Local Notes: Ballintubber senior panel will meet Mayo Gaels in Senior Club championship on Sunday.
The Ballintubber senior panel who will meet local rivals, Mayo Gaels in the Senior Club Championship at Clogher Pitch next Sunday, at 2pm. Picture by Tom Quinn
Congratulations to Aodhan Hughes, Carnacon, son of Kevin and Marie on his All-Ireland winning performance at Fleadh 2026, in Belfast the weekend before last. Aodhan’s banjo style is hugely admired, and he has won many honours for his mastery of the instrument and his style and craft. A passionate performer, Aodhan is also a proud member of the 2023 All-Ireland Champion Céilí Band, The Pipers Cross, and has achieved All-Ireland titles in solo, duet, and trio competitions. One of Ireland’s finest young musicians Aodhan frequently joins sessions in the family pub in Carnacon. A most affable and pleasant young man, Aodhan is wished continued success in all his pursuits.
Much more than bragging rights lie in store as Ballintubber and their near neighbour’s Mayo Gaels clash in Round 2 of the senior club championship on Sunday next at 2pm in Clogher. Both sides suffered defeats in round 1 with Ballintubber losing to Crossmolina (away) 0- 22 to 1-26. Perhaps that wasn’t as big a surprise as Gaels losing 0-17 to 2-20 away to Aghamore. Gaels had been showing fine form in the league, and they certainly won’t be overawed by the short journey they have to make to Clogher. This is a dangerous assignment for Ballintubber who have made the top eight every season since their promotion in 2007. Ballintubber are in transition now and while their scoring rate in Crossmolina may have been impressive, a necessary championship steel was lacking. While a huge attendance is anticipated Ballintubber supporters are urged to turn out in force and support the boys in red.
The death has taken place of Ethel Walsh (nee Hynes), Currykirwan, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Ethel passed away peacefully, at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness. Predeceased by her parents Pete and Mae Hynes; her husband Mick; her brothers Joe and Patsy; her sister Eileen; and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ethel is deeply regretted by her loving family: Patsy, Geraldine, Michael and Ann; her devoted grandchildren Adrian, Alan, Shauna and Sean; Alan’s wife Sarah; her daughter-in-law Mary; son-in-law Bob; sisters-in-law Phil (London), Helen, Ann (Chicago) and Kathleen (Roscommon); her nieces, nephew, grandnieces and grandnephew; cousins; extended family; neighbours, and her friend Sarah to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. There was a large attendance present as Ethels remains reposing at Ballyglass Community Centre on Friday, August 7. The removal of her remains from her residence took place on Saturday, August 8, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon in Saint Mary’s Church, Carnacon. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Mayo Abbey Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Analysis by the Marine Institute of dead Crayfish on Annie's River (which flows into Lough Carra) have confirmed that, unfortunately, Crayfish Plague is in the catchment. This is a very worrying development, and it is vitally important that water users check, clean and allow all boats and equipment to thoroughly dry-out, then dry for further 48 hours to prevent the spread of the plague. More details can be found on the National Biodiversity Data Centre. https://invasives.ie/species-alerts/crayfish-plague-disease/. Crayfish plague can result in 100% mortality of the protected native, white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) so this is very worrying for the crayfish population in Lough Carra. Its European range has already been seen; this species has been decimated by the impact of crayfish plague disease which spread to Europe with the introduction of the plague carrier North American species of crayfish.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto draw held on August 10, in the clubhouse were as follows; 8, 14, 20 and 26. There was no winner of the €18,800 jackpot. The consolation prize winners were Mike and Tina Maloney (3), Stephen Burke (3), Tony Corbett (3), Liz Cosgrove and Alyssa Higgins.
Ballyglass FCs senior women's team lost to a very strong and experienced Ferns side on a recent Sunday in the FAI Women's Shield quarter final in Wexford. The girls have given some amazing days out this year and everyone at Ballyglass FC are excited to see what the future holds for this special group of players. To make it to the last 8 in their very first year is some achievement. Roll on 2027!
The next Ballyglass Market will take place on August 22, 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. All are very welcome.
Ballyglass Clean Up Group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes, and other tools.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,500 on Sunday night, August 9. 10, 19, 24 and 25 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Ona Loughran, Sarah Foy, Conleth Lydon, Sean and Ceire McManus, Carnacon LGFA, and Louise Ita Walsh. The lotto jackpot stood at €7,600 for last Sunday night’s draw..
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool “Réaltaí, Little Stars, will be providing childcare for children from 2 years and 8 months up to 5 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 contact Siofra on 087 2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
Lough Carra Bioblitz will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 10am-4pm at Moore Hall Co. Mayo. To celebrate National Heritage Week 2026 they are hosting a free fun-filled nature discovery and species recording day. Sign up via Eventbrite or email info@loughcarra.org or just come along on the day. https://www.eventbrite.ie/.../lough-carra-bioblitz-at... This event is funded by the @theheritagecouncil as part of National Heritage Week 2026.
The final Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk for this year takes place on Saturday, August 29. Full and Half Tóchar Walk options are available. Pre-booking is essential. Reserve your place and find full details at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
*************
The death has taken place of Michael (Mike Meeneghan), Cordroon, Cross, Co. Mayo and formerly a native of Srah, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Mike passed away on August 5, peacefully in the care of Mayo Hospice surrounded by his loving family. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends and relations who held him in the highest esteem. Predeceased most recently by his father Michael (Mick), his brother Raymond and father-in-law Michael Hayden, he is deeply regretted by his wife Eleanor, his children Clíodhna and Liam, his mother Bridie, brother Alan and sister Brenda, mother-in-law Attracta Hayden, sister-in-law Caroline, brothers-in- law Cathal, Brendan and Michael, nephew Charlie and niece Robyn, extended family, friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered. His remains reposed in the Crossroads Community Centre, Cong, Co. Mayo on Friday, August 7, and a private resomation will take place later. Dia dean trocaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The Partry Heritage Trail takes place on Sunday, August 23, meeting at 2.30pm at the Mons Horan Memorial Centre. The group will visit four local sites and hear short talks exploring around 15 aspects of Partry’s heritage. One stop will involve a short walk with a slight hill to be negotiated. Carpooling will be needed due to limited parking in some locations. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the centre. The event is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to attend.
Tour Mhic Éadaigh enjoyed a very impressive 3-10 to 1-9 victory over Swinford in the Mayo Junior Club Championship.
Previously Tour Mhic Éadaigh recorded a seven-point victory over Eastern Gaels. While Tour Mhic Éadaigh enjoyed a bye in the latest round, Kilmovee will provide the opposition in round 3. Tour Mhic Éadaigh are going great guns and will almost certainly top their group. Best wishes to the team and management for the remaining rounds.
Tourmakeady Wood Parkrun takes place every Saturday, meeting in the carpark of the wood at 9.30am. This is a timed 5k route. It is a vibrant community event and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy outdoors and connect with others. It is also completely free. It is open to walkers, joggers, runners, families and dogwalkers if the dog is on a short leash. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, August 8, stood at €20,000. 16, 20, 23 and 28 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Conor Gibbons was the online consolation prize-winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development, and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated.
All walkers are invited to explore the wonderful Tourmakeady-Srah loop walk on the slopes of the Partry Mountains for Heritage Week on Wednesday, August 19. The event is free, but registration is essential. https://www.heritageweek.ie/.../explore-the-landscape-and...
Western Care Home Share is looking for individuals, couples, and families across County Mayo to provide short respite breaks for children and adults with disabilities in your own home. Training, ongoing support, and a non-taxable allowance are provided. For more information, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home share Coordinator, 0949029148 / 0876811261.
Killadeer Green Energy Ltd. is proposing a wind energy project with eight wind turbines in the townlands of Killadeer, Bellaburke, Killawullaun West, and Killavally East.
The company says the site was selected following extensive local examination, taking into account the proximity to residential properties, natural heritage, landscape and visual impacts, archaeology, hydrology and many other considerations.
A community information meeting in relation to the proposal took place on Monday, August 10, at 7.30pm in Killawalla Community Centre. The purpose of the meeting was to share with the local community the information that is currently available regarding the proposed Killadeer Wind Farm, which has been progressing in the background for some time.
Information about the proposed turbines, their scale and location, access and delivery routes, the proposed cable connection to Westport, the planning process and some of the potential local considerations were outlined. The information-sharing meeting gave residents an opportunity to better understand what is being proposed and what may happen next. Householders from Killawalla, Killadeer, Ballyheane and the surrounding areas attended. Mayo County Council previously passed a motion halting decisions on new wind farm planning applications until the county's Renewable Energy Strategy is officially updated to account for larger modern turbine scales and proximity to homes.
Congratulations to Siobhan McDonnell who was the recent winner of € 286 in the Killawalla Community Council 50/50 draw. 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.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Recent winners were Christine and Ciaran Walsh, Tourmakeady and Ciara and John Russell, Partry on number 47. The draws finance the ongoing activities of Partry AFC such an energetic part of the sporting community. The club are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of the Community.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm.
Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. Recent winners were Dominic Mulcrone and K and C Keaveney who were recent winners with number 26.
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 expansion/broadening of existing tourism businesses and will operate in the Geopark area. The deadline for new submissions is Friday, August 21. Note: submissions already received earlier this year are still valid unless the proposer is no longer available for the training.
Applicants should email the completed form to info@jcwlgeopark.ie by 5pm Friday, August 21. 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.
Western Alzheimer’s are organising a “Peak of the Reek” Community Climb. Join local families, individuals, and groups climbing Croagh Patrick on Saturday, September 12. Walk for a loved one or enjoy a community day out. All funds support hands-on care for local families living with dementia in the west. Register at westernalzheimers.ie or contact 094 9364900 for further details.
***********
/Ballyheane/Belcarra.
It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Samantha Quigley, An Sruthan, Castlebar and formerly of Ballyheane, Co Mayo. Samantha passed away peacefully at the Mater Hospital Dublin on August 7. He untimely passing is an occasion of immense sorrow to her loving family and many friends and relatives who deeply lament her passing. Predeceased by her dad Anthony, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, Samantha is sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family by her daughters Lucy (Mark) and Shauna Rose (Sean) by her heartbroken mum Christina and her partner Larry, brother Lorcan and her stepbrother Colin (Castlebar), aunts Aine, Michelle, Teresa, Josephine, Geraldine, Angela, uncles PJ and John, all her wonderful cousins, relatives, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends to whom profound sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on Thursday evening from 4 pm with removal at 7pm to St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Samantha’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning at 11.30 with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
Belcarra has been selected to host one of just six flagship events in County Mayo as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency Cultural Programme 2026. The Belcarra European Cultural Celebration – A Festival of Shared Heritage will take place on next Saturday, August 22, from 3 to 5pm at Belcarra Community Centre, the Eviction Cottage and Recreational Park. This free family event will celebrate the rich cultural connections between Belcarra and Europe through music, storytelling, heritage and community activities. Everyone is warmly invited to come along and be part of this special occasion.
We look forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon celebrating our shared heritage.
Congratulations to Conor Murtagh, he is part of the Cuimsiú Mhaigh Eo group who were honoured with a Gradam Inclusion Award, this included a coveted performance at the All-Ireland Fleadh in Belfast.
Congrats to All Ireland U15 Trio champions Gráinne Nestor - Flute (Belcarra), Roísín Moran - Harp and Anna Clarke - Concertina (both from Turlough), U15 Grúpaí Cheoil - Gráinne Nestor, Killian and Diarmuid Jennings. They were tutored by Cian and John Kilkenny.
The result of the August game of cards in Belcarra Centre is as follows, 1st Judy Clarke and Sean Staunton, 2nd Breege Blake and Mary McDonagh, 3rd Jim McLoughlin and Sean Hopkins. The last 9 winners were Sarah Gilligan and Rita Armstrong. The raffle prizes went to Michael Carney, Tony Lohan and Sean Staunton. The next card game will be in Belcarra Centre on September 7.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, August 9, was 12, 18, 19 and 29. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Sharon Ward, Helen Ralph x 2 and Marie Reilly. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,800 on last Sunday night, August 16. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and online at https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2628#Anchor.
Breaffy made a winning start to the senior championship campaign as they come out on top against Ballaghaderreen on a scoreline of 0-22 to 0-12 in round 1. It was a strong performance from the big physical talented Breaffy side to get the championship off to the perfect start, but matters may be more complicated as they make the long trip to Belmullet for a 1pm clash with the home side on Sunday next, August 23. Belmullet had a convincing 2-9 to 1-9 away victory against Knockmore in round 1. The North Mayo side will be anxious to nail down a place in the knock-out stages. A fascinating contest lies in store.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto for Tuesday, August 11, were 22, 24, 27 and bonus number 7. There were no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £21,900 on this Tuesday night, August 18.
Calling all the ladies of Ballyheane and surrounding areas, Ballyheane AFC are now recruiting for the upcoming Women's Master's League which will commence in the autumn. Contact Catherine on 087 6195025 or Julie on 087 9846401 if interested in participating.
National Learning Network Castlebar can help you gain QQI Certification and assist with finding employment. Your Social Welfare payment will remain protected. Call or message Sharon on 087 290 9064 to discuss.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 10 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. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
**************.
Congratulations to Isobel Hoban (Errew) and Anna Joyce (Drummin) and the U15 Rolling Waves Grúpa Ceoil for their second placing at the All-Ireland Fleadh Ceoil in Belfast recently. It was a most magnificent achievement, and the community are very proud of you both and proud of all the successful competing local musicians representing Mayo from the area.
Expressions of interest are being sought for the running of Errew breakfast and and After School Club in Errew Community Centre. Contact Riona at 087 9005099 for details.
Clogher card results for Friday, August 7, were 1st Mary McDonagh and Eileen Moran, 2nd Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn and Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion, 3rd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, The last 10 winners were Tom Fitzpatrick and Gus Sweeney. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
The modular unit is in place for the childcare facility and will be available for parents at the start of the new school term. Thanks to all the people who worked together to make this project come to fruition. On Saturday, September 5, members of the committee and school community are holding a flag day in Castlebar. All funds raised will be used to support the further development of the facility. All support is greatly appreciated.
The Clogher 500 12th draw has taken place. To be in with a chance for the August draw supporters must sign up again at https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/X45TU2GQCI or contact any member of the committee. Thanks to all who supported the Clogher 500 draw for the past year.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for 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.
