Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Members of Aghamore Foróige Club are pictured at the Mayo Foróige Prom Ball 2025, held at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport. Picture: Trish Forde
The final seats at the table have been claimed. After 15 weeks of high-stakes action, Mary McGlynn and Aiden Maughan emerged victorious at the last chance play-off held in Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night, securing the final two places in the Spring Poker League Grand Final.
The eagerly anticipated final will feature 14 of the sharpest poker players from the local circuit, all vying for a generous prize pool of €2,165. A date for the showdown will be confirmed shortly, once agreed upon by all finalists.
As one chapter closes, another begins. A brand new 15-week league is set to get underway this Wednesday night, May 28th, with the same tried and tested format. Entry is €20, with the option of one rebuy or add-on for the same amount. A portion of every buy-in goes into building the next final prize pot, while the rest is paid out on the night, ensuring plenty of incentive for both new and returning players.
Last week’s regular Wednesday night game saw Tiernan Bure take the win, with strong finishes from Derry O’Sullivan in second and Dave Brennan in third.
With a strong community of players and a healthy mix of competition and camaraderie, the local poker league continues to draw interest from near and far. New players are always welcome, and organisers promise a great atmosphere and a fair game every week.
A fresh wave of literary energy is taking shape in the heart of Kiltimagh as the Kiltimagh Writers’ Group continues to flourish. This dynamic group of writers meets every second Wednesday at 7pm in Kiltimagh Library, with the next gathering set for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 28th.
Although relatively new, the group has already established a reputation for its ambition and the quality of its creative output. Members come from Kiltimagh and the surrounding areas, bringing together a range of voices and styles - from poetry and prose to memoir and experimental writing.
Plans are already underway to publish a collective magazine showcasing the group’s work. In addition, the group hopes to host public readings in the coming months to share their writing more widely and invite the local community into the creative conversation.
Kiltimagh Writers’ Group is quickly becoming a vibrant addition to the local cultural scene, offering a space where ideas, stories and voices from the region can be celebrated and developed.
The group is led by local poet Terry McDonagh, whose work has recently been translated into Chinese and Arabic. Terry’s latest poetry collection for children, ‘I Write Because…’ was launched on Friday last in Kiltimagh Library with participation from fifth-class pupils at St Aidan’s Primary School.
Kiltimagh-based national charity, the Federation for Victim Assistance, is offering supporters an exciting opportunity to win big this summer – while helping a vital organisation continue its work.
Anyone who buys a ticket for the Federation’s main Nissan Qashqai car draw before June 1st will automatically be entered into a bonus draw for a €300 Center Parcs voucher. This extra draw is a thank-you to early supporters, with the winning ticket to be drawn at 12 noon on Bank Holiday Monday, June 2nd.
Tickets are priced at €20 each or three for €50 – and that gets you two chances to win. The grand prize car draw itself will be held just before Christmas, offering one lucky winner the keys to a brand-new Nissan Qashqai. In the meantime, someone will enjoy a family getaway at Center Parcs.
The €300 Center Parcs voucher can be used at the holiday provider’s only Irish resort, set within 400 acres of scenic forestry near Ballymahon, Co Longford. Whether it’s an activity-filled weekend or a relaxing family escape, Center Parcs has something for everyone – from outdoor adventures to restaurants and tranquil woodland lodges.
By entering the draw, you’re also supporting the Federation’s essential work in helping victims of crime across the country.
Tickets can be purchased from the Federation’s office on Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, or online at www.victimassistance.ie.
Two chances to win – one great cause.
Andrew McHugh was the winner of last week’s Kiltimagh GAA Club 50/50 draw, which was held in Ryan’s Bar. Andrew took home a prize of €526.
The club congratulated him on his win and extended its thanks to all those who bought tickets in Ryan’s and other local outlets. With continued support, the draw remains a vital source of funds for the club, helping to support teams of all ages and activities across the season.
Fionn Costello, from Dublin, was last week’s winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. Fionn won €240. His win reflects the club’s growing online reach, with supporters from across the country and beyond now getting involved.
KKU thanked Fionn and all who bought tickets, whether locally or online, and reminded everyone that weekly draws continue each Sunday. Tickets are available from local venues, club volunteers, and through the club’s LottoRaiser page.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s CMS Park is set to host another exciting summer of football as JC Coaching prepares to return for an eight-week Football Academy programme. Following the strong response over the last two years, the Academy will once again offer top-class coaching for young players during the months of June, July and August.
The sessions will be delivered by UEFA and FAI qualified coaches and are open to both boys and girls in the U10, U12 and U14 age groups. The initiative aims to help young players develop their skills, improve fitness, and enjoy the game in a fun and supportive environment.
To help gauge interest and tailor the programme to suit local demand, JC Coaching are inviting parents and guardians of players in these age brackets to complete a short online survey. The club is encouraging as many families as possible to take part in the survey to ensure another successful summer of football.
Full details of the academy, including dates and registration information, will be announced in the coming weeks. In the meantime, Kiltimagh Knock United and JC Coaching thank all parents for their continued support and look forward to another great season at CMS Park. The link to the survey can be found on the KKU social media pages.
A lively evening of cards took place once again at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with familiar faces and newcomers alike enjoying the competition and camaraderie.
Top honours on the night went to Kathleen Gill and John Walsh, who played a strong and consistent game to secure first place. Paddy Carney and James Walsh finished a close second after a hard-fought series of rounds.
Third place was shared by three well-matched pairings: John Gallagher and Brian McNulty, Pius Forde and Francis McNicholas, and the ever-reliable Flor Higgins and Collette Lavelle, all of whom put in impressive performances throughout the evening.
The Last 10 prize went to Michael Costello and Michael Carney, who showed great determination right to the finish.
Mary and Liam Moran took home the spot prize on the night, while the raffle brought more cheer to John Gallagher, Seamus Larkin, Tom Conroy, and James Walsh, each of whom had their lucky numbers drawn.
Organisers thanked everyone for their continued support and encouraged card lovers of all levels to come along and enjoy the friendly atmosphere each week. All are welcome.
Kiltimagh will once again host the popular Race2Glory on Saturday, July 12th. Participants can choose between a 20km sprint course or the more demanding 40km full course, both featuring scenic trails, hills, river crossings, and a mix of running and cycling stages.
There are prizes across multiple categories, and the event promises fun for all ages, with food stalls, an epic BBQ, ice cream, coffee, and face painting at the finish line. Athletes will be well looked after too, with ice baths and physio support available.
Whether you're racing or cheering from the sidelines, it's set to be a great day out!
To register, log on to www.race2glory.com.
There was gratitude expressed this week at the Church of the Holy Family in Kiltimagh for the ongoing contribution of the parish’s JP2 students.
As part of a cherished tradition, the students prepared beautiful flower baskets for the graves of former priests and also set new flowers in the graveyard garden. Their thoughtful gesture has brought colour and reverence to the grounds ahead of the summer months.
The church community also extends its thanks to John Brennan, who kindly donated flowers and baskets, helping to make this act of remembrance possible.
