddy Ó hIarbháin, Ruby Ní Ghiollabháird, Tim Kroener. Ten of these young people attend Scoil Bhreandáin na hEachléime and two teenagers attend Coláiste Bhreandáin Naofa in Béal an Mhuirthead (also former students of Eachléim). All these children, together with their parents and their school, music and singing teachers, deserve much praise. Nár laga Dia iad.
The young sean-nós singers from the Gaeltacht area were very successful on the day and won a total of 9 prizes in sean-nós singing competitions; Cara Ní Ghiollabháird, Ruby Ní Ghiollabháird, Nora Ní Mhongáin (first, second and third place respectively in the U11 sean-nós singing competition). Aoibhinn Ní Mhonacháin, Paddy Ó hIarbháin, Lauryn Ní Fhearghail (first, second, third place respectively in the sean-nós singing competition for 11-14 year olds) Aoibhinn Ní Mhonacháin and Lauryn Ní Fhearghail (first and third place respectively in the English singing competition for 11-14 year olds). Méabh Ní Mhonacháin (second place in the English singing competition for U11s). Eimear de Róiste took home two medals on the day: first place in the storytelling competition (U11) and second place in recitation.
Eight of these young people now progress to the Connaught Ceol an Gheimhridh which will take place during February.
This sean-nós singing program is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta Neartú scheme which is coordinated by Gaeilge Iorrais since 2020.
Ballyglass RNLI'S inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch by Malin Head Coast Guard recently. They were called to a person in the water who had been on a Jet Ski in Blacksod Bay, ½ mile off Doohoma Head. The ILB launched at 13.45 with a volunteer crew of three and proceeded immediately to the scene in challenging conditions. The Coast Guard helicopter airlifted the casualty to shore. The ILB towed the Jet Ski to shore as it was a hazard to navigation. Thanks to Ballyglass Coast Guard Search and Drone Unit who assisted the shore crew. The ILB was recovered and made ready for service at 16.30.
The AGM of Ballyglass RNLI fundraising group will take place at the Inshore station on Bridge Road, Belmullet, on February 26 at 8pm. If you want to give back to your community in a rewarding way, come along on Wednesday 26. Join a group of likeminded people who try to raise funds to ensure Erris has two lifeboats to assist seafarers around the coast.
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family of John Padden, Barnagh East, Clogher; Michael McGinty, Claggan, Ballycroy; and Mary Flannery (nee Hall). May they all rest in peace.
Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD has confirmed that a Senior Occupational Therapist has been appointed for the Erris region. Minister Calleary said, “I have been working on this matter with my colleague Cllr Sean Carey for a number of months and I am pleased to have now received confirmation from the Minister for Health that a senior occupational therapist has been appointed for Erris”.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €16,600 with the two €50 winners being Bailey Murray and Sophia and Daniel Hanno while Maureen McAndrew, Knockshambo and Mevagh and Conor Shields, Geesala both won €25. The two online winners were Anna Lavelle €50 and Samantha Ginnelly €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, February 18, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €800 in 51 calls or less.
The draw was held on February 9, and the numbers drawn were; 2, 8, 21 and 24 with no winner of the €9,500 jackpot. The house prize of €100 was won by Iarla and Cuán Calpin, Porturlin and €30 offline winners were Agnes Ruddy, Glenamoy and Nancy and Thomas Healy, Bunowna. The €30 online winners were Gareth Carey, Carnefowler and Bridie Tomas, Ballycastle. The jackpot in the latest draw held on February 16, was €9,600 the draw took place in Belderrig Community Centre.
Irish Wheelchair Association Erris Branch Seán Keane fundraising concert was certainly one to remember. Broadhaven Bay Hotel was packed to the rafters recently and everyone went home happy having experienced the magical music of the one and only Sean Keane. Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the raffle. All funds raised will help support the local services in Erris. Huge thank you to Sean and his merry men for the music only Sean can provide. It was great to see the range in ages attending, from 9 years old up to 88, - my dad included. Most importantly members in the IWA had a fantastic night out.
Thanks to Sean Keane for the special song dedicated to my mum who passed away this time last year. It was an emotional night and Sean’s passion for his music was contagious and inspiring.
