Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Former Kiltimagh Knock United player Roisín Molloy in action for Athlone Town against Cork City in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division recently. Picture: INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon
Kiltimagh Tourism Festival’s much-loved Spooky Walk returns this year with a few new twists - and organisers promise it will be “a little different but just as much fun".
The event takes place on Saturday, October 25, with a special “Less Spooky” stroll for tots at 4.30pm, the main Spooky Walk at 7pm, and a fireworks display at 9pm.
Ann Moran, Chairperson of Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals, said the committee decided to change things up this year by moving the walk to the town’s amenity park.
“We just said we’d try it out in the amenity park this year to make it a bit different,” Ann told the . “It’s probably a little bit bigger, and we wanted to add a few new surprises along the way.”
Participants will enter through the Sculpture Park area and finish at the official entrance near the garage, with the route designed to give families a fresh experience.
“Everyone knew exactly where each spooky bit was for the last couple of years,” Ann said, “so we’re just changing it up a bit - that’s all. There’ll be a few new surprises and a few frights for good measure.”
The event, she said, is mainly aimed at children of primary school age, though older children and teenagers often join in too.
“It’s really for the national school ages - up to fifth or sixth class,” Ann said. “But you’ll always have a few secondary school kids in it as well.”
Organisers are hoping for suitably spooky conditions on the evening.
“It’ll be getting dark around seven, which adds to the atmosphere,” Ann said. “We’re even hoping to have some of the streetlights turned off along part of the route so that it’ll be properly dark in places.”
As in previous years, the walk will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
“We’ll have the usual fireworks afterwards, which is scheduled for nine,” Ann said. “That’s always a big highlight for families.”
The event draws huge crowds every year, with visitors coming from across Mayo and beyond.
“We got a huge turnout last year - we were actually surprised ourselves by the numbers,” Ann said. “People really love it, and hopefully they’ll come again this year.”
Parents are encouraged to accompany their children, and the walk operates on a voluntary contribution basis.
“We just ask for a small contribution again this year,” Ann said, adding that details would be finalised at an upcoming committee meeting.
The Tourism Festival group have reminded everyone to follow the directions of stewards and observe safety guidelines on the night.
“It’s all about having fun safely,” Ann said. “And of course, we’d love to see plenty of witches, zombies and ghosts out there - maybe the kids can even scare a few of them away themselves!”
With a mix of community spirit, spooky fun, and fireworks to finish, Kiltimagh’s Spooky Walk promises another memorable night for all the family.
As part of Climate Action Week, which takes place from October 10 to 19, a special event will take place in Kiltimagh on Saturday next, October 18, to launch Phase 2 of the ‘Community Climate Action Programme’. The event, beginning at 11am in Kiltimagh Museum, James Street, will mark the opening of the second round of funding available to local community groups across the region.
Those attending will have the opportunity to learn how their own community organisations can apply for support, and to hear directly from representatives of projects that successfully received funding under Round 1.
A guided walk around Kiltimagh Emigrant Park - one of the first-round recipients - will also take place, offering visitors a chance to see first-hand the positive local impact of the scheme.
All are welcome to attend, and community groups are especially encouraged to take part.
The annual general meeting of the Kiltimagh Women’s Group took place in the Parish Centre last week, with a strong attendance and a lively exchange of ideas. The following officers were elected for the coming year: chairperson, Mary Corless; assistant chairperson, Monica Browne; secretary, Mary Whittington; assistant secretary, Mary Moran; treasurer, Nancy Shannon; and PRO, Mary Glavey.
During the evening, member Patricia Ashby gave a very informative and practical presentation on 'Preparing for Winter and Keeping Safe', offering valuable advice as the colder months approach.
The next meeting of the group will take place in the Parish Centre on Monday, November 3, at 7pm.
Members also plan to hold a social gathering for tea and coffee in the Folk Café on Tuesday, October 21, at 2pm. It is hoped that this informal get-together will continue on the third Tuesday of each month, providing members with a relaxed and friendly opportunity to stay connected.
Former Kiltimagh Knock United player Roisín Molloy is continuing to make waves in Irish football, helping Athlone Town retain the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title following a 4-0 win over Cork City at Turners Cross. The victory secured back-to-back league titles for the Midlanders, leaving them seven points clear at the top of the table with two games remaining and out of reach of nearest challengers Shelbourne.
The 22-year-old Gurteen native has enjoyed a dramatic rise since her grassroots days in the West. Roisín played two seasons with Kiltimagh Knock United’s U19s and also featured in the club’s senior women’s side before stepping up to Athlone Town in 2021. Prior to that, she represented Sligo Rovers U17s and began her football journey with Castlebar Celtic and her local club, Gurteen.
Her talent was on full display last July when she made a sensational UEFA Women’s Champions League debut, helping Athlone Town to a commanding 4-0 win over Cardiff City. In that first qualifying round clash, Roisín set up one goal and scored two herself, showcasing the pace, composure, and creativity that have marked her career from her days at Kiltimagh Knock United.
Roisín was a key figure in Athlone Town’s historic 2024 season, playing all 20 league games as the club claimed its first SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division title and finishing runners-up in the FAI Cup. Her performances earned her Player of the Month for October and a nomination for national Player of the Year. Statistically, she ranked highly across the board, finishing second in key passes, third in progressive runs, fourth in expected assists, seventh in shots on goal, and 11th in crosses, while also contributing five league goals.
This season, Roisín has continued to excel, helping Athlone secure consecutive league titles and further establishing herself as one of the brightest attacking talents in Irish women’s football. Her journey from Kiltimagh Knock United to the national stage is a testament to the high-quality talent being nurtured in local clubs, and her achievements serve as an inspiration for young footballers in Mayo and beyond.
Former teammates, coaches, and supporters from Kiltimagh Knock United will be watching with pride as Roisín continues to make her mark in the League of Ireland and on the European stage.
St Louis Community School will host its open evening for incoming students on this Thursday, October 16 The event will begin with an address by principal Regina Anderson at 6.30pm in the school chapel, followed by guided tours of the school’s facilities.
The evening offers prospective students and their families an opportunity to explore the school, meet staff and students, and learn more about the wide range of academic and extracurricular programmes available.
Founded in 1993 following the amalgamation of St Louis Secondary School and Coláiste Raifteirí Vocational School, St Louis Community School has a proud tradition of excellence in second-level, further and community education, continuing to serve Kiltimagh and the wider area with a strong commitment to learning and inclusion. The school can be contacted by telephone on 094-9381228 or by email on admin@stlouiscs.com.
Another enjoyable evening of cards took place at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of friendly rivalry and good spirits throughout the night.
First prize went to the pairing of Mary and Richard Carney, who put in a fine performance to take the top spot. Joint second place was shared between Mary and Michael Lynskey, and Hilary Foley and Alo Langan, after some closely fought games.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was claimed by Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle, while the spot prize went to Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell. Raffle winners on the night were Joe Boyle, Alo Langan and AN Other.
Kiltimagh Museum will welcome acclaimed journalist and author Philip Stephens for the Mayo launch of his latest book, , on Saturday next, October 18, at 7pm. The evening, free and open to all, promises a memorable blend of history, memory and music.
The book will be launched by Kiltimagh man Tom Jordan, a former Mayo Person of the Year (1977), now resident in Dublin, who knew Philip well from his many visits to Kiltimagh over the years.
The launch will feature live performances from Folk Café, Kiltimagh, with celebrated folk artist Mike Absalom adding his trademark mix of song and storytelling.
Philip Stephens, a leading political commentator with the , has spent decades interpreting Europe and Britain’s great political shifts. In , he explores the complex relationship between Britain and Ireland - weaving together politics, history and his own family story.
Born in London to an Irish mother and Welsh father, Philip spent his childhood summers in Kiltimagh during the 1950s and '60s. His book draws deeply on those memories - of roaming the fields, swimming in rivers, and reflecting on identity, migration and reconciliation in the shadow of Brexit.
Mike Absalom, now based in Swinford, is widely recognised as one of the most original voices in British folk music, with a career spanning albums, television appearances, painting and illustration. His humorous, offbeat and heartfelt performances continue to captivate audiences of all ages.
The event promises a unique cultural evening in Kiltimagh - one that celebrates literature, music and the enduring connections between Ireland and Britain.
All are warmly invited to attend on Saturday next at 7pm in Kiltimagh Museum.
A total of 21 players took to the tables in Teach O’Hora last week for Round 2 of the Winter Poker League where Adam Earley came out on top after defeating Enda Ruane heads-up to secure victory. Michael Sheridan finished in third place, with Alan Sheridan in fourth. The remaining finalists were Nicky Cunnane (5th), AN Other (6th), Michael Higgins (7th), Dave Brennan (8th), and Aoife Brennan (9th).
After two rounds, Martin Regan leads the overall league standings with 45 points, just ahead of Earley on 43. The rest of the top 12 are: Enda Ruane (39), Derry O’Sullivan (38), Nicky Cunnane (35), Julian Keane (34), AN Other (34), Michael Sheridan (30), Isaac Boyle (28), Kieran McGee (26), Paul Walsh (26), and John Reynolds (24).
The Winter Poker 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 option. €5 from each entry and rebuy/add-on goes towards the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night.
At the conclusion of the league, the top 12 players, along with two additional qualifiers, will contest the grand final for a total prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Meanwhile, the annual Culchie Poker Open will take place in the Cill Aodain Hotel on Saturday next, October 18, starting at 4pm. The fully dealered tournament has a €100 buy-in and re-entry, and places are limited. Early booking is advised. The event is open to Mayo Poker Tour members only.
Michael Burke Jnr was the lucky winner of last week’s Kiltimagh GAA Club 50/50 draw, claiming a prize of €660.
The draw continues to be a popular fundraiser for the club, with tickets sold in local retail outlets, pubs and online. The club offered warm congratulations to Michael on his win and extended sincere thanks to all supporters who enter weekly, noting that funds raised are vital to maintaining and improving club facilities.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns volunteers have been hard at work once again, keeping the town looking bright and welcoming.
Last week, Seán and Henry Kelly, Kieran Kenny and Mick Roache were busy planting daffodils at the Bohola Road entrance to the town, bringing a splash of colour that will bloom in the spring.
Later in the week, the team turned their attention to Market Square, where they weeded the flower beds, tidied the area and gave it a thorough sweep. The group thanked the volunteers for their continued dedication and effort in maintaining the town’s appearance.
A special word of appreciation was also extended to Kathy Doherty and the students of Youthreach Kiltimagh, who spent a day litter-picking throughout the town. Their teamwork and enthusiasm were commended by the Tidy Towns committee, who described it as “a wonderful community effort” that made a real difference to the town’s surroundings.
The death has occurred of Brendan Cunnane of Culmore, Kilkelly, who passed away on October 5 last.
Brendan was predeceased by his wife Teresa, daughters Mary and Deirdre, parents John and Anne, and brothers Padraig, Tom and Seán. He will be sadly missed by his loving sons Andy, Joe and Brendan, grandchildren Alba and Martha, daughter-in-law Lorea, brothers Joe, Michael, Ciarán and Eamon, sisters Mary (Biesty) and Anne Marie (Perry), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Brendan’s remains reposed at the family home in Culmore on Tuesday. Funeral Mass took place in St Celsus Church, Kilkelly on Thursday, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Desmond (Des) Lydon of Derrynalecka, Kiltimagh, who passed away peacefully on October 7 last at Mayo University Hospital.
Des was predeceased by his parents Jim and Brigid, brother Seán, and sisters Mary and Ann. He will be fondly remembered by his cousins, neighbours and friends, and by his carers, with particular appreciation expressed to the staff of the Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, for their extraordinary care and kindness over the years.
Des’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh, on Friday evening, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday afternoon, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
