Local Notes: All the latest news from Carra Country
Ballintubber U-14 development team and coaches played out a thrill-a-minute duel with The Neale in the final of the Homeland League. The Neale won out on the day in a match that was played in the scenic village of Cong. Picture: Tom Quinn
"A pilgrim’s journey is not just about the steps taken, but the reflections along the way. Join up this year for a spiritual walk that connects past, present, and faith."
The first full Tóchar Phádraig group walk of 2025 takes place on Saturday, June 21.
Embark on an unforgettable journey on one of Ireland's oldest pilgrimage routes as participants traverse the ancient Tóchar Phádraig trail.
Online pre-booking is essential and the fee is €35 per person with check-in at Ballintubber Abbey from 8.15am. There will be a pre-walk welcome at 8:45am and walkers depart from the Abbey at 9am sharp. There is a back-up support driver, snacks, fruit and water, complimentary hi-vis jacket sponsored by Brophy Excavation in Chicago for each participant as well as a certificate of completion.
Please note to bring a packed lunch and a water bottle.
Ballintubber Abbey Trust is proud supporters of Croagh Patrick Stakeholders and will donate €1 for every registered Tóchar Phádraig Walker to the Croagh Patrick Path Project. Details are available from Ballintubber Abbey Trust on 094-9030934 or email info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
The Growing Minds Preschool in Carnacon is holding an open day on next Tuesday, June 24, from 4 to 6pm (Eircode F12 NY38).
All parents, carers and children are welcome to come along to the open day to meet and have a look around and ask any relevant questions you may have. The organisers are looking forward to seeing you there. If you would like more information, please contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
Mayo has been asked to host the 13th International George Moore Conference in May 2026.
This will be a wonderful two-day event with speakers and delegates from all over the world. ATU are delighted to be able to host it in Castlebar.
The launch of the conference will be on next Friday, June 20, at 11am. ATU President Dr Orla Flynn will launch the conference.
Ballintubber GAA Lotto jackpot stood at €10,500 on Sunday night, June 8, when the numbers drawn were 2, 8, 14 and 23.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Theresa Connolly, Breda Prendergast, Aisling Lydon, Jacinta McDonagh, Michael J Duffy and Audrey Burke.
The draw is held every Sunday night. You can play online on the Club Spot app.
Mayo Cancer Support Association will be holding its annual church gate collection in the parish on the weekend of June 21 and 22.
This wonderful charity offers free emotional support to all affected by cancer and their families. See www.mayocancersupport.ie for details. If anyone can volunteer to assist with the collections, please contact Rose on 083-4890754.
Please give generously to the collections.
There was no winner of the jackpot of €12,600 in the Ballyglass FC Lotto draw on Monday, June 2, when the numbers drawn in the clubhouse, after a busy weekend of 50th-anniversary celebrations, were 1, 11, 8 and 36. There was also no Match 3 winner.
Consolation prizes went to Padraig Heverin, Michelle Gannon, Katie Loftus and Sean Connor. House prizes were won by Margaret Noonan and Dean O’Malley.
Play now to be in with a chance of winning next week’s jackpot. Go to www.smartlotto.ie to play.
The winners of the Ballyglass card game on June 2 were: 1st, Tom Fitzpatrick and Seamus Hughes; 2nd, Pat Griffith and Philip White; Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion; 3rd, Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan; Dinny McDonagh and Francie Conway.
The Last 9 winners were Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin; Richard and Mary Carney. The raffle prizes went to Tom Fitzpatrick and Seamus Hughes.
Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all the players for their continued support. The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
If you would like to be part of the group of volunteers who keep Ballyglass village looking its best, contact Breege on 087-6292164 to get your name added to the group. There is no work too strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week.
The programme of Masses in the local cemeteries for the summer months is as follows:
Burriscarra - Saturday, July 5, at 7.30pm;
Killawalla - Sunday, July 6, at 10am;
Ballintubber Abbey - Sunday, July 6, at 11am.
***.
PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
'Enjoy your Garden' is a flower-arranging demonstration with Martina and Lil on creating floral displays with garden flowers. It will be held in Partry Centre on Thursday, June 26, at 8pm.
Partry Ladies Circle is organising the event and there will be tea and treats afterwards. There is a modest €5 admission fee.
A new Irish Summer Camp, entitled ‘Spraoí na Locha’, will take place at Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from July 14 to 18, from 10am until 3pm daily.
The camp is open to all 4th, 5th, and 6th class primary school students and this camp is suitable for all levels of Gaeilge. Students will improve their Irish through a wide range of fun activities, such as sports, drama, arts and crafts, cooking, and the Camp's Fittest Family challenge.
The cost is €60 (camp T-shirt included). Registration opens this month. For more information, contact spraoinalocha@gmail.com.
There was no winner of the jackpot of €17,500 in the Tourmakeady GAA Lotto draw on Saturday, June 7. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 20 and 32.
The draw takes place each Saturday night and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated.
You can play online at www.smartlotto.ie.
Congrats to the Tour Mhic Eadaigh National School boys on their recent 5-7 to 3-5 victory over Myna National School in the Mayo Cumann na mBunscol 2025 Final. Well done to the team and management on winning the prestigious event.
The annual 2025 Cúl Camp will be held at Páirc Naoimh Muire from Monday to Friday, July 21 to 25. Places can be booked at www.kellogsculcamps.gaa.ie.
The winner of the Tourmakeady National School lotto bonus ball fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, were Noreen and Noel Mac Ghiobuin with Ball No 8.
Congratulations to the winners and many thanks for the continuing support.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again this Thursday, June 19, from 2 to 4pm. Why not pop along for a social get-together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
Volunteers are needed to read and undertake Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady churches. Interested persons are asked to please give your name to Fr Jarlath or email partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087-7657191.
Killawalla Pilates is back with another five-week block of classes on the new evening of Monday. It commenced last night, June 16.
Contact Nadine for availability of places.
It’s that time of the year again to prepare for Killawalla Community Day, which will be held this year on Sunday, June 29.
It will be a fun day for all the community, young and all.
Congrats to Jim Twohig who was the first winner of the Community Day Bonus Ball 50/50 draw, netting €470.
Thanks to everyone who has supported the fundraisers to date.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Una Reilly, Cappacharnaun on the recent passing of her brother, Martin Joseph McDermott, Cross.
May he rest in peace.
The latest Killawalla Community Council Lotto draw took place on Sunday night, June 1, in Pakie McEvilly’s when the numbers drawn were 10, 14, 18 and 22. There was no jackpot winner.
Consolation prizes went to Padraig Heraty, Paul Kelly and Tony Flynn.
Killawalla branch of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will say the Rosary at the village grotto after 10am Mass every Sunday for June.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights. Congrats to Bryan and Deirdre Hennelly, Tooreen and Pat and Madeline Dermody, Gortnacullin, who were recent winners.
Thanks to all for their continuing support of the club.
Partry Bingo sessions take place in the comfortable confines of the Partry Centre on Monday nights each week. There are lots of generous prizes and a lovely atmosphere to savour by patrons. All are welcome.
Partry Residents' Association Draw takes place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw.
Congrats to Maureen Byrne-McKeown, Portroyal and Barry Cryan, Clonee who were recent winners of the draw. Both parties won €100 on number 8.
The latest draw was on Saturday night last, June 14. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement. Tickets are on sale from Jim O’Neill at 087-2860565. The support of the community is greatly appreciated.
The Dementia Café continues on the first Tuesday of every month in the Tacu Resource Centre, Ballinrobe, from 11am to 12.30pm.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday, July 1, and they will have the fabulous Brenda Grealis, vocalist and instrumentalist, providing some great music and performance.
All welcome and refreshments supplied.
Volunteers are required for the Dementia Café. Contact Marie on 087-170 8706 for further details.
***
BREAFFY/ BALLYHEANE/ BELCARRA
The death has occurred of Mary Bourke, Alexandria, Virginia, USA, and formerly of Curranney, Belcarra, Castlebar.
Mary passed away peacefully on May 16 in Alexandria.
Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Annie (nee Moran), brother John and nephew Thomas, Mary is deeply regretted by her partner Joe Butasek (Virginia), sisters Ann Connor Heneghan (Drumcorrabaun, Breaffy, Castlebar) and Peggy Kilgallon (Aughalusky, Moneen, Castlebar), brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and cherished friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Mary’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday, June 15, at 2.30pm in St Anne’s Church, Belcarra, followed by burial in Guesdian Cemetery, Belcarra.
May she rest in peace.
The Belcarra 8k will be held on Sunday, June 22, and this year there is an online registration option at www.cllubforce.com.
Please note tickets cannot be bought in advance for the kids run at 11am - they must register for that on the day or through Belcarra National School. A family entry refers to two adults and three Under 16s entries for the 8k run.
Warm congratulations are extended to Jack Ruddy on his graduation from Templemore as a member of An Garda Siochána.
Jack, who is the son of Carmel and MJ Ruddy, is an accomplished GAA referee. He is wished great success as he commences his Garda career in Dublin.
Well done, Jack!
A massive thanks has been extended to all members of Belcarra Cycling Club who turned out to the recent Club BBQ in Belcarra.
There was super sunshine, fantastic food as well as an enjoyable few hours with the gang. All donations received along with a club contribution were given to the Breege Canavan fundraiser. A total of €700 was donated.
Big thanks to all involved.
Belcarra Handball Club is calling all past and present members for an epic showdown in the 60x30 alley for a Mixed Doubles event on July 13th.
Bring the buzz, the banter, and enjoy the game. It’s the Nestor Cup 2025, so make it legendary.
There are some spaces available in the weekly U10 session for boys and girls on Sundays from 10 to 11am. If you know anyone who might like to give handball a go, they’re more than welcome to come and try it out.
Plans are well advanced for a major Benefit Dance in aid of a great cause.
The event is entitled 'Bring Breege Home' and it will be held in Breaffy House Hotel on July 4 at 9pm. Music will be by Concorde and local artists.
It is sure to be a great night with some fabulous entertainment, raffle and great spot prizes. Tickets are modestly priced at €20 and will be on sale soon.
Everyone is urged to come out and support the worthy cause.
Belcarra Community Council’s Lotto jackpot stood at €12,100 on Sunday, June 8, when the numbers drawn were 1, 17, 23 and 26 and there was no jackpot winner.
The Lucky Dip winners of €30 were Chuck Heneghan, Chloe Ruane, Cliona Ni Cheallachain and Pat Staunton.
Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Breaffy GAA Lotto drawn on June 10t when the numbers drawn were 5, 9, 13 and bonus number 3. There was also no Match 3 winners.
The jackpot now stands at €15,800.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo Sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
***
BALLA/MANULLA
The death has taken place of Michael (fondly known as Mick) Sweeney, Moat, Balla, and formerly of Ballyheane.
Michael is deeply regretted by his sons Shane and Simon, and their mother Marie, grandson Alvin, son-in-law Shane, and Michael’s partner Rose, and her daughters, Ria, Debbie, Shelly, and Elaine, extended family, relatives, neighbours, and friends to whom sincere condolences ate extended.
Michael’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home with removal to St Cronan’s Church, Balla. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday last followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Thursday, June 5, in The Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €4,500.
The numbers drawn were 8, 19, 20 and 33 and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Paul Cunningham (standing order), Geraldine Surdival (online) and Paul Jennings (cash sale).
The latest draw was held on last Thursday, June 12, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €4,600. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
Balla Secondary School recently celebrated three very special members of the school community as they prepare to retire at the end of this academic year - Ms Finlay, a devoted deputy principal, and the popular school secretaries, Bernie and Breda.
All three have given so much to Balla Secondary School over the years. Their dedication, warmth, and care have touched the lives of so many students and staff.
The school staff and pupils are hugely thankful for the memories, the laughter, and the legacy they leave behind. They are wished every happiness and good health as they begin exciting new chapters in their lives. They will always be part of the Balla Secondary School family.
Congratulations are extended to Liam Glynn who won the Balla School Fantasy Football League. He was followed closely by Mr Moran in second place with Dillon Conway finishing in third place.
Liam was presented with the FPL trophy by Mr Gavin, organiser of the competition. This is Liam's second win of the year after picking up first prize in the recent Chess competition.
Congratulations to Darragh Kissane, a member of Manulla FC under 8 soccer squad, who was a mascot for the recent Ireland v Senegal game in the Aviva Stadium.
What a fantastic experience and bountiful treasured memories we are sure he will never forget.
Well done, Darragh.
Manulla FC U12 girls are in full swing preparing for their trip to Newcastle in July for the Trans World Soccer Tournament.
To assist them with funding, the girls and their management team have added a Re-Turn bottle bin to the Manulla FC grounds. They will be looking for support in recycling plastic bottles and cans to help their funding.
They have also entered the 'Small Town Big Difference' campaign showcasing their work on encouraging people to return their bottles to Manulla and how they are helping the community. Peruse their video and assist them with the project.
Manulla FC annual general meeting will take place on Thursday, June 19, at 9pm in the clubhouse. All members welcome.
Manulla FC Lotto jackpot stood at €1,300 for last Sunday night's draw. Please support.
The Christian community in Balla has welcomed Sophie Rachel Holden who was baptised recently in St Cronan's Church.
Congratulations to her parents and family.
Balla Bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, commencing at 8pm sharp.
There is a generous €12,000 prize fund at the weekend Sunday session. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
Balla Bingo would welcome volunteers to assist on Sunday nights. Contact Balla CRD at info@balla.ie or phone 097-1850860 for information.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 Card Drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094-9365843 for more information.
Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
***
ERREW/CLOGHER
Thanks to all the people who are supporting the Tuesday evening Bog Walks in Clogher.
There are three different lengths of walk and are suited to the fast walkers or the more leisurely walkers. Refreshments and a chat afterwards are available for all participants.
The Clogher area is fortunate to have a variety of different circular walks. From next Thursday, June 19, there will be a weekly morning walk starting at Clogher Community Centre at 10am followed by tea, coffee and a chat in the centre. Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy the countryside.
These walks are along country roads so please wear hi-vis jackets for safety.
The steering group of the Clogher Community Futures are continuing to work on the results of the Community Survey.
To date, the following sub-groups have been formed - Care in the Community, Preschool/ Afterschool and Road Safety at the School. These sub-groups are based on the most important issues that were raised in the Community Survey.
If people have any suggestions or ideas for these themes or would like to join any of these sub-groups, please contact Finian at 087-0961210.
The next all-community event will be the official launch of the Community Futures Plan for Clogher, which will take place in the coming weeks.
The following are the results of the Clogher Card Game held on Friday, June 6: 1st, Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahy; 2nd, Joe Thomas and Gay Quinn; 3rd, Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran; Last 10, Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett.
The game continues every Friday night at 9pm. Everyone who plays is welcome to the Friday night card game.
Thanks to Una Hall who gave a fun workshop with Bricks 4 Kidz to a group of children from Clogher and the local area.
The event was essential for Lego enthusiasts and ran for two hours for children aged between 5 and 13.
Thanks to Mayo Co Council and Crinniu na nÓg who sponsored the event. Thanks also to those who organised and supported this very innovative initiative.
Sixth-class pupils and staff at Errew National School have extended a huge thanks to everyone who attended and brought delicious treats at their recent Bake Sale fundraiser for the school.
The afternoon was a huge success and it was so lovely to see pupils, past pupils, parents, grandparents and neighbours all come together for an hour or so of good company, tea and sweetness.
On Wednesday, July 2, at 7pm, past pupils of Errew Monastery Boys’ School are invited to attend the third Errew Prayer Service for the deceased members of the community and also for a group photograph in front of the Monastery to mark 50 years since the school closed and the boys joined Errew Girls’ National School.
The prayer service is to remember deceased family, friends and the late Franciscan Brothers and afterwards all will visit the Monastery cemetery at 7.30pm, led by Brother Conal Thomas. All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards.
Please park all cars at the Community Centre and walk up the avenue to the Monastery. Older members can be dropped off at the Monastery but space for cars is extremely limited. All inquires to errewcc@gmail.com.
