Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Pictured at The Green-Schools Flags Awards Western Region 2026 at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, were students from Ballindine National School with their teachers Cathríona Boyle and Sarah Wujiw (Green Schools Coordinator) and Mary Forde (Environmental Awareness Officer, Mayo Co Council). Picture: Trish Forde
In a hugely successful weekend for Claremorris Athletics Club, athletes delivered an impressive haul of medals, personal bests and qualification places across two major Connacht championship events.
The Connacht Children’s Games and U12/U13 Championships, hosted in Claremorris, saw the club exceptionally well represented across all age groups. Among the standout performers in the U9 category was Conan McHugh, who claimed gold in the boys’ 300m and teamed up with Charlie Halabis to secure gold in the U9 Boys 300m Pairs. Charlie also earned an individual bronze medal in the 300m, while Eoghan McHugh finished fourth. The U9 Boys 4x100m relay team of Charlie Halabis, Luke Vahey, Conan McHugh, Eoghan McHugh and Pierce Lavin also performed strongly.
In the girls’ events, Evie Nestor and Ada Brogan won bronze in the U9 Girls 60m Pairs, while Charlie Halabis and Eoghan McHugh secured bronze in the U9 Boys 60m Pairs. Eoghan McHugh and Luke Vahey added another bronze in the U9 Boys 300m Pairs. The U9 Girls relay team of Sadhbh Doherty, Cialadh McHale, Isla Sammon, Ada Brogan and Robyn Deeley also captured bronze. Sadhbh Doherty and Áine Hallinan finished sixth in the long jump pairs event, while Tom Brennan and Joe Corbett placed fifth in the boys’ long jump pairs.
The U10 athletes continued the success, with James Horan and Adam Mulkeen winning gold in the Boys Long Jump Pairs. Gold also went to the U10 Boys 4x100m relay team of Charlie McGuinness, Adam Mulkeen, Oscar Biggins, James Horan, Jack Staunton and Oisin Keane. Oscar Biggins and Adam Mulkeen placed seventh in the 60m pairs, while Annie Burke and Nessa Cawe finished ninth in the girls’ long jump pairs. The U10 Girls relay team of Sarah Kilgallon, Nessa Cawe, Ali Horan and Annie Burke were narrowly denied a medal, finishing fourth.
At U11 level, Cian Staunton enjoyed a successful day, winning bronze in the boys’ long jump and teaming up with John Hanrahan to secure another bronze in the long jump pairs competition.
The U12 athletes also produced excellent results. The boys’ 4x100m relay team of Odhran Grogan, Paudie Vahey, James Coyne, Mark Kirrane, John Clarke and Harry Gilligan claimed silver, while Erienne McHugh won silver in the girls’ high jump. Bronze medals went to Paudie Vahey in the boys’ high jump and the U12 Girls relay team of Roisín McGinty, Ellie Trench, Róise Duggan, Robyn Mulkeen and Erienne McHugh.
Several athletes also achieved strong placings. Róise Duggan finished fifth in the 60m hurdles and tenth in the long jump, Mark Kirrane was fifth in the boys’ 60m, John Clarke placed fifth in the high jump, while Paudie Vahey was fourth in the hurdles and fifth in the long jump. Other competitors included Roisín McGinty, Ellie Trench, Robyn Mulkeen, James Coyne, Cian Ramsey, Odhran Grogan, Harry Gilligan and Daniel Cunniffe, who all represented the club with distinction.
Meanwhile at the Connacht Outdoor Championships in Sligo, Claremorris AC athletes continued their excellent form despite challenging windy conditions.
Among the standout performers was Philip Griffith, who completed a remarkable double by winning gold in both the U14 Boys 800m and 1500m events. Luke Duffy secured bronze in the same 800m race, while Harry Mulkeen finished sixth in the long jump and eighth in the 1500m.
In the U14 Girls section, Cara Trench won bronze in the 75m hurdles and placed eighth in the long jump. Nicole Ciweck claimed bronze in the 800m, while Lily-Mae Trench also took bronze in the race walks. Elena Crowley narrowly missed out on a medal with a fourth-place finish in the race walks. Eva Murphy placed seventh in the 200m and Nessa Lenihan finished tenth in the long jump.
The U15 athletes also enjoyed considerable success. Ellen Farragher won bronze in the 80m hurdles, while Zuzanna secured bronze in the triple jump and Eva Kavanagh claimed bronze in the race walks. Elsie Ansbro finished sixth in the 100m.
Henry Griffith was another gold medal winner, capturing first place in the U15 Boys Triple Jump and adding bronze in the 80m hurdles. Michael Crowley secured silver in the race walks.
Other strong performances came from Julianne Nash, who finished fourth in the U16 Girls 200m, Erin Payne who was fourth in the U17 Girls High Jump, and Ellen Trench who claimed silver in the U18 Girls 1500m.
Club officials extended thanks to the coaches, parents, officials and volunteers whose commitment continues to support the development of young athletes throughout the season. Congratulations were also offered to all athletes who have now qualified for the National Championships in Tullamore later this month, where Claremorris AC will once again be strongly represented on the national stage.
Claremorris Musical Society enjoyed a memorable weekend in Killarney as members attended the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Awards and returned home with five national runner-up awards for their acclaimed production of ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.
The production, which delighted audiences during its run earlier this year, received recognition across a number of categories, highlighting the talent and dedication of the cast, crew and production team.
Among the honours, the society received runner-up for Best Visual, while Mary Dempsey was named runner-up for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and Nicole Scott received runner-up recognition in the Best Comedienne category. There was also special recognition for two young performers, with Michael Farrell and Abby Flatley both receiving runner-up awards for Outstanding Youth Performance.
The awards provided national acknowledgement of a production that was widely praised by audiences and supporters throughout its run.
Claremorris Musical Society extended sincere thanks to its loyal audiences, sponsors and supporters whose continued encouragement helps make each production possible. Tribute was also paid to director Donna Ruane, musical director Deirdre Lee and choreographer Jay Molyneux for their creativity, commitment and hard work in bringing the magic of Willy Wonka’s world to the stage.
Society members described the awards weekend as a fitting celebration of months of dedication and teamwork and said they were delighted to see the efforts of everyone involved recognised at national level.
Attention is now turning to the future, with preparations underway for the society’s milestone 20th production in 2027. The committee is currently considering options for what promises to be another exciting show.
Anyone interested in becoming involved with Claremorris Musical Society is encouraged to follow the society’s social media channels and local media, where details of auditions are expected to be announced later this summer.
Deirdre O’Neill was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,589. The club congratulated Deirdre on the win.
The club also thanked all supporters who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser. Funds raised through the draw help support underage coaching, club facilities and future development projects. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Sandra Donnellan was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €600. Sandra purchased the winning ticket in The Shamrock. The club extended congratulations to Sandra on the win.
The club expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Proceeds from the fundraiser help support teams across all age groups and contribute to the ongoing development of the club. Tickets are available online and through local retailers and pubs each week.
The death has occurred of Tom Leydon of Convent Road, Claremorris, and formerly of Ballinfull, Co Sligo. Tom died peacefully in the loving care of the staff of the Dalton Community Nursing Home.
Tom was predeceased by his brother Paddy Joe and sisters Maureen and Kathleen. He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family, wife Claire, children Tommy, Irene, Mary and Stephen, daughters-in-law Geraldine and Mary, sons-in-law Marcus and Mark, his adored grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends.
Tom’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home in Claremorris, on Tuesday evening last with removal to St Colman’s Church. His Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday afternoon, followed by burial afterwards in Carigeens Graveyard, Maugherow, Co. Sligo.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Denis O'Grady of Drum, Knock. Denis died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, on June 11th.
Denis was predeceased by his daughter Karen. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, brothers Gerard, Kevin and Laurence, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Denis’ remains reposed in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Sunday evening, June 14th, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. His Funeral Mass was held on Monday morning, followed by private cremation at a later date.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Joe McNamara of Burrish, Irishtown. Joe died suddenly on June 15th.
Joe was predeceased by his darling wife Ann and his parents Willie and Agnes. He is sadly missed by his heartbroken daughters Fedelma, Eithna and Denise, sons-in-law Jimmy and David, his beloved grandchildren Sophia, Ruby, Carmen and Davitt, and his brother Michael. Joe will also be sadly missed by his extended family, neighbours, friends and his adored hairy friends Oscar and Lassie.
Joe’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Friday evening last with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Irishtown. Joe’s Funeral Mass was held on Saturday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Irishtown Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Teresa (Biddy) Garvey of Clarelodge, Old Knock Road, Claremorris, and formerly of Shraheens, Balla. Biddy died peacefully at her home in Clarelodge on June 13th, 2026.
Biddy was predeceased by her parents Mary and Thomas, and brothers Tom, Frank and Brian. She will be sadly missed by her sisters Eileen and Noreen, brothers Jim, John and Michael, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, her Clarelodge family, carers, relatives and friends.
Biddy’s remains reposed at Clarelodge on Monday evening. Her Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday in St Cronin’s Church, Balla, followed by burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
