Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Culture Night was marked in Ballinrobe with an event entitled 'Mosaic: Celebrating Cultures', hosted by Tacú Family Resource Centre at Ballinrobe Racecourse Pavillion. Pictured were dancers from the All-Stars Academy (Claremorris) who performed at the event. Picture: Phil Roberts
Gilligan's Bar on The Square has completed a year-long fundraising initiative, collecting cans to support local emergency services. The funds, totalling €1,500, have been donated to Claremorris South Responder Group and were used to purchase a defibrillator, a wall-mounted case, and to provide staff training on emergency response.
The bar expressed gratitude to Light House Diner and Catering and Michael Warde’s Pub for their assistance throughout the campaign. This year, Claremorris Tidy Towns was selected as the charity partner for the ongoing can collection effort.
Claremorris South Responder Group expressed their appreciation, with a spokesperson stating: “Thank you all so much, that's absolutely unreal. These funds will contribute towards a mobile defibrillator for one of our responders. This support is a significant boost for our group and the communities we serve.”
The initiative highlights the impact of community efforts in supporting local emergency response capabilities.
Claremorris & District Lions Club, in conjunction with Claremorris Red Cross, will hold a Diabetes Awareness Day as well as blood glucose testing together with blood pressure checks in the Square (in front of Credit Union office) on Saturday, October 4th, from 12 noon to 3pm. The event is free of charge to participants.
The blood test is an initial test to alert people if they need to seek further medical attention in relation to the possible onset of Type 2 Diabetes. This is the third year that the Lions and the Red Cross have carried out these tests in Claremorris. The vast majority of attendees at the previous events had no issues.
The Hollymount community is set to come together on Saturday, October 4th, to celebrate a remarkable milestone – 40 years of Hollymount Ladies Gaelic Football.
The evening of celebration will take place in Cois Abhann Hall, Hollymount, beginning at 8pm, and promises to be a night of football memories, friendship, and community spirit.
One of the highlights of the event will be the launch of a commemorative book, edited by local journalist and author Óisin McGovern, chronicling the club’s proud history and achievements over the past four decades. The book captures the journey of the players, mentors, and supporters who have kept the spirit of Hollymount Ladies Gaelic Football alive and thriving since its foundation.
The celebration offers a perfect opportunity for past and present players, supporters, and friends of the club to reminisce on 40 years of stories, triumphs, and camaraderie.
Entertainment on the night will include live music by Streetwise, along with a full bar to ensure an enjoyable and lively atmosphere for all in attendance.
As the club reflects on its past, the evening will also shine a light on the enduring values of football, friendship, and community that have shaped Hollymount Ladies Gaelic Football for generations.
The Taugheen Community Centre will host an evening of social dancing on Tuesday, September 23rd, beginning at 8.30pm.
The event, led by dancer Brian Gibbons, promises a lively programme including jive, line dancing, the waltz and much more.
Organisers say the night offers a chance for people of all ages to come together, enjoy the music and take to the floor in a welcoming and friendly setting. The community centre, located at F12 F5N7, has been the venue for many popular local gatherings, and the social dancing nights are expected to draw a big crowd.
Swimmers with additional needs are being invited to take part in practical disability swim sessions at Claremorris Leisure Centre this October, organised by Water Safety Ireland. The sessions, which are free of charge, will take place on Saturday, October 18th, from 4 to 5pm, and on Sunday, October 19th, with two time slots available from 3 to 4pm and 4 to 5pm.
Participants will be paired on a one-to-one basis with course candidates as part of their training, under the supervision of qualified Water Safety Ireland tutors, all of whom are Garda vetted. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Those wishing to register are encouraged to do so promptly by contacting 094-9371313.
Two members of Davitts GAA and LGFA Club, Fenton Kelly and Shane Mitchell, will abseil 150 feet from the roof of Croke Park on Friday, October 10th. The challenge is being undertaken to raise funds for Mayo Cancer Support. The club has encouraged anyone wishing to support the fundraiser to make donations through links available on its social media pages.
Davey Hennessy was the lucky winner of Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 jackpot last week, taking home €1,004. Tickets are sold both online and in outlets around the town, and the club expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the draw each week, noting that the funds raised go directly towards supporting players at every level.
Community members interested in mindful movement and relaxation can participate in somatics classes held weekly.
The sessions focus on body awareness and techniques aimed at supporting well-being. Classes are scheduled on Mondays, from 12 noon to 1pm and again from 7pm to 8pm. Those seeking more information can contact John Roe at 087-7495573.
Children and teenagers aged 10 to 18 are invited to join Club Ceol, a group dedicated to Irish traditional music. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments and enjoy a weekly gathering at the Claremorris Family Resource Centre, located at F12 H2C2.
The sessions take place every Friday from 4 to 5pm, with a fee of €2 per child. The group offers a space for young musicians to develop their skills and connect through music.
Every Friday, the community gathers at the Claremorris Family Resource Centre for Friday Friends, a social group for those aged over 55.
The event provides a welcoming environment where attendees can enjoy a warm cup of tea and engage in conversation. The sessions run from 2 to 4pm and are free of charge. The group offers an opportunity for social connection and companionship in a relaxed setting.
Seán Conroy claimed the Claremorris Soccer Club 50/50 jackpot last week, winning €455 on a ticket bought in PJ Byrne’s.
The club extended warm congratulations to Seán and sincere thanks to all who took part. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs, with every entry helping to strengthen soccer in the community.
The Claremorris Drama Society is set to stage Walter Macken’s acclaimed play, , this autumn, offering a series of performances across the region.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s' Ireland, delves into themes of redemption, belonging, and the often-unseen struggles within family life. The production aims to deliver a compelling and reflective theatrical experience.
The play premiered at Ballyhaunis Community Hall last weekend to great acclaim. It will now move to Garrymore Community Hall on Saturday, October 11th, also at 8pm, before concluding with a final show at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Friday, October 17th, at 8pm.
Tickets are available at €15, with a reduced rate of €10 for students and OAPs.
The Claremorris Drama Society encourages the community to attend and support local theatre while engaging with this notable piece of Irish drama.
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) 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 and other areas.
“I have communities on to me all the time looking for workers,” Laura Commins, the RSS supervisor covering the area told the . “Unfortunately, while I don’t like to refuse anyone, I can’t help them due to shortage of staff.
"We cover a lot of ground as it is and we have vacancies throughout the company – not just in the Claremorris area. We’d be delighted to hear from anyone that is interested in joining.”
The RSS is sponsored by the Department of Social Protection. Pobal carries out a payroll function, on behalf of the Department, and operates a help-desk facility for local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta, who are the implementing bodies. Pobal also has the responsibility for developing and implementing performance indicators for the scheme.
The aims of the scheme are to provide services to rural communities that use the skills and talents available among low-income farmers and fishing communities and to provide income support to low-income farmers. Participants must be 25 years or over and getting Farm Assist payment or if they are actively farming or fishing, they may qualify for the scheme if they are in receipt of certain other social welfare payments.
Laura can be contacted for full details on 087-1306945.
The death has occurred of Christopher (Christy) Flynn of Main Street, Hollymount, and formerly of Ferns Road, Kimmage, Dublin. Christy died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Christy was predeceased by his son Christopher, grandson Michael, parents Sarah Jane Reid and Patrick, brothers John, Liam, Noel, Mick, Jimmy, Stephen and Frank, and sister Helen. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughters Lisa, Joyce, Linda, Caroline and Sinéad, grandchildren Sarah, Niamh, Anthony, Seán, Jack, Sierra, Kady and Erin, sons-in-law Brendan, Seán, Killian and Mick, his brother Joseph, sisters Sadie, Marie, Josephine and Anne, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Christy’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Claremorris, on Tuesday evening, September 23rd, with Funeral Mass the following day in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort, followed by burial in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Joe Campbell of Shanvaghera, Knock. Joe died peacefully on September 19th in the loving care of the staff of Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.
Joe was predeceased by his parents Terence and Lena, sisters Josie (Cable) and Helena (Bourke), and his baby brother Eamon. He is deeply regretted by his wife Mary, daughter Marie, sons Terry and Tommy, grandchildren Jack, Kayla, Evan, Kyle, Sinéad, Amelia and Olivia, brother Terence, sister Bridie, son-in-law Owen, daughter-in-law Christine, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Joe’s remains reposed at Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Monday evening, September 22nd, with removal to St Anne’s Church, Shanvaghera. His Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
