Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Ronan and Féilim McIntyre enjoying the snow in Claremorris last week.
Claremorris AFC is gearing up for a double helping of quiz-night fun, with both an adult and a junior Sports Quiz Night scheduled for the McWilliam Park Hotel on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
The main Sports Quiz Night is set to deliver an enjoyable evening of sporting trivia, friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Teams of four can enter for €50 per table, making it a perfect night out for friends, workmates or teammates keen to test their knowledge across a range of sports. With a lively atmosphere expected, the club is encouraging supporters to get a team together and mark the date for what promises to be a great social occasion.
Earlier that evening, Claremorris AFC will also host a Junior Sports Quiz, aimed at young sports fans aged 10 to 14. The junior quiz will offer a fun and inclusive introduction to quiz nights, giving participants the chance to challenge themselves, enjoy the buzz of competition and share the experience with friends in a relaxed setting. Organisers are hopeful of a strong turnout and are inviting young quizzers to come along and be part of the fun.
Both events will take place at the McWilliam Park Hotel on Friday, January 23rd, 2026, and Claremorris AFC is encouraging the local community to support what is shaping up to be a fantastic night for the club.
Claremorris AFC will hold its annual general meeting later this month, with members invited to attend the gathering at Barnacarroll Sports Centre on Monday, January 19th, at 7pm. The AGM will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past year, review the club’s activities and progress, and outline plans and ambitions for the 2026 season and beyond.
All members are encouraged to be present and to take part in discussions on the future direction of the club. The committee has also reminded members that any nominations or resolutions for consideration at the meeting must be submitted in writing to the club secretary no later than 21 days in advance of the AGM.
Claremorris AFC has thanked its members for their ongoing support and involvement, and looks forward to a strong attendance on the night.
Garrymore GAA have enjoyed a busy and positive period both on and off the field, with recent weeks highlighting the club’s strong community spirit, growing Healthy Club initiatives and continued engagement across all age groups.
The club recently concluded its Christmas fundraiser with the announcement of the hamper prize winners. Congratulations were extended to Siobhan Kelly of Hollymount and Colm Hession of Pulbawn, who were the main hamper winners, while Michael Mannix from Curraghroe also claimed a bottle of whiskey. Garrymore GAA expressed sincere thanks to McHugh’s Spar in Ballindine and Little Sam’s in Claremorris for their generous sponsorship of the hampers, acknowledging the vital role local businesses continue to play in supporting club activities.
In addition to fundraising success, Garrymore GAA has been placing a strong focus on health, wellbeing and inclusion through its involvement in the GAA Healthy Club Programme. The club recently introduced members of its Healthy Club Committee, including Lynda Hession, Jamie Burke, Joanne and Fintan Forde, and Elaine Hession, who have been instrumental in driving a range of initiatives aimed at making the club a welcoming and active hub for the entire community.
Since becoming involved in the Healthy Club initiative, Garrymore GAA has expanded its activities well beyond traditional Gaelic games. Among the standout developments have been the formation of a mixed Rounders team, the introduction of a ladies-only gym class, participation in the national Ireland Lights Up programme, and the organisation of several successful 5km runs. These initiatives have helped to broaden participation within the club and encourage people of all ages and abilities to engage in regular physical activity in a social and supportive environment.
The club has now officially reached Foundation Level Healthy Club status, a milestone that reflects the dedication and commitment of volunteers, committee members and participants alike. Garrymore GAA has thanked everyone who played a role in achieving this recognition, emphasising that the club remains at the heart of the local community and strives to ensure that everyone feels welcome and included. With an eye to the future, the club has set its sights on attaining Silver Healthy Club status at the next awards ceremony in 2026, a goal that will depend on continued community support and the introduction of fresh ideas and initiatives.
As part of this ongoing commitment to health and wellbeing, Garrymore GAA will once again take part in the GAA’s popular ‘Ireland Lights Up’ initiative, which returns in January in partnership with Get Ireland Walking and the Irish Life Every Step Counts Challenge. The local walks will take place in Garrymore on Wednesdays, from 7pm to 8pm, with all members of the community encouraged to attend.
Club registration is also now open for the MyLife/GAA Healthy Clubs Every Step Counts Challenge 2026. Running until February 11, the challenge will see Garrymore GAA aiming to collectively cover 4,000 kilometres, with participants eligible to be entered into a draw to win a share of €30,000 in funding. There are three provincial donations of €2,500 available, and the club is urging everyone to get involved by joining the Garrymore GAA team through the MyLife app.
Away from administrative and community initiatives, Garrymore GAA also marked some personal milestones within the playing group. Warm congratulations were extended to senior players David Dolan and Catherine Dooley, and to Kenneth Lydon and Louise Delaney, who were recently married. The club wished both couples a lifetime of health and happiness together.
As Garrymore GAA looks ahead to the coming year, the emphasis remains firmly on community, inclusion and shared participation. The club continues to welcome new ideas and encourages anyone with suggestions for future initiatives to contact Jamie Burke or any member of the committee or executive, reinforcing its commitment to being a vibrant, supportive and inclusive centre for all.
Four local students were among a record intake of recipients recognised at the Connacht GAA Student Bursary Awards for 2026, with Bree Hession, Dara Hurley, Ronan Kelly and Siomha McNulty honoured for their commitment to both academic life and the promotion of Gaelic games at third-level.
The awards ceremony took place at the Connacht GAA Centre recently, marking the sixteenth year of the bursary scheme, which supports students who are active members of their Higher Education GAA clubs. This year’s programme saw a record 66 students from across all five Connacht counties receive bursaries, reflecting the growing strength and importance of Gaelic games within the third-level sector.
Bree Hession of Claremorris, a student at Mary Immaculate College, was recognised for her continued contribution to Gaelic games alongside her studies. Also representing Claremorris was Dara Hurley, who received a bursary while studying at the University of Galway. Ronan Kelly of Davitts, currently attending the University of Limerick, was similarly acknowledged for his involvement and leadership within the third-level games structure. Completing the local quartet was Siomha McNulty of Claremorris, another University of Galway student, whose dedication to Gaelic games at college level earned her a place among this year’s recipients.
Richard Finn was the winner of the latest Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw, collecting €551 on a winning ticket bought in O’Brien’s, and was congratulated by the club on his success. Claremorris AFC thanked all who continue to support the draw, noting that proceeds help fund teams and ongoing improvements to club facilities. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs throughout the town.
Francis Quinn was the winner of Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,004. Francis purchased the winning ticket in O’Brien’s and was congratulated by the club.
The club expressed its appreciation to everyone who supports the weekly draw, with funds raised contributing to underage coaching, team development and club facilities. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs across Claremorris.
The death has occurred of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Ruane of Lugatemple, Claremorris. Paddy died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his infant son Martin.
Paddy will be sadly missed by his wife Rosaleen, sons Patrick, Noel, Fergus and Ronan, daughters Caroline and Karen, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, sister Nuala, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Paddy’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris on Tuesday evening last. Removal took place from his residence on Wednesday afternoon to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Anne Ronayne of Rathfarnham, Dublin, and formerly of Ballindine. Anne died peacefully on January 6th, at St James’s Hospital. Anne was predeceased by her beloved brother John Ronayne.
Anne is sadly missed and fondly remembered by her sister-in-law Nora Ronayne,nephews Mark, Ian and Frank, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Funeral and burial took place in Dublin.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Tom Fallon of Skevard, Ballindine. Tom died peacefully at his home on January 6th, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Mai and son Jarlath, parents William and Delia, brother Jimmy, sisters Mary and Eileen, and infant sister Madeline.
Tom is deeply mourned and will be sadly missed by his daughter Mary, sons Peter, Tom, Fergus, David and Joe, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Martina, Áine, Ann and Majella, brother Pete (Aclare), 14 adored grandchildren and four great-granddaughters, nieces, nephew, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Tom’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris, on Thursday evening, January 8th. Removal took place from his residence on Friday morning to St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Teresa Cleary (née Ruane) of Erindale Cottage, Kilkenny Road, Carlow, and formerly of Ballindine. Teresa died peacefully at her home on January 6th, surrounded by her loving family. Teresa was predeceased by her beloved grandson Aidan and her siblings Michael, Paraic and Audrey.
Teresa will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Matt, children Ronan, Andrea, Enda and James, brothers Seamus and Con, sisters Maura and Bernie, sons-in-law Frank and Laurent, daughters-in-law Anne Marie and Marina, her cherished granddaughters Ciara, Maura, Amelie, Elsa and Maia, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, former colleagues of St Joseph’s NS, neighbours and her many friends.
Funeral and burial took place in Carlow.
May she rest in peace.
