Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Pictured at the unveiling of the Briathra Talún/Words from the Land sculpture series in Irishtown were, from left: Patrick Prendergast, Billy Freeley, Margaret Prendergast, Dr Andrew Newby (University of Jyvaskyka, Finland), Noah Rose (artist), Bernard O’Hara and Austin Vaughan, Mayo County Librarian. Picture: Trish Forde
Claremorris Camera Club’s exhibition, entitled ‘Magic Moments 2025’, continues until May 12th to coincide with the All-Ireland Drama Finals in the Town Hall.
The exhibition features 66 photographs in all, with contributions from John McDonnell, Renate Klee, Bridie Kearns, Frank Mullen, Bernie Green, Nuala Conboy, Seamus Gaffney, Bernie Keane, Joe Naughton, Brendan Smyth and Cora O'Brien.
The club meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every month at 8pm. The next meeting is on May 6th.
Carramore Gun Club held its annual 25 Card Drive on Good Friday night, April 18th, with a strong turnout of 14 tables contributing to a lively and enjoyable evening. The event, now a firm fixture in the local calendar, marked another successful year for the club’s much-anticipated card night.
One of the highlights of the evening was the club’s generous donation of €1,500 to Taugheen Playgroup, a gesture warmly welcomed by those in attendance and a testament to the club’s ongoing support for the local community.
There was no shortage of competitive spirit on the night, with James Hughes and Kevin Cunnane taking first-place honours. Second place went to M. Loftus and L. Davin, while third place was shared between three pairs - J. Cawe and S. O’Neill, M. Murphy and T. Doherty, and D. McDonagh and C. Flatley.
Winners of the Last Nine prize were F. Higgins and C. Lavelle, along with M. Nolan and Donlon. The Home Prize was awarded to S. Long and R. Cuffe.
Table prizes were claimed by R. and M. Carney, M. Nolan and M. Donnellan, J. Heaney and M. Mahon, F. Higgins and C. Lavelle, B. Bell and A. Fenwick, M. Murphy and T. Doherty, G. Murphy and A. Fenwick, and P. Jennings and F. Conroy.
There was also a raffle held on the night, with prizes going to a long list of winners including P. Jennings, K. Burke, C. Burke, F. Higgins, M. Mahon, D. Stagg, A. Burke, P. O'Brien, J. Derrig, M. Bell, J. Campbell, C. Lavelle, B. Jennings, A. Fenwick, M. King, D. McDonagh, O. Flannery, J. Byrne, J. Burke, T. Mahon and M. Grant.
The club expressed its sincere thanks to all those who supported the event, especially the generous sponsors who contributed prizes. The evening was capably hosted by MC Ger McHugh.
Carramore Gun Club looks forward to hosting another enjoyable card game next year.
Claremorris Golf Club saw a busy and competitive Easter period with excellent turnouts and some strong scoring across both the regular club competitions and the Easter Open Bank Holiday event.
In the Pat Hession t/a NCF Milk 18-Hole Stableford ladies' competition, Clíona Callaghan claimed top honours with a fine score of 38 points. In the men’s section, Michael Lohan took first place with an impressive 44 points.
In the category prizes, Derek Reilly won Category One with 37 points while Billy Pierik posted a solid round of 40 points to take the top spot in Category Three. John McDonnell came out ahead in Category Four, also with 37 points, while John Brady topped Category Five with a return of 34 points.
The Easter Open, held across the Bank Holiday weekend from April 19th to 21st, attracted a large field and produced some excellent golf. Robert Connolly emerged as the overall winner with a superb score of 48 points. Danny Pilbrow took second place on 42 points, just ahead of Janny Pilbrow in third with 41 points.
The club thanked all those who took part and congratulated the prize-winners on their performances and the sponsors for their generosity. Members are reminded to check the club noticeboard and website for details of upcoming competitions and events as the season continues.
Huge congratulations to Aoife Heaney, who recently featured on the Irish U18 women’s rugby team during the Six Nations Festival in Wellington College, England.
Aoife, a fifth-year student at Mount St Michael Secondary School, proudly represented Ireland in the number 15 jersey and played a key role in what was a highly successful tournament for the young Irish side.
Ireland got their campaign off to a flying start, defeating Italy with a confident 29-7 win, running in five tries in an impressive attacking display. They followed that up with a dominant 21-0 victory over England, delivering a defensive shutout against one of the tournament’s strongest sides.
They beat Scotland 22-7 before losing out to table-toppers France.
In their final game, Aoife and her teammates played out a thrilling 24-24 draw against Wales. The match saw the lead change hands several times in a high-paced contest.
Aoife’s family members, her father and mother, Andrew and Siobhan along with siblings, Orlaith Cillian, all departed Killleenrevagh, to attend the tournament. Aoife plays club rugby for Claremorris Colts and her progress is a testament to the quality of coaching within the club.
It was a big win for Davitts in Claremorris last week when Sarah McGale’s ticket was drawn in the local GAA club’s 50/50 draw. Sarah won €2,387 in the bumper draw. Her winning ticket was sold in Gilligan’s.
Cúram offers a Family Support Service for parents having difficulty in managing their children’s behaviour, parents experiencing a crisis which impacts their children, and families experiencing communication and relationship difficulties.
A Family Support Drop-In Clinic will run every Tuesday morning, between 9.30am and 12.30pm in Cúram Family Centre. For further information, contact Maria Cribbin, Family Support Project Worker, on 087-9119714.
The next Women’s Collective Coffee Morning will take place in the Cúram Family Centre on Thursday, May 1st, at 10.30am. All women are invited to attend for a cuppa and a chat.
A representative from Mc Cabe’s Pharmacy in Claremorris will give a short presentation on skin care. Looking forward to seeing you all. The cost is €3.
Breathwork and Meditation Classes, which will be ongoing every two weeks from Monday, May 12th, will take place in Cúram Family Centre from 8 to 9pm. Contact Brendan for booking and further information at 087-9863440.
Online registration for the Garrymore Cúl Camp is now open on the Cul Camp website, www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie.
The camp will take place in Garrymore from Monday, June 30th to Friday, July 4th.
There are still a few places available in Cúram's Tai-Chi classes on Tuesday mornings at 10am. Call Cúram on 094-9362096 for further information and to book your place.
The next block of art classes will start in Cúram Family Centre in Claremorris on Tuesday next, April 29th. Classes will run for six weeks.
Contact Seán on 085-2320402 for more information and to book a place.
Art classes now taking place every Saturday in the Claremorris Family Resource Centre. The classes run from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 12.30pm to 2pm. Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels are catered for. Contact Lanna on 089-409 1820 for full details and booking.
Claremorris Golf Club is launching a relaxed and welcoming Men’s Beginner Golf Programme after Easter. It is perfect for those looking to try their hand at golf for the first time.
The programme offers five fun, 9-hole scramble evenings for just €80, with no membership required. For those unsure about equipment, club hire is included, and a pay-as-you-go option (€25 per night) is also available.
Participants will get the chance to play alongside club members or fellow beginners, with a focus on learning the game in a laid-back and sociable setting. A beginners’ WhatsApp group will keep everyone connected, and the clubhouse bar will be open for a friendly post-game chat.
There’s also a special 'New to Golf' offer: full membership for the remainder of 2025 is available for just €195. This includes access to the timesheet for casual play and free entry to the beginner scrambles.
For more details, contact Claremorris Golf Club and get ready to enjoy the game at your own pace.
Davitts GAA and LGFA Club have commenced Under-6 training for girls and boys on Wednesdays at 6pm on the Astro Turf at Ballindine NS.
New players are more than welcome to come along and give football a go. Contact the club for more details.
Ballyhaunis FRC are welcoming Amanda McGuinness from Little Puddins – Autism Specialist Supports.
Amanda will make two presentations. The first, 'Understanding your autistic child or teen', will take place in the Communal House, Clare Court, Ballyhaunis (F35 FC61), on May 6th, from 7 to 9pm.
Amanda’s second presentation, “Supporting your autistic PDA child or teen”, will take place on May 13th from 7 to 9pm. There is no charge to attend these evenings. For further information, contact Geraldine at 086-0470587.
The death has occurred of George Brennan, Killeen House, Claremorris.
George died tragically in a hiking accident in Northern Ireland last week. He will be deeply missed by his heartbroken parents Tommy and Maura, beloved brothers Gavin and Gareth, aunts Joan and Irene, uncles Tony, Padraig, Tommie and Joe, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his many friends.
George’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Wednesday evening last. His Funeral Mass took place on Thursday in St Colman’s Church, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Brigid (Bridie) Connaughton, Glasnevin, Dublin, formerly of Boston, USA and Claremorris. Bridie died peacefully at her home.
Bridie will be sadly missed by her sisters and brothers, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Bridie’s Funeral Mass will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30th, at 10am in the Church of Our Lady of Dolours, Glasnevin, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mary Kelly, Killester, Dublin and formerly of Hollymount. Mary died peacefully in the wonderful care of St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by her heartbroken family and friends.
Mary was predeceased by her parents Cis and Patrick (Pake) Kelly. She is deeply regretted by her brothers TJ, Liam, Ger, Eugene, Johnny and Ollie, sisters-in-law Treasa and Margo, nieces Ciara, Allison and Katie, nephews Damien, Keith and Patrick, grandniece Hayley, and a close circle of friends.
Mary’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Friday evening last with Requiem Mass on Saturday afternoon in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort, followed by burial in Roundfort Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
