Local Notes: Ballintubber community celebrate inclusion in the Joyce Country and Western Lakes UNESCO Global Geopark.
There was ceol, craic agus bia present when the Ballintubber Community came together to celebrate the announcement of their inclusion in the Joyce Country and Western lakes UNESCO Global Geopark for the next four years. Picture by Tom Quinn.
Ballintubber Abbey has received confirmation that the contract for the new Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre is about to be officially awarded, with construction set to begin very soon. This marks the next chapter in the Abbey’s remarkable 800-year story. The development will transform the derelict east wing into a state-of-the-art, three-storey Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre, supported by an investment of €6.4 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This achievement is as a result of 17 years of dedication and perseverance by Fr Frank Fahey, Fr Farragher, and the Ballintubber Abbey Trust, whose vision and commitment have brought the project to this point. Sincere thanks have been extended to Minister Dara Calleary and Minister Alan Dillon for their continued support and leadership, as well as to former Minister Michael Ring for his longstanding backing of this project. Ballintubber Abbey trust is also deeply grateful to the local councillors and elected representatives who have supported this development throughout the years.
Ballintubber Abbey Trust also wishes to acknowledge and thank the Capital Delivery Team at Mayo County Council and the architects Howley Hayes Cooney, for their work and commitment in bringing this project to this important stage.
This project has been a long-held hope for the parish community, and it is great to see those hopes and prayers becoming a reality. The next chapter of the historic Abbey is about to begin.
The 13th International George Moore Conference was held in the Mayo Campus of the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar running from May 5 to May 7. “George Moore Landscape and Memory” was the title of the three-day event which featured talks on the literary legacy of George Moore with references also to the Moore family. Many International Visitors, academics and historians attended. There were panel discussions, talks, poetry, music, a conference dinner and drama performances. The large group also visited Moorehall, Kiltoom and Lough Carra burial place of George the Novelist. The highly successful three-day event was organised by ATU history lecturer, Dr Fiona White and the event committee.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €6,200 on Sunday night, May 10. 3, 20, 21 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizewinners were Nora Conroy, Ann Cannon, Leanne Halpin, Stephen O'Malley, Mary Hallinan and Beatrice Casey. The lotto jackpot stood at €6, 300 last Sunday night, May 17.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, May 11, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 10, 16, 20 and 27. Niall Sheridan and Sarah McS each matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Enda Keane, Marc Brennan and Ivan Carroll. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €17,600 up for grabs.â¯
Sincere thanks to all who took part in last Saturday’s Darkness into Light 5km walk from Ballyglass Community Centre. There was a great turn out this year, with over €2,000 raised for Pieta House. Young and old showed up in the early hours of the morning to undertake the walk, which started at the centre, went down the Balla Road, through Kilgreana, past the Old Ground and back into the village just as dawn was breaking over Ballyglass Turlough. A huge thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who made this year’s walk a success once again, you know who you are. Special thanks to Elisa for co-ordinating the event.
Spaces are limited for a new four-week block of yoga classes in Ballyglass Community Centre. It is gentle yoga and beginner friendly. Contact Emma for details on 087 9973357.
Ballyglass Sports will take place once again on the June Bank Holiday Monday, June 1, in the grounds of Ballyglass FC. Helpers are needed to keep things running smoothly on the day. Contact any committee member to volunteer. More details to follow.
The annual Cemetery Masses rota is as follows: Burriscarra: Saturday, July 4, atâ¯7.30pm, Killawalla on Sunday, July 5, at 10amâ¯and Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery Abbey on Sunday, July 5, at 11am.â¯â¯
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There was a very large attendance present in Srah on the evening of Sunday, May 3, asâ¯an impressive Marble Memorial commemorating the 1921 Tourmakeady Ambush was officially unveiled. The event marked 105 years since the historic battle. Residents of Srah, Tourmakeady and Environs, people from around the county and country, historians and visitors gathered in large numbers to honour the heroic IRA volunteers involved in the Tourmakeady Ambush during the War of Independence.
The memorial lists the names of those who took part and it will be a long-lasting tribute to the volunteers and the local communities who assisted them in their valiant struggle. The speakers included Tomas O hÉanacháin and Tom Maguire, son of General Tom Maguire, R.I.P.
A wreath-laying ceremony, the blessing of the memorial and the sounding of the Last Post at Srah Bridge provided a moving moment of reflection for the large gathering. Following the outdoor ceremony, those attending gathered at Tourmakeady Hall where historian Sinead McCoole highlighted the role of Cumann na mBan, followed by the launch of Ultan Lally’s new book⯓The Tan War in Ballyovey: Partry/Tourmakeady South Mayo.
Situated in a scenic spot, the unveiling marks the culmination of years of local effort and it will ensure that the legacy of the Tourmakeady Ambush will remain a highly visible and lasting part of Mayo’s history.
Sincere thanks have been extended to everyone who attended the Ambush Commemoration at Srah Bridge and Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on May 3. A sincere thank you to Coiste an Halla for their generous sponsorship of the food for the event and to the ladies who donated home baking, all which was very much appreciated by the large crowd in attendance. Special thanks also to the ladies in the kitchen who worked tirelessly preparing and serving tea and refreshments.
The death took place last week of Martin John (Mattie) Gibbons, Churchview, Ballinrobe and formerly of Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Mattie passed away unexpectedly on May 11. He was predeceased by his father Martin and brother-in-law Aaron Morley, and is deeply mourned by his devoted wife Vannessa, his children Romy, Maddie, Kiya and Conor, his mother Sally, sisters Sarah Jane and Marie, mother-in-law Bernie, brothers-in-law Gavin and John, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed at St Joseph’s Funeral Home, Ballinrobe, on Thursday evening, May 14, from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Friday morning, May 15, at 11am with the funeral proceeding to Shannon Crematorium for committal service. Ar dheis Dé go raibh anam dílis.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, May stood at €20,000.
10, 16, 27 and 29 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.
SN Thuarmhicéadaigh - school fundraising - lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school commenced on May 16. 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). If you wish to take part, the cost is €100 for six months and contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. Recent winners were Aislinn and Tom Uí Neachtain, Rose Uí Mhaolchaoin, Ciara Ni Thuathail and Noel and Sophie Uí Choileain.
Meditate in Pink is an online meditation retreat led by Mary Lally, in collaboration with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. It will take place from 11am to 3pm on Sunday, May 24, and costs €28 with all proceeds to charity. Call Mary on 087 2764539 for details.
The next Makers Market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh is on Saturday, June 6. Strong support is anticipated.
Congratulations to the prize winners from the bonus draw in McEvilly’s, Vinny Kelly and Paul Kelly. Congrats to the first Killawalla lotto 50/50 winner Margaret McGing who netted €486.50 in the first draw on May 3. The latest draw took place on Saturday night last. Killawalla Community Council has launched a super new 50/50 lotto fortnightly draw. Online and annual tickets 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 and from Community Council members.
Ballinrobe Musical Society will hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 27, in Ballinrobe Parish Centre at 8pm.
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The death occurred recently of Michael Ralph, Elmhall, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Michael passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Margaret, son Brendan, brother Patrick, sisters Maisie, Bridie and Annie, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Olive, sons Paul (Laura), Aiden (Madeline), Raymond and his daughter Michelle, sister Margaret, grandchildren Dean, Ella, Kate, Dylan and Cian, nephews, nieces, sister-in-law Carmel Reilly (Sean), cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. Michael’s remains reposed in Belcarra Community Centre on the Saturday from 5 to 7pm, and his funeral cortege arrived at St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra on the Sunday at 1pm for Requiem Mass at 1.30pm. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards to Elmhall Cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Congrats to the Breaffy players Harry Conway, Luke Lavin, Charlie O’Donnell, Josh Lyons, Jamie Fahey, Tadhg O’Connor and Jack Coyne on winning the Connacht Colleges First Year ‘A’ Championship with St. Gerald’s College. They beat Coláiste Bhaile Chláir on a score line of 6-13 to 1-8 in Bekan.
Belcarra Community Co-Op and Belcarra Community Council were delighted to launch the Sustainable Energy Master Plan for Belcarra. It is a plan shaped by the incredible efforts of the local community to build a more sustainable future. Covering over 45km and 400+ homes, this plan sets out real actions to improve energy use across Belcarra. Launched on Thursday, May 7, in Belcarra Community Centre, the highlights on the night were the presentation of the Energy Master Plan, information on SEAI Home Energy Grants, the official launch and address by Cllr Sean Carey, displays on solar energy and One Stop Shop services and a project showcase by Belcarra Foróige Club. Congrats to all and best wishes for Belcarra’s sustainable future.
Congratulations are extended to Bishop Seamus Cunningham (formerly of Carrajames, Belcarra) on the joyful occasion of the diamond jubilee of his priestly ordination. The parish community joins in offering their congratulations and best wishes for continued good health and happiness.
There are new ATU Galway Sports Scholarships for handball players. Belcarra Handball Club is delighted to share that ATU Galway has partnered with GAA Handball to introduce aligned scoring categories for Sports Scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a fantastic opportunity for students competing at club, county, national or international level to receive support while continuing their education. The new system is designed to recognise players across a wide range of levels and help them balance sport and college life. Handball personnel will be working closely with ATU Galway over the coming months as this new initiative is rolled out, and they would strongly encourage any interested players and their parents to take a look at; https://www.atu.ie/.../scholarships/sports-scholarships...
School going young people in the region are requested to take up the game of handball, no experience needed, it’s just fun, games, and a chance to make new friends. Every Sunday come along and give it a try. 6-8 years from 10am-10.45am; U10s 10.45am-11.30am and U12s from 11.30am-12.15pm atâ¯Belcarra Sport Centre.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, May 10, were 1, 19, 26 and 31. The consolation prizewinners were Jimmy and Patricia Walsh, Mary B Prendergast, Tony Hetherington and Katie and Sarah Walsh. The weekend jackpot stood at €6,500 on last Sunday night, May 17.
The death occurred recently of James Noel McNicholas, better known as Noel, Cloonaghmore, Ballyheane, Castlebar. Noel passed away peacefully on May 6 at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar and his passing was an occasion of great sorrow for his loving family. Predeceased by his father Joe and mother Annie (née O’Dea), his brothers Paddy (UK) and Frank (Castlebar) and his sister Clara (New Jersey, USA), he is deeply regretted by his wife, Mary (née Sweeney Ballycroy), daughter Alvina (Ballyheane), his sons Gary (Cogaula, Westport) and Noel (Christ Church, New Zealand), his cherished grandchildren Emma,⯠Nathan,⯠Zoey,⯠Oisin,⯠Fionn,⯠Katie and Jack, his son-in-law Martin Staunton, his daughters-in-law Fiona (Cogaula) and Claire (New Zealand), his twin-sister Christine Joyce (Mountgordon, Castlebar) and his sister Una McLoughlin (New York), his brothers John (New York), Ollie (New York), Joe (Kinturk,⯠Ballyheane) and Richard (Rocklands, Castlebar), his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, god-daughters Karen and Fiona, his cousins, nieces, nephews, close neighbours, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on Sunday, May 10, from 6pm with prayers at 8pm. His funeral took place to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane on Monday, May 11, at 11am for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. Noel was then laid to rest in Ballyheane Cemetery.
The annual Ballyheane Goes Country Music Festival kicks off from June 5 to June 7 this summer. There is a top line-up with on all three nights with Michael English and Andy Feery getting the festival underway on the Friday night. Derek Ryan and Olivia Douglas are the top attractions on the Saturday night followed by the High Kings and the super-talented Milo and Vinny on the Sunday night. Tickets which are sure to be in brisk demand are available from the Ballyheane Goes Country Festival Website or from The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane.
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A summer vegetable growing course, “Grow your own food” is about to commence in Balla. The course is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to grow fresh, healthy vegetables organically at home. Led by Jimmy Kelly, this practical and hands-on course will run from May to early August, meeting fortnightly (every second Saturday) for a total of 7 sessions. The start date is next Saturday, May 23. Call 087 1850860 for details.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, May 7, in The Rendezvous for a Jjackpot of €9,200. 12, 13, 25 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Rosaleen Harrison (online), Martin Vahey (standing order) and Martin Hyland (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, May 14, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €9,300.
On day two of their tour, the TY of Balla Secondary School explored the beautiful city of Venice. They had plenty of time to wander the streets, discover hidden spots, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city. The group had dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe and finished off the evening with a fun game of bowling.
Drama classes with Mayo Performance Academy commence on the this evening, Tuesday, May 19 in Balla Community Centre. The times are ages 5-8 from 6-7pm and ages 9-13 from 7-8pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to build confidence, creativity, and have fun through drama and performance. Tickets can be purchased at: https://willwego.com/organiser/balla-community-centre.
Manulla FC lotto stood at €6,200 on last Sunday, May 17, for the weekly draw. There was an amazing night of entertainment in the marquee in Manulla FC on Saturday night with Ruaile Buaile and Neífinn. A massive thank you has been extended to everyone for coming out and supporting Manulla FC 50th and for coming together to celebrate and mark this tremendous milestone for the club; a truly special weekend. The Manulla FC 50th celebrations monster raffle took place in the Railway Tavern. A huge thank you has been extended to everyone who supported the raffle. The three winners were 1st Suzanne Dee (McDonald), 2nd Sean McGreal and 3rd Aila Duggan.
“RoboThink” is a hands-on robotics workshop where children will build, code and play using real robotics kits. It is perfect for curious minds who love to create and explore. The workshop will take place in Balla Community Centre on Saturday, May 30 from 10am-5pm. Book by the hour with a fee of €10 per hour. Learn new skills, boost creativity and make new friends. There are limited spaces available – early booking is advised. To book, call 094 936 5846 or 087 185 0860 / info@balla.ie.
The death has occurred of Margaret Bird nee Ansbro, Oaklawn, Illinois, USA. The deceased was formerly of Tavanagh, Balla. Sympathy is extended to all who mourn her passing on both sides of the Atlantic.
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 2 hours once every 6 weeks. It is 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 on 094 9365846 or 087 1850860.
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⯠Congratulations and thanks to all those that contributed to the great success of the Clogher Heritage Day which was held in conjunction with Mayo Day on Saturday, May 2. The day represented an Ireland and Clogher of the past and how people lived with its thatched cottage, open turf fire, bread and butter making as well as spinning,â¯knitting and crochet. The forge was fired up, and the bellows, hammer and anvilâ¯were in full swing forging tools, as well as some good conversation. The children were treated to spins up and down the road on a lovely donkey and cart.
The culturalâ¯heritage was represented with music, song and dance spanning three generations of entertainers. Thanks to the organising committee for their hard work in putting the event together, to all the people who came out to take part in and enjoy the day. Thanks also to Mayo County Councilâ¯for their continued support of all activities in Clogher.
A very informative guided walk with Michael Kingdon from Clogher Heritage Centre took place on a recent Wednesday along the Clooncundra Loop section of the Clogher Bog Walks. Participants saw and discussed all the different flora, fauna and wildlife living in the local lowland bog. The fine evening allowed plenty of time to stop, chat and learn about the wonderful landscape’s bounty locally. Edible native plants were sampled along the way, (not advised without an experienced guide!) and old traditions were discussed such as the ancient birch bracelet gift given as a symbol of love. A pine marten box was spotted up in a tree, family home of the previously endangered and now protected small native mammal and lots of turf cut and drying alongside the bog paths.
Errew Ladies’ Group extend their warm thanks to all those who attended the walk and especially to Michael for his generous time and for sharing his vast knowledge. New members always welcome on a Wednesday evening in Errew Community Centre. Contact Eileen Conway on 087 922 7567 with any enquires.
Thanks have been extended to all who supported the Clogher Annual Litter Pick last week. This event takes place as part of the National Spring Clean sponsored by An Taisce and Mayo County Council in partnership with the Dept. of Environment, Heritage and Local Government – all helping to keep Clogher Litter Free.
The results of the card game for Friday, May 8, were 1st Majella Corbett and Gus Sweeney, 2nd Joe and Shane Thomas, 3rd Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey. The last 10 winners were, Gay Conway and Eileen Moran.â¯As a mark of respect on the sad and unexpected passing of Bernadette Heneghan Kilboyle, Chairperson of Clogher Environmental Group the game scheduled for Friday, May 15, was cancelled. May she rest in peace (Full obituary in next week's paper).â¯
