Local Notes: Ballintubber selectors discuss tactics during U16D Shield final.

Eamon Thomas, Ballintubber mentor, shares the plan with his co-selectors pointing out which areas to target during half time of the recent Ballintubber v Ballinrobe U16D Shield final. Picture by Tom Quinn
A new social housing scheme in Carnacon is in the running for a national award. The development is especially attractive and extremely well finished to the highest standards. Attractively named, “Coranna Court” it will bring new life and activity to the heart of the village. It also features a beautiful wild flower garden at the rear. The development has been shortlisted for the ICSH Community Housing Awards 2025. A number of presentations were made to the judging panels in recent weeks. All works on the homes are complete and tenancies in place.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €12,100 on Sunday night, October 5. The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 11 and 23. There was one jackpot winner. Congratulations to Margaret Jennings, Turlough who scooped the club lotto jackpot of €12,200. It should be an enjoyable Christmas. Consolation prizes went to Austin Meehan, Shane Naughton, Cillian O’Connor, James Jennings, Claire Costello and Breege Casey. The jackpot has resumed again and stood at €5,000 on last Sunday night, October 12. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber Abbey has been shortlisted for a Mayo Tourism Honour at this year’s Mayo Business Awards. For over 800 years, the abbey has welcomed pilgrims, visitors, and couples from near and far - a living part of Mayo’s heritage, community, and spirit. Ballintubber Abbey staff are proud to represent the parish and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Claremorris on Friday, November 7. Ballintubber Abbey Trust who is in contention for the Mayo Tourism Award (sponsored by Fáilte Ireland) is wished the best of luck. Best wishes also to Hayes Mechanical and Engineering who are in line for the Small / Medium Business Award, sponsored by CBE.
Despite the wet and windy weather, Carra Life personnel were delighted to welcome third-year Environmental Science students from NUIG Galway to Moore Hall on a recent Wednesday. Ann Marie Meaney, the Surface Water Officer and Acting Project Manager, greeted the group and introduced them to the Lough Carra LIFE Project, sharing the story behind this unique marl lake and why it’s truly a gem worth preserving. She outlined the aims of the Life Project, highlighting the commitment to protecting and restoring the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Padraic Kelly, the Groundwater Officer, then gave an insightful talk on hydrogeology and the innovative reedbed wastewater treatment system located at Moore Hall.
Ann Marie also spoke about conservation efforts for the lesser horseshoe bat, a protected species that calls Moore Hall home.
After the talks, the students travelled to a nearby farm in Ballintubber, which is part of the pilot Agri-Environmental Scheme. There, they had the opportunity to see sustainable farming practices in action and engage in a lively Q&A session. Thanks have been tendered to the students and staff for braving the elements and showing such enthusiasm. It is hoped the visit sparked inspiration and curiosity for the vital work of environmental protection.
Ballintubber Abbey is the venue on November 25 for “Voices of the Centenaries”, a musical performance with vocal ensemble Resurge Collegium Chambers Choir and Musicians Malcolm Proud and Siobhan Armstrong as part of Mayo County Council’s Commemorative Programme 2025. The event is free but bookings are required via Eventbrite.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw on Monday, October 6. The numbers drawn from the drum were 6, 21, 24 and 27. Joe Sheridan matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Sean Connor, Devan Burke, Colin Derrig and Fran Glynn. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €14,500 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, October 6 were: 1st Francie Conway and Dave Gibbons, 2nd Mary Morrin and Gus Sweeney; Kevin McDonagh and Denny McDonagh; Richard and Mary Carney and 3rd Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford; Noel Costello and Breege Jennings. The last 10 winners were Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion. The raffle winners were Francie Conway and Dave Gibbons.
Ballyglass Childcare Service will hold its AGM on this Wednesday, October 15 at 7pm. All parents are warmly invited to attend this important meeting to meet the team and other families in the community. As the service is community based, your input is vital. They ask that one parent from each household using the service, to please attend. There will be refreshments served on the night.
Ballyglass Foróige is currently recruiting new leaders. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Friday evening and enjoy working with young people, contact Sheila on 087 6704916.
The next market in Ballyglass Community Centre will be on Saturday, October 25, at 11am. Little ones are welcome to wear their Hallowe’en costumes for this spooky themed market. The usual array of baked goods, local vegetables, honey, crafts and treats will be available.
Bookings are open for a Tap and Toddle Halloween event which will take place in Carnacon Community centre on Saturday, October 27.The cost for this spooky event is €15. Contact 085 738837 for further details.
The annual rosary in the graveyard ceremonies will take place on November 1 in Killawalla at 11am, Ballintubber at 12 noon and Burriscarra at 1pm.
The weekly Card game (25 drive) resumes in Carnacon Centre on Thursday, October 16, at 8.30pm. Admission is just €10. Beginners are welcome and will get help if needed.
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The death took place recently of Anthony (Tony) McGing, Lankhill Road, Westport, Co. Mayo; The Clock Tavern; Tooting, London and formerly of Croaghrim. Tony passed peacefully on Friday, October 3, at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle. Predeceased by his parents Anthony and Mary Kate, his sister Marion, and brothers Michael and Paddy, he is deeply regretted by his devoted wife Maura, children Tracey, Anthony, Damian, Seán and Genevieve, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and cherished grandchildren Anthony, Daniel, Aoibhinn, Olivia, James, Liam, Isobel, Patrick and Emily, sisters Mary, Ann and Margaret, brothers John, Mattie and Tommie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
His remains reposed at Killawalla Community Centre on Sunday week, October 5, from 4.30 until 7pm. Requiem Mass for Tony was celebrated on Monday, October 6, at 11am in St Mary’s Church, Westport followed by burial ceremonies in Killawalla cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, October 11, stood at €19,300. 2, 21, 23 and 28 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
A huge thank you has been extended to everyone who supported CLG Tuar Mhic Éadaigh at the recent Junior Championship match. The club were delighted to welcome RTÉ RnaG to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh for their live broadcast from Páirc Naomh Muire. Heartfelt thanks to the club players, management team, physio, supporters and all the incredible volunteers and stewards your hard work never goes unnoticed.
Fuair Mary Stack née Joyce as Ceapaigh na Creiche, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Maigh Eo, bás go síochánta ar an 5ú Deireadh Fómhair 2025. Ba bhean chéile, máthair, seanmháthair, deirfiúr agus cara iontach í, agus beidh uaigneas mór uirthi ag gach duine a raibh aithne acu uirthi.
The death has occurred of Mary Stack, nee Joyce, Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry and formerly of Cappanacreha, Tourmakeady, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Mary passed away peacefully on October 5, 2025. Beloved wife of Mike, dear mother of Michael, Gary, Lisa, Eamon and Joyce, sister of Annie, Sarah, Carrie, Peggy, Eileen and the late Tom, Patsy, Joe and Bridie, she is deeply regretted by her loving family, her grandchildren Megan, Sadbh, Tom, John Joe, Galicia and Santiago, great-granddaughter Brogan, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Mary’s remains reposed at her home in Ballyheigue on last Tuesday, October 7 from 6 to 8pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated on last Wednesday at 12 noon in St Mary’s Church, Ballyheigue with internment afterwards in the local cemetery. Tá sí imithe ar Shlí na Fírinne anois. Slán abhaile.
Farming folk are requested to come along to the NPI information events held in each of the local areas over the coming weeks to see what actions are available and what will help improve the habitat score on farms. The closing date for NPI applications is October 17. Contact your advisor as soon as possible to discuss.
Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Kathleen Gibbons, Tawnagh who recently celebrated her 90th birthday with friends in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. She is wished good health and many more joyous occasions in the years ahead.
The Knitting Club is back in Halla on Monday evenings at 7.30pm. New members are most welcome and further details are available from 087 7657191.
Congratulations are extended to Caoimhe Mulroe, daughter of Kevin and Peg Mulroe, Letterineen, Tourmakeady and Graham Lavin, son of Sandra and John Lavin, Kilcullen, Co Kildare who recently announced their engagement. The couple are wished great joy and success with their future plans.
The beautiful south-west Mayo lakeside community of Tourmakeady has celebrated establishment of its Parkrun on Saturday mornings at 9.30. Parkrun is a free, community event where people can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. All are very welcome to participate.
1, 6, 8 and 21 were the numbers drawn in the most recent Killawalla Community Council lotto draw. There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to John Conway, Teresa Carter and Jimmy and Teresa McGing.
Training for Ballyheane/Ballintubber First Responders takes place in Killawalla Centre every second Thursday at 8pm. New people would be most welcome to join. Contact Rita at 086 8632145.
St Vincent de Paul collection will take place at Killawalla Church on Sunday, October 26.
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The death has taken place of Marina Tuffy, Gub na Hairde, Currane, Achill and formerly of Belcarra, and Deer Park, Aughagower, Co. Mayo. Marina passed peacefully on October 6, at home under the exceptional care of her heartbroken wife, family and friends after lengthy journey with cancer. The community of Currane and many friends across the county are heartbroken with the sudden death of their dear friend Marina. She is deeply regretted by her wife Cynthia Silva of the past 11 years, her adult children TJ, Siofra, Siobhan and Aoife Tuffy, her mother Mary Moran of Westport, Gabriel Moran (Deerpark, Aughagower), Bernadine Moran (Balla), Yvonne McDonagh (Claremorris) and Louis Moran (Deerpark, Aughagower), her sisters-in-law Kathy Fahy (nee Tuffy), Cathy McGovern, her daughter-in-law Jenny, her many nieces and nephews Kate, Niamh, Matthew, Peter, Shania, Adam, Evan, Alanna and John to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at her residence on last Tuesday from 12 noon until 8pm. A celebration of her life took place in Glor Na Dtonn on Wednesday at 12 noon, followed by cremation at McGowan’s Crematorium in Sligo. May she rest eternally in the arms of the Angels who await her.
The October 5, jackpot stood at €3,200. The numbers drawn were 7, 13, 20 and 32. Consolation prizes went to Tom Nestor, Mary Jo Cannon, Chloe Ruane and Gabby Nestor. The weekend jackpot stood at €3,400 on Sunday, October 12.
Congratulations are extended to Shauna Kilkenny, Belcarra and Cathal Duffy, Castlebar who were recently married in Ballintubber Abbey. The couple are wished a long and happy life together.
Pilates classes have commenced in Belcarra Community Centre. Pilates can help with core strength, improved posture, flexibility and mobility, injury prevention and rehab and much more. Come along and give it a try. Contact Natalie to book your place 087 2340695.
David Cunningham in concert with Mayo Concert Orchestra and Vocalessence Ladies Choir directed by Kathy Fahey will take place on Friday, October 17, at 8pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Doors will be open at 7.30pm. Tickets are available on eventbrite.ie, Cunningham's Costcutters, Moran's Butchers, Belcarra and Roaches Centra, Balla. Directed by the acclaimed Kathy Fahey.
Belcarra Cycling Club was delighted to donate the proceeds of €650 from their recent club Sportif to Orla Gillespie, Manager of Mayo Cancer Support. The club has extended thanks to all the participants and volunteers for their superb support.
The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will host the eighth International Swift Conference in ATU Mayo next year from May 27 to May 29 in association with Swift Conservation Ireland/Mayo, Mayo County Council, Fáilte Ireland, National Wildlife and Parks Service (NPWS), Office of Public Works (OPW) and other sponsors. In the region of 200 delegates are expected to attend bringing Swift enthusiasts, conservationists, ecologists, researchers and rehabilitators from around the world to Castlebar. They will share the latest research findings, exchange ideas and celebrate the conservation of various Swift species include the Common, Pallid Swift, Alpine and Vaux’s Swift. The conference is held every second year and was previously held in Germany, UK, Poland, Israel, Spain, and Italy in 2024.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, October 7, had the numbers 15, 21, 28 and bonus number 3 drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The jackpot stands at €17,500 on this Tuesday, October 14.
On November 7, the 2025 Mayo Business Awards will be presented at a gala lunch in The McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. Best wishes to Breaffy House Resort who is in contention for the Green Game-Changer Award sponsored by AIB. The Punch Bowl Ballyheane has also been nominated for Excellence in the Hospitality Sector sponsored by Mellett. Best wishes to Claire and Larry Staunton for success on the night.
Ballyheane FC has extended congrats to their U10's team and the club academy who put on a brilliant display of football at the recent blitz.
The club has extended thanks as always to all the coaches involved for their great work and encouragement and also a big thank you to the parents and supporters for your continued support of the club.
On November 1, in the Punch Bowl Ballyheane, a fundraiser will be held for Noel Moran who was in an accident a few weeks ago. The aim is to help Noel out as he still has a long road ahead of him to recover from his injuries. There will be live music from Brad Heidi and Mikey Wallace. There is also going to be head shaving and waxing so volunteers are required. There is also a go fund me page and strong support is urged for the worthy cause. Donate at https://gofund.me/e2a2c6cfd.
A free event to promote physical activity among older adults is being organised. Please come and try pickleball, sit fit, petanque and activator poles in a fun and enjoyable environment. The time and place is, October 15, from 10am-1pm, at Castlebar Mitchel’s, An Spórtlann. Further information and to register contact Kate on 087 6498543 or kfeehan@mayococo.ie.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, October 2, in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €6,200. 11, 16, 17 and 25 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Shona Kilkenny (Standing Order), Paul Jennings (Standing Order) and Joe Vaughan (Online). The latest draw was on Thursday, October 9, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €6,300.
Balla GAA and LGFA have stated “it was our absolute privilege to donate our proceedings from our annual St Stephen’s Day fundraiser to such a worthy cause. @childrens health foundation has a noble mission on this earth and it was an honour to be a small part of that in offering up the proceeds from our race”. The clubs has extended thanks to all who took part. St John's Oncology Ward, CHI, Temple Street received the cheque for €4,036 from Balla GAA and LGFA.
Balla Tidy Towns have been invited to the National Tidy Towns Awards in Croke Park on October 24. The group have expressed gratitude to Mayo County Council, their magnificent volunteers, Community Foundation Ireland, schools, residents' associations, as well as local community organisations and businesses who have all played a vital role in making Balla ‘a truly inspiring place’.
A retirement party for Dr James Broderick will take place in Balla Community centre on next Friday, October 17, at 7pm. All are cordially invited.
On Tuesday mornings why not visit Balla Centre and Try Line Dancing. Join the group at Balla Community Centre and have fun moving to the music. All levels are welcome and beginners are encouraged. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun. The sessions are available daytime, evenings, and weekends at Balla Community Centre. Call 087 1850860, 094 93 65846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
There are limited places available on the Basket Weaving Course. These courses are always in high demand so don’t miss your chance to take part in this fantastic hands-on workshop in the future. To book your place, contact Sheona: 087 1850860 | 094 93 65846.
Interested persons are invited to join pilates classes in Balla Centre led by a qualified physiotherapist. It is suitable for all levels of ability. Osteoporosis-friendly, safe, supportive, and effective - strengthen your body, improve flexibility, and support your wellbeing in a friendly community setting. For more information or to book your place on 089 4203098 | durcan.physio.pilates@gmail.com.
As the days shorten and darkness falls early, safety and peace of mind become more important than ever. A personal monitored alarm provides reassurance that help is only a button press away - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Immediate assistance is available in case of emergency. Apply today and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re never alone. info@balla.ie 094 9365846 or 087 1850860.
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An impressive €1,480 was raised at the Errew Coffee Morning Fundraiser for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation on a recent Thursday. Catherine Hoban and Bernie Thomas extend their sincere thanks to everyone who supported the event and enjoyed a cuppa.
Special thanks is also extended to all those who donated afterwards but couldn’t attend. Your generosity towards this very worthy cause is much appreciated. Thanks to Errew NS staff and pupils for all their support as well.
Errew Community Centre was officially opened a year ago by Minister Alan Dillon TD. Thanks have been tendered to everyone who has supported the centre over the last 12 months by attending the numerous fundraiser events, yoga and mindfulness classes and various community meetings. It is great for the local community to see the building being used so positively again.
November is the month of the Holy Souls and the Rosary will be recited in Drum Graveyard on the Sunday, November 2, at 3pm to remember all the people who are interred there as well as members of local families who are buried outside of their native parishes.
Join the team at Clogher Environmental Group. Part-time positions are available in the Community Employment Clogher Scheme. DPS criteria applies. Contact Alicia for more information on the opportunities at 094 9360891.
If you would like to have a chance to win €500 and also to support the Clogher Community it costs just €60 for one year (12 draws). Details are on the following link https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership or tickets can be purchased from any committee member. Congratulations to Robert Feeney who is the September winner of the Clogher 500 Club draw.
Clogher Heritage Complex is open to the public five days a week from 10am -4pm. If the cottage is not open please ring 094 9360891 for assistance. The Heritage Complex is also the starting point of the weekly Tuesday evening walks which commence at 7pm.
The Local Link provides a bus service through Clogher on Tuesday and Thursday each week. Call Matt Rowley on 085 1251633 on the previous day to avail of the service. This service is free for travel pass holders.