Local notes: Annual awards presented to footballers
Ger McCallig, member of the Claremorris branch, with his wife Noreen at the Irish Red Cross Long Service Awards where he was honoured for his 50 years of service to the organisation. Picture: Fennell Photography
Claremorris GAA celebrated a wide range of achievements across both its men’s and ladies teams at recent awards nights held in the town, recognising individual excellence, club commitment and team success.
The men’s awards took place in Killeen’s Bar, where players and supporters gathered to mark the 2025 season. Among the main honours, Mark Noonan was named the Liam Hands Memorial Young Player of the Year, with the award presented by Christina Hands. Darragh Fitzpatrick received the Alan Feeley Memorial Senior Player of the Year award, which was presented by Liam Feeley. Conor O’Brien was recognised as Junior Player of the Year.
John Hession was named Club Person of the Year, receiving his award from Claremorris GAA chairman Paul Hunt, in recognition of his continued contribution and dedication to the club.
A special presentation was made on the night to members of the Claremorris GAA teams who won Mayo All-Ireland junior titles in 1995 and 1997. Billy Fitzpatrick, who managed both teams, was acknowledged alongside players Kevin Beirne, Johnny Cummins, John Hession, Brendan Fitzpatrick and Declan Mahon, all of whom played key roles in those successes.
The evening also included the presentation of medals to the 2025 U21 county ‘A’ champions, as well as to the South Mayo junior ‘B’ championship-winning team, reflecting a strong year for the club on the field.
Meanwhile, at the Claremorris LGFA underage awards, Mayo senior player Isobel Phillips presented medals to players in recognition of their efforts throughout the 2025 season.
A wide range of individual honours were presented across the age groups. Loretta Heaney was named Club Person of the Year, while Amy Cummins received the Senior Player of the Year award and Emma Higgins was recognised as Senior Rising Star. Isobel Phillips was named Minor Player of the Year, with Roisin Horkan taking the Minor Rising Star award.
At junior level, Tayna Roche was named Player of the Year, with Clodagh Kean recognised as Rising Star, while Áine Lynn was selected as Overall Young Player of the Year. Zainba Naheem was named U16 Player of the Year, with Nicole Judge receiving the Rising Star award in that grade.
In the U15 category, Sive Flanagan was named Player of the Year, Bridget O’Grady was Rising Star, Yasmin Mnaa received the Development Player of the Year award and Ruby Judge was named Development Rising Star. At U14 level, Ruth Connolly was Player of the Year and Olivia Duffy was Rising Star, while Amelia Cummins and Eva Kavanagh received the Development Player of the Year and Development Rising Star awards respectively.
Ellen Farragher was named U13 Player of the Year, with Rimas Mnaa as Rising Star, while Elena Crowley and Katie Walsh were recognised in the development categories. At U12 level, Naoise O’Reilly and Sophie Clarke received the White Team Player of the Year and Rising Star awards, while Eabha Healy and Nicole Ciweck were honoured in the Blue Team categories.
Across both events, the awards nights highlighted the depth of talent within Claremorris GAA and LGFA, as well as the continued commitment of players, volunteers and supporters throughout the club.
A capacity crowd turned out for the return of ‘Somebody Special – A Fundraising Concert for Gaza’, delivering a memorable evening of music, song and dance, recently.
The concert, which was first staged at the venue last August, proved a major success once again. Performers from Hollymount, Roundfort, Irishtown and Carnacon showcased a wide-ranging programme, blending traditional, folk, gospel and contemporary music with expressive Irish dance.
The atmosphere in the hall was both uplifting and reflective, with many in attendance visibly moved by the performances. The night concluded with a prolonged standing ovation from the audience.
A total of €12,840 was raised on the night, with further donations continuing to come in. All proceeds will go to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Pat McGovern, who brought the Somebody Special group together over the past 18 months, said the concert was about both fundraising and solidarity. Performers on the night included Paul Clesham, Sharon McCabe, Michelle Rattigan, Maria Hughes, Aisling McGovern, Niall Hughes, Molly Hughes, Shane Wixted, Eoghan Hughes, Aodháin Hughes and Pat McGovern.
Mayo volunteer Ger McCallig was among those honoured at a special ceremony in the Mansion House, Dublin, where the Irish Red Cross recognised individuals who have given more than half a century of service to the organisation.
Ger was one of 28 volunteers presented with Long Service Awards in acknowledgement of over 50 years of dedication to helping those in need. The awards were presented by Irish Red Cross Chair Charlie Flanagan, who praised the recipients for their lifelong commitment to humanitarian work.
Over the course of five decades, Ger McCallig has played a role in supporting communities through times of difficulty, reflecting the core values of the Irish Red Cross in providing assistance, comfort and reassurance where it is needed most. The event highlighted the contribution of volunteers like Ger, whose quiet and consistent service forms the backbone of the organisation’s work both at home and abroad.
The Irish Red Cross continues to operate as Ireland’s humanitarian response network, with around 4,000 volunteers across 71 branches nationwide. Their work includes helping communities prepare for emergencies, responding in times of crisis and supporting recovery efforts.
Ger McCallig’s recognition stands as a testament to a lifetime of service and dedication, and to the vital role volunteers play in strengthening communities across the country.
A number of upcoming events at Cúram Family Centre in Claremorris aim to support wellbeing, connection and learning within the community over the coming weeks.
An eight-week mindfulness programme, titled ‘Mindfulness Based Living’, is due to begin on Tuesday next, April 7, running from 11am to 1.30pm each week. The course is designed to help participants develop a deeper personal understanding of mindfulness, while also building the foundations for a regular practice that can be applied in everyday life. Organisers highlight a range of potential benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety and depression, improved emotional balance, better sleep and enhanced focus. The full course is priced at €30, with booking required in advance by contacting 094-93-62094.
Support continues on a weekly basis through the Dementia Dance Memory Group, which meets every Wednesday from 11.30am to 1pm at the centre. The group offers a welcoming space for those caring for someone with dementia to enjoy music, conversation and a relaxed social environment. Further information is available from Irene on 087-1080650.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Collective will host its April coffee morning on this Thursday, April 2 at 10.30am, also at Cúram Family Centre. The event will include guest speakers covering topics such as financial wellbeing, delivered by MABS, and massage trigger points with Anna. Attendees are invited to come along for an informal morning of discussion, information and social connection.
John Tierney was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,300. John bought the winning ticket in O’Brien’s. The club congratulated John on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who continue to support the draw, noting that funds raised help to support underage coaching, facilities and ongoing development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Mary English was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50-50 draw last week, collecting €565. Mary purchased the lucky ticket in Warde’s. The club extended congratulations to Mary and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser, with proceeds contributing to the running of teams and the continued development of the club. Tickets are available online and from local retailers and pubs each week.
The death has occurred of Ambrose Dunne of Bearna Demesne, Co. Galway, and formerly of Ballindine and Celbridge, Co. Kildare. Ambrose died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family, following a short illness.
Ambrose was predeceased by his beloved wife Susan and his brothers Dessie, Vincent and Eugene.
Ambrose will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken family, daughter Caroline Costello, son Gerard Dunne, sisters Anne and Rita, brother Tony, his adored grandchildren, son-in-law Seamus, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Ambrose reposed at his daughter Caroline’s home in Belmont, Milltown, Tuam on Friday, March 20. His funeral Mass was held in the Church of Mary Immaculate Queen, Bearna on Saturday, March 21, followed by cremation afterwards in Shannon Crematorium. RIP.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Nora (Nonie) Hegarty (née Geraghty) of Ballinasmalla, Claremorris, and formerly of Williamstown, Co. Galway. Nora died peacefully at Brampton Care Home, Oranmore on March 21.
Nora was predeceased by her husband Denis. She will be sadly missed by her loving family, sons Denis, John and Pat, daughters Anne, Mary and Lucy, her cherished grandchildren, great-grandson, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Nora’s funeral Mass was held on Tuesday afternoon, March 24 at St Colman’s Church, followed by burial afterwards in Ballinasmalla Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Teresa Moran (née Molloy) of Shessagh, Taugheen, and formerly of Gortnagoyne, Dunmore, Co. Galway. Teresa (née Molloy) died suddenly, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband John and her parents Stephen and Mary Molloy.
Teresa will be sadly missed by her loving family, sons Joseph, Sean, Stephen, Jarlath, Brian and Kevin, daughters Connie, M.T., Tríona, Marguerita and Sandie, her sisters Breda, Dymphna and Geraldine, daughters-in-law Irene, Emma, Dearbhaile, Leila and Samantha, sons-in-law Des Finn, JP Keane, Chris Green, Stephen Grant and Hugo Lord, her cherished 30 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Teresa’s funeral Mass was held in St Michael’s Church, Taugheen on Sunday afternoon, March 22 followed by burial afterwards in Taugheen New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Maureen Smith (née Mary Patricia Kearney) of Hackney, London, and formerly of Ballindine. Maureen died peacefully on Monday, March 16, surrounded by her adoring husband Gerry and her loving family.
Maureen will be deeply missed by her devoted husband Gerry, daughter Carol (Stapleton), sons Paul and Simon, son-in-law Peter, daughters-in-law Julie and Susan, her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Maureen’s Funeral Service will take place in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Dominic Church, Homerton, London on Tuesday, April 1`4.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Kathleen Conneely Griffin (née Nee) of Burrish, Irishtown, and formerly of Tamhna Bhig, Turlough, Rosmuc, Co. Galway and Lambeth, London. Kathleen died on March 23 after a short illness.
Kathleen was predeceased by her husbands Michael Conneely and Jim Griffin, her parents Colman and Kathleen, and her sister Brenda.
Kathleen will be deeply loved and sadly missed by her daughters Helen and Aisling, sons John (Seán) and Aodán, sons-in-law Ian and Richard, daughter-in-law Katriona, her cherished grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Kathleen’s Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Holy Family, Irishtown on Friday, March 27 followed by burial afterwards in Irishtown Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Mary Earley (née Griffith) of Drumlummon, Carrick-on-Shannon, and formerly of Ballygowan, Claremorris. Mary died suddenly on March 23 at Beaumont Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents Martin (Bertie) and Nora (Norrie).
Mary will be sadly missed by her loving family, husband Patrick, daughter Niamh (Dublin), son James (Keshcarrigan), son-in-law William Collier, daughter-in-law Lisa McWeeney, her adored grandchildren, sister Catherine Griffith (Dublin), brothers John (Waterford) and Martin (Claremorris), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mary’s funeral Mass was held last Friday, March 27, followed by private cremation.
May she rest in peace.
