Local Notes: Ballintubber are West Mayo U16A championship winners.
The victorious Ballintubber U16 team who defeated Westport 2-16 to 3-12 in the West Mayo U16A Championship. Picture by Tom Quinn.
It was a good week on the playing fields for Ballintubber Club. Pride of Place goes to the U16 “A” team who won the West Mayo U16 title beating rivals Westport after a titanic battle on the scorline 2-16 to 3-12. Amazingly Westport was 10pts up in the 1st minute of the second half with the scorline 3-10 to 1-6. However the Westport keeper was black carded for what appeared an intentional pull down and thereafter Ballintubber were a changed side. They stormed into the game hitting 1-6 without reply. Thereafter they continued to press and in a swelter of excitement they held on for a gallant 1point victory on the scorline 2-16 to 3-12. One thing can be said with certainty, both these clubs possess fine players at this level and there are certain to be some great duels between them in the years ahead.
In Division 1B of the senior league played on the Saturday evening Ballintubber had a comprehensive victory over Burrishoole. Though the Newport side started well, Ballintubber settled fast and played some scintillating football in the course of the hour. This ensured they will be playing in the top flight of league football in 2026. Ballintubber can rest assured however those East Mayo kingpins, Charlestown will provide a far more stern challenge at the commencement of the senior championship on August 9.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on Monday, July 14. The numbers drawn from the drum were 4, 8, 13 and 19. Niall Sheridan and MT Loftus both had 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Niall Sheridan, MT Loftus, Colin Derrig, Declan Donovan and Ivan Carroll. The latest draw was on the July 21, with a jackpot of €13,300 up for grabs.
The following were the winners of the weekly card game held on Monday, July 14: 1st Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings, 2nd Denny McDonagh and Francie Conway, 3rd Tomas Solan and Peter Glynn; Willie Davoren and Michael Loftus. The best of last 10 winners were Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin and the raffle prizes went to Chris Turner and Pat Griffith.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Pat Warde and his extended family on the sad death of his sister Natasha, Claremorris. Condolences are also tendered to Mary Prendergast and the Biggins and Prendergast families on the death of Mary’s brother, Gerry Biggins. May they rest in peace.
Join Emma in Ballyglass Community Centre for her next Yin Yoga and Breathwork Class on this Tuesday evening, July 22, from 7.30 to 9pm and it costs €20. This will be a slow and gentle practice, moving through poses and holding them, finding stillness and practicing some breathwork. Release tension, increase flexibility, calm the body and mind and improve sleep. Mats are provided but bring a blanket and a bottle of water and turn off your phone for an hour and a half of time for you. Spaces are limited so contact Emma on 087 9973357 to book.
Ballyglass Community Childcare Centre is recruiting a full-time manager and full time/part time Early Years educators. If you are interested in applying for any of those roles email ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com for further information.
Ballyglass Community Council host a presentation on the meaning of Ballyglass Townlands and Historical Features in the area, together with the unveiling of a wall hanging showing all those townlands and physical features, in Ballyglass Community Centre on August 21, at 7pm. This event takes place during National Heritage Week. There is no admission charge and all are welcome.
If you would like to be part of the group of volunteers who keep Ballyglass village looking its best, contact Breege on 087 6292164 to get your name added to the group. There is nothing too strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week. Many hands make light work, please turn out and help.
The next Ballyglass Market will be held on Saturday, August 23 in Ballyglass Community Centre. Save the date and net a bargain.
The Mayo environmental group, the Lough Carra Catchment Association, has expanded its series of informative guides exploring the many aspects of Lough Carra’s unique environment. Among the latest additions is their recently released guide on water quality in Lough Carra. Presented in a clear and easy to access format, this publication explains what is affecting Lough Carra’s water quality, why it matters, and the ongoing work being done to protect and improve it. The guide outlines how, as recently as the 1970s, Lough Carra’s waters were still in a naturally low-nutrient state, its waters crystal clear.
This booklet is essential reading for anyone who wants to see the lake thrive again, because it makes the science accessible and actionable for all. Accompanying the booklet is an updated map of the Lough Carra ‘Surface Water’ Catchment. These materials are part of the LCCA’s ongoing awareness-raising programme and are designed to help readers appreciate not only how much Lough Carra has to offer, but also the urgent need to halt the lake’s decline. They are available free of charge at their public meetings and events, as well as for download from their website. For more information and to access the full range of free publications, visit www.loughcarra.org or email info@loughcarra.org.
Growing Minds Preschool is based in Carnacon village, Co Mayo (F12 NY38). They are now taking enrolments for ECCE September 2025 and the Session times are: Monday to Friday, 9.15am – 12.15pm This is a play-based learning curriculum, highly qualified and experienced staff, bright and engaging indoor and outdoor play areas, with a safe and nurturing environment. To enrol, or to arrange a visit, contact Claire Chapman on 085 705 2271 or email growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €11,000 on Sunday, July 13. The numbers drawn were 18, 20, 30 and 33. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Una Loughran, Rita Staunton, Dan Loftus, Frank Walsh, Shauna Walsh and Gerry Walshe. The jackpot stood at €11,100 on last Sunday night, July 20.
The Christian Community in the parish welcomes its newest member Croía Ann Coyne, baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, July 12. Congratulations to her parents and family.
Tóchar Phádraig is a sacred pilgrim route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick, following the ancient chariot road travelled by St. Patrick himself. Step onto a path walked for over 1,500 years. Guided walks bring you through stunning landscapes, fairy hills, and places steeped in legend and story. There is still time to book for the Tochar Walk on Reek Saturday, July 26. Join the group for one of the most special pilgrimages of the year as they journey the full 35km Tochar Phádraig route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick. The distance is 35k from the start point: Ballintubber Abbey to the end point: Croagh Patrick.
Check-in from 8.15am at the Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre. This is a unique spiritual and physical challenge, walking the ancient pilgrim path as generations have done before you. Snacks, water top-ups, back up support driver, and a strong sense of community prevalent. Book your walk online at: https://www.ballintubberabbey.ie/tochar-walks/.
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Beidh Céilí Mór le Matt Cunningham ar siúl san Halla ar an Satharn, July 26. Admission will be from 9.30. Tea and refreshments served and a great nights céilí dancing is assured.
The annual Ceol na Locha festival in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh will run this year from Monday, August 11 until Friday, August 15. Traditional music classes will run each day from 10am to 2pm with top tutors. Night time will see a vast array of entertainment, with traditional sessions and ceile’s in local venues around Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Details and bookings for all classes are available from 094 9544295.
St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady, was the scenic setting on a recent Friday for the wedding of Ailbhe McConnell, daughter of Brian and Maudy McConnell, Carheen, Tourmakeady and Shane Staunton, son of Martin and Maureen Staunton, Ballybannon, Tourmakeady. After a most moving and colourful ceremony conducted by Fr Jarlath Heraty the newlywed couple hosted a gala reception for their families and friends in Mulranny Park Hotel. The couple are wished heath, happiness and great joy in their married lives.
Róisin Seoighe Irish Language Officer for Dhúiche Sheoigheach and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh has organised Irish classes on Wednesday mornings with beginners running from 11am to 12 and intermediate class from 12 to 1pm. The next class is on Wednesday, July 23. Persons who are interested can contact Róisin on 087 3970227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The annual Cemetery Mass at Churchfield will be on Friday, August 1, from 7.30pm and Tourmakeady will take place on Sunday, August 3, at 11.30am with Kilkeeran (Partry) on Monday, August 4, at 6pm. Grateful thanks have been extended to the Rural Social Scheme participants for the upkeep and maintenance of both graveyards and for having them always looking so pristine.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, July 19, stood at €18,100. 4, 7, 11 and 23 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
Tuar Mhic Eadaigh Social Club is on summer break from last week. Club members will come together again in September.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to give your name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
The winner of the Tourmakeady NS bonus ball No 5 was Siobhan and Brian Masterson and more recently the winner of the Tourmakeady NS bonus ball No 37 was Noel and Sophie Uí Choileain.
A poultry sale takes place at McEvilly’s Pub, Killawalla, on the second Sunday of each month. Contact Joe on 086 1520460 or Johnny on 087 2233245 for details.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Vincent Horan, Ballygarry, Partry on the recent passing of his sister, Mary Smith, who passed away in England. May she rest in peace.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association July meeting will be held in Partry Centre on this Tuesday night, July 22, at 8pm. The guest speaker is Brendan Dunford, Burren Beo Trust and Burren Life Project. "BurrenLIFE and beyond". There will be updates on LCCA recent activities and on the Lough Carra Life Project given on the night.
The annual Partry AFC Summer Camp will run from August 4 to August 8. The event will take place daily from 10am to 1pm. Book now at https://BookingsFAifootballcamps.ie. The fees are €75 for the 1st child and €65 for all remaining siblings. For further details call Brendan Garry on 087 9957761 or Austin O’ Neill on 086 3095543.
Partry Residents Association draw take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to James Reynolds, Partry and John Ruane, Ballinrobe who were recent winners with their lucky number 10. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, July 19.
The Dementia cafe continues on the 1st Tuesday of every month, at the Tacu Resource Centre, Ballinrobe from 11am to 12.30. The guest speaker on August 5, is from Family Carers Ireland and who provide essential supports and services including information and advocacy on rights and entitlements for family carers. All are welcome and refreshments supplied. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
Want to learn how to capture oral history stories? Oral History Network Ireland's training programme will start in mid-September. Find out more and explore OHNI membership by contacting info@oralhistorynetworkireland.ie or visit www.oralhistorynetworkireland.ie.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra
Belcarra community are calling all athletes and sports enthusiasts, young and old, to a fun sports day at Belcarra Recreational Park. The date for the Gala Sports Day is August 10. Save the date and come along to a fulfilled day for all the family. A wide range of activities will be happening. The rescheduled 8k fun run will also take place on Sunday, August 10, at 11am, before the sports day commences that afternoon.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €12,700. The jackpot stood at €12,600 on Sunday, June 13, when the numbers drawn were 4, 17, 19 and 29 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Michael Rooney, Ray Ralph, Kathy O'Toole and Shay Biggins.
The annual Townland v Townland tug of war competition will take place at the Belcarra Sports Day in August.Townlands are urged to get your teams ready for the big battle: Men’s and Ladies competition with teams of 8 - 6 pullers and 1 sub and 1 coach. The pride of your townland is at stake - no pressure. Let the training commence.
The Rivers Trust has recently launched an important All-Ireland campaign focused on sustainable water use and building long-term water resilience. Over the next few months, they will be sharing their simple, practical tips to help improve water quality in your home, garden, or farm. The first message is clear - water is precious, let’s use it wisely.
Belcarra Afterschool CLG are looking for a childcare professional. Fetac Level 5 preferred. Applicants are requested to apply to afterschoolbelcarra@gmail.com before July 25.
The next Belcarra card game will be Monday, August 4. Thanks are extended to all who support the monthly card game.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for July 15 had the numbers 16, 19, 29 and bonus number 9 drawn and there was no jackpot and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at €16,300 today, Tuesday, July 22.
The annual general meeting of Ballyheane Foróige will be held on Friday, September 5, at 8.30pm in Ballyheane Community Centre. Membership is open to young people in secondary schools. The club is supervised and parents and guardians of club members are encouraged to volunteer as club leaders. For further information call Serena on 087 6692462.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Community Centre will be the venue for a ceile on Saturday night, August 9. Music for the occasion will be by Michael Sexton and his band. Admission is €12.
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The Rural Social Scheme are now recruiting in South and West Mayo. The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) continues to be a vital part of community and voluntary life supporting local services while offering meaningful placements to eligible participants. See: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-social-protection/services/rural-social-scheme/.
There are currently a range of placement opportunities available for those who qualify under the scheme guidelines. If you are interested in environmental work, heritage projects, or supporting local voluntary groups, there’s a role for you where you can make a real difference.
If you are interested or know someone who might be make contact to 094 936 6692, email info@southmayo.com or visit .www.southmayo.com.
The death occurred last week of Agnes McKenna nee Reilly, Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, formerly of Balla and Bofeenaun. Agnes passed away on July 11, peacefully at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Leo, parents Catherine and Michael Reilly, brothers Tom and Joe and sister Rosaleen, she is deeply regretted by her family, Padraic (Maura), Deirdre (Jim), Fiacra, Dympna ( David), her grandchildren Stephen, Ciarán, Jack, Oonagh, Leo, Oísín, Conor, Fionn, Roísín, Fiacra, Niamh and Lorcan and great grandchildren Rián, Finnbar, Clara, Sonnai and Líla, her siblings Martina, Margaret, Kathleen, Josephine, Patricia and Irene, sisters-in-law Josie and Cecila, brother-in-law Joe, many nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at her residence on Sunday, July 13, from 4pm until 7pm with removal from her residence taking place on Monday at 2.15pm for Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Bofeenaun at 3pm. Agnes was laid to rest afterwards in Bofeenaun Cemetery.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, July 10, in The Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €5,000. 4, 7, 12 and 24 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Tom Clarke (cash sale), Jim McNicholas (online) and Finn Lyons (online). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 17, when the jackpot stood at €5,100. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla GAA in conjunction with Mayo GAA is participating in the Cairde Mhaigh Eo Club Development Draw. There are six draws in total with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €200 with a total prize fund of €97,000. Tickets cost €100 with €90 of this retained by our club once we sell our quota. You can buy your tickets from Club officers or from the link below https://mayogaa.com/cairde-mhaigh-eo-draw-2025-entry-form/ Select Club = Balla GAA.
Congratulations to Grace Mulroy, who made her debut for Mayo FC U17s on a recent Saturday. Grace had a fantastic game in their 3-1 win over Sligo Rovers FC. Not only a fantastic achievement for Grace to make her debut, but to do this and also be awarded Player of the Match is unbelievable and shows her immense talent.
Congrats also to Phillip Griffith who was part of the U13 Claremorris Athletic Club team that won the national silver 4 x 100m relay.
Phillip is part of Manulla FC 2013 boys’ soccer team. What a phenomenal achievement for him and his team.
Irish International Emily Murphy is supporting Manulla FC girls all the way to her club city Newcastle. Best wishes to the girls and the management who head off the last weekend in July to play in the Trans World Soccer tournament in Newcastle United. Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €1,800 for last Sunday nights draws.
The Balla Colour Fun Run organised by Balla Community Centre, will take place on August 17, at 12 noon. Take advantage of the Early Bird prices before they sell out.
Balla Community Centre is also very excited to announce Balla Teenage Disco will be held on Friday, August 15, as part of the summer festival. Tickets are now live on Eventbrite.
Applications for the monitored personal alarm are available at Balla Community Centre for eligible people aged 65 or over. Contact Balla CRD at info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further information.
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Congratulations to former Errew NS pupil, Irene Wallace née Hoban for her World Bronze title at the recent FIMBA World Maxi Basketball Championships held recently in Pacino, Switzerland. Irene plays senior basketball for Tullamore Basketball Club and is also involved in underage coaching.
As point guard for the female over 40’s side she played a key role in the success of this Irish team competing at the highest level.
The ladies were defeated in the semi-final to eventual winners Italy but secured the bronze medal by claiming victory against Mexico.
Clogher Summers Walks continue every Tuesday evening at Clogher Heritage Complex at 7pm and every Thursday morning at 10am at Clogher Community Centre. There is a choice of distances at both venues and refreshments and a chat afterwards. Everyone is welcome to participate. These walks are along country roads so wear hi-viz jackets for safety. Refreshments are available after each walk.
The results of the card game for Friday, July 11, were 1st Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, 2nd Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran, 3rd Gay Conway and Joe Thomas. The last 10 winners were Mary McDonagh and Gay Conway. The progressive 25 game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Clogher Heritage Complex is open to the public five days a week from 10am-4pm. If the cottage is not open ring 094 9360891 for assistance. The Heritage Complex is also the starting point of the weekly Tuesday evening walks which commence at 7pm.
A supervisor is required for a Community Employment (CE), Clogher Environmental Group Scheme. The works location is Clogher, Claremorris, County Mayo F12 EK24 and the start date is late August/early September. Interested persons are asked to forward a current CV and cover letter to clogherenvigroup@gmail.com or telephone 094 93 60891.
