Local Notes: Ballintubber bids farewell to Fr Frank
The remains of Fr Frank Fahey are carried shoulder high to his final resting place in the grounds of his beloved Ballintubber Abbey. Picture: Tom Quinn
On Monday, July 20th, the people of the parish and Ballintubber community gathered to bid a heartfelt farewell to the treasured and dearly loved priest, Fr Frank Fahey.
It was a beautiful and prayerful Funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Michael Farragher, P.P., concelebrated with Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop Fintan O’Connor and Archbishop Emeritus Michael Neary, Deacon James McLoughlin and in excess of thirty priests from the Diocese of Tuam and across the county and country. Fr Farragher’s homily on the unselfish and remarkable life of Fr Frank was especially noteworthy and appreciated.
The liturgy was made especially moving too by Fr Frank’s cherished Ballintubber Abbey Choir, whose heartfelt singing included an emotional rendition of his favourite hymn, .
Following the Funeral Mass, Fr Frank was laid to rest in Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery, where he now rests among the place and people he loved so dearly.
The next Ballyglass Market will take place on August 22nd from 11am to 2pm in the Community Centre.
As the market falls during Heritage Week, there will be a display of old photos in the centre for people to browse through. Stalls will include Joe Kelly vegetables, Bernie Reilly’s beautiful hand knitted items and handmade soaps.
There will be a new coffee truck and of course the ice cream van. There will also be a community shop selling sausage rolls, greetings cards, honey, eggs, sourdough loaves and sweets. Come along for a fun community day for all ages.
All are very welcome.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, July 20th, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 7, 19, 21 and 29. Nobody matched three numbers.
The consolation prize-winners were Marie O’Toole, Emma Staunton, Lisa Noonan, Jennifer Golden and Maureen Burke.
The weekend draw had a jackpot of €18,600 up for grabs. You can play online or purchase a ticket from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
Ballyglass clean-up group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the Community Centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes and other tools.
A new project that will document and preserve local knowledge, memories and traditions relating to Mayo's Cillíní has been launched.
The project welcomes information relating to the location, history, folklore and community understanding of cillíní sites throughout Mayo. Researchers would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
You can contact the Mayo Heritage Office on 094-9064092 or 094-9064619 or by email at heritage@mayococo.ie, or contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 087-9160730 or by email at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,200 on Monday night, July 20th, when the numbers drawn were 4, 7, 25 and 27.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Teresa Connolly, Andrew Martin, Eileen Togher, Patricia Gallagher, Maureen Grehan and Michael O’Toole.
The jackpot stood at €7,300 in the most recent draw.
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool will be providing childcare for children from two years and eight months up to five years of age. Opening this September, it is an ECCE preschool service, children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play-based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning.
To express interest, please contact Siofra at 087-2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
Congratulations are extended to Roisin Hughes on opening her new Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy practice in Claremorris.
Carnacon community would like to take this opportunity to wish Roisin the very best of luck with this exciting new venture. It’s a fantastic achievement.
The Tóchar Phádraig is back for another summer of pilgrimage, reflection and adventure. The route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick offers a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of generations who have walked this sacred way for over 1,500 years.
Whether you come for faith, quiet reflection or the challenge itself, the Tóchar is an experience you'll never forget. The next guided walk will take place on August 29th. Places are still available, so secure yours today.
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PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark management are extending the call for expressions of interest for a comprehensive training programme to support new business development in the Geopark's communities. The training (still subject to funding approval – it’s very close to confirmation) is planned for 10 two-hour sessions, starting September, continuing through autumn 2026.
It can include new ideas for start-ups that are broadly related to tourism, and also expansion/broadening of existing tourism businesses and will operate in the Geopark area. The deadline for new submissions is Friday, August 21st. Note: submissions already received earlier this year are still valid unless the proposer is no longer available for the training. Please circulate the information among community groups etc.
Applicants should email the completed form to info@jcwlgeopark.ie by 5pm Friday 21st August. Requests for clarification prior to the deadline can be to this same email address.
The Geopark management are looking forward to positive responses to this fabulous, fully-funded opportunity.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, July 18th, stood at €20,000.
The numbers drawn were 2, 3, 6 and 30 and there was no jackpot winner. Breege Gibbons was the online consolation prize-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. You can play online at www.smartlotto.ie.
Congratulations to Tourmakeady CLG team who have been crowned Division 5 champions after holding off a remarkable Islandeady fightback to clinch the league title on a scoreline of 4-15 to 1-22.
Congrats also to the Girls Under 14 Championship Cup Final Division 3 winning team who beat Burrishoole on a scoreline of 4-8 to 407.
This year’s annual Cemetery Mass in Churchfield Cemetery will take place on next Friday, July 31, at 7.30pm.
The annual Cemetery Mass in Tourmakeady will take place on Sunday, August 2nd, at 11.30am.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is now seeking expressions of interest from Gaeltacht-based businesses interested in taking a stand at Showcase 2027.
This is a competitive process. Closing date for expressions of interest is 4pm on Friday, July 31st. Email eolas@udaras.ie with the subject line 'Showcase'.
Showcase is one of the industry's largest international trade fairs where designers and craft makers provide a choice of contemporary and heritage collections, offering innovation, quality, sustainability and a distinctive point of difference to retail buyers from across the globe. Showcase will be taking place in the RDS, Dublin from January 17th to 19th.
This year’s Ceol na Locha Festival will take place from August 10th to 14th. Each year this event goes from strength to strength attracting many students, participants and visitors to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh.
Tourmakeady National School Lotto Ball draws takes place on Saturdays. A prize of €100 is awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night (without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2).
A recent winner was Eileen Ni Barker on ball 25.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, please contact the school via phone 094-9544088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
Stephen Donoghue will have an Honesty Box at his home in Gortmore in lieu of honey, vegetables, flowering plants, and fruit from time to time. All proceeds from the sale of the above items will be donated to Mary’s Meals Charity.
Tourmakeady Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am at Tourmakeady woods. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council fortnightly draws are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120.
Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s in Ballintubber and from Community Council members.
Congratulations to Caroline McGing on being the latest jackpot winner - she claimed €391.
In Partry Community Centre, Bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30pm. Guitar Classes are on every Tuesday at 5pm and Irish Dancing classes on Thursday evening while the Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday.
The Community Centre is available for meetings or activities. Bookings can be made through any member of the Community Council. Event organisers and providers are required to have their own insurance.
There is defibrillator at the back of the Community Centre.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. The draws finance the ongoing activities of Partry AFC, such an energetic part of the sporting community.
Partry Residents' Draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Memberships of the draw are available from 087-2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure.
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BREAFFY/ BALLYHEANE/ BELCARRA
The Castle Café on Main Street, Castlebar was the venue last week for a very special book launch celebrating one of Ireland's most beloved summer visitors!
Chris and Lynda Huxley were present in The Castle Bookshop for the launch of their beautiful new book, 'Living with Swallows'.
Based in Co Mayo, Chris and Lynda have devoted years to studying and protecting swallows and other migratory birds. In 'Living with Swallows', they share the remarkable story of the thriving swallow colony they have encouraged at their home, alongside fascinating insights into these extraordinary birds' behaviour, ecology, and the unique relationship they have with people.
Chris and Lynda also showed videos of the incredible birds, which made this a wonderful event for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the wildlife that shares our world. Beautifully illustrated with Lynda's stunning photography, artwork by Deirdre Walsh, and a cover featuring a painting by Lynda's late mother, Freda, this is a book to treasure.
Belcarra Annual Sports Day will take place on August 9th. There will also be a townlands' tug-of-war competition.
All areas are requested to start training and get your teams ready! Will your townland take home the prize
As always a fun-filled programme is being devised and the sports day will have something for everyone.
The western regional conference 'The Great Western Lakes' was held recently in Belcarra Centre in collaboration with Lough Carra (LCCA).
The event was widely attended by community groups, catchment associations, catchment forums, state bodies and individuals with the common goal of protecting and promoting our catchments through community participation and collaboration.
LCCA kindly hosted the event in Belcarra and then brought the group to a farm which is situated in the shores of Lough Carra, part of the Lough Carra LIFE project, with the long-term goal of promoting best land use practice to protect the precious gem that is Lough Carra.
Jennifer Cunningham, Corrib Beo, said: "One of the strongest messages I took away from the day was the enthusiasm among participants to collaborate more closely across the western lakes and catchments. There seemed to be a genuine appetite for regular networking opportunities and perhaps, in time, a more coordinated western forum where groups can share experiences, collaborate on projects and amplify their collective voice."
Many thanks to all the speakers for their generosity in time, enthusiasm and commitment and to the many attendees for engaging so passionately on shared goals.
Belcarra Junior Tidy Towns group enjoyed a fantastic biodiversity walk with Michael Kingston and Rebecca. The young nature explorers discovered that we all need to be Big Friendly Giants (BFGs) for the creatures we share our world with.
They learned: Why ragwort is so important for the striking cinnabar moth (“Kilkenny moth”!). Why every garden should have a patch of nettles to provide food for butterflies and why it’s so important to protect Ireland’s 102 native bee species and help ensure they don’t disappear.
We are incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful riverside walk right on our doorstep, bursting with native plants, wildlife, and biodiversity. It’s the perfect outdoor classroom, helping our children discover just how important these habitats are and why we all have a role to play in protecting them.
A huge thank you to Michael and Rebecca for sharing their knowledge and inspiring our young biodiversity champions!
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw, the numbers drawn on Sunday, July 19th, were 19, 28, 30 and 31.
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Marie Reilly, Adrian Ward, L Morrin and Therese O'Malley.
The weekend jackpot stood at €7,500 on last Sunday night, July 26th. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies and also online at Clubforce.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Breaffy GAA Lotto draw on July 21st when the numbers drawn were 17, 20, 23 and bonus number 1. There was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners this week.
The jackpot stands at €21,600 on July 28th this Tuesday night. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
Beginners Irish Dancing classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be continuing throughout the summer months!
Bookings are now being taken for the sessions. All welcome - ages 4+ every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm with a fee of €10 per class. Classes for competition, grade exams, displays shows, fitness and fun.
Please call Molly Hughes at 087-6562094 for details.
Ballyheane bingo session takes place every Wednesday at 8.30pm in the community centre. All welcome. Raffle on the night and refreshments served.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs on a monthly basis on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a Chair Yoga session. All will be made welcome. Please contact Marie on 087-170 8706 for further details.
The summer season of Mayo County Council's photography competition is open until July 31st.
Share your best seasonal shots for a chance to be featured in the 'Mayo Moments' 2027 calendar.
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BALLA/MANULLA
The death has taken place of Patricia Gibbons (nee Duddy) Carrowgarve, Claremorris Road, Balla.
Patricia passed away peacefully at the Mayo Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. She is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by her husband Brendan, daughter Emer, sons Trevor, Des, and Niall, son-in-law Gerard, daughters-in-law Leanne, and Thyna, brothers John, Frank, Gerry and James, sister Marion, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relations, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at the Balla Funeral Home with removal to St Cronan’s Church, Balla. The Funeral Mass for Patricia took place on Monday at 2pm, with burial ceremonies afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
Calling all local makers, growers, bakers, creators and small businesses.
Balla Summer Market is back on Saturday, August 15th, running from 11am to 3pm.
Whether you create handmade crafts, grow seasonal produce, bake delicious treats, make pantry favourites, grow flowers and plants, or create goodies for our furry friends, the organisers would love to welcome you.
Last year's market was a wonderful celebration of community and supporting local crafts and business. To book a stall, contact Balla Community Resources Development on 087-185 0860.
Exciting things are in the works for this year's Balla Summer Festival which runs from August 13th to 16th. The organising committee need your help to make them happen.
Persons who would be willing to volunteer to assist please get in touch by sending a message on 087-1850860.
From Irish dancing, sewing, gardening and drama classes to dance workshops, church services, meetings, and of course the Sunday Night Bingo, Balla Community Centre continues to be a place where people come together to connect, learn, and have fun.
Whether you're joining a regular group or thinking about trying something new, the centre would love to welcome you. Check out the weekly schedule and see what's happening! If you'd like more information about any of the activities or are interested in hiring a room for your own event or class, get in touch at 094-9365846 or info@balla.ie.
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Thursday, July 16th in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €10,200.
The numbers drawn were 2, 21, 23 and 35 and there was no jackpot winner.
The €30 consolation prize winners were Georgina Murphy (online), Michael Colgan (online) and Seamus Conwell (cash sale).
The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 23rd, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €10,300. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA Club.
Balla GAA and LGFA Fundraising Bingo has officially launched!
This exciting fundraiser is on Wednesday, August 12th, and funds raised will help kit out all the underage football teams, ensuring Balla young players have the equipment and support they need to enjoy their football journey.
Every book purchased makes a huge difference and helps to continue to develop and support the next generation of Balla players.
Get your Bingo book today and be part of something special in the community! Books are available now at www.willwego.com.
On Saturday, August 14th, Balla GAA will be celebrating its 140th birthday. It promises to be a gala occasion with quality entertainment guaranteed.
Why not join a welcoming circle of women of all ages for an evening of connection, reflection, and support in a safe and nurturing space featuring guided meditation, journal prompts, herbal tea, oracle cards, and optional sharing.
Whether you're looking to relax, meet like-minded women, or simply enjoy a peaceful evening, you'll be made very welcome.
The Women's Circle meets every two weeks, and new members are always welcome.
Whether you're looking to meet new people, enjoy meaningful conversations, or simply take some time for yourself, they'd love to see you there. To book or find out more, contact Linda on 086-3936174.
The Parish Cemetery Masses schedule is as follows: Drum is on Monday, August 10th; Guesdian, Tuesday, August 11th; Elm Hall, Wednesday, August 12th and Balla, Thursday, August 13th. Masses will be at 7.30 on each evening, weather permitting.
Balla Community Centre Committee are looking into the possibility of creating a Community Walking Group - a friendly and welcoming group where people can get active, enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and support their health and wellbeing.
Before the next step the group want to hear from you! Would you be interested in joining?
Whether you're an experienced walker or just looking to get out for some fresh air and good company, Balla Centre personnel would love to hear your thoughts. Please see the Facebook page or send a private message. Your feedback will help decide if there's enough interest to get this initiative off the ground.
Balla sensory room is designed to provide a calm, relaxing, and engaging environment that can support relaxation and stress relief, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, dementia care and memory support, a quiet family time and wellness and mindfulness.
Sensory rooms are now being widely used to support people living with dementia, helping to create comfort, reduce agitation, and encourage meaningful engagement through lights, sounds, textures, and calming experiences.
Balla sensory room welcomes everyone. Bookings are available now at the Inclusive Hub, Balla at 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Take a book or leave a book and enjoy reading great novels and stories. Just drop into Balla Community Centre and see the range of books available. It’s a free service and is open to all in the community.
Manulla FC Lotto stood at €7,000 on last Sunday, July 26th, for the weekly draw. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the community.
Those people over 65 wishing to have Seniors Alert Alarms should contact Balla Centre to make arrangements to obtain same.
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team.
They are seeking a volunteer to assist with bingo sessions for approximately two hours once every six weeks. It’s a great way to meet new people, have a bit of fun.
No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today at 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Sewing classes take place in Balla Centre on Mondays from 10am until 1pm. Please contact Josie on 085-1401229 for further details.
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ERREW/CLOGHER
The Clogher community would like to send a special word of thanks to the Pride of Place committee, the Community Employment scheme staff, the volunteers, local residents and community groups, all of whom put in trojan work in the run up to the judging day.
On the day, Finian Bourke, chair of the committee, welcomed the judges John Grace and Brendan McGrath, David Mellett, Director of Services Mayo Co Council and Eileen O’Connor, Pride of Place Liaison Officer at Mayo Co Council as well as the cathaoirleach of the Castlebar Municipal District Cllr Ger Deere, councillors Al McDonnell, Blackie Gavin and Michael Kilcoyne, Thomas Fitzpatrick of South West Mayo Leader Company; Martin Dillane, walks recreational officer, and John Cannon and Sr Maureen Lally of the Mayo Community Futures as well as a large group of local people.
Traditional Irish music welcomed everybody to the hall provided by young local musicians. Finian gave a fantastic power point presentation representing the past, present and the future for Clogher.
The judges then examined the exhibition tables. Included were tables representing the Clogher 500 Club, Sports and Recreation, The Lough Carra Catchment Area, Active Age, local history, the card game, chess and board games, the Community Employment Scheme, the Clogher Environmental Group and the local school.
Afterwards, the judges were taken on a bus trip to areas of local interest including Clogher House, the Ballintubber Pitch, the Heritage Complex, the Sandmartin Wall, Drum Graveyard, Doonamona Castle, Tobarmacduagh, and back to the Community Hall.
The beautiful weather added greatly to the atmosphere and ambience of the day. Everywhere looked its best thanks to all the hard work of scheme members, volunteers and local organisations. We await the results which will come out in October.
The winners of the card game in Clogher on July 17th were: 1st, Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn; 2nd, Michael Giblin and Gus Sweeney shared with Breege Blake and Eileen Donnelly; 3rd, Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett shared with Joe Thomas and Gay Conway.
The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night.
The Clogher and Errew communities offer sincere sympathy to the family and friends, his fellow priests and the Ballintubber community on the sad passing of Fr Frank Fahey.
May he rest in peace.
Drum Cemetery Mass for 2026 takes place this year on Monday, August 10th, at 7.30pm weather permitting. A large turnout in memory of the deceased of the region is anticipated.
The committee would like to thank all their patrons for their continued support during the past year. There is still one more draw left in this year's draw at the end of July, after which there will be the opportunity to renew for the following year.
A beginners course in Irish Sign Language will run in Clogher Community Centre, commencing on this Tuesday, July 28th. The six-week course will run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm weekly. The course is partly funded by MSELTB. Please call Fiona on 087-9440899 for details.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for July and August at 7pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99).
There are three different lengths of walk to enjoy along the quiet bog roads. Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
For health and safety, sturdy walking shoes and hi-viz jackets are recommended. The Heritage Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4pm.
Errew Ladies Group meets up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities on Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm.
