Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
At the Mayo Foróige Prom Ball 2025, held at the Castlecourt Hotel, pictured was the Kiltimagh Foróige Club. Pic:Trish Forde.
A Kiltimagh native has been named among the recipients of the prestigious 2025 ‘Heroes of Irish America’ awards, presented by the newspaper in the United States.
Lea Walsh, formerly of Gortgarve, who now resides in the United States, is Director of Customer Experience with CIE Tours and has been recognised for her exceptional contribution to Irish-American relations and cultural life. With over 25 years spent promoting Ireland abroad, Lea has built a reputation for her dedication to Irish heritage and hospitality.
In her role at CIE Tours, she is not only a leader in tourism but also a mentor to young Irish professionals, supporting a year-long internship programme for university students and fostering connections within the Irish-American community.
Her colleagues describe her as someone who leads with heart.
“Lea’s influence goes well beyond her professional achievements,” said a spokesperson for CIE Tours. “Whether mentoring interns or helping to organise community events like the Morris County St Patrick’s Day Parade, Lea brings people together with warmth and pride in her heritage. She is a true ambassador for Ireland.”
The awards ceremony will take place at the Buffalo Convention Centre, New York, on Friday, May 16th, honouring individuals who quietly build and strengthen Irish-American communities.
Crime statistics for Kiltmiagh are revealed
Gardaí n Kiltimagh dealt with a total of 55 reported incidents over the past year, according to newly released figures. The data highlights a range of offences across the town and surrounding areas.
Assaults and threats accounted for the highest number, with 14 incidents recorded. Criminal damage was the second most prevalent offence, with 10 cases reported. Gardaí also responded to six burglaries, five incidents of theft, and eight public order offences during the same period.
The figures, produced by the Central Statistics Office, exclude homicides, sexual offences and most road traffic matters.
The statistics reflect the variety of policing challenges in the area and will be closely monitored as part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and crime prevention.
Kiltimagh got their season off to a winning start with a narrow 2-9 to 0-13 victory over Swinford in the East Mayo Canon Henry Cup Final, held at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence.
In a tightly contested match, two second-half goals – one each from Paul Kelly and Oisín Mulderrig – proved crucial as Kiltimagh held off a late Swinford rally. Despite being reduced to 14 men midway through the second half, Kiltimagh finished strongly with points from Stephen McDonnell and Sean Gilmartin to seal the win.
Swinford registered more scores but were left to rue missed chances, shooting five wides early in the second half. The result gives Kiltimagh an early confidence boost ahead of the upcoming Mayo Junior ‘A’ Championship.
Kiltimagh: Sean Gilmartin (0-2, 2f); Ryan Carroll, Kevin Mulderrig, Jack Niland; Niall Mulderrig, Darragh McGovern, Evan Cosgrove; Paul Kelly, Stephen McDonnell (0-1); Aidan Cosgrove, Callum McNicholas, Oisin Mulderrig (1-1); Jack Creighton (0-1), Jordan Henry (0-1), Brian Gallagher (0-3). Subs: Liam Lydon (for Henry, ht), Max Bennett (for Creighton, 47), Jonathan McHugh (for Carroll, 49, inj), Mikie Flatley (for Niland, 58).
There was great pride and celebration in Kiltimagh last weekend as Clann Machua Drama Group brought home national recognition from the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals in Claremorris. The group, who staged Roddy Doyle’s ‘The Snapper,’ were awarded Best Stage Management, a major honour in the highly competitive national event.
With over 50 scenes in the play, stage management was always going to be crucial to deliver a smooth production. The award went to stage manager Cameron Farrington, who led the backstage team of Tony Kelly and Keelan Jennings. Their work was praised for its professionalism and precision, ensuring that the group’s lively and engaging production ran smoothly on every performance night. Sean Horan also joined the team for the awards night, which was held in the McWilliam Park Hotel.
For Cameron Farrington, the award marked a personal milestone. From attending rehearsals as a toddler in a buggy, he has grown into a key figure in the group’s technical team - a journey his family described as “a proud day” for both Cameron and the Farrington-Smith household.
Clann Machua were also delighted to receive three other nominations on the night: Siobhan Redmond for Best Actress, Seamus Corry for Best Actor, and Fraser Farrington-Smith for Best Lighting. While the group did not place in the top three overall, their strong showing underlined the strength and talent within the Kiltimagh drama community.
A special moment of pride came with the performance of five young cast members who featured in 'The Snapper'. The group hailed them as “superstars” who shone on stage and represented the future of Clann Machua Drama. The dedication of their families, who travelled across the country in support, was also warmly acknowledged.
The multi-award-winning production won the festivals in Rossmore (West Cork) and Tipperary and won many production and performance awards across the eight festivals that the group entered.
The group extended thanks to their generous sponsors, CMS Distribution, Genfitt, and Coillte, whose support helped make the finals campaign and gala awards night possible.
Clann Machua left Claremorris with their heads held high, national recognition in hand, and the clear sense that the next generation of talent is already stepping up.
After nearly three decades without a reliable water supply, 34 households in the Cleregh and Lisduff areas of Kiltimagh are finally enjoying clean, running water in their homes.
The long-running campaign to connect these homes to the Kiltimagh Public Water Supply came to a successful conclusion last week. The project, which cost close to €700,000, brings an end to years of reliance on private wells and even river water for some residents.
Local Fianna Fáil councillor Adrian Forkan described it as a landmark day for the community, calling access to clean water "a basic human right".
“It’s been a long road - 28 years in the making,” Cllr Forkan said. “Many people might have given up, but this community kept pushing. Today, safe drinking water is flowing into homes that were left behind for far too long.”
The project was supported by Mayo County Council, Irish Water, and received significant funding with the assistance of Minister Dara Calleary.
Residents in the affected area had long been able to see the Kiltimagh Water Treatment Plant from their homes - yet had no access to it.
Cllr Forkan noted that wells in the area frequently ran dry in summer, forcing residents to haul water for daily use.
Kiltimagh GAA Club has expressed heartfelt thanks to two local businesses for their continued generosity and support of the club’s teams.
Shane and Sonia Gilmartin of Gilmartin’s Catering & Hygiene Supplies have kindly sponsored new jerseys for both the Senior Ladies and Senior Men’s teams. The club acknowledged their contribution with deep appreciation, noting the importance of such support in preparing the teams for the season ahead.
Thanks were also extended to Gary and the Smyth family from Heneghan’s Pharmacy, who once again provided the club with essential first-aid supplies. Their consistent support each year ensures the club is well-equipped to look after player welfare.
Kiltimagh GAA paid tribute to the generosity of the wider community and thanked all who continue to back the club’s efforts on and off the field. As the new season gets underway, the club wished both senior teams the very best of luck.
Kiltimagh GAA Club is appealing for community support as it nears completion of a major redevelopment at Gilmartin Park. The €500,000 project includes a new 242-seat stand, two floodlit training areas, and a revamped main pitch.
To help reduce the remaining costs, the club has launched a Sponsor a Seat campaign. For €350, supporters can have a seat named in their own name, a family name, or in memory of a loved one. Seats are limited and will be allocated by open draw.
Despite a small catchment area and limited local businesses, Kiltimagh GAA continues to provide football for boys and girls from under-4s to seniors. The club is calling on the local community and Kiltimagh people abroad to get behind the campaign.
To sponsor a seat, email kiltimaghgaaseats@gmail.com or contact any club executive member.
There was another great turnout for the weekly 25 Card Game in Kiltimagh, where John Gallagher and Brian McNulty claimed first place after a closely contested evening of play.
Joint second place went to the pairs of Alo Langan and Aidan Lydon, and Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley, who were neck and neck in the final tally. The Last 10 prize was awarded to Michael Carney and Michael Costello.
Spot prize winners on the night were Mary Doyle and Teresa Coleman, while the raffle saw Jack Ryan, Michael Carney, Joe Boyle, and Hugh Forde all take home prizes.
The card game continues to draw strong support from the local community, with a friendly atmosphere and plenty of competition. Organisers thanked everyone for coming out and supporting the event.
With the Spring Poker League in Teach O’Hora now approaching its dramatic conclusion, last Wednesday night saw a fiercely competitive penultimate round that reshuffled the top of the leaderboard. Enda Ruane emerged victorious from a field of 23 players, taking first prize and, in doing so, overtaking long-time league leader Isaac Boyle in the overall standings.
Ruane’s consistent play throughout the season paid dividends on the night, edging out runner-up AN Other in a closely contested finish. Alan Sheridan took third place, followed by Nicky Cunnane in fourth. The other finalists included Pat Boyle (5th), Paul Walsh (6th), Kieran McGee (7th), Keith Lydon (8th) and Gerry Groarke (9th).
With just one round remaining, the leaderboard has tightened considerably. Enda Ruane now tops the table with 215 points, followed by Isaac Boyle on 207. Martin Regan sits in third with 203, while Keith Lydon (201) and Nicky Cunnane (197) round out the top five. The rest of the top twelve includes Michael Higgins (196), Michael Sheridan (195), Derry O’Sullivan (192), Paul Walsh (175), Pat Boyle (168), AN Other (168) and Gerry Groarke (141).
This Wednesday, May 14th, marks the final round of the 15-week league, after which the top 12 players will automatically qualify for the Grand Final. The prize pool for the final now stands at nearly €2,200. For those just outside the cut-off, there is still hope - next week’s Last Chance Playoff (Wednesday, May 21st) will give two more players the opportunity to join the finalists, provided they’ve played in at least five rounds of the league.
The Grand Final will be held in June, with the exact date to be agreed upon by the 12 qualifiers and the two playoff winners. In the meantime, poker enthusiasts can look forward to the next chapter, as the Summer League kicks off on Wednesday, May 28th. Like the Spring League, it will run for 15 weeks with tournaments every Wednesday night at 8pm.
Entry remains at €20, with the option of one rebuy or add-on, also €20. Of each entry and rebuy, €5 is allocated to the league final prize pool, with the remaining pot divided among the nightly winners.
The Spring League has been a thrilling contest so far, and with one night of play remaining before the Grand Final line-up is confirmed, all eyes will be on Teach O’Hora this Wednesday for what promises to be an exciting and closely fought finish.
Tadhg Byrne was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week. Tadhg won €415 in the draw.
A new addition to this year’s Coillte Come Home Festival promises to hit the bullseye with local sports fans, as organisers prepare to host the festival’s first-ever darts competition.
The event is open to all, from seasoned darts veterans to enthusiastic newcomers who simply enjoy the game. Festival organisers are calling on anyone interested in taking part to get in touch with Brendan McDonagh or Sean Langan to secure their place.
The grand final is set to take place on Sunday, July 13th, as part of the festival’s packed programme of events. With plenty of local interest already stirring, organisers are expecting strong competition and a great atmosphere.
So whether you fancy yourself as the next pro, or just want to enjoy a fun and competitive afternoon, this could be your chance to shine. All are welcome.
Kiltimagh GAA Club recently marked a major milestone - five successful years of its popular online 50/50 draw - by celebrating with a special anniversary edition of the draw and a fantastic line-up of prizes.
The weekly draw, which has become a mainstay of the club’s fundraising efforts, was first launched five years ago. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength, helping to fund the club’s activities while keeping supporters near and far connected to their hometown club.
The five-year celebration draw was held in Langan’s and saw Noel Walsh of Shanvally take home the top prize of €861, along with a brand new Kiltimagh GAA jersey, proudly sponsored by Gilmartins’ Catering & Hygiene Supplies. Noel’s win also symbolised the club's growing online presence, as he entered via the digital platform.
Katie Tierney of Kiltimagh claimed th second prize - six months’ worth of weekly draw entries (three tickets per week), valued at €130, also as an online participant.
The third prize went international, with John Cronin in the USA winning a Mayo GAA County Board draw ticket valued at €100. John’s participation through direct debit exemplifies how the club’s reach has extended well beyond Irish shores.
As the club looks to the future, it expressed gratitude to all who have supported the 50/50 draw over the past five years. With both local and global engagement continuing to grow, Kiltimagh GAA is proud of how the initiative has become more than a fundraiser - it’s a community connection.
