Local Notes: All the latest news from Carra Country
The beautiful outdoor underground crib on the grounds of Ballintubber Abbey. Picture: Tom Quinn.
It is with deep and abiding sadness we record the passing of Tom Tracey, Killawalla, Westport.
In his early seventies, Tom passed away at Mayo University Hospital after a long illness very bravely borne.
No words of mine can adequately describe the range of talents and admirable traits of personality characteristic of Tom Tracey. He was one of life’s true gentlemen. That is a term often used but in Tom’s case hugely accurate and well merited.
Firstly, Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and an outstanding community activist. He had time for everyone and conversed with young and old and loved the humour and wit of banter and conversation.
He was a man of literature, a great historian and an integral part of Killawalla community. He served on the community council in various roles for many years. A list of his achievements and attributes would be endless. Tom was also a correspondent for decades and did an outstanding job recording notable events in the community.
Perhaps it was fitting that God decided Christmas Day was the day he would call Tom home. Tom was indeed a special guest.
Predeceased by his parents William and Mary and Sister Eileen, he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary, children, Ann (Thomas), Liam (Paul), Caitriona (Christian) and Malia; sisters Ann (Pat) and Bernie (Oliver), brother Fr Michael, brother-in-law Michael Martin, grandchildren Sarah, Joseph, Johannes, Evelyn and Molly, nieces, nephews, work colleagues and a large circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Huge crowds attended as his remains reposed at Killawalla Community Centre on Monday evening, December 29th. Requiem Mass was concelebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla on Tuesday last at 12 noon by his brother Fr Michael Tracey, Fr Michael Farragher, P.P, Fr Jim Welsh, Fr Gerry Burns and Deacon James McLoughlin. Burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the local cemetery.
Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Ballyglass FC's 50th-anniversary book was launched on December 31st. Over 300 pages packed with unforgettable moments, stories, photos, and the rich history of Ballyglass Football Club. The book celebrates a half a century of passion, pride, and community.
This is a must-have publication for players, supporters, and friends of the club. Available in local retail and bookshops, copies of the superb publication are sure to sell out fast.
There was no winner of the €15,600 jackpot when the Ballyglass FC Lotto draw was held on December 29th in the Drum Inn, Clogher.
The numbers drawn were 10, 18, 32 and 34. Consolation prize-winners were Pat Igoe, Jimmy Killeen, William Jackson, Bob Feeney and Noel Burke.
Houses prizes were won by Colm Burke (€20), Padraig Burke (€20), Larry Hughes (bottle of whiskey) and Noel Burke (Ballyglass book).
Play now to be in with a chance to win the weekly jackpot by visiting Ballyglass FC's social media pages. Thank you for your support from all at Ballyglass FC.
Congratulations are extended to Diarmuid O'Connor and Emma Walsh who were married on last Tuesday, December 30th, in the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Felim, Co Cavan.
Congrats also to Brendan Fergus and Aisling Walsh, who were married on Wednesday, December 31st, in St Joseph’s Church, Keelogues.
We wish both couples good health and lifelong happiness in their married lives.
Sincere condolences are extended to Lorna McGreal, Creevagh on the recent passing of her mother, Teresa Smyth, Castlebar.
May she rest in peace.
The Christian community welcomed Conor Darragh Walshe who was baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, on Saturday, December 27th. Congratulations to his parents and family.
The Christian community in the parish also welcomed its newest member Jayden Leo Murray who was baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber on last Wednesday, December 31st. Congratulations to his parents and family.
The brand-new 2026 Ballintubber Abbey Calendar is now available.
It features stunning images of the Abbey, the grounds and the cloister and is a perfect keepsake or gift.
Every calendar sold goes directly to the Preservation and Restoration Fund, helping restore and protect the sacred Abbey that has stood strong for over 800 years. Buy yours in-store at the Abbey gift shop, or order online and get it posted out.
The dates for First Confession across the parish in 2026 are as follows - March 3rd, Carnacon; March 4th, Ballintubber; March 5th, Killawalla.
The 2026 First Holy Communion ceremonies will be held in the local churches on the following dates - May 2nd, Carnacon; May 9th, Killawalla; May 16th, Ballintubber.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €6,100 on Sunday night, December 28th, when the numbers drawn were 3, 5, 31 and 32.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Patricia Prendergast, Celena McCormack, Mary O’Connor, Joe O’Donnell, and Sean Coyne.
The jackpot stood at €6,200 on last Sunday night, January 4th. You can play online.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to the Casey family, Castlecarra on the passing of Bridget Byrne in Chicago. The deceased was a sister of the late Martin Casey, Castlecarra.
May she rest in peace.
When visiting Ballintubber Abbey, don’t miss the guided tour. Expert guides will take you through over 800 years of history - from St Patrick’s footsteps to the legacy of the Pirate Queen.
Discover the stories, architecture and spirituality that make the Abbey one of Ireland’s hidden gems. Don’t forget to enjoy the peaceful outdoor grounds, see the visitor centre and browse at the gift shop.
Teagasc Mayo is now taking applications for a new distance education course due to start in Teagasc, Ballinrobe in January.
Students will complete a full range of hands-on practical skills such as calf and animal husbandry tasks, lambing skills and a range of farm machinery skills. Students will learn the latest agricultural information and develop the necessary skills required to run a profitable farm in the future and will be in a position to avail of the various reliefs and grants once they meet the scheme's terms and conditions. Students who are interested in applying for this course can do so by applying online at Teagasc's website.
*****
PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
The 38th edition of magazine is in local retail outlets in Tourmakeady, Ballinrobe and Ballintubber and it is selling fast.
The magazine features a wonderful tribute to the late Mrs Mary Staunton by Tomás Ó hÉanacháin, poems by Brendan Roche, a fine feature on Lough Mask, Distillery, 2025 Walks of Life by Judy Bartel, reports on CLG na mBan, Community Games, the history of Camogie, Féile Ceol na Locha 2025, John King from CNN, Gildea of Port Royal Estate by Bridget Clesham, Tourmakeady Ambush Monument, Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Green Flag, Angling, CLG - Gaelic Football, weddings, births, deaths, anniversaries, graduations and a host of other interesting features and articles.
This is really a very high standard glossy production, chuck full of articles of interest and splendid photography. It makes the ideal seasonal gift for Tourmakeady folk in Ireland and overseas.
The organising committee deserve the highest plaudits for their dedication in producing this splendid magazine annually. It retails at a modest €10 and is great value.
An indoor market in the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht will commence on February 7th and will continue on the first Saturday every month thereafter from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh.
The market will feature a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts, to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts.
For further details, contact makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
A sewing class will be starting in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Thursday, January 22nd, if there is enough interest. The course will run for six weeks. If interested, call 087-7657191.
Are you a business owner in Joyce Country or Tourmakeady? Register for Gradaim Gnó, a national recognition scheme for use of the Irish language in business.
Youc an register at www.glornangael.ie or if you need support in terms of the Irish language in your business, get in touch with Róisín via text at 087-3970227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, January 3rd, stood at €20,000 in the Tourmakeady CLG Lotto.
There was no winner of the jackpot on Sunday night, December 28th, when the numbers drawn were 2, 8, 18 and 25.
The draws usually take place on Saturday nights weekly 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 or in local outlets.
Old-school photos are required by Coláiste Muire as they get ready for the School Reunion in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport on February 1st.
Share your photos by email or drop/post them to the school.
Then join the happy throng in the Castlecourt on February 1st for a night of memories, laughs, and catching up with old friends.
Remember everyone over-18 is welcome to attend this celebration of the past and future of Coláiste Muire.
Partry Bingo sessions take place in the comfortable confines of Partry Centre on Monday nights each week. There are lots of generous prizes and a lovely atmosphere to savour by patrons. All are welcome.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes have sent their subscribers the latest newsletter which deals with achieving UNESCO status, its benefits and the publicity attached, the expected upcoming business training for communities, the new tourism officer, partnership with Fáilte Ireland, Geopark budget news, the Irish Geopark Forum in the Burren, the GeoEnterprise AGM, progress on the development of a Geotrail in Tourmakeady Woods, visits from education groups and work on developing dark sky tourism, and Christmas and New Year wishes.
You can access it online.
Bernie Heneghan is a gambling therapist supporting both the problem gambler and their families. She is based in the Tacu Family Resource Centre in Ballinrobe and she covers all of Mayo. It’s a free support service and open to anyone in need. For further details, email gawarenesstacufrc@gmail.com or call 087-7005811.
******
BREAFFY/BALLYHEANE/BELCARRA
The death has taken place of Martin Edward Quigley, Cloonfert, Ballyheane, Castlebar, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on St Stephen’s Day in the excellent care of the staff of Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar.
Martin Edward was hugely loved by his nieces and nephews and widely respected in the local community. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Ellen, brothers Liam, John and Tommie, and sisters Bebe, Chris and Mary, he is deeply regretted by his nephews and nieces, sister-in-law Teresa, extended family, his very kind neighbours and his wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Martins remains reposed at Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar on Monday, December 29th, with the funeral arriving at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar on Tuesday, December 30th, for Requiem Mass. Martin was then laid to rest with his parents in the Old Cemetery, Castlebar.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nAinm dilis.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw, the numbers drawn on December 28th were 2, 4, 6 and 32. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The consolation prizewinners were Gerry Walsh, Shane Lawless, Ger Lester and Aisling Keane.
The weekend jackpot stood at €4,600 on Sunday last, January 4th. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies and also online at www.clubforce.com.
The Living Well Programme is a free HSE initiative which helps people living with a long-term health condition to manage their condition and improve their overall well-being.
Anyone with any chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, anxiety, etc., can benefit from these workshops. The next programme commences on Wednesday, January 21st, at 10.30am in Castlebar. For further information, please contact Liam Gildea on 086-0142675.
Would you be interested in sharing your home and supporting a person with a disability for a few hours, per week or month or more regular? Western Care is looking for people - singles, couples or families - to provide respite breaks for children and adults across Co Mayo in your own home. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Coordinator, on 094-9029148.
Breaffy GAA Lotto jackpot stood at a highly attractive €18,600 on December 30th.
The numbers drawn on December 23rd were 1, 12, 16 and bonus number 8. There was no jackpot winner. Claire Gunning was the €500 Lucky Draw winner.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
Irish Dancing Classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be returning on January 6th from 6.30 to 7.30pm, catering for ages 4+. Contact Molly Hughes at 087-6562094.
Classes are ideal for competitions, grade exams, displays, shows, fitness and fun.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm.
*****
BALLA/MANULLA
The death occurred last week of William (Willie) Fitzgerald, Cullentragh, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris,
Aged 94, Willie passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Widely known throughout the region and highly popular among his peers, he enjoyed a long and wonderful life. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Bridget, brothers Eddie and Tommie and son-in-law Tom Joyce, he is deeply regretted by his beloved wife, Nancy, of 66 years, children Mary (Langenfeld, Germany), Anne Byrne (Mayo Abbey), Tomás (Ohio, USA), Geraldine Joyce (Facefield) and Lorraine (Mayo Abbey), son-in-law Michael Byrne, daughter-in-law Blair, Lorraine’s partner Michael Quirke, grandchildren Liam, Éanna, Meadhbh, Tommy, Cillian, Kathy, Rylee, Fearghal, Emma, Donncha and Seán and their partners, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom deep sympathies are extended.
Willie's remains reposed in Balla Funeral Home on Monday, December 29th, and his Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday last in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey followed by burial ceremonies in Mayo Abbey Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death took place recently of Bridie Murphy (née Mc Donnell), Ardcorkey, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris and late of Rockfield, Turlough.
Bridie passed away peacefully at her residence on December 24th, surrounded by her loving family.
Her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family and many friends who held her in the highest esteem.
Predeceased by her parents Aeneas and Margaret Mc Donnell, she is deeply regretted by her husband Gerry, daughters Mairead (Rogan) and Eimear, brother Stephen (Rockfield, Turlough), granddaughter Emily, son-in-law Stephen (Rogan) and future son-in-law Ciaran (Woods), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Bridie’s remains reposed at her residence on Saturday, December 27th, and Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Church Of Our Lady Queen Of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey on Sunday, followed by burial ceremonies in Mayo Abbey Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Friday, December 26th, in Balla Community Centre following the Fun Run.
The numbers drawn were 6, 10, 15 and 32 and there was no winner of the jackpot of €7,400. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Mary O'Brien (online), John Duffy (annual) and Tom and Aileen Walsh (standing order).
The Balla annual St Stephen’s Day 5K was great fun as always and it was a privilege for the club to donate all proceeds to @aoibheannspinktie.
The organisers had great entertainment and all the participants enjoyed the event. A big thank you has been extended to all who helped out and a special word of thanks to the sponsors - Western Farming Co-op, Balla; Roche's Centra, Balla; Casey’s Londis, Balla; Oxtail, Balla; Flukies Bar, Belcarra; Life Pharmacy, Balla.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated by the club.
Congratulations are extended to Lisa Nally and Joe Moran who recently celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage in St Cronan’s, Church, Balla.
Congrats also to Sinead Flannery and Colm Doran who were married in Ballintubber Abbey.
Both couples are wished good health and lifelong happiness in their married lives.
Why not learn to relax in Balla Sensory Room? The Sensory Room is open every day at Balla Community Centre. It is available daytime, evenings, and weekends for people to experience soothing visual, auditory, and tactile relaxation suitable for all ages.
Enjoy a safe, inclusive space to unwind and recharge. Take time out for yourself and at a time that suits you best. Phone Balla Community Centre at 087-1850860 or 094-9365846 or email info@balla.ie.
Manulla FC Club Lotto jackpot stood at €4,100 for last Sunday night's draw. The club are deeply grateful for the support of patrons.
Keep an eye out for the next LOS competition which will be re-starting up soon.
Balla Community Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night. 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 25 card players are always welcome.
*****
ERREW/CLOGHER
Yoga classes will be commencing in Clogher Community Hall on Wednesday, January 7th. Contact Fiona on 086-3310012 for further information.
The Clogher 500 Club is a local fundraising initiative run by Clogher Environmental Group CLG to support the upkeep and development of community facilities. By joining, you’re directly helping to improve amenities in Clogher while also being in with the chance to win €500 every month. Membership costs €60 per year (just €5 per month).
Each member is entered into a monthly draw for €500. The draw is held in the Clogher Community Centre and streamed on Facebook, so everyone can see it live.
Please contact any committee member, call/text 087-2721574 or message through the Facebook page – Clogher Heritage Centre. Your support goes straight back into the community – and you could be the next winner.
The Clogher card game resumes on January 10th after the Christmas break. The cards committee would like to wish a prosperous New Year to all its patrons and to all the community.
The Clogher Active Age group are taking a Christmas break until January 14th. They would like to thank all the people who supported them during the year and who helped to make the weekly meetings and the various trips so interesting and enjoyable.
Congratulations to all the recent Errew NS Christmas Raffle prize winners. Huge thanks to everyone who supported the pre-Christmas school fundraiser and generously bought raffle tickets.
The school and pupils will benefit greatly from the purchase of the interactive white boards. The draw winners were Tom Earley (x2) Raymond Dufficy, Sandra Quinn, Mags and Michael Prendergast (x2) Seamus Hoban, The Dunne Family, Jo Prendergast, Emily Counihan, Ronan Lawless, Nicola Westerlin and Tina Keane.
Errew Community Committee has issued a sincere 'thank you' to all supporters for supporting the first year of Errew Community Centre. A special thanks was extended to all those who run the Errew NS Breakfast and Afterschool Club, host classes and organise activities and fundraisers in the centre bringing life back to the old building.
Thanks have also been tendered to everyone who volunteers to clean the inside, maintain the outside and plant the beautiful flowers, bringing colour during the year.
May the centre continue to go from strength to strength during 2026. Happy New Year to all.
