Local Notes: Ballintubber GAA club winners of Division 1 Feile Maigheo to compete in the All Ireland
The Ballintubber team and mentors winners of Division 1, Féile Maigheo after narrowly defeating Westport in the final. They are now bound for Derry to compete in the All-Ireland. Picture by Tom Quinn.
It is with deep and abiding sadness we record the passing of Geraldine McDonnell, Carnahaltor, Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and more recently of Cartron Bay, Sligo. Geraldine passed away unexpectedly at her home in Sligo and her passing is a tragic loss to her family, siblings and many friends who held her in the highest regard. Geraldine was a devoted mother and adoring grandmother. She liked to keep busy and she had many and varied interests. She loved to go on walks, she enjoyed baking and sewing, art, drawing and painting and doing her daily crossword puzzle. Geraldine will be remembered by all who knew her as a kind, compassionate and caring person who was well liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a really special lady, gentle, kind and affable. She coped with many sorrows (family bereavements and the passing of her son, Michael) in her life in a most admirable fashion that earned her widespread respect in the community and beyond.
Predeceased by her son Michael in October 2020 and her parents Joe and Mary McDonnell, her sister Gretta and her brother Michael Joe she is deeply regretted by her heartbroken daughter Emma (Cartron Bay, Sligo), her sister Breege, her brothers John, Pat, Brendan, Liam and Kevin, her son-in-law Joe McWalter, her cherished grandchildren Nicholas, Lucas, Maeve and Rose, her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, all the family circle and her many friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. There was a large attendance present as Geraldine’s remains reposed in Carnacon Community Centre on last Wednesday, May 14, from 6.30pm until 8.15pm, with removal to St. Mary’s Church, Carnacon at 8.30pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, May 15, at 11am, followed by private cremation in Shannon Crematorium. Geraldine’s cremains will be interred with her beloved son Michael at a later date. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €10,100 on Sunday night May 11. The numbers drawn were 13, 156, 35 and 36. Consolation prizes went to Andrew Martin, Margaret O’Gara, Conor Cannon, Siobhan Finnerty, Kevin Corcoran and Ioseph and Sinead Nestor. The jackpot stood at €10, 200 on last Sunday night, May 18.
The results from Monday, May 12, for the Ballyglass FC lotto draw are as follows - the numbers drawn were 4, 21, 22 and 29. There was no winner of the €12,300 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Dayna O’Toole, Kieran Keane, Willie Fitzgerald, Niall Sheridan and Bridget Keaveney. The weekend jackpot stood at a highly attractive total of €12,400.
Save the date for this year’s Ballyglass open sports day which will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday, June 2. All the usual events for all ages are scheduled, including sprints, novelty races, relays, tug-of-war, weight-throwing, high jump, long jump and penalty kicking. There’ll be food trucks and ice cream and all the fun and games everyone loves about the Ballyglass Sports every year. Look out for further details to come!
Winners from Monday, May 12 were 1st Peter Glynn and Tomás Solan; Patricia Jennings and Margaret Morrin, 2nd Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford and 3rd Cathal Hennelly and Pat Griffith. The last 10 winners were Denny McDonagh and Francie Conway and the raffle prizes went to Philip White and Mary Brennan.
Ballyglass FC recently announced a raffle as part of its year of celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the club. The prizes, all generously sponsored by Riain Group, include a €1,200 Center Parcs voucher, €500 cash and a €250 Blue Book Hotel voucher. The draw will take place on June 2 and tickets are available on idonate.ie/raffle/BallyglassFootballClub50thAnniversaryRaffle.
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. Nothing will be too strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week is all that is required. Many hands make light work.
Yoga classes take place in Ballyglass Community Centre on Wednesday mornings from 11.15am to 12.15pm. For further information contact Maureen Murphy on 087 2990357.
There will be a Summer Choral Concert in the Abbey on Sunday, June 1, at 8pm. Doors open 7pm - welcoming USI Chamber Choir from the USA, the Mayo Male Voice Choir and Ballintubber Abbey Choir. Admission is free and all donations to the restoration fund. Best wishes to the Abbey Choir as they sing in Knock Basilica for the SMA Knock Pilgrimage Mass on Saturday, May 24, at 3pm.
Ballintubber Abbey were delighted to welcome author and Irish Times columnist John G O 'Dwyer along with RTÉ Radio 1 Carol Coleman, to Ballintubber Abbey last week as they explored the Tochar Phádraig Pilgrim Path. John has long championed Ireland’s Pilgrim Path routes through his writing and walking guides, and it was an honour to host this special feature. Carol Coleman, well-known presenter of the News at One on RTÉ Radio 1, brought her thoughtful presence and sharp curiosity to the visit—helping to shine a national spotlight on this ancient and spiritual path.
It was a busy day at the Abbey with the book launch with John G. O’ Dwyer at 7.30pm. It was an inspiring day at the historic Abbey celebrating Ireland’s rich pilgrimage tradition.
All eight local village signposts are for sale in Ballintubber Abbey gift shop - Ballyheane, Clogher, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Mayo Abbey, Killawalla and Ballintubber are available in the gift shop. This would be an ideal gift especially for those away from home.
The Lough Carra Catchment Associations next public meeting will be held on today, May 20.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Kevin Towey, Roughaun, Carnacon on the passing of his father, Mick Towey, R.I.P, Killaturley, Swinford. May he rest in peace.
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. Cemetery Masses 2025. The summer cemetery Masses programme is as follows, Burriscarra Saturday, July 5, at 7.30pm, Killawalla Sunday, July 6, at 10am and Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday, July 6, at 11am.
A training day will take place on Saturday, May 31, in the Dorter, Ballintubber Abbey from 9.30am to11am with Maureen Walsh, Diocesan Safe Guarding office. It is important that all adults working with children in sacristy's, choirs, retreats and passion play to attend this important training. It is mandatory that all persons involved with children attend this event.
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Mayo County Council is now accepting applications to the 2025 Summer Gaeltacht Scholarship scheme. Two full scholarships are being offered to the below year groups for the following courses: Current 3rd year and TY students: Cúrsa F, Coláiste Uisce (August 15-23): Current 5th year students: Cúrsa E, Coláiste Mhuigheo (July 28 – August 10). Students resident in Mayo or attending school in Mayo are eligible to apply. The closing date for applications is Sunday, May 25. Full scheme details and applications form can be found at the following link: https://www.mayo.ie/en-ie/your-council/services/oifig-na-gaeilge/gaeltacht-scholarships.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, May 17 stood at €17,200. 10, 21, 29 and 30 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
The annual 2025 Cúl Camp will be held at Páirc Naoimh Muire running from July 21 to July 25 running from Monday to Friday. Places can be booked at kellogsculcamps.gaa.ie.
In the lotto bonus number fundraiser for the school commenced on the 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 the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. The winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball school fundraiser on Saturday, May 3, was ball number 31, Linda and James Seoighe.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday May 22, from 2-4pm. Why not pop along for a 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 please give you name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie. Trócaire collection: Please return your collection to both churches.
Partry FC Bonus number draws take place mid-week on Wednesday nights. Congrats to Paul McAlpine who was a recent winner of the popular flutter. The club are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of the community.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to John and Donna Staunton and the O’Mahony brothers who were recent winners of the draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, May 17.
Airbnb recently announced the Rural Tourism Fund, committing €100,000 in grants to support innovative tourism projects in the rural communities of Ireland where local families and businesses rely heavily on tourism. Data from Airbnb has uncovered an unexpected trend; while Irish people are more likely to book holidays abroad, many have yet to explore the beautiful landscapes just a few hours from home.
Airbnb has launched the Rural Tourism Fund to give a vital injection to rural areas across Ireland that relies on the benefits of tourism to support local families, businesses and culture. Airbnb is committing €100,000 in grants to preserve and enhance innovative tourism projects across the country. With 71% of Airbnb bookings in Ireland made in predominantly rural areas – and most listings outside of Dublin – Airbnb are already playing a pivotal role in bringing visitors to the heart of the countryside. Now, through the Rural Tourism Fund, grants ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 will be available to local organisations and community groups to help bring their local projects to life and boost rural tourism – from launching or expanding a local festival, to upgrading community facilities.
The Rural Tourism Fund is designed to help local organisations and communities bring their ideas to life. If you have a project that promotes or supports rural tourism in your community, apply by 11.59pm on June 16.
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The death occurred last week of James (Jimmy) Jennings, Lisgowel, Breaffy, Castlebar. James was in his 89th year and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in the wonderful care of Mayo University Hospital. Predeceased by his parents John and Delia, his wife Nellie and son in law Billy Madigan he is deeply regretted by his children Anne, Marie, Fiona, J.P, John and Paul, his sisters Anne Flanagan (London), Maureen o’ Lunney (New York) his brother John Joe (Gort , Ross) sister-in-law Patsy, daughters-in-law Mairead,, Sharon and Linda, grandchildren Sorcha, Leah, Emma, Emily, Jennifer, Adam, Sara, Martha, Hannah, Holly and Tom, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
James’ remains reposed at the Coady Funeral Home, Castlebar, on last Thursday evening from 5 until 7pm with removal to his home. The removal from his home took place on Friday morning to St Aloysius Church Breaffy for requiem mass at 11am Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Breaffy cemetery. Ar dheis de go raibh a nAinm.
Get ready for an unforgettable Summer Country Music Festival in Ballyheane. Don’t miss The Big White Barn Dance taking place at The Punch Bowl Ballyheane on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 6, 7 and 8. Artists this year include Gavin Gribben and Jimmy Buckley, Stacey Breen and Derek Ryan. Nathan Carter and his band will be at Ballyheane Goes Country Music Festival on the Sunday evening, June 8, with the support act from the fantastic Mylo and Vinny. Get your tickets now at www.ballyheanegoescountry.com.
Plans are well advanced for a major benefit dance in aid of a great cause. The benefit dance entitled "Bring Breege Home" will be held in Breaffy House Hotel on July 4, at 9pm. Music will be by Concorde and local artists. It is sure to be a great night with some fabulous entertainment, raffle and great spot prizes. Tickets are modestly priced at €20 will be on sale soon and everyone is urged to come out and support the worthy cause.
Looking to get into running in a relaxed, social and enjoyable environment? Look no further! Join the 'Couch to Belcarra 8k' running programme, kindly led by Ann Heaney. Preparations have commenced and will continue every Sunday until the Belcarra 8k on June 22. The Belcarra 8k fun run will take place on Sunday, June 22. It’s sure to be another great weekend in the village.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €11,800. The jackpot stood at €11,700 on Sunday, May 11. The numbers drawn were 1, 15, 17 and 26 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Jacinta Derrig, Aoife Brennan, Michael Kilgallon and Jimmy and Patricia Walsh.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will meet in the Ellison Hotel Castlebar from 7pm to 9pm on June 12. Refreshments will be provided - SMS / WhatsApp 086 2444376 to book your place for numbers only.
The winners of the recent May monthly card game in Belcarra Centre were 1st, Derek Quinn and Gay Conway, 2nd Mary Jo Cannon and Cathal Hennelly, 3rd Conor Heaney and Frances Lohan. The last 9 winners were Tom and Mary Ansbro and the raffle prizes went to Breege Blake, John Dyra and Tom Ansbro. The next game in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, June 2.
Kiddie’s handball classes are commencing in Belcarra Sports Centre. The fun event is being held on Sundays! The classes are open to all—no experience needed. The Sunday morning handball sessions are set as follows: 10 to 11am, 7 to 10 years and 11 to 12pm, 10 to 12 years.
Handball practise for 4th, 5th and 6th class girls takes place in Belcarra Handball Alley every Wednesday after school from 2.45 to 3.45pm. Mothers & Others Social Handball sessions will be kicking off soon. Whether they’ve played before or are complete beginners — everyone is welcome.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for May 13; the numbers drawn were 6, 15, 29 and bonus number 7 and there was no jackpot winner. The jackpot stood at €15, 400 on May 20. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
The current Ballyheane Community Council are at the end of their 3 year term. In the coming weeks ballot papers will be going to each household registered in the area. Householders will be asked to select a female and male representative for your area in the new community council.
The community council extend thanks to everyone for their help, support, hard work and commitment throughout the past three years. The council have achieved a great deal but there are still a lot of ongoing projects that are in progress.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, May 8, in the Shebeen for a jackpot of €4,100. 16, 19, 27 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no Jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were John Hennelly (Online), Mark Sheridan (Online) and the Gilmartin Girls (Cash Sale). The latest draw was held in The Rendezvous on Thursday, May 15, when the jackpot stood at €4,200.
Manulla FC U12 girls are excitedly getting ready for their trip to Newcastle for the Trans World Soccer tournament in July. The girls will be competing in the inaugural U12 Girls category this summer.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the young superstars who will represent Manulla FC and they also have been chosen to represent Ireland as a whole (FAIreland). It is going to be a trip of a lifetime for the girls and thanks has been extended to the players, their dedicated coaches, parents and families for making this opportunity possible. Fly the blue and white flags high girls. Enjoy the build-up over the next few weeks.
Balla Community Resource Development (Balla CRD) would like to inform the community that a “Meals on Wheels” service is available through Castlebar Social Services. For more information contact: info@balla.ie or phone 094 9365846 / 087 1850860.
Balla Secondary School TYs have had a fantastic time on their recent tour of Lake Garda. They landed into Bergamo before heading to Milan where they looked around the city and did some shopping. They then went to the Lake for the night before going to Venice. In Venice they got to see San Marco Square and Cathedral and journeyed through the cobblestone streets before dining in the Hard Rock Café and some even took in a gondola ride. A great time was had by all.
On Tuesday, May 13, Balla Secondary School students marked Wellness Week with an engaging and insightful talk from Pádraig and Jenna of Mayo Mental Health. The session focused on building resilience and maintaining good mental wellbeing—valuable tools for both school and life. It was a very positive and uplifting day.
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On Wednesday, July 2, at 7pm past pupils of Errew Monastery Boys’ School are invited to attend the 3rd Errew Prayer Service for the deceased members of the community and for a group photograph in front of the Monastery to mark 50 years since the school closed and the boys joined Errew Girls’ National School. The prayer service is to remember deceased family, friends and the late Franciscan Brothers and afterwards all will visit the Monastery cemetery at 7.30pm led by Brother Conal Thomas. All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards. Park all cars at the community centre and walk up the avenue to the Monastery. Older members can be dropped off at the Monastery but space for cars is extremely limited. All enquires to errewcc@gmail.com.
To mark Biodiversity Week there will be an introduction to the Merlin Bird App on this Tuesday, May 20, followed by a walk around the Clogher Bog Loop to compile a record of calling/singing male birds in the area. The Merlin App can be downloaded to a mobile phone in advance of the walk as well as the European bird catalogue. This is a free event from. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Clogher Heritage Complex F12 PF99 at 7pm this evening. Refreshments will be served in the Cottage afterwards.
The winners on Friday, May 9, were 1st Joe Thomas and Gay Conway, and Sean Hopkins and Tom Fitzpatrick, 2nd Bernie Heneghan and Breege Blake, 3rd Tom Lyons and Jimmy Connor and Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahy. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night.
The Clogher Card Game community offers sincere condolences to the Jennings and McDermott families and extended family and friends on the sad passing of Bridie McDermott, of Cashel, Ayle, Westport. Bridie was a great supporter of the Clogher cards for many years and will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace.
Thanks have been extended to all who took part on the annual Croagh Patrick Heritage Walk on Saturday week last. The event was a great success and the weather played its part with bright sunshine all the way. Thanks to all the walkers, the volunteers, the sponsors all of whom ensured that a very enjoyable day was had by all. All the proceeds from the day are going to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Children’s Hospice.
There are free tomato and strawberry plants currently available at the Heritage Complex in Newtown F12 PF99 as well as a variety of garden shrubs. These are all free to take away.
Thanks to all who have supported the tradition of reciting the rosary at Newtown grotto for the month of May. There are just two Tuesdays left in May. Everyone is welcome to come along for 15 minutes at 8pm.
