Local Notes: Ballintubber U14's defeat Castlebar Mitchells in Div 1 county league game.
The current Ballintubber U14 squad who defeated Castlebar Mitchells 3-13 to 3-6 in a recent Division 1 of the County League played at Clogher. Picture by Tom Quinn
Ballyglass Open Sports will be on the bank holiday once again this year following a very successful event in 2023. The action will take place on Monday, June 3, at Michael Keaveney Park, home of Ballyglass FC. The day will include the usual schedule of events, starting off with sprints (from 1pm) for children aged 4 to 13, senior men and women and also any grannies and grandads brave enough to take on the challenge. There will be relays, long-distance running, novelty races, high jump, long jump, penalty kicking, weight-throwing and the famous Tug-of-War, which draws huge crowds every year. There will be the usual Tug of War events including a national schools team competition and senior men and women’s competitions. There will be various cups and shields up for grabs on the day, with the Brian Keane Memorial cup going to the Best Overall Athlete of the day. Kick-off time is 1pm. Novelty races will include a bean bag race for the U5s, a three-legged race for 6 and 7 year olds, a sack race for 8 and 9 year olds, a wheelbarrow race for 11 year olds and sack race for 12s and 13s...so get practicing! Hopefully the sun will be shining and the ice- cream man will be in big demand. See you all there!
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA Lotto draw on Sunday, May 19. 1, 7, 9 and 17 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes of the €20 special €52k draw tickets on the night were Alan Plunkett, Kenneth Carroll, Padraic Tuffy, Eoghan Joyce, Seamus McGarry, and Padraic and Ann Duffy. On last Sunday, May 26, the jackpot stood at €5,100 for the weekly draw.
Congratulations to Diarmuid and Cillian O'Connor, who reached significant milestones in their intercounty careers recently.
Cillian made his 70th championship appearance in McHale Park against Cavan, having made his championship debut way back on May 29, 2011 against London. Diarmuid, who made his championship debut for Mayo against New York, also made his 50th championship appearance against Cavan. Additional congrats to the O’Connor brothers, Diarmuid and Cillian, Matthew Ruane and Ryan O’Donoghue who were selected on the GAA.ie team of the week after victory over Cavan on Saturday week last. Best wishes for victory against Roscommon.
The numbers drawn on May 20, were 1, 13, 17 and 20. There was no winner of the €7,200 jackpot. There were no match 3 winners. Consolation prizes went to Dominick Curran, Fergal Burke, Fintan Moran, Colm Jordan and John Flanagan. Play now to be in with a chance to win next week’s jackpot by going to smartlotto.ie.
Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Mrs Mary Staunton, Castlelucas, on her 90th birthday from all her friends and neighbours in Ballyglass. Birthday wishes are also extended to Sheila Gilligan, Carrowreaghmony, who celebrated her 60th birthday recently. Congratulations to Geraldine Walsh, Currykirwan, who recently celebrated her 60th and Mairead Lavin, Rathnacreeva, who was 40 on May 17. Congratulations to all the ladies on their milestone celebrations and best wishes for good health and happiness in the years ahead.
Ballyglass Market
The next Ballyglass Market will be on June 9.
All enthusiastic walkers are invited to participate on Saturday, June 22, for the Full Tochar Walk along the captivating 35km scenic historic route. This immersive experience is a highlight of Pilgrim Path Week 2024, promising breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural insights. Lace up your boots and join up for an adventure like no other!”
Just a few days left to the big Ballintubber GAA monster draw for €52,000. The Ballintubber GAA draw is offering a lucky winner the chance to earn €1,000 a week for a year in their recent ‘Win €52K’ fundraiser. The attractive fundraiser will see one lucky winner claim a cash prize of €52,000 paid out at €1,000 per week into their account. Tickets are reasonably priced at €20 each or three for €50 and can be purchased through the club fundraiser website www.win€52k.ie or from any of the club’s executive. The winner will be drawn in the club’s Clogher clubhouse on next Sunday, June 2, and will be broadcast live on the club Facebook outlet.
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Why not visit the beautiful Drimbawn Gardens this June? Originally designed in the 18th century Drimbawn Gardens have been redesigned and cultivated with many new spaces. Located on the tremendously scenic shores of Lough Mask in Tourmakeady village, there is a beautiful flower garden surrounded by an arboretum, bluebell wood, decorative rhododendron bank, an orchard and woodland areas. New projects are also in progress including a "Jungle" with its tree ferns and stumpery and a bog land walk. This year’s dates for open days at Drimbawn are Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. The event will run from 12 to 5pm each day and there will be plants for sale.
The death occurred last week of Stephen James Joyce, Glenbeg and Finny, Co Mayo. Stephen passed away on May 21, 2024 and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow for his loving family and many friends. Predeceased by his parents Stephen and Kate and brother Joe, he is deeply regretted by his wife Maureen, sons James, Noel and Adrian, daughters-in-law Linda, Ann Marie and Angela, grandchildren Kate, Anna, Paddy, Caelin and Meabh, sisters Mary and Kathleen, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. His remains reposed in Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur, on last Thursday evening, May 23, from 6 until 8pm. His funeral cortege arrived at The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Finny, on Friday, May 24, for 12 noon funeral Mass with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Rosshill Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilís
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on May 18, for a jackpot of €12,000. 11, 20 22 and 29 were the numbers drawn. Online consolation prizes went to Kevin Dolan and Patti and Kevin Egan. The jackpot stood at €12,100 on last Saturday night, May 25.
The Kellogg’s Cúl Camp, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will take place from the July 22-26. The website for booking children into Cúl Camp is now open: https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/.
A beautiful mosaic image was unveiled in Tourmakeady recently. It highlights a really important rare fish that lives in Lough Mask - the Arctic Char. The Arctic Char were the first fish to colonise Ireland after the last Ice Age, over 10,000 years ago. These beautiful and mysterious fish are now rare and populations are disappearing at an alarming rate. 40% of known Irish populations are now extinct and the Arctic char are good indicators of clean water. They also possess unique scientific attributes and are an important component of our native biodiversity.
They have become extinct on Lough Corrib in relatively recent years. The communities of the Mask catchment could work together to help this fish survive. The mosaic is the work of artist Annaliese Brown Ceol na Locha.
The annual Ceol na Locha traditional music festival will take place in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh this year from August 12 to 16. Bookings are available at ceolnalocha@gmail.com and ceolnalocha.com.
The annual Tourmakeady outing to Knock will take place on Wednesday, June 28, this year. The bus will depart from O’Toole’s at 10am in order to be present for 11.45 Mass celebrated by Fr Jarlath Heraty at the Shrine. Lunch will be served at St Mary’s Restaurant Knock at 12.30pm and the return trip will commence at 4.15 approx. arriving back in Tourmakeady at 5.30. Places can be booked from Katie Clarke at 097 9650811, Kathleen Gibbons at 087 7660081, Sally Gibbons on 087 2974375 or Nora at the Halla on 094 9544295.
The new takeaway business ‘Bia na Locha’ who opened for business at the Lough Mask Inn recently is a great service for locals and visitors to the area. Food is available from 3 to 11pm from Wednesdays to Sundays.
The next conversational Irish class will take place again on this Wednesday morning, May 29, from 11 to 12 noon. Details are available from Stiofán opt.cdst@gmail.com / 087 3970227.
July 7, will be a busy day in Killawalla. In the morning the Killawalla Cemetery Mass and Blessing of the new area will take place. The details of the Killawalla Community Day 2024 on July 7, are as follows; Gates open from 12.30 with races at 1.30pm. The usual fun and games are on the programme plus more additions including fun races for parents. Claremorris Bouncing Castles will be in attendance with something for the kids and kids at heart and also a food truck and treats will be provided by Corbett Catering. The entrance fee is modest at €5 for adult and kids free. There will be a small charge as usual on novelty events to cover costs on the bouncy castles. There will be a raffle on the day and music after from 8pm in McEvilly’s with Conor Duffy. So rain or shine there's something for all the family. Please support the event and thanks to all who committed sponsorship and prizes so far.
Congratulations and best wishes to the children of Scoil Naomh Padraig, Killawalla, who received the sacrament of Holy Communion on a recent weekend at St Patrick’s Church Killawalla. Thank you to their teachers and all who prepared them for this special occasion in their lives.
Congratulations are extended to Darcey Duffy and her Mayo U12 team mates on the recent All Ireland win with the Mayo School Girls. Congrats also to Partry Athletic U15 player Daniel Duffy and his team for winning the U13 All Ireland title.
Congratulations to Pat and Madeline Dermody, Tourmakeady and Bryan and Deirdre Hennelly, Partry, who was recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draw. Congrats also to Michael Heneghan and Jonathon and Theresa O’Néill, who were recent €100 winners of the Partry Residents Association Saturday night bonus number draws. Tour Mhic Eadaigh National School have a weekly €100 prize available to the holder of the correct bonus number each Saturday night (without lotto plus 1 and plus 2). The cost is €100 for six months and details can be had from 094 9544088 or anthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
The Remote Working Hub in Partry Community Centre is almost complete with just some small issues to be resolved. If anyone would like to trial the hub over the next few weeks, free of charge do not hesitate to contact Brendan Duignan, (Partry Community Council) at 087 283 5082.
There are a number of places available on the Farmer to Farmer Biodiversity Mentorship Programme. The 'Horse's Mouth 'mentoring programme is back for 2024. The Horse’s Mouth advisory service is available to 50 farms across Ireland to receive on-the-ground practical advice from fellow farmers on how to improve biodiversity on their land. This programme is supported with funding from NPWS and DAFM. Applications are open until May 31-https://bit.ly/TheHorsesMouth.
St Mary’s National School, Partry are holding a clothing collection on Tuesday, June 18. All unwanted clothes, bags, belts shoes or bed clothes would be greatly welcomed but no duvets or pillow cases can be accepted. Bags can be dropped off at the school and those wishing to donate clothes after school should ring 087 3141868. The support of the community would be greatly appreciated.
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The annual ‘Ballyheane goes Country - Big White Barn Dance’ music festival will run on June 7, 8 and 9 this year. Located at The Punch Bowl in the heart of the village the event will feature such well-known artists as Michael English and Andy Feery, Derek Ryan and Stacey Breen, The Whistling Donkeys, Milo and Vinny with DJ Brian Gibbons each night. Tickets can be sourced at ballyheanegoescountry.com.
The death has taken place last week of Sr Mary Johnson, Árd Bhride, Castlebar, Co Mayo and former staff member of St Angela's National School, Castlebar and late of Errew, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Sr Mary passed away peacefully at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on May 15, after an illness bravely borne. Predeceased by her parents James and Bridget she is deeply regretted by her brother Maurice, sisters Bernie and Pauline, Sisters of Mercy, Árd Bhride and the Western Province. Sr. Mary reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on the Sunday evening from 5pm with removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary at 7pm. Her Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday morning at 11.30 and funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in the new cemetery, Castlebar. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Belcarra 8k Fun Run (rescheduled from April) will take place on Sunday, June 9. Children will run at 11am, followed by the main run at 12 noon. Registration is on the day from 9.30 in the community centre. All proceeds are in aid of Belcarra Recreational Park. Donations of food for the post run refreshments would be greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off on Saturday, June 8, or on the Sunday morning from 9am. Contact Ger on 087 9968365 for more details.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €6,700. The numbers drawn last week were 19, 25, 30 and 31. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Conor Meaney, John Blowick, Masha Ruane and Michael Kilgallon. The weekend jackpot prize stood at €6,700 on May 26. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
Castlebar Regional Pioneers are holding a Mass for bereaved members on Friday, June 7, at 7.30pm in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. If there are persons due a pin, contact Pat at 087 9915229 or Mary Jo at 087 9282102 as there will be a pins presentation on the night. Castlebar Pioneer Group Summer outing is on June 9, to Connemara. For more information, call Pat McDonnell 087 9915229.
The next monthly Belcarra card game will take place on Monday night, June 3.
Congratulations are extended to Fr Michael Gallagher who celebrated his 55th anniversary in Ballyheane Church followed by a get together with the Costello and Gallagher families in the community centre. The group travelled from England, US, Scotland and Ireland for a special reunion. He is wished many more joyous years in his ministry.
The Errew ‘Old School’ restoration project is almost complete. Joe Mongan Building Contractors Ltd have successfully transformed the1887 building into a fine community centre.
Sloped access footpaths and handrails will allow people of all ages and abilities to make use of the facility. There are still a few final jobs to complete before Errew Community CLG can make it suitable for public use. It is such a positive outcome from the difficult times during Covid-19 when the idea to embark on the project was first considered. Thanks have been extended to everyone who has donated to the commendable community project. It would not have been possible without your match funding. A special thanks also goes to our county councillors who have each generously supported Errew and believed in the merits of the project.
Congratulations to the Errew NS Girls’ team on their recent Cumann na mBunscoil semi-final win and getting through to the final.
Castlebar Branch of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association are organising a one day outing to Connemara. Final details are to be finalised yet. The cost of the trip is expected to be €75. If you are interested in joining the group on the day, get in touch with your local pioneer centre group or any one of the regional officers, Pat McDonnell, Mary Jo Barrett or Phyllis Neary as soon as possible to finalise numbers in order to complete the arrangements.
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Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €6,500 for the latest draw on Thursday, May 23, in The Shebeen. The numbers drawn the previous week in The Rendezvous on May 16, were 18, 20, 26 and 35. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Amanda Watson-Cronin (online), Pádraic Cunnane (annual) and Lorraine Jennings (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, May 23, when the jackpot stood at €6,500.
Balla CRD is organising a Drystone Walling Workshop on Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9. Contact 087 1850860 for further information. There will be a Weaving Workshop on Thursday, June 6, in Balla Centre. For more information, contact Balla CRD 0949365846 /087 1850860 or email info@balla.ie.
Manulla FC Summer Camp will take place from August 19-23 this summer. The camp will run daily from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The camp will be suitable for boys and girls aged between 6 and 14 years of age. The fees are 2 child, €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 jackpot stood at the highly attractive total of €14,500 on Sunday night last, May 26. On May 19, 1, 11, 17 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The three winners of €25 consolation prizes were Cian Lyons, Breaffy, online, Walter Barrett, Knockmore, online, Lorna Baek Monard online. The club are deeply grateful to their weekly patrons. Play online: https://manullafc.ie/lotto/. Congratulations to Riona Corrigan and the Mayo U12 girls who had a very exciting extra time victory over Kerry in their All Ireland final. Huge congratulations also to Ethan Canny on winning SFAI All Ireland with Mayo, what a great achievement.
A Seán Keane Concert will be held on next Friday, May 31, in Balla Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at the centre and in local shops. All proceeds are in aid of The Sensory Garden and strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local Centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
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The Tuesday evening walking group will resume for the 2024 season on next Tuesday, June 4, at 7pm. This has proved to be a very enjoyable event over the past few years and we are hoping that all the walkers from previous years will return as well as some new Bog Walk enthusiasts. Please can everyone meet at the Heritage Cottage at 7pm (F12 PF99). Tea and biscuits provided afterwards.
The plant swap / free to take away stand is still in situ at the Heritage Cottage. There various kinds of potted plants there at the moment including tomato and strawberry plants which are free to take away. Visitors can also leave a plant if that suits. At the Community Hall there is a book swap/ take away with a large number of bestsellers, historical novels and reference books available. The community centre is open Monday to Friday. Feel free to avail of these facilities.
Clogher Card results from Friday, May 17, were as follows; 1st Eileen Donnelly and Seamus Jennings, 2nd Peter O’Malley and Sean Hopkins, 3rd Gay Conway and Cathal Hennelly, Last 10 Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith. The progressive 25 partner’s game continues every Friday night.
Sincere condolences are extended to Laura Ryder, Clogher, on the passing of her father, Myles Cresham, Maple Lawn, Castlebar. May he rest in peace.
Clogher Community Employment Scheme currently has two vacancies. A heritage project coordinator at Clogher Heritage Centre and a childcare practitioner at Ballyheane Buttercups Childcare. For further details and information see www.jobsireland.ie or contact Clogher Community Centre at 094 9360891.
