Local Notes: Ballintubber Abbey Strategic Plan launch and Open Day.
Sue Ellen McKenna, Manager, Ballintubber Abbey, Paul Lawless TD and Con Lydon, Ballintubber Abbey Trust pictured at last week’s Open Day and “New Chapter” launch. Picture by Tom Quinn
The official launch of Ballintubber Abbey Strategic Plan, new website and booking system took place at Ballintubber Abbey on last Monday, April 7, from 11am to 12 noon. Mid-West Radio were present from early morning to broadcast live from the launch and open day. Present on the prestigious occasion were Mayo TD, Dara Calleary, Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, along with his constituency colleague TD, Allan Dillon, Minister of State for Small Business and Retail both of whom spoke in the most eloquent terms on the evolution and progress of the project. Also present were members of Failte Ireland, Castlebar Municipal Authority, Mayo County Councillors and Senior Council Management and Ballintubber Abbey Trust.
Fr Michael Farragher PP welcomed the large attendance and in a wide-ranging talk outlined the Abbey’s rich history and exciting future plans. He also gave an update on the commencement of the Ballintubber Abbey Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre Project which is set to begin later this year. Con Lydon chairperson of the Ballintubber Abbey Trust outlined the astonishing history of the famous Abbey and the “New Chapter” with the presentation of the impressive Strategic Plan for 2025–2028. Also present was Fr Frank Fahey who has done exceptional work in the promotion of the Abbey down the decades and its progression to date. Ballintubber Abbey Manager, Sue Ellen McKenna was a most hospitable and able MC for the historic occasion in which all present enjoyed refreshments in glorious April sunshine.
The Ballintubber Abbey Passion Play or “The Triumph of Easter” as it is called is currently taking place with two performances on this evening April 15 and tomorrow evening April 16, at 9pm. Each year this pre-Easter story of the passion of Christ attracts hundreds of appreciative visitors to Ballintubber Abbey grounds. The ‘stage’ is the natural setting of the grounds and when they were being landscaped, had this in view. It takes place outdoors. The people of Ballintubber, men, women and children, ninety-two in all, have portrayed this powerful drama since 1982. The production, the lights, the sound are of the highest quality and a stand, with seating accommodation has now been erected to shelter the audience. It attracts a large audience each year – from all over Ireland. A large number of people come repeatedly each year and it shows the powerful impact it has on their lives. Admission is free and the event is open to all. Donations welcomed to help cover production costs.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €9,560 on Sunday, April 6. The numbers drawn were 3, 11, 19 and 29. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to James McGing, Josephine Duffy, Ryan Malone, Kathlyn Hennelly, Teresa Joyce and Michael Canavan. The jackpot stood at €9,700 on last Sunday, April 13.
Show off your knowledge and support your local club on Friday, April 18, in the Carra Lodge, Carnacon. This event is part of this year’s 50th Anniversary celebrations for Ballyglass FC. Entry is €40 per table of 4. Fantastic raffle prizes are up for grabs too.
Ballyglass FC have launched their 50th Anniversary raffle. They have invited everyone to celebrate with them and win amazing prizes: 1st €1,200 Center Parcs voucher, 2nd €500 cash and 3rd a €250 Blue Book Hotels voucher. Tickets are just €10 for 1, €20 for 3, or €50 for 7. The draw takes place on Monday, June 2, so don’t miss out.
The following are the results from Monday, April 7, Ballyglass FC Lotto draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 10, 16 and 17. There was no winner of the €11,800 jackpot. The Match 3 winner was Yvonne Reilly. Consolation prizes went to Donal Flaherty, Stephanie Gilligan, Ian Jennings and Mary Burke. Play now to be in with a chance of winning next week’s jackpot of €11,900.
Winners from Monday, April 7 were 1st Richard and Mary Carney; Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin and 2nd Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan. The last 9 winners were Tomás Solan and Mary Brennan; Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes and the raffle prizes went to Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
Yoga classes will be starting up in Ballyglass Community Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11.15am to 12.15pm commencing on Wednesday, April 30. For further information contact Maureen Murphy on 087 2990357.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Kyle Anthony Killeen, baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon and Sienna Eloise Fadden and Saoirse Ann Kelly baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber on last Saturday, April 12. Congratulations to their parents and family. LCCA May meeting.
The Lough Carra Catchment Associations next public meeting will be held on May 20.
The new Pre School in Carnacon is currently taking enquires for September 2025. If you would like more information contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Kieran Murphy, Cluain Padraig, Lufferton on the recent passing of his mother, Maura Murphy, Pontoon Road, Castlebar. May she rest in peace.
The Tóchar Phádraig group walks in 2025 organised by Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo commence on Easter Monday, April 21, (as part of Pilgrim Paths Week). Booking is now open at ballintubberabbey.ie and payment is required at the time of booking. If you wish to cancel your booking refunds are available for up to 7 days prior to the event.
The cost of this year's group walks is €30pp for Half Tóchar’s and €35pp for the Full Tóchar, booking fees may apply. Individual walks are €25pp (self-guided). Volunteers, leaders and back up drivers are needed for the 4 group Tochar Walks yearly. If you can help on any of the above dates, call the office at 094 9030934.
**********
The death has taken place of Lorna Geraldine Roberts (née Timony), Kilkeeran, Partry, Co Mayo. Lorna passed away on April 6, peacefully at Mayo Hospice after a long illness bravely borne. Predeceased by her parents Albert and Pearl, grandchild Willow, her aunts Claire, Mary and Helen, Lorna is deeply regretted by her husband Sean, sons Marcus and Alex, daughter Lucy, brother Shane, sister Eleanor, sister-in-law Angie, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Her remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on last Tuesday evening, April 8, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to St Mary’s Church, Partry. Lorna’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Ballovey Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The Parents Council of Coláiste Muire has launched this year’s Easter raffle, with a selection of beautifully prepared hampers to be won. The cost of tickets is a modest €2 each or 3 for €5 and is available from local participating outlets or via Revolut to Sheila Barker using the link below. https://revolut.me/sheilabpa7 (Link in bio) All proceeds will go directly towards supporting school initiatives.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, April 12 stood at €16,700. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week.
Recently Coláiste Muire students had an unforgettable trip exploring some of Ireland’s key institutions. They visited the Dáil and Seanad, gaining insight into how government works, and they explored Ireland’s rich history at the National Museum on Kildare Street. The day wrapped up with some well-earned fun at the Liffey Valley Shopping Centre. A special'thank you' has been extended to Junior Minister Alan Dillon for his assistance in organising the visit to Leinster House.
The 8km Out of the Woods is an event suitable for all family members and will take place in Tourmakeady on April 27 at 1pm. Walk jog or run through the beautiful Tourmakeady woods. This super event is enjoyed annually by many athletes and members of the local community. Lots of refreshments back in the community centre to refuel. Entry fees are €20 and U16s are free.
In the lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school which will be commencing May 17, - A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night. (Without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). For those who wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months. Anyone who is willing to support the school, contact via phone 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com before Wednesday, May 12.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, April 17, from 2-4pm. Why not pop along for social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to give you name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie. The Finney Church Easter Vigil will take place on April 19, at 6pm.
The Killawalla annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place from 11.30 to 12.30 on Easter Sunday, April 20. There will be Golden Eggs and goodie bags galore. The fees are €5 per child and €10 maximum per family. Strong support on the day is urged.
Pilates classes for beginner or intermediate, suitable for all ages is running every Tuesday in Killawalla Centre up to April 29. The events are taking place from 7 to 8pm and information is available from 087 3326077.
Partry Women’s Circle presents 'Back to Basics', a workshop with Mary Hiney Loftus. Mary has kept alive the wisdom of our ancestors and she will share holistic and organic approaches from bygone times to curing common ailments and injuries. Attendees are asked to come prepared with questions and a notebook. Teas and treats will be provided. The workshop will take place in the Mons Horan Centre in Partry on this Thursday, April 17, at 8pm. The modest fee is €5.
Divine Mercy Sunday for the Holy Souls in purgatory with Aidan Bond and the Holy Souls Crusade in St Marys Church, Partry, will commence at 2pm on April 27, with Mass, prayers, and adoration and blessing with 1st class relic of St Faustina.
Partry FC bonus number draws take place mid-week on Wednesday nights. Congrats to Tomas and Áine McHale who were recent winners on number 46.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Tommie Joe Hennelly, Tooreen, and Fergal Murphy who were recent €100 winners on number 19.
**************
The death has occurred of Noel Burke, Cloughboley, Manulla, Castlebar and formerly of Greeve, Breaffy, Castlebar. Noel passed away on April 7, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family. Pre-deceased by his parents Paul and Tess, brother Liam, sister-in-law Catherine, brother-in-law Eamonn and niece Aoife, he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary, children Brian, Naoise, Dierdre and Rìona, sisters Mary (Mongan) and Breege (Griffin), sons-in-law Denis (Gallagher) and Jon (Rodgers), daughter-in-law Sara (Armstrong), brother-in-law Michael (Mongan), grandchildren Ailbhe, Den, Joe and step-grandchild Alex, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Noel’s remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Wednesday, April 9, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to his residence. His remains were taken from his residence on Thursday morning at 10.45am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in St. Joseph’s Church, Keelogues, Ballyvary, Co. Mayo. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Keelogues Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €11,300. The jackpot stood at €11,200 on Sunday, April 6. The numbers drawn were 13, 14, 19 and 29 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Madeline Ralph, Mary Blowick, Belcarra Community Centre and Marie Reilly.
Kiddie’s handball classes will be starting shortly in Belcarra Sports Centre. The fun event will be held on Sundays. The classes are open to all, no experience needed. Come learn the game, have fun, and get active. If you have any questions, feel free to send Belcarra Handball Club a message on face book or whatsapp.
Belcarra Community Co-Operative Society Ltd Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), with the support of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is undertaking their Energy Master Plan with the aim to help the people of the community to: Understand energy usage in the area, create an action plan to help the community increase its energy efficiency and independence, reduce carbon emissions, and harness local energy generation opportunities.
The feedback from this survey will help form an understanding of home energy needs of the people within the community, providing an opportunity to input into the study and strategy. By submitting a response to this survey, participants will also be automatically entered into a draw to receive a free Building Energy Rating Certificate and Technical Energy Retrofit Assessment of your home worth €500.
All information gathered will be treated with strictest confidence and no identifying information will be included in the final report, to be launched in early 2026. Complete the survey ASAP. https://forms.gle/f8Js34HBSNmVa3gA8.
The Christian Community has welcomed Tommy Michael Flannery, Roslahan, Belcarra, who was baptised in St Anne's Church. Congratulations to his parents and family.
Breaffy GAA Club is hosting a table quiz in aid of Breaffy senior men's team in the clubhouse on this Friday, April 18, Good Friday night, at 8pm. The fee for tables of four is €40. There are excellent cash prizes and lots of spot prizes to be won. The bar will be open with refreshments and strong support from club supporters is anticipated.
Congrats to the Breaffy GAA lads that won the Mayo U15 Fustal Community Games competition recently held in Castlebar. After overcoming Burrishoole in the semi-final, they had a great battle in the final against Cong. The first half was a ding-dong battle with goals galore as Breaffy forged ahead 5-4 at the break. There was little between the sides in a tight second half as Breaffy won 6-5 after plenty of nervy moments near the end. They have now qualified for the Connacht Community Games competition to be held on April 26, in Tuam, Galway and best of luck to them at that event.
Congratulations to Breaffy Club man Davitt Neary who made his inter-county debut on Sunday week in the Connacht GAA Championship game vs Sligo. Congrats also to Aiden O'Shea, who was 'Man of the Match' in the championship opener.
There will be a Mayo Stoma Support Group meeting at The Ellison Hotel Castlebar at 7pm-9pm on April 24.
A one-day retreat to Lough Derg will take place on Monday, May, 5. The bus will be leaving St. Mary's Church Westport at 5.30am and pick up in Castlebar at the Fire Station at 5.45am. For bookings, contact the Presbytery, Westport on 09828871.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD announced on Friday, April 4, the opening of the 2025 CLÁR programme for applications. The budget for this year’s programme has increased to €11 million.
Under the initiative, funding will be provided across three measures: development of community facilities and amenities including sports facilities, youth clubs, teenage spaces, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more. Support for community transport such as cancer care support, community first responders, meals on wheels vehicles, or for persons with reduced mobility and tailored funding for our offshore island communities under the specific ‘Our Living Islands’ measure.
The level of funding for community facilities and amenities has increased from €50,000 to €65,000, with a new option this year for local authorities to apply for funding of up to €100,000 for 2 larger scale projects. Full details are available on the Department’s website: https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/.
********
The death occurred last week of Bernard Hughes, Ballinafad, Belcarra. Bernard passed away peacefully on April 8, in the care of family after a short illness. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Margaret, his brother John and Mattie, sisters Josie, Nonie, Agnes, Kathleen, Frances, Anne and Loretta, Bernard is deeply regretted by his nephews, nieces, relations, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed in the Balla Funeral Home on last Thursday evening from 5 until 7pm, followed by removal to The Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Bernard’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning at 11am followed by burial in Mayo Abbey Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, April 3, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €3,600. 12, 16, 27 and 35, were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Congrats also the lucky dip consolation prizewinners on the night Johnny Duffy (cash sale), Gerard Flanagan (online) and PJ Mullaney (standing order). The latest draw was held on Thursday, April 10, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €3,700.
Congratulations to Manulla FC U19 player Kate Guilfoyle who refereed her first match recently on a sunny evening in Manulla. It was an U11 girls league match between Manulla and Snugboro United. Kate has completed a FAIreland Referee beginner’s course in Milebush Park, Castlebar. It is wonderful to see young players getting involved in the officiating side of the game.
Both Manulla FC Academies (boys and girls) are starting up again this month. The boys begin on Thursday, April 24, from 6.30 to 7.30pm and the girls will get back on the pitch on Monday, April 28, at 6pm in Manulla FC.
There will be a Card game in Manulla Centre on Easter Sunday night commencing at 9pm. The proceeds are in aid of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
A full time office administrator is required for Balla CRD. Email applications to jobs@balla.ie.
Balla Christian Community have welcomed Senan Lavelle - Flanagan Kiltimagh, who was baptised recently in St Cronan’s Church, Balla Congratulations to his parents and family.
Balla Secondary School Environmental Studies class and Green Schools Committee took part in the Globe 2025 River Ecosystems Campaign, the aim of the campaign was to become more familiar with the River Rodney and examine how healthy the river is by recording pH, Nitrate and Phosphate levels and temperature. Congrats to the students who showed a keen interest in the activity.
************
Congratulations to all the children from the Carra Community Games area who received their medals from Sr Maureen Lally, adjudicator, at the community hall last week. In summing up Sr Maureen praised the quality and innovative qualities of the entries in the three areas - art, handwriting and model making and she encouraged all the children to continue with their hobbies. More information is available from Berni at 087 2721574. There is also information to be had on the Carra Community Games Facebook page.
The Chess Club which was set up recently is proving to be a great success. It meets every Friday evening from 6-7 and everybody is welcome. Thank you to all the parents and coaches who give of their time each week.
The plans are well ahead for the Community Futures Day on Sunday, April 27, from 2-5pm. Everybody in the area is invited to come and avail of the opportunity to vote for the different ideas which have come from the Community Surveys, to meet neighbours and enjoy a cup of tea.
The Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail which is from Aughagower to Murrisk will take place on Sunday, May 10, and all profits from the day will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Bus transport will be available from Murrisk back to Aughagower on the Sunday morning where there will be tea/ coffee and scones for all the walkers and helpers. Refreshments will be served at Brackloon School and there will be a celebratory barbecue at Campbell’s of Murrisk to round off what promises to be a very enjoyable day. The walk will commence at 9.30. Register at croaghpatrickheritagetrail@eventbrite.ie.
