Local Notes: Balla Secondary School boys celebrate after winning Connacht Senior C football final.
Dancing in the snow! Balla Secondary School boys celebrate after defeating Gortnor Abbey Crossmolina in the Connacht Senior C football final in horrendous weather conditions in Bekan on Saturday week. Picture by Tom Quinn.
The draw for the Senior Club GAA Championships was made on Monday of last week. Ballintubber have three tough assignments, a 1st round encounter with the highly stylish and youthful North Mayo Kingpins, Crossmolina Deel Rovers. Near neighbours Mayo Gaels are sure to visit Clogher in round 2 with massive support and all guns blazing while Aughamore will provide very tough opposition in round 3 at a neutral venue. A long hot competitive summer guaranteed.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,000 on Sunday night, February 15. 6, 10, 15 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Brendan Tuohy, Helen Summerville, Damien Flatley, Aisling and CT Bough, Breege and Sean Heneghan and Krista Alksne. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,100 last Sunday night, February 22. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Conor Finnerty is now running a variety of strength and fitness classes throughout the week at Ballintubber Centre Gym facilities. There are specialist women’s and men’s classes and also mixed classes available. There is also a personal training, nutritional and lifestyle feature. Details can be had from Conor at 089 4340905 or email conorfinnerty2010@gmail.com.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto draw held on February 16 in the clubhouse were: 2, 3, 23 and 32. The consolation prize winners were Breege Jennings (3), Tony Corbett, Kevin Reilly Byrnes Mayo Abbey and Noel Burke. The latest draw had a jackpot of €16,400 up for grabs.
Results from Monday, February 16: 1st Mary Brennan and Philip White, 2nd Chris Turner and Pat Griffith; Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings; Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley and 3rd Mary and Richard Carney. The best of last 10 Jimmy Sheridan and Tom Fitzpatrick and the raffle winners were Richard and Mary Carney.
The card games continue every Monday night in Ballyglass Community Centre from 9pm.
A short community futures survey will be distributed to all households in the Ballyglass area on February 28 and will be collected again on March 7 . The results of the survey will lead to a public vote for priority projects that will help improve the area over the next five years. Anyone who is interested in helping to distribute the surveys is very welcome. Contact Leona on 087 9936663.
Congrats to Ballyglass FC Masters “A” team who secured a decisive 5-0 win against Castlebar Celtic recently in the Mayo Women’s D1 League. Congratulations also to the ladies senior team on a fantastic performance with a superb 4–0 victory away to Corrib Rangers in the Connacht Women’s Shield.
Ballyglass FC has extended a huge thank you to Henry McGlade and Nathan Dunne from TV Ireland for producing the fantastic two-part programme about the club. Their professionalism, creativity and attention to detail truly captured what Ballyglass FC is all about.
Ballyglass FC would highly recommend TV Ireland to any sports club or social organisation considering showcasing their story. You won’t be disappointed.
Music lovers are invited to experience the powerful eight-part harmonies of Mayo’s acclaimed vocal group Coda, blending Irish trad, folk, and contemporary music in the breath-taking setting of Ballintubber Abbey. The event will take place on Thursday, March 26. The doors will be open at 7.30pm with the concert commencing at 8pm. It will be an unforgettable evening of harmony and heritage.
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The death has taken place of Julia Lally (née Connolly), Derryveeney, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Julia passed away peacefully in her 92nd year on February 15, surrounded by her loving family. Julia was a much-loved and familiar face at the weekly social club in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. She was a regular attendee every Thursday and always had a gracious smile for everyone. She loved to meet up with friends and was always a great supporter of community events and fundraisers. Her gentle presence around Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will be truly missed by all.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Michael, her son Michael, and daughter-in-law Mary-Jo, Julia is deeply regretted by her loving children: Mary (Paddy) Chicago, Sean (Ann) Chicago, Mattie (Rita) Chicago, Ellen (Mike) Chicago, Noreen (Seamus) Derryveeney, Kathleen (JJ) Liskilleen, Siobhan (Noel) Ballinrobe, Tommy-Joe (Sheila) Chicago, and Eamonn (Geraldine) Chicago, and also by her granddaughters Sinéad, Kate and Therese, who shared a home with her, along with all her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours, and her wide circle of friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at Tourmakeady Community Centre on last Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.30 pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady on Friday at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
SEC Thuar Mhic Éadaigh are organising an information evening in Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh tomorrow Wednesday, February 25, at 7pm. Dr Orla Nic Suibhne will give talk on Home Energy Grants and Pat Coyle will give information on One Stop Shop Scheme. All are welcome to attend. More information is available from eolas@tourmakeady.com.
There is never anything easy about GAA football championships and in this 2026 season, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh is in a five team group with Eastern Gaels, Kilmovee Shamrocks, Swinford and Ballycastle. Tuar Mhic Éadaigh has been showing signs of rejuvenation in recent seasons and they won’t fear any opposition as their characteristic bravery and never-say-die attitude is a major positive. Best wishes to all.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, February 14, stood at €20,000. 2, 15, 19 and 26 were the numbers drawn 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.
Irish classes for beginners run from 11 to 12 noon on Wednesdays. The Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Circle) then runs from 12 to 1am in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. The next sessions will be on this Wednesday, February 24. Also on Thursdays, ranganna do thosaitheoirí (class for beginners), runs from 6 to 7pm and the ciorcal comhrá (conversation circle) from 7 to 8pm. Ar fad in aisce - free course.
There will be a "Hospitality night” at Lough Mask Distillery on this Tuesday, February 24 from 6 to 8pm. A night to learn the craft of brewing at Lough Mask Distillery. Ensure to rsvp the distillery to secure your place. Bígí linn le haghaidh oíche nach ndéanfaidh tú dearmad uirthi.
An indoor market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will continue on the 1st Saturday of every month from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo. The market features a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts, to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts.
For further details make contact by Email: makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
The latest Community Council lotto draw took place in McEvilly’s lounge on February 8. 2, 8, 10 and 21 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The consolation prizewinners were Regina Carroll, Tom Nolan and Darragh, Eoghan and Aaron Breslin. The latest draw was held in the centre on Sunday, February 23.
Killawalla lotto will shortly enjoy a “makeover” to a 50/50 format. All current annual tickets are still valid until the changeover is complete.
St. Mary's NS Partry are now taking enrolments for the new school year 2026-27 for information contact the school on 094 9543060 or email: stmarysns2017@gmail.com.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Thomas and Áine, McHale, Ballinrobe who were recent draw winners.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Recent winners were John Gibbons, Tourmakeady and Angela and Tommy Lally, Partry.
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The death took place last week of Michael (Jack) Duffy, Barney, Breaffy, Castlebar. Jack passed away peacefully at University College Hospital Galway. Predeceased by his parents Pat and Mary, sisters Annie, Nell and Jenny, his brothers Paddy and Patrick (died age 11 years), Jack is deeply regretted and fondly remembered by his loving family, brother Joe and his wife Kathleen, their daughters and his nieces Karen (Martin Hyland), Orla (Mike Ward), Fiona (Seán O’ Connell) and Yvonne (Michael O’Meara), his sister Chris Kearns (Balla) his sister-in-law Kathy Duffy, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Jack‘s remains reposed at the Coady Funeral Home, Castlebar, on last Thursday evening from 5pm until 6.30 with removal to St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy. His Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday morning at 11am followed by burial ceremonies in Breaffy Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh aNainm.
Breaffy Rounders is holding adult open days and everyone is most welcome to attend. If you are looking to rekindle your love of Rounders or just to try something new you are invited to join. These open days will take place in Castlebar Celtic Astroturf pitch from 4pm to 5pm on the following Sunday's, March 1 and 8. You will learn about the game and most importantly, have fun. Contact the club for more details at via direct message, email secretary.Breaffy.Mayo.Rounders@gaa.ie or message 086 1679596.
Breaffy GAA Club is in group 4 for the County Senior GAA Club Championship. The Breaffy boys meet Ballaghaderreen in the first group game and thereafter heavyweights Knockmore and Belmullet will also provide stern opposition. It is indeed a fascinating group which should provide top class football. Times and fixtures will be announced closer to the championship.
Breaffy GAA will celebrate a successful year for the senior team on next Saturday, February 28, in Breaffy House Hotel. There will be a medal presentation to the Division 1 League winners 2025 and the Kelly Cup winners 2025. The doors open 7pm with the 3-course dinner commencing 7.30pm. Wine and music will feature and it will be a night to bring together members, supporters, community, family and friends. Tickets - https://breaffy-gaa-tickets.sumupstore.com or 086 795 8388.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto on February 17 were 14, 17, 23 and bonus number 9. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners.
The jackpot stands at £19,400 on this Tuesday night, February 24.
Congratulations to Ciara Hallinan of Belcarra Handball Club who recently won the ladies U17 Connacht Singles “A” handball championship. Ciara produced a top class performance winning to claim victory on a scorline, 21-9, 7-21 and 11-2. Belcarra Handball Club and the wider local community extend their best wishes for the upcoming All Ireland semi-final.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on February 15, were 7, 16, 17 and 24. Consolation prizewinners were Seanie Meaney, Margaret McWalter, Caoimhe Brohan and Ruth FitzGerald. The weekend jackpot stood at €5,300 on Sunday last, February 22.
The next 25 drive in Belcarra centre will be on Monday night, March 2. Community Games events are starting up soon again. If your child is interested in taking part in individual events or team events in Community Games send a private message for more details and to register your interest with Balla/Belcarra area committee. All young athletes and participants are looking forward to another great year of Community Games 2026.
Belcarra National School are now taking enrolments for the next academic year. Contact the school to get your form. Details are available from 094 9032210 or email office@belcarra.ie.
Ballyheane FC are organising a "Big Brain of Ballyheane" table quiz. The 1st leg of the prestigious event will take place in the Punch Bowl, Ballyheane on next Friday night, February 27, at 9pm. The modest fee is €40 for a table of four with spots prizes awarded on the night. There will be two Quizzes in March and April to crown "The Brain of Ballyheane".
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The death occurred recently of Jimmy Golding, Main Street, Balla, Co. Mayo. Jimmy passed away peacefully at the Mayo Hospice. Jimmy was widely known as an exceptional athlete and sprinter in his youth. He was highly regarded, possessing an exceptional wit and he excelled as a salesman to the retail trade and he made multiple friends in many counties. Jimmy and his family gave great service to Balla GAA Club down the years in administration, coaching and on the playing fields. Jimmy was also a founding trustee and a true champion for Balla community and a driving force behind the establishment of Balla Secondary School. He will be sorely missed in his home community which he loved so well.
Predeceased by his wife Twinkle (nee Daly, Ballina), his son Jarlath, his parents, his brother Mick and his sisters Dell, Eva, Geraldine and Sally, Jimmy is deeply regretted by his daughter Tonya Melody (Ennis), his sons Conrad (Balla), Gareth (Boston, USA) and Ronan (Connecticut, USA), his daughters-in-law Deirdre, Ger, Maura and Alison, his son-in-law Dermot, his grandchildren Rylee, Cillian, Iarlaith, Aisling, Meabh, Nolan, Leo, Hugh, Eamon and Marcus, many relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains returned to his son Conrad’s home on the Sunday and large crowds attended Balla Funeral Home on the Monday evening to mark his passing and pay respects to his family. His Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla on the Tuesday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
A second 4-week term of Messy Tots will commence on Monday, March 2 at 10.15am in Balla Centre. This class books out extremely quickly, so be sure to secure your little one’s place as soon as possible. To book, phone Magda on 089 220 0234.
It is proposed to hold the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Balla again this year but it is necessary to have floats and community participation to proceed. The special event belongs to the whole community and it will happen if the community gives wholehearted support.
Clubs, businesses, schools, and community groups are urged to participate. Persons who can organise a float are requested to get in touch and keep up this wonderful tradition. Call Balla CRD 094 936 65846 or 087 1850860.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, February 12, in The Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €8,000. 5, 15, 21 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Niall Broderick (Online), JP Reilly (Online) and Kate Keane (Cash Sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, February 19, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €8,100.
All who intend to register as a Balla GAA member are requested please do so in good time. Follow the link on the Club Facebook page. Balla Secondary School Senior footballers captured the elusive Connacht PPS Senior C Football Championship on Saturday week last despite a blanket of sleet and snow and under the lights of Bekan. The 0-12 to 0-7 victory over Gortnor Abbey, Crossmolina was highly impressive. Congrats to all.
Balla GAA Club ever growing and developing annually with superb underage teams face tough opposition in Group 2 of the Senior GAA Club Championship. The draw last week saw three senior sides with success and tradition provide the opposition in 2026, current county champions Ballina Stephenites, Castlebar Mitchells and Garrymore. Balla will however be no pushover and the matches are sure to provide top class fare.
The death occurred last week of Paddy Killeen, Kilbride, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris. Paddy passed away peacefully at home in his 97th year. Predeceased by his parents Annie and John, sister Kathleen Connolly and brother Michael he is deeply regretted by his nieces Ann Connolly and Mary Plunkett (Willie), nephews Tom Connolly (Dymphna), Michael John Connolly (Joanne) Australia and Paul Connolly (Agnes) Watford, England, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Paddy’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6.30 with removal at 8pm to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla Centre are hoping to establish a First Responders Group and are inviting caring, committed community members to get involved. This is a chance to make a real difference - supporting neighbours, friends, and families when it matters most.
No experience needed as all training is provided. What really is required are people with willingness to help and a commitment to their community.
If you’d like to be part of this vital, life-saving team, Balla Centre love to hear from you. Contact the Centre on 094 9365846 or 087 1850860 to find out more.
The Christian Community in Balla have welcomed Sophia Maggie Cunniffe and Tiernán Christopher Manning who were baptised recently in St Cronan's Church, Balla. Congratulations to their parents and families.
On Tuesday mornings why not visit Balla Centre and try line dancing with Christopher at 11am. Join the group at Balla Community Centre and learn all your favourite steps while having a blast, keeping fit, and meeting new people. All levels welcome –and beginners are encouraged. Line dancing will also take place on Saturday evenings from 7 to 8pm. Call 086 8474744 or 087 1850860 or 09493 65846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot. No experience needed - just bring your dancing shoes and a smile.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New 25 card players are always welcome.
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Errew and Clogher.
Congratulations to Ciara Hallinan from Cloonboora and playing out of Belcarra Handball Club who won the Connacht “A” U17 girls singles championship. What a magnificent achievement and best wishes are extended to her for the upcoming All Ireland semi-final.
Congrats also to Oran Murphy of Carrowkeel, Clogher who was a member of Balla Secondary School senior footballers who beat Gortnor Abbey in the Senior “C” Connacht championship final. Also on the Balla panel were Ballintubber players: Seán Feerick, Keith Malone, Shane Cunningham and Timmy Quinn. Well done to all.
Clogher card results for Friday, February 13 were:1st Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith shared with Joe Thomas and Gay Conway, 3rd, Breege Blake and Mary McDonagh. The last 10 winners were, Tom Fitzpatrick and Derek Quinn. The progressive 25 card game continues every Friday night.
Clogher Active Age Group is planning their outings, projects and classes for the coming year. New members are always welcome. The group meet every Wednesday morning at 11am at the Clogher Community Hall. A bus service is also available for people who might like to avail of it.
On Wednesday last, February 18, Dr Orla Nìc Shuibhne- the Sustainable Energy Community mentor on behalf of SEAI in Co Mayo gave a presentation in Errew Community Centre on the SEAI grants available to homeowners. It included grants for home energy upgrades, a new windows and doors grant, up to €12,500 for a heat pump system and higher grant amounts for attic and cavity walls. For further information and details from the county mentor, email sec@seai.ie.
Errew National School has a unique caring learning environment where children are encouraged to develop their full potential in a nurturing environment and become part of a whole school family. Located only 7km and 10 minutes from Castlebar the school has recently been upgraded with safe, off road access and easy parent parking. School bus pending. The breakfast club and after school facility is located directly opposite the school in Errew Community Centre only a few steps away. Contact the secretary on office@errewns.com or 094 9030615 for all enquiries or to request a visit to come and see the school, including outside of school hours. Eircode - F23 P903.
Errew Women’s Group meets every Wednesday from 7 to 8pm in Errew Community Centre. Contact Eileen on 087 922 7567 for more details.
