Local Notes: All the news from Carra Country
Some of the Ballintubber ladies who attended a highly successful inaugural Nollaig na mBan event at Corley's Abbey Lodge. The event was organised by Ballintubber Abbey.
The death took place last week of Chris Barnicle (nee Conway), Gortaphuill, Ballyglass, Claremorris.
In her 100th year, Chris passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
She was predeceased by her husband Paddy, parents John and Maryann, brother Tom, sister Mamie, godchildren Pat and Sheila and nephews Tom, Vinnie and John. She is deeply regretted by her daughters Mary Crehan (Newbridge, Galway), Ann (Gortaphuill), son-in-law Eugene Crehan, grandchildren Marie (Sé), David (Kate), Keith (Aisling), Henry (Shauna), great-grandchildren Oisín, Aoibhín, Áine and Cáít, sisters-in-law Kitty, Nora and Kathleen, brother-in-law Frank, nieces Cathryn, Agnes and Mary, nephews Chris, Michael and Des, the Rushe family, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, carers, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at her home on last Thursday and Friday and her Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning at 11.30 in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Mayo Abbey Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Ballintubber GAA Lotto jackpot stood at €8,500 on Sunday night, January 19th, when the numbers drawn were 20, 21, 28 and 31.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Liz Hogan, Hannah Costello, John O'Dowd, Sean McHugh, Paula Rawson and Edna Keane.
You can play the lotto online. The club extends New Year best wishes to its many patrons and is eagerly looking forward to 2025.
Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) and Ann Marie Meaney, Surface Water Officer at the Lough Carra LIFE Project, spent a fabulously foggy morning at the lake collecting water samples for a Dublin City University citizen science project.
This project aims to investigate the impact, sources, and quantities of persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) compounds, including PFAS chemicals, on water quality in Ireland. These compounds can be found in pesticides, medications, and personal care products.
There is growing concern that these chemicals may enter drinking water supplies, potentially causing adverse effects on both human populations and ecosystems.
The results of this study will be used to detect and potentially map these chemicals in Lough Carra. Researchers also aim to link chemical markers to specific land-use types, indicating their origins and how they travel and disperse through the environment.
The death occurred last week of Frank Hughes, Cloonflynn, Ballyglass, Claremorris.
Frank passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Paddy and Bridie and nephew Brian, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sisters Maureen, Lill and Ann, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a large circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Frank’s remains reposed at Ballyglass Community Centre on last Wednesday evening with removal to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Gerald, Mayo Abbey. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Guesdian Cemetery.
Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC Lotto on Monday, January 20th, were 1, 2, 14 and 26, and there was no winner of the €10,700 jackpot.
Kieran Keane was the Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Pauline Kennedy, Katie Loftus, Kathleen King, Paddy Quinn, Noreen and Danny Killeen.
The weekend jackpot stood at €10,800. Go to www.smartlotto.ie to play.
The winners of Ballyglass Cards on January 20th were: 1st, Richard and Mary Carney; 2nd, Cathal Hennelly and Noel Costello; 3rd, Seamus Nevin and Breege Jennings.
The last 10 winners were Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes and the raffle prizes went to Richard and Mary Carney.
The progressive 25 games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
The annual general meeting of Ballyglass Community Council will be on next Wednesday, January 29th, at 8pm in the community centre. New members are always very welcome.
The annual general meeting of Ballyglass Active Age group will be held on this Tuesday, January 28th, at 12 noon in the community centre, following the weekly exercise class. New members are very welcome to attend.
Ballyglass Community Centre will be the venue for a Spring Renewal Retreat on February 1st from 10am to 3pm.
The day will include yoga and Cacao, candle making and guided meditation. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
The fee is €95 per person. Booking is essential for this event so please contact habitstoreevents@gmail.com.
Belated best wishes for a happy birthday are extended to Dean O’Malley, who celebrated his 21st on Saturday, January 18th.
Dean is wished many more such joyous occasions in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Sarah McDonnell and David Gallagher on the birth of their baby son. Welcome to the world, James Keelan Gallagher!
Jiving lessons will commence in Carnacon Community Centre on this Wednesday, January 29th.
This will be a four-week course with classes running from 8 to 9.15pm. Please text Jessica on 085-8188727 in order to register for the classes.
Listed below are the Tóchar Phádraig group walks in 2025 organised by Ballintubber Abbey:
Easter Monday, April 21st (as part of Pilgrim Paths Week) - Half Tóchar, Ballintubber Abbey to Aughagower, distance 15km.
Saturday, June 21st - Full Tóchar (as part of Irish Pilgrim Journey Week), distance 30km.
Saturday, July 26th (Reek Saturday) - Full Tóchar, distance 30km.
Saturday, August 30th – Full Tóchar, distance 30 km.
Booking is now open at www.ballintubberabbey.ie Payment is required at the time of booking. If you wish to cancel your booking, refunds are available for up to seven days prior to the event.
The cost of this year's group walks are €30 per person for Half Tóchars and €35 per person for the Full Tóchar, and booking fees may apply.
Individual walks are €25 per person (self-guided).
Volunteers, leaders and back-up drivers are needed for the four group Tochar Walks yearly. If you can help out on any of the above dates, please call the office 094-9030934 to put your name down. A donation will be given to the leader and back-up driver to cover the costs.
Ballintubber Abbey Staff had a busy but fantastic two days working alongside 'We Are Bright', Mayo County Council, Howley Hayes Cooney Architects, and Blackfriary Archaeology Field School on a feasibility study for the proposed museum and interpretation centre at Ballintubber Abbey.
As part of the visit, the group enjoyed an extensive tour of the abbey and its beautiful grounds, as well as walking part of the Tochar Phádraig pilgrim path – a truly inspiring experience.
This marks a pivotal phase in the project, bringing the vision of Fr Frank Fahey and the dedicated members of the Ballintubber Abbey Trust Fit-out Team closer to reality. The community cannot wait to finally see this project commence, which is hoped to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
Tom and Julia McNally would like to thank the community for supporting their recent fundraiser for Daisy Lodge in Cong. A total of €2,205 was raised for the very worthy cause.
The blessing of St Brigid’s Crosses, candles and throats will take place at all Masses from Saturday, February 1st, to Friday, February 7th.
St Brigid’s Crosses are on sale up to February 2nd in Ballintubber. They are available for a donation, which will go to the Irish Pilgrimage Trust Youth Group to help bring children and young adults with additional needs to Lourdes at Easter.
Ballintubber Abbey retail outlet is fully stocked with beautiful Hawthorn Handmade Skincare Giftsets and they also stock a fantastic range of products, including gifts, candles, books and toys from local suppliers. The shop is open daily.
Guided tours are available seven days a week including Sundays after Mass, Monday to Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093-9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the shop. Your support is greatly appreciated.
PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
The annual general meeting of Coláiste Muire, Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Teoranta will be held on Tuesday, February 4th, at 7.30pm in Coláiste Muire. All parents and interested parties are requested to attend.
To celebrate the 60th year of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club (1965 to 2025), a dinner dance will be held on Saturday, February 15th, in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport.
It promises to be a historic and memorable night in the annals of the club. A huge response is anticipated and tickets should be promptly purchased as they will be in huge demand.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club lotto stood at €15,500 on January 18th when the numbers drawn were 2, 7, 15 and 21, and there was no jackpot winner.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online at www.smartlotto.ie.
The Ireland Lights Up Steps Challenge walks will continue every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until February 12th.
Club members have a target to reach a combined 4,000km over five weeks to be in with a chance to win prizes of €2,500.
A new session of Yoga classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Tuesdays from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The classes will run for up until February 25th. If interested, please email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094-9544295 with your name and contact details.
Comharchumann Dhúiche Sheoigheach Teo (CDS Teo, the Geopark host organisation), invites applications for the post of Geopark Manager for Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark. This will be a 12-month fixed-term contract (four days a week), and it is based in Tourmakeady or Corr na Mona, Co Galway.
Send your application and CV, with the subject line 'Geopark Manager', to meadbh.seoighe@udaras.ie. For more information on the contract or the job specification, use the same email address. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Thursday, February 13th.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club will meet again on this Thursday, January 30th, from 2 to 4pm. Come along for a social get-together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
The Tourmakeady National School Lotto winners on Saturday, January 11th, was Tom and Aislinn Uí Neachtain with Number 20. The winner on Saturday, January 18th, was Rita and Ruari Chonaire with Number 22.
Irish classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh every Wednesday morning. Beginners class is from 10 to 11am and the Intermediate class runs from 11am to 12 noon. Phone 087-397 0227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com for further details.
The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087-7657191.
Killawalla Annual Lotto tickets are now due for renewal. You can renew them by contacting any member of the Killawalla Community Council. The support of the community is appreciated.
The annual general meeting of Killawalla Community Council will be held on Tuesday, February 11th, as the three-year term of the current council is up.
A community council is vital for the area to address any issues, make improvements and bring the community together for different events.
Partry Community Park is part of the Blue Tesco Token initiative. Please support this worthy cause with purchases and blue tokens at Tesco, Ballinrobe.
Partry Football Club numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Barry Burke, Ballinrobe who was a recent winner.
The funds raised go towards running the club during the year and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online, see Partry FC social media channels.
Partry Residents' Association holds its weekly fundraising draws on Saturday evenings with generous prizes up for grabs.
Congrats to Helen and Donal O’Mahony and Sean and Cathal Horan who were recent €100 winners in the numbers draw.
The latest draw was on Saturday night last, January 25th.
All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
Tickets for Ballinrobe Musical Society’s production of will go on sale online only from Saturday, February 1st. The link to purchase tickets will be available on the society’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Tickets can be bought from Tacú from Tuesday, February 4, by calling 094-9542907.
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BREAFFY/ BALLYHEANE/ BELCARRA
Breaffy GAA Lotto jackpot stood at a massive €28,000 for the January 21st draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 20 and bonus number 5.
There was no jackpot winner and there was no Match 3 winner.
The jackpot stands at €28,200 for tonight’s draw. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. You can play online at www.lottoraiser.ie.
Breaffy GAA registration portal is now open for the coming year. Members should go to www.foireann.ie to register. Remember to read through the membership options carefully before making your selection.
The Gold Circle Membership Package is as follows: Breaffy GAA Membership for 2025, one weekly entry into the club's lotto and one Mayo County Board Draw ticket (six draws with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €200).
All players involved in county team training (underage and adult) must renew their playing membership for 2025 immediately.
Breaffy GAA Club will be hosting a membership evening in the coming weeks at the clubhouse for both new and existing members. Stay tuned for details.
Membership payments are crucial for the day-to-day running of the club. For any issues, please contact Martina at 087-272029. Thank you for your ongoing support.
The next Monday night monthly card game in Belcarra Centre will be on February 3rd. All are welcome.
Belcarra Community Council’s Lotto Jackpot has now reached €10,200.
The jackpot stood at €10,100 on Sunday, January 19th, when the numbers drawn were 3, 5, 21 and 24.
There was no jackpot winner. The Lucky Dip winners of €30 were Edel O'Malley, Ray McGreal, Sharon Ward and Karyn O'Malley.
Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
Ballyheane Goes Country Music Festival will take place once again in 2025. This year’s summer festival will run from June 6th to 8th with three amazing nights of music and dancing. Some of Ireland's top Country Music bands will be on stage. The programme is:
Friday, June 6th - Jimmy Buckley and Band and Gavin Gribben; Saturday, June 7th - Derek Ryan and Band and Stacey Breen; Sunday, June 8th - Nathan Carter and Band and Mylo and Vinny.
Tickets are on sale at www.ballyheanegoescountry.com.
The annual general meeting of Ballyheane FC Youths will be held on Friday, January 31st, at 8pm in Ballyheane Clubhouse. All club members, coaches, and parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Mayo FC is delighted to announce that they are hosting a 24-hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
The Soccerthon will be held on March 14th and 15th from 6pm to 6pm.
The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24 hours. Players participating must be 16 or older.
Why not get your club, business, friends, family, work colleagues or even an all-star team together and support Mayo FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice? Contact mayofcsoccerthon@gmail.com for more information or to register your interest.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable Bingo Sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
A pilgrimage takes place to Medjugorje from August 6th to 13th with flights from Dublin Airport to Mostar, which is about 30 minutes from Medjugorje. The cost is €795 per person sharing if a deposit is paid before January 31st and it will increase to €845 after that date.
Please contact 087-6660032 or 086-8455447 to book your place.
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Errew/Clogher
The members of Clogher Active Age Group have returned after the Christmas break. New members are always welcome to come and join in the exercise, games and lunch.
The group will hold their annual general meeting in February and are currently looking at an interesting schedule of events for the coming year.
The results of the card game played in the Clogher Centre on Friday, January 17th, were as follows: 1st, Tom Lyons and Jimmy Connor; 2nd, Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey and Joe and Shane Thomas; 3rd, Gay Conway and Mary McDonagh; Last 10, Bridie McDermott and Michael Giblin.
Games continue every Friday night at 9pm and everyone is welcome.
Errew National School is only 7km from Castlebar and has recently been upgraded. A new breakfast club and after-school facility is also now located directly opposite the school in Errew Community Centre so no buses are required for out-of-school hours.
Please contact the secretary on office@errewns.com for all enquiries and to receive an information pack about the school.
Errew National School has a unique caring learning environment where children become part of a whole school family.
Visit the school website at www.errewns.com to see school activities and class work.
Errew Community Centre has been chosen for the current round of the Castlebar Tesco Ireland Community Fund. All local folks and supporters of the new Errew centre project are requested to use the store to vote for the centre with their blue tokens. The slot will be available to Errew until the end of January.
A Re-turn Bin is now located at Errew Community Centre for all cans and plastic bottles with the Re-turn logo only. Please support the Community Centre by using this recycling facility.
