Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Pictured at the Hollymount/Carramore GAA dinner dance were, back row, from left: Gemma Feerick, Sara Canny, Molly Ager, Maria Shea, Saoirse Burke, Vicky Jennings, Megan Connelly, Rachel Jennings, Kate Kelly, Hannah Connelly, Lorraine Mannion, Trisha Lynskey. Front row: Sarah Concannon, Amanda Gill, Maria Feerick, Chloe Jennings, Michelle Cannon, Rianna McCartan, Nicole McGovern, Jessica Connelly. Picture: Trish Forde
While seven junctions are to be closed on the N17 in the greater Claremorris area, one – at Boherduff (the L-55512) – will remain open.
A strong campaign by locals to keep this junction open was successful, with some 150 written submissions objecting to its closure lodged with Mayo Co Council.
The recent meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District was told that the N17 has recorded 100 accidents since 2019 with a number of fatalities.
Councillors sanctioned the closure of junctions onto the N17 at Shanvaghera (L-29189), Rockfield (L-15037), Ballinsmaula (L-55517), Drumneen South (L-55517). Eskerlevalley (L-5551), Castlegar (L-55513) and, Garryduff (L-25116.) The junctions will be replaced with turning circles. The decision was made based on recommendations from council engineers.
The 100 km/h road has daily traffic of 9,230 vehicles, with 85% of the traffic driving at 103 km/h or slower. A static speed camera was installed on the road in December, but there was an issue with its certification and speeding fines paid have been - or will be - reimbursed to the motorists in question. Penalty points will be reversed also. The camera is functioning correctly now.
The Boherduff road will need upgrading now to cater for the extra traffic that it will carry as a result of the closure of the other junctions. This road is a direct route to the N17 for schools, crèches and industrial concerns, as well as a number of housing estates. The junction at the old Knock Road will need an upgrade also.
Had the Boherduff junction been closed, it would have forced high volumes of traffic through the town at peak times.
Hollymount Community Centre has been awarded €68,000 to fund the upgrade of the hall floor, heating system and improvements to kitchen facilities. The award is made under the Community Centre Investment Fund for building renovations and to enhance the amenities. In total, €26m has been allocated to 369 communities across Ireland. Of this, €1.2 million has been announced for 21 community centres across Mayo.
Dance Concepts will commence children’s dance classes in Claremorris Family Resource Centre on April 14th. For full details, contact Amy on 085-170 8997.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre is offering English classes which will be starting soon. The classes will be held on Tuesdays from 6 to 8pm and on Thursdays from 3 to 5pm for eight weeks.
More information is available on 094-937 7838 or at the centre. The cost is €2 per class.
Applications for the Bus Éireann School Transport Scheme for the 2025–26 school year are now open.
Ensure your child has a seat by applying before the deadline. Applications close on Friday, April 25th, and the payment deadline is Thursday, June 6th.
Post-primary students must live over 4.8km from their nearest school to apply. For primary students, the distance requirement is over 3.2km from their nearest school. Free transport is available for students with special educational needs.
This is safe and reliable Garda-vetted, structured transport. The cost is €50 for primary, €75 for post-primary, to a maximum of €125 per family. The service is free for medical card holders. The service is also eco-friendly as it reduces traffic and emissions.
Applications can be made online at www.buseireann.ie.
Buggy Buddies is a new free parent and baby/toddler social meet-up for parents, childminders, grandparents etc., to take part in with their little ones.
Buggy Buddies caters for all fitness levels and allows participants to work at an intensity which is appropriate to them. It is also a great way to get out and meet other parents in an environment which is safe and fun for both parent and baby/toddler.
Buggy Buddies will consist of a stroll around Clare Lake in Claremorris on Thursday mornings at 10am. This is a great opportunity to meet with friends or make new ones. The start date is to be confirmed. If you are interested, contact Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838.
Claremorris AFC had a comfortable home win over a struggling Straide and Foxford United at Concannon Park.
Simon Butler put the home side in front from the penalty spot after five minutes, and Jason Murphy, Mark Maloney, Ryan McLoughlin and Calvin Joyce added the other goals.
The win was back-to-back with a fine result in Erris where a Mark Maloney penalty was enough to bring home the points after a disappointing opening-day showing against Crossmolina.
The Claremorris team was: S. Hewson, B. Walsh, C. Joyce, N. Mellett, O. Brady, J. Murphy, R. McLoughlin, E. Gannon, M. Maloney, D. McCracken, C. Butler. Subs: F. McLoughlin, M. Heaney.
A Strength and Conditioning Fitness Programme will commence this evening, Tuesday, March 18th, with two sessions – one running from 6.15 to 7pm and a second from 7.15pm to 8pm.
Full details can be had by telephoning 087-636 7668.
A six-week beginners course in International Sign Language will take place in Cúram Family Centre starting today, Tuesday, March 18th.
The class runs from 7 to 8pm and the cost is €60. Booking is essential on 094-9362096.
Congratulations to Erin O’Brien on winning €1,108 in Claremorris GAA 50/50 lotto last week.
Erin’s parents Eamon and Niamh assisted in collecting the prize. The winning ticket was sold in Gilligan’s.
Cúram offers a professional low-cost counselling service at the centre.
If you feel you need support with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, loss/bereavement, loneliness/isolation, domestic abuse or any other issue, please contact the centre in confidence on 094-936 2096.
Cúram is there to help.
Claremorris LGFA club membership is now due. Anyone interested is asked to log on to the Foireann app and choose their appropriate registration category.
Registration must take place before March 27th (to allow for processing of registration). Registration must be in place for all players by March 31st. A non-registered player is not permitted to play or train after March 31st.
A Crime Prevention Information Evening will be held in Cúram Family Centre on Wednesday, March 26th, at 7.30pm.
A member of An Garda Síochána will give a presentation and topics covered will include home security, bogus traders, online safety, vehicle security, and personal safety.
This promises be a very informative and worthwhile evening. Booking by telephone on 094-9362096, is essential.
The next Women’s Collective social gathering will take place on Wednesday, March 27th, at 7.30pm in Cúram, Claremorris. This is a social evening for conversation, comradeship and fun. All women are welcome to attend.
Congratulations to Nina Wallace of St Colman’s South Mayo Athletics Club on winning silver in the Under-23 Shot Putt at the National Indoor Championships last week, with a fantastic throw of 10.83. It’s a great start to 2025 for Nina.
Davitts GAA and LGFA will hold a social and awards night in Bourke’s Irishtown on Saturday week, March 22nd, at 8.30 pm.
The event will feature Men’s and Ladies' player awards, medal presentations and club awards. Music for the event will be provided by Diesel.
Yoga and Chair Yoga classes will start on Monday next, March 24th, in Cúram. More information is available on 094-9362096.
There are two weeks left in the Breathwork and Meditation Classes, which are taking place in Cúram Family Centre. They are on Monday next, March 24th and April 7th from 8 to 9pm. Contact Brendan for booking and further information at 087-9863440.
Cúram Family Support Service is available for parents having difficulty in managing their children’s behaviour; parents experiencing a crisis which impacts on their children; and families experiencing communication and relationship difficulties.
A Family Support Drop-In Clinic runs every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 12.30pm in Cúram Family Centre. For further information, please contact Family Support Project Worker, Maria Cribbin, at 087-9119714.
The Rural Social Scheme is looking for people to work 19.5 hours a week in a variety of roles, including administration, driving, outdoor, cleaning, after-school and childcare. The vacancies are in the south Mayo area with positions available in Claremorris, Brickens, Ballindine and Irishtown areas. Laura Commins, the RSS supervisor, can be contacted on 087-1306945.
The death has occurred of Winifred (Una) Dunleavy (née McHugh) of Carrowconnor, Ballindine, Claremorris.
Una died peacefully at her residence on March 8th. She was predeceased by her husband Patrick and sister, Sr Teresa.
Una will be sadly missed by her sons James and John, sister Anne, daughter-in-law Audrey, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
She reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home in Ballindine on Tuesday evening, March 11th, with removal to St. Joseph’s Church in Ballindine.
Funeral Mass for Una was held on Wednesday afternoon with burial afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
