Local Notes: A Scary Night in Moorhall.
Local children who are Halloween ready for the 'Scare in the Woods' event which is being organised by Carnacon Ladies GAA. Photo by Deirdre Ryan.
Carnacon Ladies GAA Club are organising a Halloween “Scare in the Woods” at Moorehall on Saturday, October 31. The programme runs as follows: from 2 to 3pm sensory hour, 3 to 5pm is child friendly, 5 to 10pm everyone is welcome. Admission is €15 and is online booking only through https://tickts.ie/events/scare-in-the-woods. The meeting point for the event is Carnacon Community Centre, where visitors will check in before being brought by bus to Moorehall. The bus transfer will take visitors directly to the woods, where the 'Scare in the Woods' experience begins.
Don your spooky Hallowe’en costumes and come to Ballyglass Community Centre on Saturday, October 31, for the Hallowe’en Market, from 11am to 2pm. Local bakers will be selling bracks, scones, brown bread, cakes, and tarts together with an assortment of jams and chutneys. The immensely popular sourdough loaves will be back, as will Javier and his famous sausage rolls and tasty treats. The Jalopy Coffee van will be selling soup and toasties to keep the cold out, and other food sellers on the day will include Joe Kelly’s fresh vegetables, Rachel’s local honey and Michael’s free-range hen and duck eggs. Genevieve will be there with her holistic remedies and products; Bonne Etoile soaps will be there as well as Bernie’s beautiful baby knits and gifts. For the youngsters, who will hopefully turn up in their Hallowe’en costumes, there will be a spooky treasure hunt, goodie bags, guess the sweets in the jar, and Catherine’s excellent face-painting and balloon modelling.
You can order your Christmas cakes and puddings from Agnes on the day. Ballyglass FC lotto will be there also, and this time there will be a fundraising table for Sunflower Children’s Hospice. All are very welcome to join in the fun (before heading out to trick-or-treat), for what promises to be a fun community day for all the family.
As the evenings draw in, all are welcome in Ballyglass Community Centre for a series of interesting talks on the local history of the Ballyglass area. The talks over the next five Thursdays will be as follows: October 29, Exploring the 1926 Census, with Rachel Quinn; November 5, Newbrook House, with Seán Hallinan and Frank McEveney; November 12, The Burning of Moorehall House, with Seán Hallinan; November 19, Tales of Towerhill House with Seán Hallinan and November 26, Local Horse races and donkey stories, again with Seán Hallinan.
All are very welcome to attend. There is a small fee of €5 on the door and light refreshments will be served. The event is supported by MSLETB.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, October 19, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 5, 8, 12 and 31. The consolation prize winners were Mike Hargreaves, Sean Connor, John Boyle, Pat Igoe and Frank Ludden. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €19,800 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, October 20: 1st Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly; Noel Costello and Cathal Hennelly; 2nd Jimmy Sheridan and Willie Cusack; 3rd Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley. Best of last 10 were; Seamus Nevin and Breege Jennings. Raffle winners were; Richard and Mary Carney. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all who support Ballyglass Card Games, which continue every Monday night from 9pm in the community centre.
Congratulations to Colm Burke, Carrowhall, who celebrated his 60th birthday recently. Congratulations to Colm from all his neighbours and friends in the Ballyglass area.
Dancing classes are a wonderful way for children to build confidence, make friends and pick up a new skill. Irish dancing classes for children will continue in Ballyglass Community Centre, every Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30. The cost is €8 per lesson, pay as you go.
Ballintubber Community Council have advised that the Road Traffic Special Speed Limits are out to public consultation at present.
There is an opportunity for people in the area to have their say in relation to the proposed speed limits. The proposal for Ballintubber is a periodic 30kph near the school, operational during school opening and closing times. The details are at the link below.
https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/...
Draft Road Traffic (Special Speed Limits) (County Mayo) Bye-Laws 2026 Public Consultation | Mayo County Council Please have your say about the proposed speed limits. Closing date is November 3, at 4.30pm.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,400 on Sunday night, October 17. 3, 28, 31 and 35 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The consolation prizes went to Nora Conroy, Marie Burke, Michael Hallinan, Jimmy Lally, Stiofan and Niamh Mannion and Finian Burke.The lotto jackpot stood at €8,600 for last Sunday night’s draw.
Carnacon Baby and Toddler Group are organising a coffee morning in aid of Brest Cancer tomorrow, Wednesday, October 28, in Carnacon Centre. The event will run from 10am to 12 noon.
The Lough Carra LIFE Sustainable Produce Marketing Grant is now open for applications. This funding aims to support the promotion and marketing of sustainably produced local products from the Lough Carra catchment. Full details and application information: https://www.loughcarralife.ie/news-and-events.
*************
Tourmakeady Makers Market will take place on Saturday, November 7. The monthly indoor market which falls on the 1st Saturday of each month brings together a collection of local crafts, bakers, growers, producers, and artists to offer a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, homegrown wares and products. The event will commence at 11am at Halla Tour Mhic Éadaigh F12C6F2. For further details email makersmarket.tme@gmail.com /Facebook: The Makers Market, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh.
The winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto ball on Saturday, October 3, was No 38, Niall and Una Ui Dhonnchadha, and on Saturday, October 10, No 29, Dan and Teresa De Priondargaist were the winners.
The SN Thuar Mhic Éadaigh - school fundraising ‘Lotto Bonus Number’ for the school will be commencing on November 14. A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night. (Without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). If you wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months. Anyone who is willing to support, contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh was the venue for the launch of the Community Biodiversity Action Plan plus an information evening. This event was part of Climate Action Week 2026. Ecologist Karina Dingerkus did a presentation before the official launch of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Biodiversity Plan. There was also information on the latest SEAI grants from Orla Nic Suibhne and a talk from Padraig on Beekeeping from Westport Beekeepers.
The Knitting Circle and Coiste an Halla are currently working on a special community project for Christmas this year. The group is busy crocheting colourful squares which will be used to decorate a Christmas tree that will be erected in the village during the festive season.
The Knitting Circle would love to involve the whole community in this project and is asking for your support. A donation box will be available where members of the community can make a contribution.
Every donation will help to create something colourful, festive, and special for everyone to enjoy this Christmas.
Waterfall editorial Committee are busy preparing for the 39th edition of Waterfall magazine. Advertising material is urged to be forwarded by as soon as possible. Articles of interest, historical pieces, wedding photographs, prose, and poems should be forwarded to waterfalltme@gmail.com. as soon as possible.
The lotto jackpot on Saturday, October 17, stood at €10,000. Congrats to Margaret and Mattie Heneghan, Tawnagh, Srah who were recent winners of the €20,000 jackpot.
Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the Partry Hospice Tea/ Coffee Morning. A total of €867 was collected. Stephen and Evelyn Joyce thank everyone for their generous contribution to Mary’s Meals. The final figure was a generous €1,625.
Mayo Cancer Support, at Rock Rose House, thank all those who supported and facilitated its recent church gate collection in Tourmakeady. A total of €418.86 was raised. These funds will support the ongoing provision of emotional support to local people affected by cancer.
The rosary will be recited in the following Cemetery's, Killawalla, 12 noon on November 7; Ballintubber at 1pm on November 7, and Burriscarra at 2pm also on November 7.
Congratulations to the latest winner of the Killawalla lotto Megan Mulcrone, who won €281.50. So far since the change over to the new 50/50 format, over €4000 has been given out in prize money but that’s only possible because of the fantastic support received. In the next draw there is a giveaway of 3 lucky dip prizes of €50. Everyone who has already purchased their annual tickets and anyone who purchases any ticket between now and November 1, will be in with a chance to win the jackpot or one of the 3 prizes. Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council lotto are available - one annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s in Ballintubber and from Community Council members.
Play Online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KillawallaCC.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Kenneth O’Malley, Kilfaul who was a recent winner with number 38.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to John Heneghan, Gallagh and Michael McDermott, Partry who were recent winners. All weekly draw winners received €100. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565.
*****************
The death has taken place of Kay Nally, Logaphuill, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Kay passed away peacefully after a short illness on Friday, October 16, in the wonderful care of the staff at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Aged 81 years, Kay was a retired staff officer, with the Department of Agriculture in Davitt House. Her generosity, sense of humour, warm personality and quick wit endeared her to all her work colleagues and all she encountered on the path of life.
Predeceased by her parents Martin and Baby Nally and her brother James (Jimmy) Nally, she is deeply regretted by her sisters Gaye Kennedy, Anne Nally and Pauline Keane, her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, kind neighbours, former colleagues, and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. Kay’s remains reposed at Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 7pm, followed by removal to St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra. Kay’s Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday, October 22, at 12 noon, followed by burial ceremonies in Elmhall Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The death occurred recently of Lena Fadden, nee Madden, Belcarra Village and late of Cloonaugh, Belcarra and McHale Road, Castlebar. Lena passed away on October 16, peacefully in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Austin, parents Catherine and Patrick, sisters Peggy, Bridie, Kitty, Maureen, Nora and Jean and her brother Jimmy, Lena is deeply regretted by her heartbroken family, sons David, Stephen and Shane, daughter Edel (Cunningham), brother PJ and her twin brother Bob, daughters-in-law Linda, Teresa and Katie, son-in-law Padraic, grandchildren Sean, Ryan, Lauren, Sophie, Kayleigh, Matthew, Ellen, Hannah, Isabelle and Beth, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Lena’s remains reposed in Belcarra Community Centre on Monday, October 19, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on the Tuesday morning at 12 noon followed by burial ceremonies in Elmhall Cemetery, Belcarra. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, October 18th were 15, 18, 20 and 28. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Helen Ralph, Geraldine Casey, Jimmy Murphy, and Patricia Redmond. The weekend Jackpot stood at €8,800 on last Sunday night, October 25th, 2026. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and online at https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2628#Anchor.
Belcarra Community Council are delighted to invite everyone to the launch of the Belcarra Community Action Plan 2026–2031. The event will be taking place on Sunday, November 8, from 12 noon to 2pm.
The plan has been shaped by the views, ideas and priorities shared by people across the community, and will help guide the future development of Belcarra over the coming years. Minister Dara Calleary will officially launch the plan on the day and the official opening of the canopy and the unveiling of the new village map will also take place.
This is a plan for the whole community, so as many people as possible are requested to be present.
Congrats to Noel Costello and Ceire Sheehy who were recently married in St Cronan’s Church, Balla. The couple are wished a long and happy life together.
Belcarra Parents Association are organising a Halloween Discon on Friday evening, October 30, from 5 to 7.30pm. Admission is €5 and all proceeds go to the school.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto on Tuesday, October 20, were 6, 9, 23 and bonus number 3. The jackpot stands at £22,900 on this Tuesday night, October 27. Congratulations to the club U15 lads on a brilliant performance to be crowned Division 2 league champions. Congratulations also to the U13 lads on being crowned league champions. It was a fantastic achievement by this talented group of players. A huge thank you has been extended to the management teams, coaches and everyone involved for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
The death took place last week of Agusta O’Brien nee Champion, Kinturk, Ballyheane, Castlebar and formerly of Inch House, Ennis and Clarecastle, Co. Clare and Valley Field House, Ballinakill, Co. Laois. Agusta passed away peacefully in her 97th year in the tender loving care of her family and the wonderful staff of Friars Lodge Nursing Home, Ballinrobe.
Predeceased by her husband Maurice O’Brien M.R.C.V.S, her son-in-law Joe McHugh (Ballyheane and Louisburgh) and her sister Fay Campion, Augusta is deeply regretted by her heartbroken family -Morgan, John, David, Maurice, Niall, Geraldine, Judy and Jacinta, her daughters-in-law Aida, Angela, Mary and Carmel, her sons-in-law Ronan and Bernie, her adored 18 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, her sisters Anita, Ida and Pamela, her nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and her many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Augusta remains reposed at her daughter Judy’s residence in Kinturk, Ballyheane on Saturday, October 17, from 4 to 6pm. On Sunday, October 18, she reposed at St. Joseph’s Church, Ennis, from 2 to 4pm. Her funeral arrived at St. Brigid’s Church, Ballinakill, Co Laois, R32 on Monday, October 19, for Funeral Mass at 12 noon which was followed by burial ceremonies in Ballinakill Cemetery, Co. Laois. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballyheane Community are giving everyone a chance to win a Classic Mini car. The draw is in aid of Ballyheane Christmas Lights fund. Tickets which are modestly priced at €10 or 3 for €20, will be on sale in the coming days. The draw will be on December 19, in the community centre.
************
Balla Christmas Festival Launch for Christmas 2026 is on Saturday December 5, and it has an exciting programme. There will be Christmas Markets, Santa and the Elves, Christmas Lights at 6pm, Kids Tractor Run, Fireworks Display, and a Big Tractor Run. It will be a magical day of festive fun for the whole family. Santa tickets are on sale now (almost sold out). https://willwego.com/organiser/balla-community-centre.
Balla GAA lotto draw took place on October 15, in the Rendezvous for a jackpot of €3,100. The numbers drawn were 12, 13, 26 and 33. €30 consolation prizes went to Damian Bourke (online), Michael Colgan (online), and Shona Kilkenny (standing order). The latest draw was held on Thursday, October 22, in The Shebeen with a jackpot of €3,200. Congrats to the Balla U15 players and management on winning the U15 league Div. 5 final in Bekan recently. The full-time score was Balla 5-18, Crossmolina 0-11.
Well done to Balla senior lads who had another impressive victory in the Flanagan Cup at home to Rice College with a final score of Balla 1-16 to Rice College, Westport 2-12. It was a very solid performance from all involved. This now ensures Balla top the group ahead of semi-finals after the midterm break. Next up is Summerhill, Sligo or St. Muredach’s, Ballina, at home in the semi-final in 2 weeks' time.
Balla clubman and handy wing back Ciaran Kilkenny also known as “Gooch” is running the New York City Marathon, on November 2, and is also raising funds for Movember, to raise awareness of men’s mental health and to get people talking. Any donations are really appreciated and the link to donate can be found down below or on insta story. https://us.movember.com/mospace/15528270?mc=1.
Applications for Balla Secondary School incoming First Year students for the 2027/2028 academic year are now open on the link https://letsenrol.school/Balla-Secondary-School/827100. The open night will take place on Thursday, November 5, where staff look forward to welcoming you.
Manulla FC lotto jackpot stood at €2,000 on Sunday night last October 25. Congrats to Aoife Commons, Sarah Cunningham Mia Jennings and Kate Redmond who all played for the Mayo Interleague team vs Sligo/Leitrim in Westport recently and a massive congratulations to Aoife who has been named as Mayo captain for this year’s campaign.
The Balla Cuppa Club runs every Wednesday morning from 10am to 12 noon. Call to the centre for a cuppa, a friendly chat, read the newspaper or have a look at the library of books. Whether you’re popping in for a quick cuppa or staying for a chat, everyone is welcome. Only €2 per person - come on your own or bring a friend.
Get your little witches, wizards, ghosts and ghouls ready… because folks are heading into the woods for a Halloween experience in the woods. Come together as a community for a fun, spooky woodland walk, full of Halloween magic, all while raising funds for a special cause “Hope for Harry.” The event is on Saturday, October 31, and runs at 4 and 5pm costing €5 or €10 per family.
************
The results of the card game held on Friday, October 16, were 1st Tom Fitzpatrick and Martin Moran shared with Joe and Shane Thomas, 2nd Jimmy Connor and Gus Sweeney shared with Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey, 3rd Gay Conway, and Eileen Moran. The card game continues every Friday night at 9pm in Clogher hall.
The annual rosary for the deceased of the Clogher area will take place in Drum Cemetery on Sunday, November 1, at 3 pm.
Errew Ladies’ Group meet every Wednesday at 7pm in Errew Community Centre. Chair yoga with Ann is the organised activity for the next few weeks costing €10pp per class. Suggestions for future activities or talks are always welcome. Contact Eileen Conway on 087 9227567 for more details.
Mayo County Council invites Expressions of Interest under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2026 and Project Development Measure 2026. The schemes are funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under Project Ireland 2040 as part of Our Rural Future. The 2026 TVRS is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. This will be achieved through projects which support sustainable employment creation, town centre resilience, and regeneration, enhancing streetscapes, and bringing vacant and derelict buildings and lands back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation. Links to the online Expression of Interest forms and scheme outline are available on www.mayo.ie/community/funding/tvrs. Applicants are strongly advised to read the scheme outline prior to completing the Expression of Interest for 2026 schemes. Expression of Interest forms should be completed through the online portal and submitted by 3pm on Thursday, October 29. No expressions of interest will be accepted after that time. If you have any queries, email community@mayococo.ie, or phone 094 9064660.
