Local Notes: All the latest news from Claremorris
Members of Roundfort Foróige Club are pictured at the Mayo Foróige 3rd Years Prom Ball held recently at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. Picture: Trish Forde
Claremorris South Responder Group has issued advice to owners and guardians of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) following recent warm weather conditions.
The group is reminding people that high temperatures can affect both the lifespan and performance of defibrillator batteries and pads. Extreme heat may also impact the gel used in electrode pads, potentially making them unusable in an emergency situation.
The warning also highlights the risk of damage to the internal components of AED units if devices are stored in unsuitable conditions for extended periods.
Community groups, clubs, businesses and individuals who manage AEDs are being encouraged to check where devices are stored, particularly units kept in cars, storage cabinets, dressing rooms and buildings exposed to high temperatures.
The responder group has advised AED owners to consult manufacturer guidelines and storage recommendations to ensure devices remain fully operational if needed in an emergency.
Claremorris Tidy Towns has officially launched its 2026 Residents’ Estates Competition, with entries now being accepted from neighbourhoods and housing estates throughout the town.
The annual initiative, supported once again by SuperValu Claremorris, aims to encourage community pride, environmental awareness and ongoing efforts to improve local residential areas.
The competition has continued to grow in popularity since its introduction and organisers are hopeful of another strong response this year. The closing date for entries is June 26th, with judging scheduled to take place during July. Winners will be announced in August.
Last year’s competition attracted entries from a wide range of estates across Claremorris, with judging focusing on areas such as cleanliness, presentation, planting, landscaping and biodiversity measures including pollinator-friendly spaces, bird boxes and insect habitats.
The competition forms part of wider efforts by Claremorris Tidy Towns to encourage residents and communities to take pride in their local environment through small improvements and community participation.
Organisers extended thanks to SuperValu Claremorris and manager Damien Hall for their continued support of the initiative and wished all participating estates the best of luck ahead of judging later this summer.
Congratulations have been extended to Garrymore GAA player Cathal Tierney, who was named Senior Footballer of the Year at the recent St Colman’s College Annual Awards Ceremony.
Cathal received the Higgins Footballer of the Year Perpetual Trophy in recognition of his performances during the school year. Congratulations were also extended to Senior Joint Captain Nathan Gill, who received the PJ McGrath Memorial Trophy for Senior Engineering Project of the Year. The award was presented by Áine McGrath, daughter of the late PJ McGrath.
The awards formed part of a busy period at the school, which also hosted its annual Sports Day and the James O’Toole Memorial Cup competition last week.
Students from first and second year took part in a range of activities and sports stations organised across the school grounds by teachers Seamus Curry and Luke Jennings, assisted by fifth year students. An ice cream van also visited during the day.
The annual Tug of War competition for fifth year students once again provided one of the highlights of Sports Day, with the winning team captained by Eamon Flanagan receiving the James O’Toole Memorial Cup.
During the presentation, principal Roy Hession remembered James O’Toole, a former teacher and football coach at the school who passed away following a road accident in 2012. Members of the O’Toole family, including James’ sister Paula and nephews Noah and Jamie, attended to present the trophy.
School staff thanked all students and organisers involved in what was described as an enjoyable and successful day for the school community.
Claremorris student recognised as mental health ambassador
Plans for the future of Catholic post-primary education in Claremorris continue to progress following a series of consultations and ongoing discussions involving school patrons, boards of management and the Department of Education and Youth.
In a joint statement issued by CEIST and Archbishop Francis Duffy, Patron of St Colman’s College, it was confirmed that extensive consultation carried out during 2023 revealed strong support for a co-educational model within a single school setting for the town. The consultation involved stakeholders connected to Mount St Michael Secondary School and St Colman’s College, with findings published in 2024 indicating an “overwhelming desire” for a shared co-educational approach.
Following the consultation process, the patrons engaged with the Department of Education and Youth regarding the possible amalgamation of the two schools into a new Catholic co-educational secondary school with enhanced educational facilities for students in Claremorris. While the Department was not in a position at that time to commit the required capital funding, discussions have continued in pursuit of what patrons described as the best long-term educational outcome for students and families in the area.
The statement also noted that both schools applied to change their status from single-sex to co-educational in 2025. However, the patrons stated that this was not viewed as the preferred long-term solution, emphasising instead that a shared campus model supported by significant capital investment would provide the most sustainable and beneficial outcome both educationally and socially.
Separately, the boards of management of Mount St Michael Secondary School and St Colman’s College issued a joint response welcoming continued constructive engagement with the Department of Education and Youth. The boards acknowledged the strong support expressed during the consultation process for co-education in a single school environment and said they recognised that amalgamating both schools into a shared campus now represented the preferred way forward.
The boards stressed that their immediate priority remains the continued delivery of high-quality teaching, learning, care and support for all students while preparations continue for any future transition. They also acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of staff, along with the ongoing support of parents and guardians throughout the process.
Both statements expressed hope that clarity and timelines regarding the future direction of post-primary education provision in Claremorris would be confirmed in a timely manner.
A community event focusing on men’s health and well-being will take place in Claremorris on Friday, June 19, as part of Men’s Health Awareness Week.
The event, titled 'One Step at a Time', is being organised in partnership with Claremorris Men's Shed and will begin at 12.30pm in The Square.
Organisers say the afternoon will focus on health awareness, well-being and community connection, while also providing a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for people to come together and access information and support services.
A wide range of activities and services are planned throughout the event, including blood pressure and heart health checks, a spinning competition, free haircuts and health and well-being information stands. Musical performances are also planned during the afternoon, while Claremorris Community Radio will broadcast live from the event.
Organisers are encouraging members of the public to attend, whether for a health check, to meet others in the community or simply to support the initiative.
The event forms part of wider Men’s Health Awareness Week activities aimed at promoting positive health habits, encouraging early intervention and highlighting the importance of physical and mental wellbeing.
Organisers said everyone is welcome to attend and described the event as an opportunity to encourage people to take time to focus on their health and well-being in a supportive community setting.
Claremorris Community Garda John Monaghan is preparing to take on a 340-kilometre charity cycle in memory of Saoirse Duggan, the young Claremorris girl who passed away in June 2025 following illness.
The fundraiser, titled 'Saoirse’s Sunshine Cycle', will take place on June 20th as part of the international 'Chase The Sun' endurance event. Garda Monaghan will begin the challenge at sunrise in Belfast at 4.45am and hopes to complete the journey to Enniscrone before sunset later that evening.
Funds raised through the cycle will go to the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, a charity supporting families of children living with serious illnesses throughout Ireland. Saoirse was an Honorary Garda with the organisation and Garda Monaghan described her as his “little blue buddy”.
Founded in 2017, the Little Blue Heroes Foundation is led by serving and retired Garda members along with volunteers from communities around the country. The charity provides practical and financial assistance to families while also giving children the opportunity to become Honorary Gardaí.
Support has continued to build locally ahead of the challenge, with St Colman’s College wishing Garda Monaghan well and encouraging people to support the fundraiser. The school described him as a valued friend who regularly visits students to offer guidance and support.
Donations can be made online through the iDonate page for 'John’s Cycle for Saoirse'.
The Warde family is preparing to host a fundraising night at Warde’s Pub in Claremorris in memory of Greg and Natasha Warde, who both passed away within the last year.
The event will take place on September 12th from 6pm and will raise funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice and the Oncology Department at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar. Organisers said the fundraiser is being organised in recognition of the care and support provided to Greg, Natasha and their family during periods of illness.
Family members said the evening will centre around music, entertainment, conversation and community gathering, reflecting the atmosphere both Greg and Natasha enjoyed most. Organisers hope the event will bring people together to remember loved ones, share memories and support services that continue to assist families across the region.
Preparations are already underway for what is expected to be a well-supported local fundraiser. Further details about entertainment and activities on the night are expected to be announced over the coming weeks.
The Warde family has encouraged people to keep the date free and support the event, with all funds raised going towards services that continue to provide care and assistance to patients and families throughout Mayo and surrounding areas.
Preparations are underway for this year’s Taugheen Summer Camp, which will take place from July 13th to July 17th at Taugheen National School.
The camp will run daily from 9am to 2pm and will offer a wide range of activities aimed at keeping children active and entertained during the summer holidays. Organisers say the programme will include games, arts and crafts, sports and a variety of creative activities designed to encourage participation, friendship and fun.
The initiative is open to children of all interests and abilities and aims to provide a welcoming and positive environment where participants can socialise, learn new skills and enjoy new experiences throughout the week.
Organisers described the programme as a fun-filled week with a strong focus on creativity, activity and community involvement. The camp is expected to attract children from the local area and surrounding communities.
The National Childcare Scheme will also be accepted as part of the programme. Parents and guardians seeking further information or wishing to book places are invited to contact organisers directly by email at summercamptaugheen@gmail.com.
The Western Hotel in Claremorris will host the Micheál Hanley Memorial Darts Cup on Saturday, June 13th, with players and supporters expected to attend from across the region.
The competition will begin at 5pm and will feature both Ladies’ and Gents’ tournaments, with organisers welcoming players of all standards to take part. The draw for matches will take place at 5pm sharp.
An entry fee of €10 will apply, with organisers promising a competitive evening combined with a strong social atmosphere at the popular venue.
The annual tournament has become an established event on the local sporting calendar and continues to attract support from the darts community and beyond. As well as providing competitive action, the event also serves as a tribute to the late Micheál Hanley and an opportunity for friends, players and supporters to gather in his memory.
Organisers are expecting another strong turnout this year and said the event will once again combine sport, community spirit and remembrance in a fitting way.
The Pink Ladies Syndicate, made up of staff from The Shamrock, were the winners of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home the guaranteed €2,000 jackpot.
The club congratulated the syndicate on the win and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser. Funds raised through the draw help support coaching, facilities and underage development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs each week.
David Macken was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €520. David purchased the winning ticket in O’Brien’s.
The club extended congratulations to David and expressed sincere appreciation to all who continue to take part in the weekly draw. Proceeds from the fundraiser go towards supporting teams across all age groups and the ongoing development of the club.
The death has occurred of Nancy Henry (née Curry) of Oldrock, Ballymote, Co Sligo, and formerly of Cloondace, Claremorris, Knock.
Nancy died peacefully at Sligo University Hospital on May 25th, 2026. She was predeceased by her loving husband David, who died in March 2025, daughter Mary, who died in April 2002, brothers Pat Joe, Jim and Bill (Knock), and sister Peig (New York).
Nancy will be dearly loved and sadly missed by her son Padraig, sister Bridget Johnston (New York), sister-in-law Kathleen Henry (Ballinvalley, Coolaney), nieces, nephews, cousins, kind neighbours and the residents of Ballymote Community Nursing Unit.
Nancy’s remains reposed at the Perry Funeral Home, Ballymote on Wednesday evening, May 27th with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bunninadden. Funeral Mass was held on Thursday afternoon, followed by burial afterwards in St Columba’s Cemetery, Ballymote.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mary (May) Raftery (née Kivneen) of Logrea, Irishtown, and formerly of Logalisheen, Ballindine. May died peacefully at her home on May 22nd, aged 98 years.
May was predeceased by her husband James, parents Patrick and Mary, grandson Stephen Brennan, and brothers John, Jim, Pat, Martin and Tom. She will be forever cherished and sadly missed by her loving family Maura Brennan, Margaret, Noel, Seamus, Paula O’Hara, Gabriel, Colette Dixon and Jo, sons-in-law Anthony and Brendan, daughters-in-law Bridie and Brenda, sisters Nora Kirrane and Bridie Shrimpton, her twenty grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
May’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Sunday evening, May 24th with removal to her home. Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Holy Family, Irishtown on Monday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Irishtown Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
