Local Notes: Ballintubber U14 panel and coaches who lost out to Castlebar Mitchels in the West Mayo final.
Ballintubber U-14 coaches and their talented U14 panel that lost out to Castlebar Mitchels in the recent West Mayo final. Picture by Tom Quinn
The new Ballintubber Abbey fundraiser CD, ‘Dóchas is Grá - Hope and Love’ is currently on sale. The album features songs and traditional Irish music frequently heard in Ballintubber Abbey throughout the church calendar year. It includes a ‘Message of Hope’ from Fr Frank Fahey.
The CD pack also includes a commemorative booklet with a preface by Fr Michael Farragher and photographs of the Abbey and surrounding grounds. The songs and tunes are described in the booklet and are a highly recommended read.
‘Dóchas ‘s Grá - Hope and Love’ is available immediately from Ballintubber Abbey Gift Shop and in stock also in Knock Shrine Religious Bookshop & Online Shop, Knock Museum shop, Castle Book Shop and Crave at the Cottage, Ballintubber.
Sincere thanks to all the generous sponsorship the project received from local businesses. This has allowed 100% of all proceeds to go directly to the East Wing Restoration Project match funding requirements and the ongoing upkeep of the wonderful, historic Ballintubber Abbey. The album price is a modest €20.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir hopes you enjoy the songs and music and that it serves as a reminder of special spiritual time that can be spent in Ballintubber Abbey.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA Lotto draw on Sunday week last. 6, 29, 33 and 36 were the numbers drawn. The winners of the consolation prizes were Eileen Halissey, Kevin Curley, Padraic Prendergast, Geraldine McClintock, Stephen O’Malley and Anne O’Dea. On Sunday, July 28, the jackpot stood at €6,000 for the weekly draw.
The numbers drawn on July 22, were 19, 23, 27 and 31. There was no winner of the €8,100 jackpot and Margaret Haywood was the Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Isobel Murphy, Declan Donovan, Enda Keane, Tom Staunton and Bernard Haywood.
Winners from Monday, July 22: 1st Peter Glynn and Philip White, 2nd Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick. The last 10 winners were Mary Brennan and Breege Jennings; Pat Griffith and Chris Turner and the raffle prizes went to Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick.
The next market in Ballyglass Community Centre will be on Saturday, August 10. The market features a varied selection of goods homemade and unique and is a big hit with its monthly patrons.
Joe Kelly, who sells fresh vegetables at the monthly markets, is organising a weekly vegetable box delivery service to Ballyglass Community Centre. He will deliver a box of fresh seasonal organic vegetables to be picked up on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 6pm at the community centre. The boxes will cost €20 each. If you would like to avail of the service, contact 089 4519198.
There will be a secretarial position available in Burriscarra NS starting on August 28. 12 hours per week is the requirement and days and times are flexible. Email letters of application and CVs to burriscarraad@gmail.com or call 087 6413247.
‘The Light the Fire’ pilgrimage at Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo will take place on Sunday, August 4, from 12 noon to 4pm. The schedule is as follows, 12 to 1pm gathering, 1.15pm Rosary, 2pm Holy Mass, 3pm Eucharistic Healing Service 4pm, depart for home. Archbishop Francis Duffy, along with Deacon John Taaffe will celebrate Mass as part of the Light the Fire rosary/healing service. Eurovision’s Dana Rosemary Scanlon will also sing her new song for Saint Patrick which recalls how the patron saint lit the fire of faith. A large attendance is anticipated so prompt attendance is advised. Volunteers are also required and contact the office if you can help out in anyway. If anyone was willing provide cakes or bakes it would be appreciated. These can be dropped off to the Dorter on the day before.
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CLG Tuar Mhic Éadaigh has extended their best wishes and good luck to Ciara McGing who is representing Ireland in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Ciara will compete in the diving competition on Monday, August 5. Ciara has strong Tuar Mhic Éadaigh connections - both her grandparents hail from the area. Her grandmother is Noreen Saunders from Srah and her grandfather is Paddy McGing, Croaghrim. She is also proudly supported by her relatives Tommy, Mary McGing and family (Croaghrim). Ciara grew up in London but her grandparents (see above) hail from Tourmakeady (Mayo) and Rathmullan (Donegal).
Ciara moved to Dublin at age 16 to train with Swim Ireland’s elite diving squad for three years before joining Ohio State University in 2020. At Ohio she has won a Big 10 title, reached NCAA finals, obtained a degree in health sciences, and is currently doing her Masters. She won her first senior Irish title at 17, and debuted for Ireland at the 2019 Junior European championships in Kazan, Russia. Ciara narrowly missed qualifying for Tokyo 2020; she finished 23rd in the World Diving Cup where the top 18 qualified. Since then she made her World Championships debut for Ireland in 2022, finished sixth at the 2023 European Games in a PB of 280.20 points, and was also a finalist at the 2020 Europeans where she finished ninth. Ciara McGing will represent Ireland in the women's 10-meter platform dive. This is the first career Olympic Games for Ciara and she is wished great success. Go néirí leat, Ciara, ó CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh agus gach einne sa Chondae.
The death has occurred of Margaret Lydon nee Whelan, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey and formerly of Shanvalleycahill, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Margaret passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on July 14. Predeceased by her daughter Aimee and her parents William (formerly of Wexford) and Catherine (Kate Garry Lydon) of Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo, Margaret is deeply regretted by her loving family, her husband Peter, daughters Joanie and Miriam, son Michael, son-in-law Andrew, her adored grandchildren Grace, Maggie, Caitlin, Conor, Rory, Eoin, Michael and Jack, sisters-in-law Beatrice, Peggy, and Philomena, brothers-in-law Jimmy, Michael and Padraic, nieces, nephews relatives and her many friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Her remains reposed at her residence at Maple End, Warren Park, Kingston, on Monday, July 22, from 5 until 8pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning at 10am at the Secret Heart Church, Edge Hill, Wimbledon, SW194LU.
Margaret’s remains reposed at Tourmakeady Community Centre on last Thursday evening July 25 from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. Her Funeral Mass took place on last Friday at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Churchfield cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto draw took place on July 20 for a jackpot of €12,900. 6, 10, 11 and 21 were the numbers drawn. The online consolation prizewinners were Niamh Meeneghan and Pattie and Kevin Egan. The jackpot stood at €13,000 on last Saturday, July 27.
Congrats to Tourmakeady U14 LGFA team who won the girls U14 championship shield final with a comprehensive win over Burrishoole.
This year's Féile Ceol na Locha takes place from August 12 to 16. Each morning of the festival from 10am to 1.30pm in Coláiste Muire, musical instruments will be taught by top class tutors - accordion, tin whistle, fiddle, harp, flute, bodhrán, guitar and concertina. Amhranaíocht as Gaeilge will also take place.
The programme includes art classes for adults and children and an Óige na Locha camp for the younger children aged five to nine years. A festival céilí with Matt Cunningham and his band will take place in Máire Luke's and a guided walk to Tourmakeady Waterfall, a family fun day and barbeque is also planned to take place in the Halla carpark. During the Féile week, there will be a book launch ‘Ceann Scríbe Baile Ghib’ which has a collection of stories from the people who transferred from the West to Gibbstown, Co Meath in 1937/1939.
This year Féile Ceol na Locha is celebrating 25 years and is delighted that the talented Hernon family from Carna in Connemara will be on stage in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on the first night of the festival. They will be joined by singer Don Stiffe. Bookings for classes this year are online only at www.ceolnalocha.com. Further information is available from 094 9544295 or email ceolnalocha@gmail.com and ceolnalocha.com.
A new summer season of Irish classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. On Wednesday, July 31, at 10am there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday) and another evening session running from 7 to 8pm. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The death took place of Bridie King, R.I.P, (née Neary) Mask View, Treen, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo and formerly of Darralough, Bangor Erris, Co. Mayo. Bridie passed away peacefully in the care of her loving family at her home on July 23 and her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her family and many peers.
Predeceased by her husband Paddy, her parents Frank and Catherine, siblings Paddy, Jim, Frank, Denny and Mary Kennedy, she is deeply regretted by her family Emer, Imelda, John and Declan, loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, her daughters-in-law, son-in-law, sisters Vera Madden (Ennis), Margaret Dooley (Newtown Forbes), brothers Martin (Birmingham), Seán (London), Eddie (South Africa) and Colm (Kilcock), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends, carers and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended Her remains reposed at Teach Tóraimh Naomh Mhuire, Gorteenmore, Tourmakeady on Friday evening, July 26. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady on last Saturday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Churchfield Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
The dates for the cemetery Masses in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh this year are as follows: Churchfield Friday, August 2, at 7pm; Tuar Mhic Éadaigh August 4, at 11.30am; Monday, August 5, at 6pm in Kilkeeran. Grateful thanks has been extended to the Rural Social participants for the great upkeep and maintenance of both graveyards.
Congratulations are extended to Sean and Kathleen Burke, Portroyal, Partry on the recent celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The popular couple are wished health and happiness and many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
Partry FAI Football Camps starts on Monday, August 5. Bookings for the 2024 Intersport Elverys FAI Football Camps are now open. You can book now via the link; https://bookings.faifootballcamps.ie/s/camp-list Congratulations to Kenny O’Malley, Kilfaul, who was a recent winner of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €23,000 for tonight’s draw on July 30. The numbers drawn last week on July 23, were 16, 23, 30 and bonus number 6.
Breaffy GAA Club has extended thanks to all who attended the coffee morning at Breaffy GAA clubhouse for the opening of the newly refurbished dressing rooms and kitchen on Friday last, July 26. The guest of honour was Minister Alan Dillon TD and all donations are going to Castlebar Social Services.
As part of National Heritage Week, the North Mayo Heritage Centre and Mayo County Library are offering free genealogy consultations at the Castlebar Library on Friday, August 23. No booking or appointments necessary.
The remaining Cemetery Mass times for 2024 are as follows; New Cemetery on Friday, August 2, at 7pm and Breaffy Cemetery on next Friday, August 2, at 7pm.
Belcarra Tidy Towns volunteers are currently doing trojan work, cutting back shrubs, briars and weeds that were encroaching on the riverside walk entrance, clearing weeds along the kerbs, planting and watering window boxes and planters, washing signs and gates, painting the bridge and hanging baskets and cleaning and sweeping along the kerbs. It all helps to keep the village looking beautiful. The group meet every Monday and Tuesday at 7pm. Thanks has been extended to all involved.
A big ‘Thank You’ has been extended to all who contributed so generously to the recent church gate collection in aid of the "Youth Pilgrimage to Medjugorje. The amount collected in Belcarra was €482.87 and in Balla/Mayo Abbey €668.20. Sixty three young people are about to embark on an amazing life changing journey. You can be assured of their prayers - from Keith and the Youth group.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €7,500 on July 21. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 12 and 29. Congrats to the lucky dip winners of €30; Arlene McKiernan, Michelle Cunningham, Fionnan Nestor and Keith Monaghan. The weekend prize was €7,600 on July 28.
The next monthly 25 drive in Belcarra Centre will be on next Monday night, August 5. All card players novice and experienced are welcome to attend.
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The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA lotto draw on July 18 in The Shebeen were 5, 6, 31 and 36. The €30 winners were Joe Vaughan (online), Kenneth Moran (standing order) and Aidan Armstrong (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, July 25, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €7,400.
Free Tai Chi classes will take place in Balla Community Centre commencing September 11, at 10.30. First class 11am-12.15pm. For details on the rest of the classes contact: chealy@southmayo.com 087 6151675 to book your place.
The winners of the draw for The Sensory Garden which was held on Saturday, July 20, 1st prize: David Gormally, Manulla. 2nd Celia Anderson and 3rd Helen Cawley.
A gardening course is currently running at Balla Centre. This is a great opportunity to discover the art of gardening. Check in at Balla Community Centre every two weeks and the modest fee is €50. Limited places are available and for more information call Balla CFD at 094 9365846/ 087 1850860 or email info@balla.ie. This course is part funded by MSLETB.
The latest Manulla FC lotto draw was held on Sunday, July 28, for a massive jackpot of €15,400. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons.
Manulla FC Summer Camp will take place from August 19-23, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The camp is suitable for boys and girls aged between 6 and 14 years of age. The fees are €60, 2 children €110 and 3 children €160. It promises to be a great week of fun this summer with a UEFA B license coach. Book a brilliant week by contacting Conor on 0831753142.
Manulla FC has extended thanks to LPB Building Services Ltd, Manulla, who have sponsored new tops from Kit Stop in Castlebar for the clubs U13B boys’ team. Manulla FC have extended congratulations to the winner of the recent score prediction competition Carmel Donnelly.
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The Frenchill Memorial Cross in honour of Brother Sylvester Lynch has kindly been cleared and upgraded to mark the 101 year anniversary of a tragic event. On July 13, 1923 Brother Sylvester Lynch, aged 41 tragically died following an accident close to the famous crossroads where the old Horseshoe ballroom once stood.
Brother Sylvester was thrown from his sidecar and knocked unconscious when his horse bolted at the Frenchill junction and he died four days later in hospital. Prior to his passing, Fr Kelly CC Castlebar had visited him daily. After the funeral Mass in the Parish church, Castlebar, the cortège left for Errew Monastery Cemetery where he was laid to rest.
Br. Pius Coghlan wrote an account of the tragic event in the ‘Annals of Errew Monastery’ describing how the well liked Br. Sylvester met his fate. Br. Conal Thomas has recorded this account in his book, ‘Errew Now and Then’. “Br Sylvester Lynch had studied horticulture at Mountbellew and was later in charge of the Errew Monastery farm.
He was driving Br Laurence Doyle into town to attend Irish classes and visited the local fair himself, apparently looking to buy bainbhs. The accident happened on their return.” Dr Michael O’Connor, acclaimed local historian, has also recorded the incident in his book, ‘Caribbean Slave Owners- and other Lesser Known Stories from County Mayo’, chapter - ‘Plain of the Coffins’.
A memorial cross was erected at Frenchill for Br Sylvester and it used to be a prominent feature close to the crossroads. The inscription on the base reads-‘BSL 1923’.
Errew Breakfast Club and After School facility will be available to pupils from this September. The newly restored and refurbished Errew Community Centre, located directly opposite Errew NS, is ready to welcome children from Errew NS and the surrounding area.
Breakfast Club and After School details: Morning opening hours: 7.30am until 9.10am (just in time for school); Afterschool opening hours: 2pm to 3pm (Junior and Senior Infants), 3pm to 5.30pm (1st to 6th class). All enquiries contact, 087 9005099.
The Errew Old Girls’ School Restoration Project began in March 2021. The main driving force behind this project was to provide this much needed facility for the school and the community.
Errew NS former SNA Amanda Duffy has just published her first children’s book, ‘Desse’s Big Day’! Amanda is fondly remembered by everyone in Errew NS and she is wished the very best of luck with her new publication. The book can be bought online from Amazon, Foyles and Waterstones.
The death occurred last week of Maura Downey nee Prendergast, Porterstown, Dublin, formerly of Easton Park, Leixlip, Co. Kildare. Maura was a native of Newtown, Clogher, Co. Mayo and she passed away peacefully on July 22, surrounded by her family and in the loving care of the staff at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.
Pre-deceased by her parents John and Mary, Maura was the beloved wife of Noel for 51 years, cherished mother of Dermot, John and Teresa, devoted grandmother to Aimee, Ian, Céala and Claragh and dear sister of Christy, Edwin, Catherine, Ann, John (Junior), Pauric and the late Michael Prendergast.
She is also deeply regretted by her daughter-in-law Kim, John’s partner Karen, Teresa’s partner Ciarán, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends to whom deep sympathy is tendered. Her remains reposed at her residence on last Thursday evening from 6 until 8pm. The removal of her remains took place to St Mochta’s Church, Porterstown, on Friday morning arriving for Requiem Mass at 10am followed by burial ceremonies in Confey Cemetery, Leixlip. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Heritage Week 2024 takes place from August 17-25 and this year there will be two events connected to the Clogher Bog Walks. On Tuesday, August 20, there will be an evening nature walk on the Clogher Walk led by Michael Kingdon Environmentalist. There will be the cup of tea afterwards as usual. On Wednesday, August 21, the launch of the Sand Martin Nesting Wall will take place at 7pm.This wall is unique in Co Mayo. This event will be based in the Community Centre in Clogher.
On Saturday 24th there will be the Rededication of the Newtown Grotto and Community Gathering from 2 to 6pm. This year marks 70 years since the Marian Year and this event will mark the anniversary and also provide an opportunity for neighbours and friends to get together as a social occasion. Details of all the events can be viewed on heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving very popular again this year and will continue for the month of August. There are three different length options with good company and a cup of tea afterwards. Everyone welcome to participate.
Twice each year the setting sun appears to roll down the northern flank of Croagh Patrick. While this is an interesting natural phenomenon, to our ancestors it was much more. Realising their dependence on the sun, they set their calendar by it and even came to view it as an object of veneration. Interested persons can learn more from archaeologist Leo Morahan, at Brackloon and Drummin Community Centre, before walking up to the Boheh Stone (Ireland's finest example of Bronze Age rock art) to view this ancient spectacle for yourself. €5 cover charge applies. heritageweek@heritagecouncil.ie.
