Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh

Morris Dancing troupe, ‘The Ancient Men’, perform at Kiltimagh Sculpture Park on Thursday, July 31st. Picture: John Corless
Kiltimagh GAA’s scrap metal collection event, held on Sunday, August 17th, at Gilmartin Park, was a resounding success, with a remarkable response from the local community.
What was intended as a simple fundraiser turned into what one club spokesperson described as “an overwhelming show of support and generosity".
“All the front parking area was covered with scrap by midday,” the spokesperson said. “We honestly didn’t think we’d have much because we ran a similar collection only four years ago, but we were amazed at the quantity that came in.”
The initiative invited people to clear out unwanted metal items from their homes, farms, and businesses, with everything from household appliances to machinery parts being dropped off. For those unable to make it to Gilmartin Park, a collection service was provided by club volunteers.
“We’re overwhelmed by the quantity of scrap donated and by the generosity of the public,” the spokesperson continued. “We’ve no idea yet how much money was made, as it all has to be sent to the scrapyard and weighed, but it’s already clear this will make a significant contribution to club funds.”
Funds raised from the collection will go directly towards the running costs of multiple teams, new equipment, and the upkeep of facilities.
The club extended a huge thanks to all who supported the collection, whether by dropping items in, arranging pick-ups, or helping on the day” The success of the initiative was seen not just as a fundraiser, but as another example of the strong community spirit that underpins Kiltimagh GAA.
There are a number of part-time job opportunities available for farmers in the Kiltimagh, Bohola and Midfield areas.
The work involves the caretaking of community facilities, village and countryside enhancement including maintenance of walkways, assistance in the Hospice shop, and with childcare facilities. The vacancies are open through the Rural Social Scheme. Participants on the scheme work 19 and half hours a week.
To be eligible for participation in the RSS, applicants must be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment and be actively farming or fishing, or be a close relative of someone who is engaged in these activities.
Anyone interested is asked to contact the supervisor for the area, Caroline Cotter on 087-2107385, or call into the Mayo North East LEADER Partnership office on Aiden Street.
A new ‘Living Well’ programme will begin this autumn, offering free support to people living with long-term health conditions. The six-week course, which is run by the HSE, will start on Wednesday, September 17th at 10.30am in Claremorris Primary Care Centre and continue each week at the same time until 1pm.
The workshops are open to anyone over 18 who is living with a chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, or anxiety. Carers of people with long-term conditions are also welcome to take part. While participation is free of charge, places must be booked in advance.
For more information or to register, contact Liam Gildea on 086-0142675 or email lgildea@southmayo.com.
The Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival will be held again this November, running on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 7th, 8th and 9th, with Tom Byrne as adjudicator. The full programme of plays to be performed won’t be known until later.
There was a welcome boost for local winners in Kiltimagh last week when Aileen and Declan Shannon, Brendan O’Shea, and Martin McCaffrey each won €200 in the Mayo GAA Club Development Draw.
This countywide fundraiser provides vital income for clubs across Mayo, with a significant portion of ticket sales staying at local level once the club’s initial target is reached. For Kiltimagh GAA, the draw is an important part of funding day-to-day operations, player development, and long-term improvements to club facilities.
The club extended its congratulations to the winners and sincere thanks to all who purchased tickets, whether online or through local sellers. Supporters are reminded that each entry not only gives a chance at winning substantial prizes, but also directly benefits the future of the club and its teams.
Another enjoyable evening of cards took place at the weekly 25 Card Drive in Kiltimagh, with friendly rivalry and plenty of familiar faces in attendance. First place on the night went to the pairing of Jack Pidgeon and Philip Moore, who put in a consistent performance to claim the top prize.
Joint second place was shared by Flor Higgins and Colette Lavelle, and Mary and Jimmy Doyle, following several closely fought hands. The 'Last 10' prize went to Mary and Liam Moran, while the spot prize was claimed by Michael Costello and Michael Carney.
The evening's raffle added extra excitement, with Patsy Flatley, James Walsh, Michael Costello and Francis McNicholas all enjoying a win.
A prize pool of €820, the largest to date in the current series, was on offer in Round 12 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last, where 23 players took their seats.
Michael Higgins emerged as the winner, claiming first prize ahead of runner-up Tom McDonagh. William Maughan finished in third place, with Michael Sheridan taking fourth. The other finalists on the night were Isaac Boyle (5th), Pat Boyle (6th), Nicky Cunnane (7th), John Reynolds (8th), and Keith Lydon (9th).
In the overall league standings, John Reynolds remains in first place with 231 points, just ahead of Higgins, who has moved up to 226. The rest of the current top 12 are: AN Other 1 (204), Derry O’Sullivan (202), Michael Sheridan (182), AN Other 2 (173), Kieran McGee (173), Pat Boyle (168), Gerry Groarke (167), Enda Ruane (160), Keith Lydon (151), and in joint twelfth place, Nicky Cunnane and Aiden Maughan (147 each).
The Summer League runs for 15 weeks, with tournaments every Wednesday night at 8pm in Teach O’Hora. Entry is €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From each entry and rebuy, €5 goes towards the Grand Final prize pool, which is expected to be in the region of €2,500. At the conclusion of the league, the top 12 players, along with two additional qualifiers, will contest the final.
Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw was held last week with Ballindine’s Aisling Irwin winning the jackpot of €591.
The club has expressed its gratitude to all those who purchased tickets, either online or through local outlets, and highlighted the importance of the draw in supporting the club’s activities and facilities. Aisling’s win was warmly welcomed, and the club congratulated her on taking home the weekly prize.
Congratulations went to Padraic Shannon, who claimed €300 in last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw.
Padraic’s name was drawn from the many entries received, with the club expressing gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets. Sales continue to take place weekly through local outlets and online, helping to fund facilities and activities for young footballers in the town.
The club offered warm congratulations to Padraic on his win and thanked all supporters for their ongoing backing.
The death has occurred of Frances Friday of 3 Fortlands Close, Kiltimagh, and formerly of James Connolly Park, Tipperary Town.
Frances passed away peacefully on August 18th at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. She was predeceased by her siblings Noreen, Willie, Patrick, and her son Richard.
Frances will be deeply missed by her loving husband Terry, her son Luciano, daughters Alicia and Miriam, daughter-in-law Dawn, sons-in-law Adrian and Alan, brothers and sisters, relatives, neighbours, and friends.
Frances’ remains were privately cremated at Shannon Crematorium on Friday last.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Julieanne Kelly of Canbrack, Kiltimagh, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20th, at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar.
Julieanne was predeceased by her parents, Jean and Bernard, and her son Philip. She will be sadly missed by her husband Oliver, sons Jonathon, Bobby, and Dave, daughters-in-law, grandchildren Kylar, Amelia, Ruby, and Hadley, nieces, nephews, and her extended family.
Julieanne’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Thursday evening. Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, on Friday last, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
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Bohola
As a new school year dawns, we wish students at all levels of education but particularly in our own Bohola National School - their families, teachers, school staffs and Boards of Management - every good wish and blessing for the year ahead.
Special good wishes to Ms Gráinne Healy who takes up the position of School Principal in Bohola NS.
Our thoughts are also with students who are moving on to second and third-level education and hope that they will be happy and successful in their new surroundings.
Please pray for the happy repose of the soul of Eileen Devaney, New York, who died on Saturday, August 16th. She was the wife of Jim Devaney, a regular visitor to his family and to the church in Bohola.
May Eileen rest in peace.
Congratulations to Anna Gallagher who won a jackpot of €683 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, August 16th.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).