Local Notes: All the news from Claremorris

Lourdes fundraiser; stallholders wanted; win a home in Claremorris; No Name Club seeks new home
Local Notes: All the news from Claremorris

Ellen Keaney was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw recently, collecting a jackpot of €1,502.

Jiving and Line Dancing classes 

A four-week programme of jiving and line dancing classes will begin in Hollymount Hall on Tuesday, November 3rd, offering an opportunity for people of all abilities to enjoy dancing, exercise and a social evening.

The classes are organised by J&G Jiving and will take place each Tuesday evening on November 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th, running from 8pm sharp until 9.15pm. Beginners are very welcome, along with those who already have some dancing experience and would like to improve their skills or practice their steps. 

Jiving and line dancing provide an enjoyable way to keep active while meeting new people in a relaxed and friendly setting. The classes will also offer an opportunity to brush up on dancing skills ahead of upcoming parties, dances and festivals. Admission is €10 per session.

Claremorris AFC seeks new management 

Claremorris AFC is inviting expressions of interest from individuals interested in managing or coaching its Senior A Men's Team for the coming season. The club is seeking a new manager and coaching staff who can bring enthusiasm, commitment and strong leadership to the squad.

The positions offer an opportunity to work with an established group of players and contribute to the continued development of senior soccer in Claremorris. The club is particularly interested in applicants with ambition, a positive approach and a willingness to work as part of a team. Anyone interested in applying or seeking further information should email claremorrissoccerclub@gmail.com. 

All enquiries will be treated in confidence.

November Soccer Development 

Claremorris AFC, in association with Velocity186, will host a four-week soccer development programme for boys and girls aged 10 to 15 during November. The sessions are open to players from all clubs and will focus on improving individual skills, confidence and technical ability.

The programme will be led by former professional footballer and Velocity186 Head Coach Phil Reilly. Participants will work on developing their quality on the ball and improving their overall game in a structured coaching environment designed to challenge players and help them progress.

Training will take place on the astro pitch at Claremorris AFC on Saturdays, November 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, from 9.30am to 10.30am. This will be the final Claremorris development block of 2026, offering young players four additional coaching sessions before the end of the year. Places can be booked online at www.velocity186.com.

Women's Soccer Kick-Around 

Claremorris AFC is launching a new Women's Soccer Kick-Around, providing an opportunity for women and girls aged 16 and over to enjoy football in a relaxed and friendly environment. The initiative is aimed at players of all abilities, including those who have never played soccer before, former players who would like to return to the game and anyone interested in trying a new activity. There will be an emphasis on enjoyment, exercise and meeting new people rather than competitive football.

The sessions will take place indoors at Barnacarroll Hall every Saturday evening at 6.30pm, beginning on November 7th. No previous playing experience is necessary, and participants are encouraged to bring a friend and give it a try. The new programme is part of Claremorris AFC's efforts to provide opportunities for more people to become involved in soccer, with a welcoming setting for women and girls who would like to get active while enjoying a regular game.

Music and Dancing for Lourdes fundraiser 

A night of live music and dancing will take place in the McWilliam Park Hotel, on Friday, November 20th, with all proceeds going towards helping children and young people travel to Lourdes at Easter.

Popular entertainers Shaun Loughrey and David Connor will provide the music for the evening, which gets underway at 9pm. The event is being organised in support of Group 95, a local group operating under the Rise and Shine Trust, which helps bring children and young people to Lourdes each Easter. 

The local group consists of 15 volunteers drawn from Claremorris, Castlebar, Milltown and Tuam, who are working together to raise the funds necessary for the trip. Group 95 will be bringing young people from Claremorris and surrounding areas to Lourdes next Easter. The Rise and Shine Trust operates nationally, with similar groups throughout Ireland undertaking their own fundraising activities to support the children and young people travelling with them.

The annual pilgrimage provides an opportunity for young people to visit Lourdes as part of an organised group, supported throughout their journey by volunteers. Considerable fundraising is required to make these trips possible, and events such as the forthcoming music night play an important part in meeting the costs.

The organisers are hoping for strong local support for the November 20th event, which offers an opportunity to enjoy an evening of music and dancing while contributing to a worthwhile cause. Tickets are €15, with all proceeds supporting Group 95's Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Stallholders wanted 

Davitts GAA and LGFA are inviting local craftspeople, artists, makers and small businesses to take part in their Christmas Fair, which will be held at the club on Saturday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 6th. 

The two-day event will run from 12 noon to 5pm each day, providing an opportunity for local businesses and independent producers to showcase their products and attract customers in the run-up to Christmas. Craft and trade tables are now available to book, with organisers encouraging anyone who produces handmade goods, gifts or other products to get involved.

As well as the shopping opportunities, the fair will feature a range of activities for families. Santa Claus will be making an appearance, while younger visitors can enjoy face painting. There will also be a raffle on each day, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The Christmas Fair is intended to bring the local community together while supporting small businesses and encouraging people to shop locally during the festive season. It will also provide an opportunity for visitors to pick up Christmas presents and enjoy an afternoon out with family and friends.

Spaces for stallholders are limited, and early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. Anyone interested in reserving a craft or trade table should contact Barbara on 083-8576936.

Win a House in Mayo 

A Christmas gift costing as little as €20 could give someone the chance to win a brand-new house in Claremorris while supporting the development of a much-needed community sports and recreational centre for the town. 

The Win a House in Mayo fundraising campaign, launched at the Claremorris Agricultural Show in August, is offering a new three-bedroom, A-rated home at Convent Gate, Claremorris, developed by Macken Developments Ltd, as its main prize.

The campaign is raising funds towards the proposed Claremorris Community Sports and Recreational Centre, which would provide a modern, accessible facility for sports clubs, youth organisations, families, older people and community groups throughout the area.

The organisers hope to raise the match funding necessary to apply for State assistance under the Community Centre Investment Fund's New Build Measure. The proposed centre would address the long-standing absence of a dedicated community centre in Claremorris and provide facilities for future generations.

With Christmas approaching, the organisers are encouraging people to consider giving raffle tickets as presents to family and friends, whether living locally, elsewhere in Ireland or abroad. As well as offering the possibility of winning a new home, each ticket purchased will contribute towards the proposed community development.

Tickets are available online at www.winahouseinmayo.com, priced at €20 for one entry, €50 for three, €100 for seven or €250 for twenty-five.

The winning ticket will be drawn live on Facebook on Monday, February 1st, 2027.

No Name Club seeks new home 

Claremorris No Name Club is seeking new premises following the decision to sell its clubhouse on James Street, which has been its home for the past 14 years. 

The premises have provided a safe and welcoming meeting place for hundreds of young people, and the club has expressed its sincere thanks to landlords Noel and Patricia Riordan for their generosity and support over the years. The contribution of the club's adult volunteers has also been acknowledged.

The club has emphasised that it is not closing down and will continue operating from temporary venues while searching for a permanent home. Recruitment for 2026–2027 is underway through the Transition Year classes at St Colman's College and Mount St Michael Secondary School. 

Having served young people in Claremorris for more than 25 years, the club is determined to continue providing an alcohol-free social outlet for teenagers throughout South Mayo.

Halloween Quiz and Fancy Dress Night 

Claremorris Musical Society will hold its annual Halloween Table Quiz and Fancy Dress Night in the Dalton Inn Hotel on this Friday, October 30th, beginning at 9pm. The event is open to everyone, with teams of four invited to test their general knowledge while enjoying an evening of Halloween entertainment.

Entry costs €40 per table, with a cash prize for the winning team. There will also be a raffle, spot prizes and a Best Costume Award, so participants are encouraged to dress for the occasion. The annual fundraiser provides an opportunity to enjoy a social evening while supporting the activities of Claremorris Musical Society.

Tennis Nights 

Claremorris Tennis Club welcomes players of all abilities to its weekly Club Night, which takes place every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm. Whether trying tennis for the first time or returning to the sport, participants can enjoy a friendly game, meet other players and find out about the club's membership and coaching opportunities.

The cost is €2 for members and €5 for non-members, with no requirement to join the club before taking part. Anyone interested can simply come along on Thursday evening or contact Fran by text or WhatsApp on 089-2446445 for further information. The club is located at F12 E8H0.

Garrymore GAA Fundraising Raffle 

Garrymore GAA is offering supporters an opportunity to win three special pieces of football memorabilia in its fundraising raffle. First prize is a football signed by the Mayo team that won the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, presented in a commemorative display case.

Second prize is a pair of boots worn by Mayo footballer Enda Hession in the All-Ireland Final, while third prize is a framed Garrymore 2026 jersey signed by the club's senior football panel. 

The draw will take place in early December, with tickets available through the Garrymore raffle page on iDonate.ie. The club has thanked those who have already supported the fundraiser and is encouraging further participation.

Halloween Kite Camp 

Claremorris Family Resource Centre, in association with Go Fly Your Kite, will host a one-day Halloween Camp on this Friday, October 30th. Children will have an opportunity to make their own kites, with separate groups for ages five to seven and eight to twelve. 

Children are welcome to attend in their Halloween costumes. The camp costs €5 per child. For further information, contact Claremorris FRC on 094-9377838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.

Grow Mental Health 

A weekly Grow Mental Health Peer Support Meeting takes place every Wednesday from 11am to 1pm at Claremorris Family Resource Centre. The meetings provide a safe and supportive environment where people can share experiences, listen to others and connect with those facing similar challenges.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Further information is available from Claremorris FRC on 094-9377838 or by emailing info@claremorrisfrc.ie.

Dominic wins GAA 50/50 

Dominic Mullee was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home a jackpot of €1,360. Dominic purchased his winning ticket in O’Brien’s.

The club congratulated Dominic on his win and thanked everyone who supported the draw. Tickets continue to be available online and through local shops and pubs, with the weekly fundraiser making an important contribution to the club’s activities and development.

Seamus takes soccer prize 

Seamus Boyce collected €420 as the winner of last week’s Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw. Seamus bought his lucky ticket in Gilligan’s.

Claremorris AFC extended its congratulations to Seamus and expressed its appreciation to the many people who regularly support the draw. Tickets can be purchased online or at participating retail outlets and pubs throughout the town, with the proceeds helping to fund the club’s ongoing activities.

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