Local Notes: Ballintubber senior team completed their league campaign with a win.
The Ballintubber senior team who completed their league campaign with a fine win over Crossmolina. While both sides were short a half a dozen regular players they served an entertaining game of quality Gaelic football. Picture by Tom Quinn.
A new project that will document and preserve local knowledge, memories and traditions relating to Mayo's cillíní has been launched. Cillín: Recording Mayo's Children's Burial Grounds – is led by the heritage office of Mayo County Council and is funded by the Heritage Council and it will be delivered by Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting. It will combine oral history interviews with documentary research to record the stories, folklore and community understanding associated with these important but often overlooked heritage sites. Many sites remain undocumented, while others survive primarily through local knowledge and tradition. The project therefore welcomes information relating to the location, history, folklore and community understanding of cillíní sites throughout Mayo. Those who have knowledge, memories, stories, family connections, local traditions, folklore, historical information, photographs or information relating to the location and history of cillíní sites in Mayo - researchers would greatly appreciate hearing from you. You can contact the Mayo Heritage Office on 094 9064092 or 094 906 4619 or by email at heritage@mayococo.ie, or contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 087 9160730 or by email at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
Carnacon Community Development Association is currently in the process of electing a new committee. Ballot papers will be delivered to each household in a number of areas and collected by July 24. Nominate 2 people from your area, 1 male and 1 female and not from the same household. The Development Association has achieved great things in the community since its inception in the early 1980s and all residents are urged to participate and ensure continued success on many fronts.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, July 6, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 16, 18, 24 and 29. Kevin Devaney matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Peter Quinn, Michael Adams and Brian Flynn. The latest draw had a jackpot of €18,400 up for grabs.
The results of games played on Monday, July 6, in Ballyglass Community Centre: 1st Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick, 2nd Mary Boyle and Noel Costello; Gus Sweeney and Mattie Sweeney and 3rd Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. The best of last 10 prizes went to Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan and the raffle winners were Chris Turner and Pat Griffith.
Ballyglass clean up group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes and other tools.
Minister Dara Calleary will launch the renewed Community Futures Action Plan for Ballyglass on Sunday, July 19 at 2pm in the community centre. This plan contains the views and wishes of the community members who took part in the recent survey and provides a roadmap for the projects to be carried out in the community in next five years. All are very welcome to attend on the day. Invitations will be delivered to all homes in the area by volunteers in the coming days.
Mi-Wadi FAI Football Camps 2026 are coming to Ballyglass FC for an action-packed week of football, fun, and friendship. The important dates are Monday, July 27 to Friday 31 running from 10am-1pm. Boys and girls aged 6 to 14 of all skill levels are most welcome to attend. Book online at: https://share.google/AlhhJKJLnExjciPmt.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,000 on Sunday night, July 5. 12, 29, 30 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Geraldine Roache, Joan Joyce, James and Mary Murphy, Seamus and Loretta Hallinan, Brendan and Eva Walsh and Noel Mulroe.
The family of the late Gerry Biggins are raising funds for the Dublin Neurological Institute and the Mater Hospital in memory of a wonderful husband and father. The Gerry Biggins Memorial walk will take place to Croagh Patrick on next Saturday, July 18, departing from the Abbey at 9am. The family would be delighted if people would join them on the day. If you can take part make contact by text or WhatsApp on 085 2853078 or 087 2955029 or see idonate.ie/fundraiser/bigginsfamily1.
The Tóchar Phádraig is back for another summer of pilgrimage, reflection and adventure. The next guided walks take place on July 25 and August 29. Places are still available, so secure yours today.
Congratulations are extended to Cian Mannion and Amy Coleman, who were married on Friday, July 10, in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber. They are wished good health and lifelong happiness in their married lives.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members, Ella Rose O’Flaherty and Hayley Robyn Gibbons who were baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, July 11. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Carra Life Officers has extended thanks to Karen Delanty, Research Officer with IFI for giving presentation at the LCCA June public meeting. There was a great turn out and much interest in the information she gave on results of the electrofishing programme and lake stock assessment. Worryingly the Brown Trout numbers continue to decline on Carra. As the LCCA chairman remarked: maximising potential of Lough Carra needs the following measures: stream enhancement programme; predator control; addressing serious pollution inputs. This would help recover trout numbers in the lake.
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Údarás na Gaeltachta is now seeking expressions of interest from Gaeltacht based businesses interested in taking a stand at Showcase 2027. This is a competitive process.
Closing date for Expressions of Interest is 4pm on Friday, July 31. Email eolas@udaras.ie with the subject line 'Showcase'. Showcase is one of the industry's largest international trade fairs where designers and craft makers provide a choice of contemporary and heritage collections, offering innovation, quality, sustainability and a distinctive point of difference to retail buyers from across the globe. Showcase will be taking place in the RDS, Dublin from January 17-19, 2027.
Partry Women’s Circle will host Bhangra Dancing on July 23, at 8pm in the Mons Horan Community Centre in Partry. Bhangra dance fitness is a fun, high-energy, feel-good workout based on the traditional “happy” dance from Punjab in India. All women from Partry and the wider region are welcome. This is an O18s event with a modest fee of just €5.
Congratulations to Bridget Walsh who represented Connaught in the Special Olympics Games. The community are delighted that Brid came home with gold and silver medals. It was a well-earned reward for a truly exceptional sports woman.
This year’s Ceol na Locha Festival will take place from August 10-14. Each year this event goes from strength to strength attracting many students, participants and visitors to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh.
The 18th Annual Joyce Country Challenge takes place on next Saturday, July 18. There are four grades of walks to challenge all levels of fitness. The adults fee is €10 and children are free.
The Joyce Country Challenge has grown over the years and is renowned for the quality of the 4 different walks - from the challenge to the 5k family walk. As well as the walks, the hospitality is famed far and wide. From the early morning tea and toast to the refreshments at the halfway point, to the soup and craic back at Finny Hall, the hospitality is as renowned as the walking and scenery. A high participation rate is anticipated.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club has 2 Stand tickets for Galway v Limerick up for grabs. All entries also receive a complimentary quick pick for the club lotto with €20,000 jackpot. Tickets will be on sale until 7pm on next Friday, July 17. Please support underage development in our club by entering at https://www.cognitoforms.com/TuarMhicEadaighGAA/Hurling26.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, July 4 stood at €20,000. 5, 13, 23 and 28 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. John Gibbons was the online consolation winner.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws takes place on Saturdays. A prize of €100 is awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, (without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). Recent winners were Michael and Sally Mhic Giobuin.
Thanks to everyone for their continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
Stephen Donoghue will have an Honesty Box at his home in Gortmore in lieu of honey, vegetables, flowering plants, and fruit from time to time. All proceeds from the sale of the above items will be donated to Mary’s Meals Charity.
Tourmakeady Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30 at Tourmakeady woods. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
Killawalla Community Council has extended a “thank you” to everyone who supported the recent community day. It was a huge success and the weather was ideal. Thank you to the sponsors Martin Cannon Motors, Liam Cannon, Ballintubber Store and Service Station and Pakie MacEvilly; to everyone who very generously donated raffle prizes for the bumper raffle and to all the volunteers who helped on the day; to Corbett catering and to T&F bouncing castles for the hours of bouncing fun the kids had. Congrats to all our medal winners.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Mary O’Malley, Gortbawn on the recent passing of her father Henry Ahlborn, in Chicago. Sincere sympathy is also tendered to the family, relatives and friends of Adrienne Boyle, nee Joyce, Hazelrock and Scotland who passed away recently. May they rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Killawalla Community Council has extended a sincere thanks to Mylo and Vinny and Pakie Mac Evilly for a great gala draw night in McEvilly’s, to everyone who gave raffle prizes for the night. There was a huge selection of prizes and winners, Mulchrone Bros Westport, €100 David Corcoran, Crave at the Cottage, €25 Johnny Mc Donagh, Market 57 (Pizza Plate) Patrick McGing, Sabhnasauna €100 Jack Murphy, Westport Adventure Ticket for 4 Johnny Chambers, Westport Hotel Group Dinner for 2 Carmel and Adrian Carter, Cummins Ballinrobe €20 Tom Mc Loughlin, Town Hall, Westport 2 tickets John Carter, Breaffy House Hotel dinner for 2, Conor Mc Manamon, Revive Active set Stephanie Caine, Nyrah Beauty set Caroline Breslin, Ella & Jo set Tom Mc Loughlin, Oliver Kelleher (lazy Susan), Aoife Conway, McHales Farm machinery bag Aaron Feeney, Mayo Movie World Marie Cannon, Foxford Woollen Mills Scarf Adrian Carter, McCormack Butchers €30 Jamie and Lucy Carter, SuperValu voucher €50 Noelle Gibbons, Westport Country Lodge Hotel €50 Cillian Dolan, Carrowbeg Stores (Wine & Chocolates) Karen Hallinan, Lally’s Pharmacy Perfume Kate Daly, Keanes Claremorris €20 Theo Conway, Keanes Farm Machinery, €25 Geraldine Bourke, McHales Jacket John Conway, West Tyres €50 voucher John Carter Jnr, Archers Castlebar €30 voucher Kathleen Hallinan, Western Co-Op Balla, €20 Cillian Cannon, Walsh veterinary, €30 Joe Cawley senior, Peter Duffy €40 Deirdre McGrath, and Corley’s €50 Eamon Walsh.
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. Play online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KillawallaCC. The latest draw was on July 12.
Partry AFC was delighted to hear the application under the 2026 Club Development Small Grant Scheme was successful with €600 being awarded by Mayo Sports Partnership. In total €32,400 was awarded to 48 clubs / community groups throughout Mayo. Congrats to Fianach MacGabhan, Sean Óg Heneghan and Louis Hennessy on making team of the week for round 11. Congrats to Partry AFC U13 team on their recent, 3-1 victory over Straide and Foxford in the Division 2 league final.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra.
Minister Alan Dillon has announced that the following many community groups will benefit from funding under the Local Enhancement Programme. Local recipients include: Balla GAA and LGFA €998.91, Belcarra Ireland Community Centre (€861), Community Council (€998.91), Sports Centre (€998.91) and Belcarra Afterschool CLG (€581.15). Ballintubber GAA (€1,000) and Ballintubber Abbey Choir (€998.91), Ballyheane Community Council (€980), Community Sports Club (€998.91) and Women’s Group (€1,000).
These grants will help provide new equipment, improve facilities and support the fantastic work being done by volunteers in communities every day. The minister has tendered congratulations to all the successful groups, and thanked everyone who gives of their time to make communities stronger.
Belcarra Annual Sports Day will take place on August 9. There will also be a townlands tug of war competition. All areas are requested to start training and get your teams ready. Will your townland take home the prize? As always a fun filled programme is being devised and the sports day will have something for everyone.
It was another fantastic Connaught Fleadh for the Rolling Waves. A special thanks to the Kilkenny family and what was a fantastic medal haul in the village. Congratulations to all the Connaught winners and best of luck in Belfast, U12 Céilí Band, U12 Grúpai Cheoil Rían and Abigail Nestor, U15 Grúpai Cheoil, Diarmuid and Killian Jennings, Gráinne Nestor, U18 Céilí Band, Cian Mongan, U18 Grúpai Cheoil, Ailbhe and Cian Mongan, Gráinne Nestor U15, Whistle Slow Air, Flute Whistle, Flute Slow Air, Trio, Caoimhe Kilkenny O18 Fiddle.
Belcarra Tidy Towns are delighted to announce that they are starting: Belcarra Junior Tidy Towns- Clean and Green. Over July and August, the group will meet for just one hour every Monday evening, taking part in fun, hands-on activities including - Village clean-ups, Biodiversity walks, Eco art, Nature challenges, Planting projects, Environmental awareness campaigns and plenty of fun along the way. This is a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, learn about nature and help make Belcarra an even better place to live. It is desired that lots of young faces will be getting involved.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, July 5 were 1, 7, 12 and 21. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Mary Kiernan, Katie and Sarah Walsh, Cadhla Brennan and Madeline Ralph. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,300 on last Sunday night, July 12. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
It was another fantastic week at the Cúl Camps in Breaffy GAA. The kids have had an absolute ball. A huge thank you is extended to Aidan O’Shea for taking the time to call in, sign jerseys, and have a chat with all the young players. It was a day they’ll remember for a long time. Special thanks also is tendered to Gerry Jennings for co-ordinating a fantastic few days of fun and making the camp such a great success for everyone involved.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto for July 7 were 6, 17, 18 and bonus number 3. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £21,400 tonight, July 14.
The summer season of Mayo County Council's Tourism Section's Photography Competition is open until July 31. Share your best seasonal shots for a chance to be featured in the "Mayo Moments" 2027 calendar.
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Calling all local makers, growers, bakers, creators and small businesses. Balla Summer Market is back on Saturday, August 15, running from 11am–3pm. Whether you create handmade crafts, grow seasonal produce, bake delicious treats, make pantry favourites, grow flowers and plants, or create goodies for our furry friends, the organisers would love to welcome you. To book a stall, contact Balla Community Resources Development on 087 185 0860.
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Thursday, July 2 in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €10,000. 1, 3, 23 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Mary O'Brien (online), Kathryn Freney (online) and Thomas Monaghan (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 9 in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €10,100.
The weather couldn’t have been better, the atmosphere was absolutely electric, and it was amazing to see so many people of all ages out enjoying the fun together at Balla colour run. A huge thank you is extended to everyone who came along and helped make the day so special. Special thanks to Lorcan, whose music was on point from start to finish and kept the energy high. Everyone is so proud of what Balla community can achieve.
The parish Cemetery Masses schedule is as follows: Drum - Monday, August 10, Guesdian - Tuesday, August 11, Elm Hall - Wednesday, August 12 and Balla - Thursday, August 13. Masses will be at 7.30 on each evening weather permitting.
The Christian Community in Balla have welcomed Clara Grace Gilger and Conor John Murphy who were baptised recently in St Cronan's Church Balla. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Manulla FC lotto stood at €7,000 on Sunday, July 12, for the weekly draw. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the community.
Congratulations to Aisling Boyle and Nick Gallwey who recently celebrated their wedding ceremony in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla. They are wished good health and great happiness in their married lives.
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Judging takes place at Clogher Community Centre starting 2pm on Wednesday, July 22. Pride of Place is an All-Ireland initiative that celebrates communities and the people who make them special. It recognises the hard work, commitment, and community spirit of volunteers, local groups, residents and organisations who work together to improve the place where they live and work.
The judges consider community spirit and volunteering, local history and heritage, environmental and sustainability projects, a welcome for everyone, community facilities and initiatives.
The results of the card game July 3 were 1st, Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith shared with Tommy Lyons and Jimmy Connor, 2nd Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey and 3rd Michael Giblin and Breege Blake. The last 10 winners were Majella Quinn and Gus Sweeney sharing with Megan and Mary McDonagh. The progressive 25 game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Drum Cemetery Mass for 2026 takes place this year on Monday, August 10, at 7.30pm weather permitting. A large turnout in memory of the deceased of the region is anticipated.
Congrats to Cuileann Burke who was the Clogher 500 June draw winner. The committee thank all their patrons for their continued support during the past year. There is still one more draw left in this year's draw for July, after which there will be the opportunity to renew for the following year.
A beginners Course in Irish Sign Language will run in Clogher Community Centre commencing on Tuesday, July 28. The six week course will run from 7.30 to 8.30pm weekly. The course is partly funded by MSELTB. Call Fiona on 087 9440899 for details.
Errew NS junction improvement works have begun. This is great news for everyone living in Errew, all those travelling to and from Errew National School and for the local community using Errew Community Centre. This long awaited project will vastly improve the safety for all road users exiting the junction.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for July and 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.
Errew Ladies Group meets up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities on Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm.
