Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Charlie and Patrick Gilmartin from Kiltimagh are pictured at a recent meeting of Ballinrobe Races. Picture: Trish Forde
The Federation for Victim Assistance, based in Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, is asking members of the public to help secure vital financial support through the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.
This is a simple call to action that will only take a few minutes; the outcome of which could make a huge difference to the organisation’s ability to meet the growing need for its services.
The charity, which supports victims of crime and trauma across Ireland, has been invited to participate in the national fund, which is designed to back community groups making a meaningful difference. To access a portion of the fund, the Federation must receive nominations from the public - nominations that could directly enable it to continue and expand its important work.
To nominate the Federation, individuals are asked to visit the AIB website and fill in a brief nomination form, selecting ‘Federation for Victim Assistance’ as their chosen organisation. The Federation’s registered charity number is required to complete the nomination. That number is 20062927.
The nomination process is open until June 25th and each nomination counts towards helping the charity secure a share of the fund.
Founded to help victims of a wide range of issues including domestic abuse, coercive control, elder abuse, sexual assault, bullying, and crimes against marginalised groups, the Federation offers a national support service despite being rooted firmly in East Mayo. The organisation is fully reliant on donations and fundraising and receives no core state funding.
The team at the Federation is urging anyone who values the work they do to take a moment to nominate them, noting that the support of the public can make a genuine impact. A nomination can be made in just a few minutes, but the effect of that nomination could be far-reaching for victims of crime and trauma in communities all over Ireland.
For more information about the Federation and its services, or to learn how to support their work directly, visit www.victimassistance.ie.
It’s been a busy few weeks at St Louis Community School as students and staff wrapped up the school year with a host of engaging activities and notable announcements.
One of the highlights was the whole-school 10K walk through the scenic hills of Kiltimagh last Tuesday. The event, which also featured a mid-walk barbecue, brought together students and staff in a vibrant display of community spirit and team-building. The day was hailed as a fitting finale to a productive and busy academic year.
The school extended its thanks to all who took part and contributed to the event’s success. Special recognition was given to Ms O’Hora and Ms Hopkins for spearheading the organisation of the walk and ensuring every aspect ran smoothly. The school also thanked caretakers Aidan and Brendan for transporting supplies to the summit of Spankers Hill, as well as all those who loaned cooler boxes and other essential items.
Gratitude was expressed to Martin Byrne for providing a gazebo, and to Gilmartin’s for the loan of barbecues. The food was expertly prepared by Mr Dunleavy and his team of chefs, who were also thanked for their culinary efforts. The barbecue, featuring mouth-watering burgers and sausages supplied by Martin Conlon, proved extremely popular with students and staff alike. Mick Dundee was also acknowledged for his kind offer of support.
A welcome addition to the day was the refreshment station set up by Carmel and Kate McGovern, who generously provided fresh fruit and cold drinks at a key point during the return journey. Their contribution was warmly appreciated by all, particularly after the lengthy trek.
The school also commended the dedication of its staff, who accompanied students on the walk and helped make the day both safe and enjoyable. Students were praised for their excellent behaviour and positive attitude throughout the event.
In other school news, congratulations were extended to Isla Murray and Simon Byrne, who have been named Head Girl and Head Boy for the upcoming academic year. The school community wishes them well in their new roles and expressed confidence in their ability to provide inspiring leadership.
Meanwhile, first-year and fifth-year students enjoyed a recent trip to Emerald Park. The outing, organised by Ms O’Brien, was described as a great success. The school acknowledged the support of Mr Dunleavy, Mr Costello, Ms Byrnes, Ms Ruane, Ms Whelan, and Ms Durcan, who accompanied the students and ensured the smooth running of the day.
St Louis Community School also extended its thanks to Mayo Sports Partnership for its recent visit, which brought inclusive PE to life for students. Wheelchairs were provided for a PE class, allowing student James to fully participate in the session alongside his classmates. The initiative was arranged through the efforts of Ms Hopkins, who worked closely with Mayo Sports Partnership to facilitate the visit.
With the academic year drawing to a close, the school community reflected with pride on its achievements and looked forward with optimism to the year ahead.
There was no shortage of skill, spirit, or sporting excitement in Kiltimagh last week as 32 young players competed in the Coillte Come Home Youth Darts Competition. Hosted in Langan’s Bar as part of the town’s annual festival, the event was a celebration of emerging talent and community support for youth sport.
Eddie Sweeney claimed the top prize after a day of high-quality darts, showcasing calm precision and remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Martin Sweeney pushed him all the way in the final but had to settle for the runner-up position after a close and competitive decider.
Senan Corcoran and Finn Ruane made it through to the semi-finals with strong performances, while Cún Burke, Brandon McGowan, Jason Glavey, and Jack Duffy were among the day’s quarter-finalists, all turning heads with their accuracy and poise under pressure.
The competition was expertly organised by Brendan McDonagh, whose efforts were widely praised by participants and parents alike. Mayo Darts representatives were on hand to lend support, and the ever-welcoming team at Langan’s Bar ensured a warm atmosphere for players and supporters.
Kiltimagh Tourism paid tribute to all those involved, saying the event was not only a great success, but a testament to the town’s commitment to fostering youth involvement in sport. The growing interest in darts locally was evident, and the standard of play on display suggests that the future of the sport in Kiltimagh is in excellent shape.
The youth darts competition was a key part of the Coillte Come Home Festival’s sporting calendar and its success has already prompted hopes for its return next year.
Well done to all involved - players, organisers, and supporters - for making the day such a memorable one. The dartboards in Kiltimagh are sure to stay busy in the weeks and months ahead.
A great evening of cards was enjoyed once again at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of friendly competition and familiar faces taking home the honours.
First prize on the night went to the pairing of Kathleen Gill and John Walsh, who put in a strong performance throughout. Second place was shared, with Flor Higgins and Colette Lavelle tying with Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell after some tightly contested hands.
The 'Last 10' prize went to Hilary Foley and Danny Doherty, while the spot prize was claimed by the duo of Hugh Forde and Tom Walsh. Ciaran McDonnell, Pius Forde, Francis McNicholas, and Jack Pidgeon were winners in the evening's raffle.
There was a touch of celebration in O’Hora’s last weekend as Caroline Golden won the Kiltimagh GAA 50/50 draw. Caroline walked away with €641 after her name was pulled from the drum.
The club thanked patrons for their continued support and noted the strong turnout both online and in local venues. These weekly draws make a real difference to the club’s work and future plans, and everyone’s support is much appreciated.
Aoife Collins of Aghamore was the lucky winner in last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. Aoife claimed €270 from the midweek draw, and the club sent warm congratulations her way.
Tickets continue to be sold online and in local shops and pubs, and the club extended sincere thanks to all who take part weekly. Every entry helps KKU on and off the pitch.
The opening round of the Summer Poker League drew an impressive crowd to Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night, with 24 players taking their seats for a competitive evening of cards and strategy. A prize pool of €775 was on the table, with a heads-up deal ultimately seeing Michael Sheridan take the honours, followed closely by Pat Boyle in second place.
Ann Cribbon claimed third spot, with Enda Ruane finishing in fourth and a fifth-place finish for a player who preferred to remain unnamed. The other finalists on the night included Derry O’Sullivan (6th), Gerry Groarke (7th), Aiden Maughan (8th), and Keith Lydon (9th), all of whom contributed to a lively and skilfully contested tournament.
The Summer League continues every Wednesday at 8pm in Teach O’Hora and will run for 15 weeks. Entry each night is €20, with players allowed either one rebuy or an add-on, also priced at €20. From each entry and rebuy, €5 is set aside to build the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night.
At the end of the league, the top 12 players on the leaderboard will secure automatic qualification for the Grand Final, where they’ll be joined by two more players emerging from a last-chance play-off. The estimated prize pool for the final is expected to reach €2,000, promising a high-stakes showdown later in the summer.
Meanwhile, the recently concluded Spring Poker League has its own finale on the horizon. Fourteen of the most consistent players from the series will gather for the Grand Final, where they’ll compete for a prize pool of €2,165. A date for that final is expected to be confirmed soon, once all finalists agree on the schedule.
The local poker scene continues to thrive, and with such strong numbers and prize pools, this summer’s league looks set to be as exciting and unpredictable as ever.
The death has occurred of Eddie O’Brien of Corbally, Barnacarroll, Claremorris, and formerly of Ballincourty, Aherlow, Co Tipperary. Eddie died peacefully in his 88th year, surrounded by his loving daughter and granddaughter.
Eddie was predeceased by his wife Mai, parents Paddy and Josephine, sisters Mary and Noreen, and son-in-law Oliver. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Mary (Connor), granddaughter Marie (Morley), Marie’s husband Declan, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, his loyal four-legged companion Rosie, and a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Eddie’s remains reposed at the home of his daughter Mary on Thursday evening, May 29th. Removal took place on Friday morning to the Church of Our Lady, Barnacarroll for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May he rest in peace.
