Local Notes: Ballintubber GAA has adopted a smoke-free policy at all its facilities.
Ballintubber GAA has adopted a smoke-free policy at all its facilities, where visitors and club members are asked to refrain from smoking and vaping at all times. Pictured before their recent championship game against Breaffy in Ray Prendergast Memorial Park, Clogher, are (back row, left to right) Diarmuid O'Connor, Frank Walsh, Ethan Lyons, Jack Prendergast, Gary Loftus, Bryan Walsh, Cathal Flannery, Brendan Walsh, Jason Gibbons, Dean Loftus, Stephen O'Malley, Stephen Burke, Rory Cunningham and Ciarán Gavin. In the front row (left to right) are Jack Walsh, Adam Lally, Eoghan Breslin, Martin Fox, Alan McHale, Brian Murphy, David McHale, Robbie Finnerty, Noel Geraghty, Conor Finnerty, Michael Plunkett, Gavin Murphy, Joe Geraghty, Jamsie Finnerty, Alan Plunkett and John Kerrigan. Pic: Tom Quinn
Congratulations to Dr Fiona White , ATU, Castlebar, who has had a Chapter on George Henry Moore of Moore Hall included in a new volume – “The Further Heroes of Ireland’s Great Hunger” (Volume III). The book is edited by Professor Christine Kinealy and Galway's Dr Gerard Moran. Inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the sacrifices made by front-line workers, the editors invited several leading historians of Ireland’s Great Famine to write about the men and women they consider to be ‘heroes’ of the tragedy that unfolded in Ireland after 1845. As each of the lives examined in the three volumes demonstrate, humans are fallible, and heroes are not perfect. Many, including member of the Quakers, would have rejected a description of heroism. In the context of Ireland’s Great Hunger, even small acts of selflessness or generosity could make the difference between suffering or survival, life or death.
The men and women examined in this new volume are part of a wider story that follows on from the heroes explored in volumes one and two of this series. This latest volume breaks new ground in its examination of recently discovered archival records of Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee First Nations’ contributions for Irish Famine relief in Canada West (now Ontario) in 1847, while offering a fresh perspective on the widely commemorated Native American Choctaw and Cherokee donations.
From a French celebrity chef in London, to Protestant clergy in County Mayo, to members of the Society of Friends throughout the world, this new publication recovers the forgotten contributions of a diverse group of people whose actions add a level of complexity to our understanding of Ireland’s Great Hunger.
The promotional material of the original volumes states that ‘the tragedy that struck Ireland between 1845 and 1852 is often viewed through the lens of cold-hearted bureaucrats, greedy merchants or indifferent landlords who put profit, principles of political economy, and prejudice against the Irish poor, above the need to save lives. These ground-breaking volumes examine the contributions of the numerous men and women who risked their lives - and sometimes their livelihoods - in caring for the sick and the starving.
The publications examine the uplifting contributions of numerous individuals who combatted hunger, famine and disease in the mid-nineteenth century in order to save the lives of strangers. Despite these generous interventions, over one million died in Ireland from disease and starvation, another 2.1 million left Ireland between 1845 and 1855, more than had emigrated from Ireland over the previous two-and-a-half centuries. While some names might be familiar due to the large body of research undertaken on the Great Famine since 1995, a number will be less so. Individually and collectively, their contributions to saving the people from starvation and death and giving them hope cannot be understated, nor should the personal and professional sacrifice that they made on behalf of the Irish poor be forgotten’.
Christine Kinealy is Director of Ireland’s Great Hunger Institute at Quinnipiac University. Gerard Moran is an Emeritus Researcher at the University of Galway. Dr Fiona White, ATU, Castlebar, is a widely acknowledged expert on the Moore’s of Moorehall and she has done extensive research and given many informative lectures on the various Moore personages. The Further Heroes of Ireland’s Great Hunger is published by Quinnipiac University Press and Cork University Press.
The launch of the new Mayo Ladies Senior Championship Cup in memory of late great Jimmy Corbett, Carnacon legend, was held on last Thursday evening, September 5, in Carnacon Community Centre. The venue was packed for the occasion and many personnel from Mayo Ladies LGFA and the local community gathered to honour a man whose fond memory and traits are held in the highest esteem. Beatrice Casey, Carnacon Ladies LGFA in a wide ranging address outlined Jimmy’s incredible contribution to Carnacon ladies since their inception in 1986. Beatrice also outlined Jimmy’s massive contribution to the growth of Mayo ladies football. Jimmy’s daughter Michelle on behalf of the Corbett family spoke sensitively about Jimmy as the father figure, the caring manager, the excellent planner and firm friend to the many players he encountered over a thirty year span. Councillor Al McDonnell spoke of Jimmy as the personal friend he often thinks of, the man with a vison whose dream it was to establish ladies football firmly on the sporting map, and the Jimmy Corbett whose local persona included brilliance at a card game of 25 and a humour and gaiety that was often infectious.
Current RTÉ GAA Analyst and local heroine Cora Staunton outlined the massive contribution Jimmy made to her own outstanding playing career and Jimmy’s role in the tremendous achievement of Carnacon Ladies LGFA which saw the club gain national honours and multiple Club County Senior Championships and Leagues. Michelle Corbett on behalf of the Corbett family presented Mayo LGFA Secretary, Siobhán Conlon with the beautiful new cup which will be awarded to the LGFA County Senior Championship winners in the years ahead.
It is most fitting that Jimmy Corbett, whose contribution to Mayo ladies football, club and county, was immense and whose management skills and record of success will remain unsurpassed for aeons, was honoured in this worthy fashion.
On Saturday next in Islandeady at 3.30 Ballintubber senior team will face off against Kilmeena in the 3rd round of the county senior championship. Ballintubber’s record to date, a draw with Aughamore (away) and an unanticipated home defeat by Breaffy leaves the club in a possible perilous position. Very little separated the two sides in the league, with Ballintubber dominating early but Kilmeena with a storming finish just fell short on their home turf. The return of Cillian O’Connor will assist the Ballintubber effort greatly but a lot of other factors will also have to fall into line. Whether Ballintubber can qualify for the quarterfinals only a soothsayer or a mathematician would hazard a guess. The matter will be resolved by 5pm on Saturday evening.
As part of the GAA Healthy Clubs programme, Ballintubber club have adopted a smoke-free policy. Therefore the club executive requests all club members and visitors to refrain from smoking and vaping at the pristine facilities. Your cooperation is sincerely appreciated.
Carnacon LGFA have extended a ‘thank you’ to the Dillon Quirke Foundation for providing free cardiac screening to Carnacon LGFA players on a recent Friday in Carnacon Community centre.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir are having an official launch of their new fundraising album ‘Dóchas ‘s Grá’ – Hope and Love by Ballintubber Abbey Choir in Ballintubber Abbey on Thursday, September 19, at 7.30pm. All proceeds from the sale of this album go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Centre East Wing Restoration Project and the ongoing upkeep of the abbey.
Ballintubber 5k or 10k fun run will take place on Sunday, September 22. Registration will take place at 9am at Ballintubber Community Centre. The adult entry fee is €10 for 5k and €15 for 10k and there are prizes for the 1st male and female in both races. The event is open to runners, joggers and walkers and strong support is anticipated.
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the community centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for a clean-up. Sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. are the weekly duties required. If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087 6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools, gloves and high-vis jacket is asked to bring them along. Thank you!
Ballyglass Active Age exercise group has resumed after the summer break in the community centre from 11am to 12. New members are very welcome to come along and join this busy group, where the movement and feel-good factor are only a small part of what makes it so popular. If a cuppa and a chat is more what you’re looking for, join us for tea (and often some home-baked treats) after the class finishes at 12. There is a meeting after the class once a month, during which plans are made for classes, activities, outings and overnight trips. Yoga classes will resume for the group later in September on Wednesday mornings. The group will head to beautiful Donegal in a few weeks’ time for the annual tour, which is now fully booked. Ballyglass Active Age is all about coming together for activity, wellbeing and social interaction in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to come and join us, where there is a warm welcome for all.
Carmel and Mick Summerville are leading a pilgrimage to Medjugorje on October 23 to October 30, accompanied by Fr Brendan Kilcoyne as spiritual director. For any enquiries contact Carmel on 087 1339668 or Mick on 087 2072194.
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Along the Partries
Lá Mor na Gaeilge 2024, spórt agus spraoí, craic agus ceol takes place at Páirc Naomh Muire, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Saturday, October 14. Each year this event is growing bigger and bigger and growing in prestige. Admission is free and the event will be embellished further by the presence of recently crowned Queen of the Lakes, Laura Gibbons. Also on the day the magnificent new Astro Turf pitch is due to be officially opened. It will be another proud day in the history of this go-ahead Gaeltacht club.
Congrats to Larry Conlon and to Caroline and Michael James Meeneghan who were the most recent winners of €200 in the recent County Board Club Development draws.
Congrats to Patrick Lydon CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh who was the top scorer in the Treenlaur Catering Junior championship after Round 3 in which Tuar Mhic Éadaigh beat Baile Chruaich 1-16 to 1-10.
A new session of Yoga classes are due to begin in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh starting Tuesday, September 17, at 6.30pm. Classes will run for 6 weeks until Tuesday, October 22. The cost for participants is €60. Email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295 with your name and contact details.
The Waterfall editorial committee will be once again compiling that wonderful annual community magazine ‘Waterfall’ 2024. Articles of interest, history and heritage material, photographs, Sports Reports, advertisements etc. should be emailed to waterfalltme@gmail.com.
Tourmakeady Foróige Club returns next Friday, September 13, and will run from 7.30 to 9pm. New members from 1st year secondary school upwards are most welcome.
Sincere sympathy is extended to John Conway and family, Bohaun, on the passing of his sister Jane Quigley, R.I.P, (née Conway), Knappaghbeg, Westport, Co. Mayo. Jane passed away peacefully, at the Mayo Hospice Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family on August 31. Predeceased by her husband Tommy, parents Patrick and Mary and baby sister Mary Christina, she is deeply regretted by her loving brothers John, Michael and Padraic, sisters-in-law Ann, Anne, Imelda and Ann, brother-in-law Michael, nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of close friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed in Navin's Funeral Home, Westport, and Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday at 12 noon in St. Patrick's Church, Aughagower with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
A vacancy exists for an AIM support worker at Killawalla Playschool. Minimum educational requirement is Fetac level 5 in Childcare Education in Care or equivalent. For enquiries phone 086 3953961.
Killawalla Community Council and many members of the community are going racing again for the last Ballinrobe Races meeting of the year on Friday, September 13, and the coach will be leaving Killawalla at 3pm.
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The death has occurred last week of James Thomas, Ballnagaraha, Logaphuill, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. James passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of St. Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, on Thursday, September 5. Aged 85 years James was a retired Psychiatric Nurse and he was widely known and respected across the region. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends and relatives. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary, infant siblings, infant granddaughter Bridín Brady and brother-in-law Padraic Lydon, he is deeply regretted by his devoted Bridie, his daughters Mary Cunningham (John), Mags Nimmo (Gordon), Breege Brady (Gerard), Angela and sons Joe (Tracey), Seamus (Edel), grandchildren Ava and Shane, Niamh, Zoe and Kyle, Oisín, Tiernan, Finnian and Cian, Shane, Ruby and Dylan, Lucy and Jack, his sisters Annie Lydon (Ballintubber) and Agnes Morley (Newbrook, Claremorris), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences is tendered.
His remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre, on last Saturday evening from 5.30 until 7.30 and then arrived at Ballintubber Abbey for 8.15. Requiem Mass for James took place on Sunday at 1.30 with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
On Saturday, September 14, in Claremorris pitch, Breaffy face Aughamore in Round 3 of the county senior championship. Breaffy are already sitting pretty with progression to the quarter-finals assured, courtesy of victories against Kilmeena and arch local rivals Ballintubber. They will however be keen to top the table and reap the rewards of pole position in the group. Aughamore, on three points gleaned by a home draw against Ballintubber and a narrow away win over Kilmeena are poised also to progress further. They are a fine football side with a huge opportunity to make the quarter finals. It should be an engrossing game and multitudes from both clubs should be present for the 3.30 throw-in.
Kieran Kelly started ballroom dance classes on last evening, Monday, September 9, from 9pm to 10.30pm in Ballyheane Centre. All are welcome to attend and learn this wonderful skill. The fee is €15 per class and refreshments are served. Call 087 7414968 for more details.
Mayo County Council invites all community groups to have their say on the new Mayo County Council Corporate Plan 2024-2029. A workshop will take place on Wednesday, September 18, from 7-8.30pm in the Outdoor Training Centre, Milebush, Castlebar (Eircode F23 TH29). No booking required.
Mayo Recovery College will facilitate a suite of mental health and wellbeing modules taking place on the following dates throughout September in the Atlantic Technological University in Castlebar (online option also); Tuesday 10 and 17, at 10am ‘Let’s talk about stress’, Wednesday 11, 18, 25, at 10am ‘Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)’, Thursday 12 and 19, at 5pm ‘Recovery, let’s talk’, Tuesday 24, at 10am ‘Looking after our mental health while online’ and Thursday 26, at 5pm ‘Exploring Anger’. Call/text Karen McHale 086 0294901 or email recovery.educatormrc@hse.ie to register. www.recoverycollegewest.ie new and existing participants are warmly invited to attend.
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The death has occurred of Breda McCallig (née Jennings), Dromineen, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and formerly of Ballinagran, Balla, peacefully at Galway University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Breda is deeply regretted by her devoted husband Paddy, daughter Clodagh and sons Daniel and Alan, son-in-law Oisin, daughter-in-law Claire and Alan's partner Evelina, grandchildren Oran, Cuan and Tadhg, her siblings, Shelia Duggan (Claremorris), Bernie Commons (Cloonmore), Nuala Gibbons (Belcarra) and Gerard Jennings (Balla), her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and close friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on last Tuesday evening from 6pm with removal taking place at 8pm to her home. Her remains were taken to St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris on Wednesday morning for Requiem Mass at 1pm with the funeral proceeding to St. Colman’s cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a h-Anam dilis.
Congratulations to Balla CRD and Balla Tidy Towns on the recent official opening of their new Sensory Biodiversity Park, The Sensory Park is designed to provide a multi-sensory experience for individuals of all abilities. The official opening was carried out on Saturday, August 31, at the Fairgreen in Balla by Minister of State Alan Dillon. The Sensory Park will create an inclusive and therapeutic environment where visitors can engage their senses through a variety of features, including fragrant plants, textured pathways, and interactive elements. The park is designed to be accessible to all community members, offering a peaceful retreat and a place for learning and personal growth. It is a wonderful concept and a credit to all who assisted with this wonderful project.
Free TAI CHI Classes will take place in Balla Community Centre commencing on September 11, at 10.30 first class 11am – 12.15pm. For details on the rest of the classes contact: chealy@southmayo.com 087 6151675.
Mary Bourke is conducting a part-time childcare course: Child Development L5 QQI /Early Education and Play L5 QQI in Balla Community Centre from September. Forward queries to geraldineohaire@msletb.ie 087 1360694.
Downs Syndrome Ireland, Mayo Branch will hold their church gate collection next weekend on September 14 and 15. Funds raised go directly towards supporting individuals with Downs Syndrome and their families in Co Mayo to provide vital Services and resources.
Balla Community Centre have the following classes coming on stream in early September: Sewing 10am every Monday, Women's Healing Group, 7pm every Monday, Tai Chi (free) provided by SWMDC, Art for Children every Monday at 4pm, Drama for Children every Thursday at 3.30pm. Contact info@balla.ie or phone 087 1850860 or 094 9365846 for further information.
Also Hot Desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact infoballa.ie or 097 1850860 for further details.
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The community and their friends are invited to the Clogher Community Hall on Culture night, September 20, at 7pm. There will be a variety of events including a weaving demonstration, storytelling and Irish Traditional Music. There will also be an exhibition of ancient rocks and a table of mystery objects where people will be asked to guess what the items may have been used for. Tea and refreshments will be served and the usual Friday night card game will follow 9pm.
The AGM of Clogher Environmental Group will take place in Clogher Community Hall on Thursday, September 26, at 8pm. Everyone in the community is invited to come along and get involved in some of the activities that are being organised for the future.
A beginner yoga 6 week series of yoga classes is set to commence in Errew Community Centre. Persons who are interested should contact lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com to book a place. There are vacancies on the course commencing on Monday, September 16. The classes will be a chance to release stress, become more flexible and meet up with others.
“Gracious Thanks” has been extended to Tommy Kilcoyne, Carpentry and Building Solutions, for completing the wall painting in the recent ideal weather. Errew Community Centre looks very smart as it welcomes Errew NS pupils every morning from 7.30am to the new Breakfast club! This much needed new facility is essential for small country schools to survive.
Any enquiries about the Breakfast and After School club should be forwarded to Ríona Lawless on 087 900 5099.
