Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris

Swimmers shine at Community Games Finals; Show preparations continue
Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris

Pictured at the Mayo Fóroige Citizenship Awards celebration held at Ballina Arts Centre were members of Knock Foróige Club, with Minister Dara Calleary TD, Michelle Reynolds (Foróige Area Manager, Mayo), Paddy Martin (Tusla), Claire Gavigan (Foroige Area Manager, North West), Jackie Farrell (Mayo Foróige Chairperson) and Dr Wayne Travers (National Chairperson, Foróige). Picture: Trish Forde

Swimmers shine at National Community Games Finals 

Claremorris Swimming Club enjoyed further success at the National Community Games Finals, with club members producing a number of impressive performances while representing Mayo.

The Girls’ Under-16 Medley Relay team of Isabelle, Aoife, Bria and Amelia, with Saoirse and Aimee as substitutes, narrowly missed out on the medals, finishing in an excellent fourth place.

There was individual success for Amelia, who claimed the gold medal in the Under-16 50m Butterfly following a superb performance in the pool. Isabelle also impressed, finishing fourth in the Under-16 50m Breaststroke.

The swimmers received their medals from Cairn Community Games President Gerry McGuinness.

Congratulations are extended to all the swimmers on their outstanding achievements and on representing both Claremorris Swimming Club and Mayo with distinction at the national finals.

Lady Captain’s Day at Golf Club

Claremorris Golf Club hosted a successful Lady Captain Mary T. Coyne’s Day, with golfers enjoying excellent competition across the ladies’ and men’s events.

In the Ladies’ 18-Hole competition, Catherine Brennan claimed first place with 72 nett on a back nine countback, finishing ahead of Aisling Prendergast on 71 nett. Sinead Daly secured the Gross Prize, while Cliona Callaghan was third, Catherine McEveney fourth and Mary Collins fifth. Margaret Kitching won the Category 36+ prize, Nora Maloney claimed the Past Captains’ prize, Sarah Creighton won the Front 9 and Carrie Loftus took the Back 9 honours.

The Ladies’ 9-Hole competition saw June Elliott and Una Clarke finish first and second respectively in Category A. Sheila Byrne claimed Category B on a countback from Mary Cunnane, while Camilla Roche won Category C ahead of Helen Cunnane.

In the Men’s 18-hole competition, Peter Totten produced the winning score of 63 nett. Fergal Tuohy finished second on 66 nett after a back nine countback from Phelim Munnelly, while Pat Killeen claimed the Gross Prize with 75. Myles Fallon finished fourth, with David Grant and Pat Connaughton completing the prize winners.

Resource Centre's services 

Claremorris Family Resource Centre continues to provide a wide range of free and accessible services to individuals and families throughout the local community.

Among the services available is a free and confidential Citizens Information service, where qualified staff are on hand to provide advice and guidance on a broad range of issues. The centre also offers a number of practical everyday services, including photocopying, laminating, document binding and access to valuable Citizens Information resources.

The Family Resource Centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. The centre is located on Mount Street, (Eircode F12 H2C2), and welcomes members of the public seeking information, support or practical assistance.

Mental Health support meetings 

Claremorris Family Resource Centre is encouraging people to attend its weekly Grow mental health peer support meetings, which provide a welcoming and supportive environment for anyone experiencing mental health challenges or looking to connect with others.

The meetings take place every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm and offer a safe, confidential space where participants can share experiences, listen to others and receive peer support in a relaxed and understanding setting. Everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are seeking support for themselves or simply wish to learn more about the benefits of peer connection.

For further information about any of the services available at Claremorris Family Resource Centre or the Grow meetings, contact 094-9377838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.

Show preparations underway

Preparations are continuing for the 106th Claremorris Agricultural Show and Trade Fair, which takes place on Sunday, August 2nd at the Claremorris Athletic Grounds.

This year’s show will feature more than 275 competition classes, live music, cookery demonstrations by TV chefs Adrian and Sarah Butler, free children’s entertainment and the return of the Virtual Class 501 online photography competition. Organisers are also encouraging visitors to use the free shuttle bus and rail services as part of the show’s Smarter Travel initiative.

Further information, schedules and entry details are available at www.claremorrisshow.com.

Knock Basilica marks golden jubilee 

Knock Shrine will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland on Saturday, July 18th, with a special programme of prayer, reflection and celebration.

The day will include guided tours, a commemorative gathering, a screening of ‘An Acre of Shelter’, a discussion on the Basilica’s history, an open forum, the Anointing of the Sick and a Mass of Thanksgiving. Organisers are inviting pilgrims and visitors to join the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Warde family hold Hospice fundraiser 

The Warde family will host a fundraising night at Warde’s Pub, Claremorris, on September 12th in memory of Greg and Natasha Warde.

The event will raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, in recognition of the care and support provided to the family. An evening of music, entertainment and community spirit is planned, with further details to be announced.

Kieran wins 50/50 prize

Kieran McCaffrey was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €565. Kieran purchased the winning ticket in O’Brien’s. 

The club congratulated Kieran on the win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. 

Tickets are available online and through local retailers and pubs each week.

Johnny lands GAA prize 

Johnny Griffin was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,223. Johnny bought the winning ticket in The Ranch. The club congratulated Johnny on the win and thanked all supporters who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser.

Funds raised through the draw help support coaching, facilities and underage development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.

Mary Higgins, RIP 

The death has occurred of Mary Higgins (née Muldoon) of Ballyhowley, Knock, and formerly of Coogue Middle. Mary, who died on July 1st, was in her 100th year.

She was predeceased by her husband Joe, father Pat, mother Nellie, baby daughter Maria Goretti, brother John, sister Monica (Rockett), and her beloved son-in-law Michael Larkin. Mary will be deeply missed by her sons John and Paddy, daughter Helena, treasured grandchildren Lucy and Pearl, niece, nephew, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Mary’s remains reposed at her residence in Ballyhowley on Friday evening with Funeral Mass on Saturday morning in St John the Baptist Church, Knock, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery. 

May she rest in peace.

Davnet Bourke, RIP 

The death has occurred of Davnet Bourke (née Curran) of 4 Mount Crescent, Mount Street, Claremorris. 

Davnet passed away peacefully, in her 100th year, surrounded by her loving family, in the outstanding care of the Queen of Peace Nursing Home, Knock.

Davnet was predeceased by her parents Babe and Ivan, husband Sean, sisters Mary, Ita, Helen and Ann, and brothers James (Jimmy) and Martin. She is deeply regretted by her sons James, Ivan and David, daughters-in-law Carmel, Martina and Renee, grandchildren Sara, Katie, James, Hillary, Ruth, Liam and Annie, great-grandchildren Ella-Rose, Holly, Davnet and Finn, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Davnet’s remains reposed in Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris, on Tuesday evening, July 7th, with removal afterwards to St Colman’s Church. Her Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, July 8th, followed by burial afterwards in St. Colman’s Cemetery. 

May she rest in peace.

Gerry Walsh, RIP

The death has occurred of Gerry Walsh of Cloonfaughna, Knock Gerry died peacefully at his residence on July 2nd.

Gerry was predeceased by his daughter Miriam and brothers John and Bill. He was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by his wife Mary Frances, daughters Geraldine (Pat) Regan and Jackie (Michael) Joyce, son Jimmy (Carol), grandchildren Aimee, James, Thomas, Caoimhe and Fionn, sisters Ann (Morrissey) and Maureen (Neary), brothers Mike, Tom and Jim Walsh, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Gerry’s remains reposed in the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Sunday evening, July 5th, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Gerry’s Funeral Mass was held on Monday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery. 

May he rest in peace.

Peter Flatley, RIP 

The death has occurred of Peter Flatley of Padre Pio House, Drum, Knock. Peter passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on July 6th, 2026.

Peter was predeceased by his loving wife Pio, his parents John and Nancy, and his brother Fergus. 

Peter will be sadly missed by his loving children Aiden, Andreá, Danielle, Peter, Desiree and Shiofra, cherished grandchildren Sian, Aileen, Aodháin, Odhrán, Caoimhín, Shea, Jack, Alisha, Logan, Tiernan, Saoirse and Odín, brothers Tommy, Andy, Padraig and John, sister Margaret, daughters-in-law Christine and Michelle, sons-in-law Rory, Enda, Patrick and Koliver, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Peter’s remains reposed at his residence on Thursday evening, July 9th. His Funeral Mass was held on Friday morning in the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery. 

May he rest in peace.

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