Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Students from St Louis Community School in Kiltimagh are pictured at the Mayo Comhairle na nÓg Youth Conference 2025. Picture: Trish Forde
With 2026 fast approaching, one lucky winner could start the new year behind the wheel of a brand-new 261 registered Nissan Qashqai Hybrid - for just €20.
Victim Assistance, the Kiltimagh-based national charity supporting victims of crime and trauma, is heading down the final furlong of its fundraising raffle, with the top prize supplied by Cleary Nissan. The draw will take place on December 20th at the Federation’s office at Aiden Street. Tickets cost €20 each, or three for €50, and are available online at www.victimassistance.ie.
Victim Assistance was founded in 2005 and is regulated by the Charities Regulator. The organisation provides practical and emotional support to people affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, coercive control, scams, bullying, assault and other forms of crime or trauma. The charity does not receive government funding and relies entirely on public support to maintain its services. The car raffle is a major fundraiser for the organisation.
Victim Assistance offers free and confidential services nationwide, including telephone and face-to-face support, court accompaniment, onward referrals and guidance on victims’ rights and entitlements. Anyone affected by crime or trauma - or their family members - can contact the charity’s Freephone line on 1800 277 477.
Further information about the raffle, volunteering opportunities and support services is available at www.victimassistance.ie or by contacting the Kiltimagh office on 094-9000251.
The Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival 2025 concluded after a successful weekend of performances, adjudicated by Tom Byrne. The Open Section was won by Compántas Lir with ‘My Narrator'.
The Claregalway group were followed by Upstage Players with ‘The Last Nickel’. In the Confined Section, first place went to Phoenix Players, Tubbercurry for ‘The Dumb Waiter’, with Doonbeg Drama Group’s ‘Willow’ taking second and Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society’s ‘Dead Man’s Bells’ in third.
Clann Machua Drama is already looking ahead to its next production. The group will return to the stage of the Town Hall on Thursday and Friday, November 27 and 28, with ‘November Frolics', an evening of comedy featuring two one-act plays, ‘Babysitting Calvin’ and ‘The Fat Lady Sings’.
The performances promise plenty of laughter and light-hearted entertainment to lift spirits before the Christmas season. Full cast details and ticket information will be announced shortly, but audiences are encouraged to mark the dates in their diaries for what Clann Machua describes as “a night of comedy you won’t want to miss".
In their continuing endeavours to promote Gaeilge, CLG Coillte Mach are organising a Ciorcal Cainte in the Folk Café on Wednesday, November 19, between 11am and 12 noon.
The aim of a Ciorcal Cainte is to provide an opportunity for anyone to come in and speak the Irish language in an informal and stress free environment. They are given the opportunity to use the cúpla focal they have and maybe even add a few extra words to it. All in a friendly atmosphere with a cupán caife and lots of fun. Maybe even a song or a tune or two. It is hoped that the Ciorcal Cainte will continue on a regular basis.
Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club has received approval from Mayo County Council to extend the duration of their existing planning permission for the construction of a new grass pitch with flood lighting.
The decision, made on October 3, 2025, allows the club additional time to complete their project, which originally received approval on November 3, 2020.
The extension means that the planning permission will now remain valid until November 2, 2030, providing the club with an extended window to carry out the necessary development works at Cloonlee, Knock. The council’s decision reflects ongoing support for local sports initiatives and infrastructure development in the area.
The extension was granted following an application submitted by Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club, represented by secretary Mary Niland. The club’s project involves constructing a grassed soccer pitch equipped with floodlights mounted on new lighting columns, along with other ancillary site works.
This decision marks a positive step forward for the club’s facilities, enhancing sports amenities for the local community and promoting active lifestyles in the region.
Tom Kelly was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €1,235. The club congratulated Tom on his success and thanked everyone who continues to take part in the draw.
Funds raised go directly towards the upkeep of facilities and support for teams at all levels. Tickets remain on sale online, in local shops and pubs, and through club sellers in Kiltimagh.
There was another great evening of cards at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close games and good spirits among the players.
Top honours went to Patricia Hyland and Patsy Flatley, who secured first place after a strong performance on the night. Second place was taken by Seamus Larkin and Danny Doherty, while third place was shared between Mary and Jimmy Doyle, and the pairing of Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne.
The ‘Last 10’ prize went to Mary and Richard Carney, and James Walsh and Paddy Carney. The spot prize was claimed by John Clancy and Pius Forde.
Raffle winners were John Clancy, Martin Regan, Patricia Hyland, and Ciaran McDonnell.
Kiltimagh Knock United will hold a fundraising quiz night at Carty’s Bar and Lounge in Knock on Friday, next, November 21, at 8pm.
The event promises a night of challenging questions, great company, and plenty of entertainment. Teams of four can participate for €40 per table, with all proceeds supporting the local football club. The organisers, led by the club’s senior women’s players, have arranged for cash prizes, spot prizes, and a lively atmosphere to make the night memorable.
Round 7 of the Winter Poker League took place in Teach O’Hora last week, where Andy Quinn secured a well-earned win after defeating Kieran McGee heads up. Michael Sheridan finished in third place, with Isaac Boyle taking fourth.
The remaining finalists were Keith Lydon (5th), Martin Regan (6th), Paul Walsh (7th), Nicky Cunnane (8th), and Pat Boyle (9th).
In the overall league standings, Adam Earley continues to hold first place on 136 points, maintaining his lead over Michael Sheridan, who moves into second on 111, followed closely by Keith Lydon on 110. The rest of the current top 12 are Julian Keane (99), Michael Higgins (96), Andy Quinn (94), Derry O’Sullivan (94), Kieran McGee (91), Martin Regan (89), John Reynolds (85), Paul Walsh (81), and Marcella Gilmartin (81).
Entry to each round is €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From each entry and rebuy/add-on, €5 is allocated to the Grand Final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night.
At the close of the league, the top 12 players, along with two qualifiers, will compete in the Grand Final, where an estimated €3,500 will be up for distribution.
The renowned writers’ group Pen & Ink, which has been fostering literary creativity across East Mayo since 2007, is set to host its third special event at the Folk Café in Kiltimagh. Marking a celebration of music and literary arts, the upcoming gathering promises an evening of inspiring performances and community engagement.
The event, scheduled for this Thursday, November 20, will feature a diverse line-up of contributors from the worlds of music, poetry, song, and prose. Highlights include performances by harpist Mike Absalom and traditional Irish music by the Folk Café’s proprietors, Elish and Mick Griffin. Featured contributors such as John Hoban, the Greene Family, Gabriel Henry, Carmel Kilgallon, and Séan O’Brien will present their work, celebrating the theme of music.
In addition to scheduled performances, the evening will include open mic slots for community members to share their own creative pieces. Doors will open at 7.45pm, with the event beginning at 8pm. Admission is free, making it an accessible and welcoming occasion for all.
For further details, contact Pen & Ink at penandink.comayo@aol.com.
The death has occurred of Patrick Gerald (Gerald) McNicholas of Acton, London, and formerly of Treenagleragh, Kiltimagh. Gerald died peacefully in London on October 10, in his 92nd year.
Gerald was predeceased by his wife Catherine, and by his second wife Teresa, and his brother Stephen (Treenagleragh). He will be sadly missed by his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Jane, grandchildren Daniel and Conor, Teresa’s children Ann, Raymond and Marion and their children and grandchildren, his sister Ann Doherty and her children Marion, Theresa, Barry and Stephen, together with a wide circle of friends.
Gerald’s Funeral Mass took place on Friday last at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, London, followed by burial in Gunnersbury Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) Browne of Carrick, Kiltimagh, and formerly of North London. Pat died suddenly at his family home on November 12, in his 79th year.
Pat will be dearly missed by his devoted wife Monica, daughter Rowena, sons Patrick and Jamie, daughters-in-law Yuko and Bróna, son-in-law Phillip, and his adored grandchildren Summer, Serene, Ruairí, Anna, Lily and Luke. He is also deeply regretted by his sister Sabena, brothers Francis and Liam, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Pat’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Friday evening, November 14, with removal to Foxford Church of Ireland, Foxford. Funeral Service took place on Saturday, November 15, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May he rest in peace.
