Local Notes: Anne Flatley, Ballintubber wins the October 500 Club draw
Anne Flatley Ballintubber winner of the October 500 Club Draw being presented with her cheque by Finian Bourke and Fiona McDonagh of the Clogher Environment Group.
The annual general meeting of Ballintubber GAA Club will be held in Killawalla Community Centre on Sunday, November 16, at 5pm. All members and supporters are invited to attend. Note, that only adult club members who have paid their annual club subscription on or before March 31, 2025 are eligible to vote, be nominated or be elected. All members and supporters across the parish are invited to attend.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,300 on Sunday night, October 26. The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 10 and 32. Consolation prizes went to Brid Delaney, Monica Treanor, Rita Nestor, Kevin Hall, Sean Mulchrone and Katie Jordan, Brendan and Ava Walsh. The jackpot stood at €5,400 on Sunday night, November 2.
The Celtic Strings Ensemble event is on Friday, November 14, at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and available online only. Fundraising concert and Mass is at 7pm on that evening.
November Harmonies Concert takes place on Saturday, November 22, with free admission - featuring Ballintubber Abbey Choir, Mayo Male Voice Choir and Ballinteer Male Voice Choir. Donations will be welcomed to the Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund.
Christmas Time by Simon Casey takes place on Thursday, December 19, at 8pm. Tickets cost €25 with proceeds to the Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund. Tickets are available on line only at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
Ballintubber Abbey has been shortlisted for a Mayo Tourism Honour at this year’s Mayo Business Awards. For over 800 years, the abbey has welcomed pilgrims, visitors, and couples from near and far - a living part of Mayo’s heritage, community, and spirit. Ballintubber Abbey staff are proud to represent the parish and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Claremorris on next Friday, November 7. Ballintubber Abbey Trust who is in contention for the Mayo Tourism Award sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, is wished the best of luck. Best wishes also to Hayes Mechanical and Engineering who are in line for the Small / Medium Business Award, sponsored by CBE.
Ballintubber Abbey is the venue on November 25 for “Voices of the Centenaries”, a musical performance with vocal ensemble Resurge Collegium Chambers Choir and Musicians Malcolm Proud and Siobhan Armstrong as part of Mayo County Council’s Commemorative Programme 2025. The event is free but bookings are required via Eventbrite.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw, held in the Carra Lodge, on Monday, October 27. The numbers drawn from the drum were 1, 3, 18 and 29. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Kathleen King, Delia Mai Malone, Mike Kelly, Niall Malone, and Kenneth Prendergast. House prizes went to Joe Glynn and Michael Staunton. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €14,800 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, October 27 were 1st Mary Brennan and Philip White, 2nd Patricia Jennings and Dave Gibbons; Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley and 3rd Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren; Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly. The best of Last 10 were Tom Fitzpatrick and Noel Costello. The raffle winners were Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan.
Thanks to all who came out on Saturday, October 25, to support the Hallowe’en Market in Ballyglass Community Centre especially to all of the children who wore their costumes and took part in the Hallowe’en treasure hunt. Well done to all of the prize-winners in the community council raffle, including Conor Lavin (hamper), Bridie Killeen (Elverys voucher), Conor Nestor (box of biscuits), Leona Nestor (prosecco hamper) and Lucy Coyne (wine). Well done to Fiadh Lavin who guessed the number of sweets in the jar. See you all for the Christmas Market!
Ballyglass Active Age are continuing with their weekly activities, including the popular exercise class every Tuesday morning at 11am in the community centre, followed by tea and a chat, and Yoga class on Wednesday mornings at 10am. The group thank the county councillors who have contributed funding to the group, to assist with running the various classes, activities and outings. The group extend their gratitude to MSLETB for their funding for courses throughout the year. The annual Mass for the month of November, organised by the Active Age group, will be held in Ballyglass Community Centre on Thursday, November 13 at 7pm.
Ballyglass Foróige is currently recruiting new leaders. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Friday evening and enjoy working with young people, contact Sheila on 087 6704916.
If you are unable to commit to a six-week block of yoga classes, why not choose the pay-as-you-go option of €15 in Ballyglass Community Centre, on Tuesdays at 7.30. Beginners are very welcome.
Carnacon LGFA clothes collection is back which means it's time to get decluttering those wardrobes. The collection point is Carnacon Community Centre every Saturday morning from 9 to 11am starting November 1.
Congratulations to Carnacon LGFA U13 girls on defeating Breaffy LGFA Club in the Division 1 Shield final last week. Supporters enjoyed a fabulous display of football from both sides. Congratulations to Caoimhe Corcoran on picking up Player of the Match. Team captain Grainne McDonagh was presented with the shield by Eamon McGreal, Mayo LGFA U14 manager.
*************
A clothes recycling drive collection will take place on November 10. Items to be accepted are as follows: clean dry reusable clothes, handbags, belts, paired shoes, no pillows or duvets. Please call to the school and a member of staff will open the Ionad Spóirt for the clothes to be dropped off. All donations are greatly appreciated.
‘Lotto Bonus Number’ fundraiser for the school is commencing on November 15. A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, (without the lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). If you wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months. Anyone who is willing to support the worthy cause, contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, November 1, stood at €19,600. 2, 20, 21 and 24 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw 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.
A new Yoga class with Carmel is starting today Tuesday, November 4, for 6 weeks. It will run weekly on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm. Phone 086 8194215 for further details.
Beidh Ranganna Consairtín le Ríona chuile tráthnóna Dé Luain 3-6pm. Tuilleadh eolais ó 087 7782640. Concertina classes for children with Riona every Monday afternoon from 3-6pm. Further information is available from 087 7782640.
A special ‘thank you’ is extended to all who supported the recent coffee/tea evening for hospice in Tourmakeady. €1,825.20 was lodged to the hospice account. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the recent hospice tea morning in Partry. A total of €979.20 was collected.
Irish classes will continue again tomorrow on Wednesday, November 5, in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. F12C6F2. Beginners are from 10am to 11and Intermediate from 11am to 12 noon.
Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau gave a very interesting talk on the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark and the geology of the region last week as part of the ongoing series of lectures in association with Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society at the ATU venue in Castlebar. A packed attendance was greatly appreciative of the comprehensive outline rendered by Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau.
The beautiful south-west Mayo lakeside community of Tourmakeady has celebrated establishment of its Parkrun on Saturday mornings at 9.30. Parkrun is a free, community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. All are very welcome to participate.
Due to construction works at St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla Masses will move temporally move to the local community centre for a period.
Training for Ballyheane/Ballintubber First Responders takes place in Killawalla Centre every second Thursday at 8pm. New people would be most welcome to join. Contact Rita at 086 8632145.
Congrats to Bryan and Deirdre Hennelly, Partry and Madeline and Pat Dermody who were recent winners of the popular Partry AFC weekly numbers draw. Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, November 1. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
The Dementia Café takes place on the first Tuesday of every month in the Tacu Resource Centre in Ballinrobe from 11am - 12.30pm. There is one on this Tuesday, November 4, and the guest speaker will be Helen Rochford-Brennan who has been living with dementia for the past thirteen years, is vice chair of the Irish Dementia Working Group and a Dementia Ambassador and advocates for the provision of services and raising awareness for people with dementia. Refreshments served on the day.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will be holding auditions for principal characters for Michael Collins - A Musical Drama in Ballinrobe Parish Centre on Sunday, November 30. The show will feature many characters based on real historical figures, including Collins himself, Éamon de Valera, Kitty Kiernan and Harry Boland. Auditions can be booked by emailing ballinrobemusicsociety@gmail.com or through the booking link available on the society's social media pages. Ballinrobe Musical Society will stage Michael Collins - A Musical Drama from Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, to Saturday, April 11, in Ballinrobe Community School.
***************
On the weekend of October 26, the jackpot stood at €3,600. The numbers drawn were 3, 8, 10 and 22. Consolation prizes went to Lorraine Connor, Conor Brett, Joe McNicholas and Enda Cunningham. The weekend jackpot stood at €3,700 on Sunday last, November 2.
Pilate classes have commenced in Belcarra Community Centre. Pilates can help with core strength, improved posture, flexibility and mobility, injury prevention and rehab and much more. Come along and give it a try. Contact Natalie to book your place on 087 2340695.
Belcarra Handball Club sincerely thank everyone who helped out with the recent bucket collection - from those who gave their time to stand and collect, to everyone who supported it and donated so generously. Your kindness and support mean so much to the club and it will go a long way in helping the club continue to grow and promote handball in Belcarra community. Beginners handball for kids in Belcarra Sport Centre - the times are as follows; Sunday - 10am-10.45 for 6-8 years; Sunday from10.45am-11.30 U10s and Sunday from 11.30am-12.15 for U12s.
Belcarra after school staff are seeking an after school assistant. The hours are 19.5 per week and interested persons should call the South West Mayo Development Company at 094 9366692.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to the family, relatives and friends of Mary Ward, Milton Keynes. The deceased was a sister of Paddy Dunne, Cullaire, Belcarra. May she rest in peace.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, October 28 - the numbers 12, 21, 27 and bonus number 7 were drawn and there was no jackpot winner. There were no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at €17,800 on this Tuesday, November 4.
On November 7, Mayo Business Awards will be presented at a gala lunch in The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. Best wishes to Breaffy House Resort who is in contention for the Green Game-Changer Award sponsored by AIB. The Punch Bowl Ballyheane has also been nominated for Excellence in the Hospitality Sector sponsored by Mellett. Best wishes to Claire and Larry Staunton for success on the night.
Irish Dancing Classes in Ballyheane Community Centre every Tuesday from 6.30pm-7.30pm commenced on October 28. Ages 4+catered for. Contact Molly Hughes TCRG on 087 6562094. Classes are for competitions, grade exams, displays, shows, fitness and fun.
Mass will be celebrated for the deceased members of Ballyheane Active Retirement group on Tuesday, November 11, at 11am in Ballyheane Community Centre.
The Mayo’s Creamery Years Project is preserving the voices and memories of people who remember life around Mayo’s creameries. Supported by the Heritage Council, and led by Mayo County Council, it welcomes contributions from anyone with memories to share. To get involved, contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 086 274 7230 or tara.macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
*************
It was a great day for Balla Tidy Towns and a wonderful reflection on all the amazing volunteers who work so hard. For the first time ever Balla received the county bronze award in the National Tidy Towns and they won the outright tree project award. There were 929 contestants and for Balla to win was a mighty achievement. As well as the awards Balla also gained 14 extra marks this year. Congrats to all on a magnificent achievement.
Balla Christmas Market will take place in Balla Community Centre on Saturday, December 6. Folks are urged to get ready for Christmas magic in Balla. Come along and experience the wonder of the season with: local crafts and gift stalls, festive food and sweet treats, children’s entertainment and plenty more Christmas cheer. The designated date is Saturday, December 6, from 11am onwards. It will be a perfect day out for families, friends, and anyone who loves a bit of Christmas magic.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, October 23, in The Railway tavern for a jackpot of €6,500. 19, 29, 33 and 34 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Luke Heneghan (cash sale), Michelle McCormack (online) and Rosaleen Harrison (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, October 30, when the jackpot stood at €6,600.
Congrats to Balla U13 girls on their splendid victory over Eastern Gaels in the U13 division 5 league cup played at Bekan on October 25.
Living Well, a HSE programme will be starting on November 6, at 10am. The course will help people living with a long term health condition to manage their condition such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, etc. and improve their overall wellbeing. There will be six weekly workshops and advance registration is required. Call Liam at 086 0142675 for details.
Congratulations to Stacey Freyne, Lisa Nally and Ella Vahey on being selected the Mayo Women's League Premier Division team of the year. They will collect their awards in Breaffy House on November 22. Congrats also to Ellie Dunleavy who made the Mayo Women's League U19 Girls’ Team of the Year; to Grace and Sophie on making the Mayo Women's League U17 Girls Premier Division Team of the Year; to the talented Eva Hallinan has been named in the Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL Girl's U16 Interleague squad for the 2025/2026 season and also four very talented Manulla FC girls who have made the U15 Girls Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL Interleague squad for the 2025/2026 season. The girls, Sarah Cunningham, Aoife Commons, and Kate Redmond and Saoirse McGrath are a credit to Manulla club.
The club are thrilled for Riona Corrigan on making the Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL U14 girl's interleague squad for the 2025/2026 season. Congratulations to Lucy Cunningham on her selection on the Girl's U13 Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL Interleague squad for 2025/2026 and finally congrats to Amelia Canavan and Hannah Kelly on their selection with the U12 Mayo Schoolboys/Girls and Youths AFL Inter League squad for the 2025/26 season.
A quiz night will be held in The Railway Tavern, Manulla, on November 7, at 8.30pm in aid of the upkeep of Manulla Community Centre. Tables of four cost €40 and there will be generous prizes and a raffle on the night.
The official opening of Balla Community Enterprise Hub and Remote Workspace and launch of Town Centre First Community Workshop will take place on November 8. Balla CRD is delighted to welcome Minister Dara Calleary.
The Balla Active Age Mass will be held in Balla Community Centre on November 7 at 3pm.
Women’s Circles with Soul Vibration and Wellness will take place on Tuesday, November 11. Join up for a nurturing and empowering gathering of connection, mindfulness, and positive energy. Contact Linda: 086 3936174 to book your place or for more information.
Breathwork classes commenced on a recent Wednesday in Balla Community Centre at 8pm. Take time to relax, restore, and reconnect with yourself through guided breathwork sessions with Carmel at Sage Wellbeing. To book your places call 087 697 2726.
Interested persons are invited to join pilates classes in Balla Centre led by a qualified physiotherapist – suitable for all levels of ability.
Osteoporosis-friendly, safe, supportive, and effective - strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and support your wellbeing in a friendly community setting. For more information or to book your place call 089 4203098 | durcan.physio.pilates@gmail.com.
As the days shorten and darkness falls early, safety and peace of mind become more important than ever. A Personal Monitored Alarm provides reassurance that help is only a button press away - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate assistance is available in case of emergency. Peace of mind for you and your loved ones - simple and discreet to use. Apply today and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re never alone. info@balla.ie 094 9365846 or 087 1850860.
***********
Congratulations and thanks to all the community members and volunteers who came together on Sunday, October 26, to make the annual Halloween Tractor Run a great success. On the first day of the winter season the highly decorated tractors brightened the early gloom. Thanks to the sponsors Aurivo Homeland, Ballintubber Stores, Mike Malone Engineering and Paddy Fitzgerald Agri. The winners of the best dressed tractors were Tommy Concannon, Nicholas Kelly, Fergal Connolly and Adam Tolan. Thanks also to the members of Mayo Roads Policing Unit who led off the parade all around the villages. Thanks to Mr Ormsby who made the school and grounds available for the children’s tractor run and refreshments for the adults. Thanks also to Tommy for providing a fire at the cottage and Pat, Graham and John for the traditional music. All proceeds from the tractor run goes to community development and towards the pre-school and after school facilities.
Congratulations to Anne Flatley, Ballintubber who was the October winner of the Clogher 500 Club draw which took place on Sunday evening in Clogher Community Centre. If you would like to have a chance to win €500 and also to support the Clogher Community it cost just €60 for one year (12 draws). Details are on the following link https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership or tickets can be purchased from any committee member.
The following are the results from the card game held on Friday, October 24; 1st Gay Conway and Eileen Moran, 2nd Jimmy Connor and Mary McDonagh, 3rd Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett. The last 10 winners were Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. The game continues every Friday at 9pm.
Errew Breathwork classes will be beginning on November 13 on Thursday evenings from 8 to 9pm. The fees for the 5 week course is €75. This will be a lovely, relaxing class in the cosy setting of Errew Community Centre. Call Carmel to book your place on 087 6972726.
Congratulations to the former and current Errew NS pupils and all their U13 Carnacon LGFA teammates on their Division 1 Shield final win recently against Breaffy LGFA. It was a great display of football from both teams. Congrats to Anna Joyce, Kaylin Burns, Kailagh Mannion, Sophie Dolan and Ruby Thomas.
The Community First Responders Group would welcome new members from the Errew area to avail of their training programme. The training is currently taking place in Killawalla every second Thursday. Email ballyheanecfr@gmail.com or phone 087 9846401 for more details. Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders are a group of volunteers who work alongside the National Ambulance Service to respond to actual or potentially life threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke and choking. Personnel are trained in CPR and the use of an AED defibrillator.
