Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Charles Hanley of Claremorris Show 2026 Committee and a relative of the late Oliver Dixon presenting the Oliver Dixon Gold Cup for Champion Ridden Hunter of the Show to Kathleen Cunney, Foxford (on left), owner of 'Foxford Nina', ridden by Hannah Gordon.
Claremorris Historical Society will mark Culture Night 2026 with a special double event on Friday, September 18, offering a photographic journey through more than half a century of local life.
The programme begins in the Town Hall where the images featured in the society’s recent presentation, ‘Through the Streets of Claremorris 1900-1925’, will be on exhibition from 4.15pm to 7.15pm. Coinciding with the recent publication of the 1926 Census, the exhibition will give visitors an opportunity to step back in time and see Claremorris as it appeared during the first quarter of the twentieth century, immediately before the census was taken.
The focus will then move to the main hall at 7.45pm for an illustrated talk, ‘Images of Claremorris 1926-1960’. For this special bilingual event, dozens of photographs featuring local people, shops and streetscapes from the ‘Main Street Gathering’ archives have been carefully restored in full colour by Andrew Newman. Local historian Colmán Ó Raghallaigh will accompany the images with the stories behind them, providing an insight into the people, businesses and changing streetscape of Claremorris during the period from 1926 to 1960.
Together, the exhibition and illustrated talk will take visitors from Claremorris at the beginning of the twentieth century through several decades of change, using photographs and local history to bring the town’s past to life. There will be a refreshment break during the evening event. Admission to both events is free and all are welcome.
Christmas will come early to Brickens this year, with the annual Christmas Market taking place at the Community Centre on Sunday, December 13th, from 10am to 3pm.
The market will offer a festive day out in the run-up to Christmas, and organisers are currently inviting vendors who would like to take part and showcase their products. Anyone interested in booking a space or finding out more can contact 094-938 0910 or 087-6505260.
The Christmas Market will be held in aid of Brickens Meals on Wheels, adding a worthwhile local cause to the festive occasion.
Past and present Claremorris Masters swimmers are being invited to come together for a special Remembrance Gala at Claremorris Leisure Centre on Saturday, September 12.
The gala will run from 4pm to 6pm, bringing Masters swimmers from over the years together for an afternoon of swimming and remembrance.
Every participant will receive a commemorative swim hat, with all money raised from the event going directly to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
Organisers are hoping to welcome as many past and present Masters swimmers as possible and are encouraging people to spread the word about the special event.
John Fennick was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a jackpot of €1,537.
The club congratulated John on his win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to support the club’s activities and development.
Brian Walsh picked up €500 as the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week.
The club congratulated Brian and thanked its many regular supporters for continuing to back the draw. Tickets are sold online and at participating shops and pubs throughout Claremorris, with funds raised going towards the ongoing work of the soccer club.
Claremorris Lions Club will hold its first meeting following the summer break in the Dalton Inn tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, at 8.30pm.
The club will make its plans for the membership year and new members or visitors are always welcome to attend. The club will then return to its usual schedule, with meetings taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from October.
The Great Mayo Bake Off returns this autumn, with amateur bakers from across the county invited to put their skills to the test by creating their ultimate chocolate cake.
The competition will be held as part of the launch of the 2027 'Plates for Dates' calendar, with prizes worth €500 up for grabs.
Entry costs €10 and places are limited, with registration remaining open until October 1st.
This year’s fundraising will support Ronald McDonald House, Cancer Care West and Brickens Meals on Wheels.
Cakes must be delivered to the McWilliam Park Hotel between 4.30pm and 6pm on October 9th, with judging taking place later that evening. For registration or further information, contact Phil on 087-352 8953 or Carmel on 086-3032401.
Claremorris Musical Society is getting ready to celebrate a milestone with its 20th production, 'Calendar Girls – The Musical', featuring music and lyrics by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth.
Based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire women who produce a charity calendar, the musical combines comedy, drama and music in a story of friendship and community. Mayo Roscommon Hospice will also benefit from the society’s 20th production celebrations.
The society is inviting both existing members and newcomers to audition, with auditions taking place in the Dalton Inn tonight, Tuesday September 8th and Wednesday, September 9th. Rehearsals will begin shortly afterwards, with performances running from January 27th to 30th.
Anyone wishing to audition must register in advance through the society’s social media platforms or by emailing claremorrismusicalsoc@gmail.com. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship or patronage are also invited to get involved.
A presentation outlining the life and times of the renowned horse dealer Oliver Dixon will be held in the Western Hotel Claremorris on this Wednesday night, September 9, at 7pm. The Illustrated talk by Ms Caroline Pillar will feature rare photos and other memorabilia from his life.
Born in Maltpool outside Claremorris around 1870, Oliver Dixon moved to Reading in England as a young boy on the recommendation of a horse dealer that travelled over to purchase horses from the Dixon family. In later years, Oliver established himself as one of the leading horse dealers in Europe.
His name is synonymous with Claremorris Agricultural Show for many where the Oliver Dixon Gold Cup is one of the most sought-after possessions on the show circuit each year.
The Claremorris District Executive will hold a meeting in the Western Hotel on Monday, September 28, at 8.30pm. All are welcome to attend. Among the items for discussion will be motions for the party’s Ard Fheis, which takes place in Cork on November 7th and 8th.
A range of classes and activities will get underway at Cúram Family Centre over the coming weeks, with places available across quilting, crochet, yoga, breathwork and meditation.
A five-week Quilting Class will begin on Tuesday, September 22, running from 11am to 1pm. The cost is €60 and booking is essential. A five-week Crochet Class for beginners and intermediates will start on Wednesday, September 23, from 7pm to 9pm, also costing €60.
A six-week block of Heart to Heart Breathwork and Meditation will begin on Monday, August 31, at 8pm, offering participants an opportunity to disconnect from busy lives and reconnect with themselves. Further information and bookings are available from Brendan on 087-9863440.
Chair Yoga Classes will return on Monday, September 14, for six weeks, at a cost of €50. Further information is available on 089-4695189 or from Cúram.
There are also a number of spaces available in Cúram’s morning and evening Yoga Classes. For bookings or further information on the quilting, crochet and yoga classes, contact Cúram Family Centre on 094-9362096.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has announced a range of activities and courses beginning in September, including smartphone photography, textured art and traditional Irish music.
A Textured Paste Art Course with Dani Bueno begins on Friday, September 11, from 10am to noon. Suitable for beginners and those looking to explore their creativity, the course will introduce participants to techniques for creating textured artwork using paste. Places are limited.
A four-week Smartphone Photography Course begins on Wednesday, September 16, with a choice of morning classes from 10am to noon or evening classes from 7pm to 9pm. The course costs €25 and will cover camera settings and hidden features, composition and framing, natural light, portraits, landscapes, everyday photography and simple phone-based editing.
Club Ceol also returns in September, inviting musicians to bring their instruments and learn, play and share traditional Irish music together.
For further information or to book a place, contact Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838 or info@claremorrisfrc.ie. For Club Ceol, contact Brid on 087-9408967.
The death has occurred of Breege Heneghan (née Morrin) of Ballygowan, Claremorris, and formerly of Tourmakeady.
Breege died peacefully on August 28 following an illness fought with great courage and dignity, surrounded by her loving family.
Breege was predeceased by her parents Bridget and Patrick, sister Peggy and brother Larry. Breege will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Bertie, daughter Áine, sons Niall and Cathal, daughters-in-law Lesley and Lisa, Áine’s partner Michael, cherished grandchildren Billy, Rían and Emma, sisters Mary, Noreen and Ann, brother Paddy, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Breege’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, on Monday evening, August 31, with removal afterwards to St. Colman’s Church. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday last followed by burial in St. Colman’s Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Michael (Mick) Gaynard of Derrymore, Hollymount. Mick died peacefully at Hollymount Nursing Home in his 101st year.
Mick was predeceased by his parents Pat and Kate, and brothers Tommy and Peter. He is survived by his cousins, neighbours and close friends, especially (Small) Tom Hughes.
Mick’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home with removal afterwards for Requiem Mass at Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort followed by burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mary Ronayne of Bunduff, Tulrahan. Mary died peacefully on September 2nd, 2026, in her 96th year, surrounded by her devoted family in the loving care of the staff of the Ross Suite, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar.
Mary was predeceased by her husband James, brother Paddy Glynn and son-in-law Jimmy Ruane. Mary will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, son Seamus, daughters Margaret, Mary, Úna, Carmel and Barbara, daughter-in-law Anne, sons-in-law Mike, Douglas, John and Padraig, cherished grandchildren Connor, Josh, Jack, Abbiegayle, James, Simon, Ronan and Darragh, great-grandchildren Tuiren and Saorla, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mary’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Friday evening last. Removal took place from her home on Saturday for Mass in St Mary’s Church, Logboy, followed by burial afterwards in Tulrahan Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of James Mitchell, better known as Jimmy, of 11 Barr na Haille, Claremorris. Jimmy died suddenly at his residence.
Predeceased by his parents Eamon and Pauline, Jimmy will be sadly missed by his adored daughter Ava, brother Brian, aunts, uncles, relatives, friends and Ava’s mother Danielle.
Jimmy’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, on Friday evening last with removal afterwards to St Colman’s Church. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday afternoon, followed by burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
