Local Notes: All the latest news from Kiltimagh
Balla Golf Club members and competition winners are pictured at a recent presentation evening at The Helm in Westport. Picture: Trish Forde
Clann Machua Drama Group’s latest production ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ opens this Thursday, February 12th, in Kiltimagh Town Hall Theatre and runs for three nights, at 8pm each evening.
The acclaimed comedy-drama blends sharp wit with warmth and heart, promising audiences an entertaining and engaging night at the theatre. Tickets are available to book online through Eventbrite.
Written by Frank McGuinness, the play is set in Donegal in 1967 at a time when Irish society is beginning to shift. It follows two troubled marriages, a strong-willed mother fighting to hold her family together, and a young girl determined to shape her own future - all under the quiet, mysterious influence of Greta Garbo.
The full-length production features a cast of seven, bringing McGuinness’s richly drawn characters and storytelling to life. The Clann Machua cast includes Maura Murphy, Elaine Reagan, Paul Kelly, Finola Mellett, Rory Quinn and Séamus Corry, with Colette McGinty in the title role. The production is directed by Rebecca Farrington.
Clann Machua Drama Group is looking forward to welcoming theatre lovers to Kiltimagh from February 12th to 14th for the production which will be the group’s entry into the All-Ireland Drama Festival circuit.
Cavan fiddle player and composer Gráinne Brady will launch her third solo album, ‘Back and Forth’, with a special concert in Kiltimagh on Thursday, February 19th. The show takes place at The Folk Café, with music from 8pm.
‘Back and Forth’ is a vibrant, tune-driven album that blends traditional Irish music with new compositions inspired by Brady’s years of performing across Ireland and Scotland. The album reflects her deep connection to the tradition, shaped by sessions, touring and time spent living in Glasgow. She is joined on the recording by Michael Biggins on piano, Innes White on guitar and Andrew Waite on accordion.
The Kiltimagh launch has special meaning for Brady, whose mother is from Cullonaughton, Callow. She has strong family ties to Mayo and fond memories of spending time in the county, making this return for the album launch a particularly personal occasion.
On the night, Gráinne will be joined by Glasgow-based pianist Michael Biggins, winner of the 2021 BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year, whose rhythmic drive and musical sensitivity are a key part of the ‘Back and Forth’ sound.
The album is available via Bandcamp as a physical CD and digital download, with tickets for the Kiltimagh launch and album pre-orders available through Gráinne Brady’s website.
With ‘Back and Forth’, Gráinne Brady presents a confident and energetic snapshot of her music today - rooted in tradition, shaped by community, and driven by years of shared music-making.
Another enjoyable evening of cards took place at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a lively crowd and plenty of close hands throughout the night.
First prize went to Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne, who showed great consistency to finish clear at the top. Second place was secured by Aiden McDonagh and Denis Regan, while Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell took third after a competitive contest.
The Last 10 prize went to Mary and Liam Moran, while the spot prize was claimed by Seamus Larkin and Alo Langan. Raffle winners on the night were Mary Moran, Denis Regan, Richard Carney and Francis McNicholas.
A special Mass will take place in Knock Basilica on Sunday, February 22nd, at 12 noon to mark European Day for Victims of Crime and Trauma.
The service is being organised by Victim Assistance, the national charity based in Kiltimagh that supports people affected by crime throughout Ireland. Victims and their families, along with members of the emergency and support services, are invited to attend.
The Mass forms part of a wider programme of events taking place across Europe to recognise the impact of crime and to highlight the importance of compassion, understanding and practical support for those affected. Refreshments will be available afterwards in St John’s Rest and Care Centre.
Organisers say the Knock ceremony offers a meaningful space for reflection, prayer and solidarity, bringing together communities, frontline services and voluntary organisations to acknowledge the challenges faced by victims of crime and trauma.
European Day for Victims of Crime is observed across many countries with commemorations, awareness-raising events and initiatives aimed at ensuring victims are heard, supported and remembered.
The annual general meeting of Kiltimagh Knock United will be held on Friday, February 20th, at 8pm in the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh.
Members are invited to submit motions and nominations to the secretary by 5pm on Monday, February 13th, by email to kiltimaghknockutdsec@yahoo.com.
Kiltimagh is getting ready for another colourful St Patrick’s Day, with this year’s parade set to take place on Tuesday, March 17th, at 2pm and a new theme now revealed - Heroes & Legends.
The theme invites groups and families to draw inspiration from Irish folklore, sporting greats, historical figures and everyday heroes from their own communities. It’s a chance to celebrate the people and stories that have shaped Ireland and continue to inspire us today.
Organisers are encouraging schools, clubs, businesses and community groups to get creative and start planning their floats, costumes and performances. From larger-than-life legends to local heroes, the aim is to fill the streets of Kiltimagh with colour, pride and imagination for a parade that everyone can enjoy.
Fourteen players will contest the Winter League Final of the Kiltimagh Poker League this week in Teach O’Hora, with a record prize pool of €3,440 and the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion up for grabs. The 15-week league has seen more than €10,000 paid out in weekly prize money, with the leading players now advancing to the final on chip stacks earned from their league performances.
Adam Earley heads into the deciding game with the largest stack of 39,500 chips, closely followed by Michael Sheridan on 36,300. Keith Lydon begins with 32,500, while Majella Gilmartin has 30,000. Also through to the final are Michael Higgins (28,500), Martin Regan (27,300), Paul Walsh (26,600), Derry O’Sullivan (25,800), Julian Keane (25,800), Gerry Groarke (24,400), Andy Quinn (22,200), Isaac Boyle (21,000), Enda Ruane (16,400) and Pat Boyle (14,300).
Meanwhile, the new Spring League got under way last week with a field of 22 players. Enda Ruane claimed the opening round, defeating Keith Lydon in the heads-up stage. Gerry Groarke finished third, with Majella Gilmartin in fourth. The remaining finalists were Conor O’Hanlon in fifth, Michael Sheridan sixth, Isaac Boyle seventh, Alan Sheridan eighth and Pat Boyle ninth.
After the opening round, Ruane and Lydon share top spot on the Spring League table with 31 points each. Groarke is third on 24 points, followed by Gilmartin on 21 and Sheridan on 20. Conor O’Hanlon has 19 points, Isaac Boyle 17, Alan Sheridan 16, Pat Boyle 14, Conor Byrne 13, and Paul Walsh and Nicky Cunnane are level on 12 to complete the current top twelve.
The Spring League runs over fifteen weeks, with play 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 is allocated to the league prize fund, with the balance paid out on the night. At the end of the season, the top twelve players on the standings, along with two qualifiers, will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Primary school pupils from across East Mayo will showcase their talents at this year’s Scór na bPáistí, which will be held in Knock National School on this Thursday, February 12th at 4pm.
The much-loved competition celebrates Irish culture and creativity, giving young performers the chance to take part in a wide variety of events, including singing, recitation, instrumental music, drama, ballad groups, set and figure dancing, and sean-nós dancing.
Seán Langan was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €405. The winning ticket was drawn from entries sold both online and through local shops and pubs in the area.
Mary O’Brien from Bohola won the draw the previous week, collecting €253 in prize money.
The club congratulated Seán and Mary on their wins and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw, with proceeds helping to fund teams and facilities across the club.
Eoghan Walsh was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week, collecting a prize of €660. The weekly draw continues to attract strong support from across the community, with tickets sold in local shops and pubs as well as online.
The club congratulated Eoghan on the win and extended sincere thanks to all who took part, noting that every ticket purchased helps to support underage coaching, facilities and the ongoing development of the club.
