Local Notes: Ballintubber U15A team are crowned County Division 1 League champions.
Ballintubber U15 'A' team who were crowned County Division 1 league champions on Sunday week last after a 4-7 to 1-8 victory over Castlebar Mitchels played at Bekan. Picture by Tom Quinn
A new social housing scheme in Carnacon has won a national award at the Irish Council for Social Housing Community Housing Awards 2025. Carnacon Social Housing Development, which is managed by Mayo County Council, came 1st in the Small Family Housing Project Category, beating competition from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal in Dublin. The ceremony was held last week at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Cavan. Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the awards are a platform to show the innovation and sustainability in public housing projects supported by approved housing bodies (AHBs), local authorities and the Land Development Agency in communities all over Ireland.
In 2019, Carnacon Development Association personnel approached Mayo County Council with a proposal to address the problem of serious population decline in this small rural village. Nine hugely attractive family homes have been built within the village, beside the primary school and community centre. All village amenities are immediately accessible via publicly lit footpaths. The Carnacon development is especially eye-catching 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 featured a beautiful wild flower garden during the summer at the rear. All works on the homes are complete and tenancies in place. Congrats to all associated with the success of this wonderful prestigious Project.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,000 on Sunday night, October 12. The numbers drawn were 5, 11, 15 and 24. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Patricia Prendergast, Yvonne Brady, Ger Brady, Carnacon ladies, Harry Derrig and Bebhinn Jackson. The jackpot has resumed again and stood at €5,100 on last Sunday night, October 19. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir is delighted to host November Harmonies with Mayo Male Voice Choir and Ballinteer Male Voice Choir, Dublin in Ballintubber Abbey on Saturday, November 22. Doors will be open at 7.30, the concert is at 8pm and there is free admission-donations are welcome. Strong support is urged for the worthy cause.
Cllr Al McDonnell recently addressed the Mayo County Council’s Economic and Enterprise Development Strategic Policy Committee, warning of serious and ongoing threats to Lough Carra and highlighting the associated risks to local drinking water supplies. Thanks to the Mayo Volunteer Centre and ATU Mayo for inviting Carra Life along to the recent Volunteer Fair at St Mary’s Hall, Castlebar. The group spent much of the morning session speaking to potential volunteers and students who were interested in the work of the LCCA and the significance of Lough Carra, as part of the Lough Carra Catchment Association’s @theheritagecouncil funded project, ‘Our Lake, Our Heritage’. It was also great to meet other organisations that were in attendance on the day and see the wonderful work being carried out across the county.
Simon Casey will be coming to Ballintubber Abbey for a magical Christmas Concert on Thursday, December 18, at 8pm.
Join the audience for an evening of festive cheer and inspirational music as Simon performs his 5-star rated show “Christmas Time”, featuring classic Christmas favourites and songs of inspiration. From O Holy Night to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Feet of a Dancer, and Old Rugged Cross and each song will be brought to life in the Abbey’s breath-taking acoustics.
Simon Casey became a household name after the “You’re A Star” in 2003, with his debut single A Better Plan reaching triple platinum, and recording the iconic rugby anthem Ireland’s Call. Known for his deeply emotional and heartfelt performances, Simon’s music resonates with audiences of all ages. Event details -Thursday, December 18, at 8pm in Ballintubber Abbey and tickets: €25 – available online at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
All proceeds go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund, helping care for the historic and sacred site.
Come and start your Christmas celebrations in the heart of Mayo with an unforgettable night of music and magic.
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.
Ballyglass Community Childcare Centre has a position available for a full time chef. If you are interested in applying for this role in a busy and vibrant service, email ballyglasschildcarevacancies@gmail.com for further information or check our social media pages for details. They are also hiring Educators, Fetac Level 5 – 8. Benefits include pay above ERO level, Employee Assistance Programme, CPD support, time in lieu for staff training/meetings, Christmas bonus, uniform, staff events and employee discount scheme. The hourly rate is €16.53 (level 5/6), €19.70 (level 7/8).
The death has taken place of Mary Kenny née McDermott, Bishopsgate, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork and formerly of Newbrook, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Mary passed away peacefully at her home in the presence of her loving family on Wednesday, October 8. Predeceased by her husband, Willie, she is deeply regretted by her family - Gráinne (Lynch, The Ironmines), Fergal and Niamh (Walsh, Ballybrack), cherished grandmother of Liam, Maeve, Locky, Aela and Joe, her sons-in-law David and Michael, her adored brothers and sisters, their spouses, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours, exceptional carers and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. Requiem Mass for Mary took place on the Friday at 12 noon in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Watergrasshill, after which she was laid to rest in Ballinaltig Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
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, please contact Sheila on 0876704916.
Save the date for the next market in Ballyglass Community Centre which will take place on next 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. Come along and meet the community for a fun morning in Ballyglass.
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. Follow the Instagram page(@tapandtoddle) or contact 085 738837 for further details.
The annual rosary in the graveyards ceremonies will take place on November 1, in Killawalla at 11am, Ballintubber at 12 noon and Burriscarra at 1pm.
Carnacon Baby and Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10am in Carnacon Community centre (F12NY38). All parents, guardians and little ones are welcome. This is a free event and details can be had from Áine Freely, PHN on 094 9378565.
The weekly card game (25 drive) resumed 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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History and Geography / Culture and Environment ATU Mayo Campus - Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau will commence this year's series of evening lectures with a talk on the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark on tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22, at 7.30pm. With the Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Project about to receive UNICEF sanction there is sure to be huge interest in this lecture.
Congratulations to CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh for their tremendous achievement in winning the ‘Gold Healthy Club status’ Award for 2025. This award recognises the club’s commitment to promoting health and wellbeing for all the club members and the wider community. Comhghairdeas mór le Siobhán Masterson agus Michelle Lally a ghlac an gradam thar ceann an chlub. Go raibh maith agat do gach duine a chabhraigh linn an sprioc seo a bhaint amach – táimid fíorbhródúil as ár gclub agus ár bpobal.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, October 18, stood at €19,400. 2, 11, 13 and 17 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated.
Huge congratulations Tuar Mhic Éadaigh LGFA on their recent 2-10 to 2-9 victory over Kiltane in the Mayo Junior B Championship and on their three big wins this current year. It’s been a fantastic year for this group - a true display of energy, determination, and dedication from every player. The community are very proud of all the hard work you’ve put in, and of the incredible team spirit you’ve shown both on and off the pitch.
A special word of thanks is also extended to the management team for their outstanding commitment and guidance throughout the season. These victories wouldn’t have been possible without huge effort and leadership. It was a wonderful achievement for the club – well done, girls.
Beidh ranganna Consairtín le Ríona chuile tráthnóna Dé Luain 3-6pm. Tuilleadh eolais ó 087 7782640. Concertina classes for children with Riona every Monday afternoon from 3-6pm. Further information is available from 087 7782640.
Tourmakeady Social Club meets up on Thursdays from 2 to 4pm in the Halla for light exercise, bingo, bingo and refreshments. New members from the over 50s male and female would be very welcome.
Ranganna Yoga le Carmel chuile tráthnóna Dé Máirt ag 6.30i.n. Yoga classes with Carmel on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm. Details are available from 086 8194215.
The Knitting Club is back in Halla on Monday evenings. The group meet at 7.30pm. New members are most welcome and further details are available from 087 7657191.
Na Finna Martial Arts Mayo takes place every Friday afternoon in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh for children and adults. For further information and booking call 085 8060438.
The 38th Annual Edition of Waterfall Magazine will be published again for the Christmas season. The editorial committee would welcome contributions on community matters, history, photographs and articles of interest. All contributions should be emailed to waterfalltme@gmail.com as soon as possible.
Irish classes will continue again tomorrow on Wednesday, October 22, in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh, F12C6F2. Beginners are from 10am to 11and Intermediate from 11am to 12 noon. All are welcome to the informal sessions.
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.
There was widespread sorrow across the parish last week at the passing of Michael Walsh, R.I.P. former Post Master at Killawalla Post Office. See Obituary Tribute.
The annual Killawalla Halloween Disco will take place on Thursday, October 23 in the community centre. The fees are €5 per child with a maximum of €10 per family. Please support the event.
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.
The bonus ball draw is back. There will be a Halloween bonus ball draw on Saturday, October 25, from the National Lottery draw at 8pm. The numbers are on sale from Carmel at 087 2879701.
St Vincent de Paul collection will take place at Killawalla Church on next Sunday, October 26.
The numbers drawn in the latest community council draw were, 3, 4, 5 and 22. There was no jackpot winner. The consolation prizewinners were Padraig Heraty, Joe Cawley and Jennifer Malone. The most recent draw took on Sunday, October 19, in the Community Centre.
Experience the joys of Taichi under the guidance of Eileen Brady. This ancient movement incorporates gentle movement with mindful attention to activate our energy body and nourish our whole being. Come and join the Circle on Wednesday, October 29, for a two hour introduction workshop to Taichi at Mons Horan Community Centre at 8pm. Admission is a modest €5 and this is an Over 18s event.
The death has taken place recently of Bridget Joyce (Bridie), Aughnish, Partry / Ballinrobe and Hollymount Nursing Home, Hollymount, Co. Mayo. Bridie passed away on October 6, peacefully in her 86th year in the loving care of the staff at Mayo University Hospital and the wonderful care given by the staff of Hollymount Nursing Home. Predeceased by her parents Harry and Catherine, brothers Patrick and Fr Martin she is deeply regretted by her relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Her remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on Wednesday, October 6, from 6pm with removal at 7pm to St. Mary’s Church, Partry. Bridie’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday at 12 noon with the funeral proceeding to Ballinrobe Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Partry Bingo sessions take place in the comfortable confines of Partry Centre on Monday nights each week. There are lots of generous prizes and a lovely atmosphere to savour by patrons. All are welcome.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Martin and Helen Garry, John and Rachael Heneghan, Partry, Kevin Dolan, Derryveeney and Thomas Kelly, Kilkeeran all of whom who were recent winners of the popular Partry AFC weekly numbers draw.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Michael Walsh, Kilkeeran, Colin Staunton, Portroyal, Vincent Hennelly, Partry and Dermot Seymour, who were recent winners in Partry Residents weekly draws. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, October 18. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement. Tickets are on sale from Jim O’Neill at 087 2860565. The support of the Community is greatly appreciated.
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The death has taken place of Seamus Loftus, Welshpool, Belcarra, Co. Mayo. Seamus was a former teacher at St Attracta’s Community School Tubbercurry and he passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital. Seamus was a kind and deeply respected gentleman renowned for his good humour. In his early career he taught in Ballinafad College and was held in high regard by his students. Later still he taught in the Marist Secondary School in Tubbercurry where he earned the affection and admiration of colleagues, students and all who knew him for his good humour and countless witticisms. He was also a superb basketball coach. Seamus was highly regarded in his home community of Belcarra, interested in its welfare and the lives of his friends and neighbours. He served as a Minister of the Word in Belcarra Church and he was also a valued member of the Board of Management of the local national school.
Pre deceased by his loving wife Ann (nee Howley, Bonniconlon), his parents Patrick and Nora, brother, Joe and his aunt Bridget, he is deeply regretted by his sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on the Sunday from 5.30 with removal at 7 o’clock to St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra. Requiem Mass for Seamus took place on Monday at 12 noon with burial in Guesdian Cemetery. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.
The weekend October 12 jackpot stood at €3,300. The numbers drawn were 3, 6, 17 and 19. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. Consolation prizes went to Alice Kate Cuffe, Martin McNicholas, David McGreal and Caoimhe Brohan. The weekend jackpot stood at €3,400 on Sunday last, October 19. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
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 on 087 2340695.
Beginners handball for kids in Belcarra Sport Centre is held at the following times; Sunday 10am-10.45 6-8 years, Sunday 10.45am- 11.30 U10s and Sunday from 11.30am – 12.15 for U12s. The juveniles 60x30 court and mixed doubles showdown will take place on Sunday, November 2. These Belcarra Handball Championships for the Corley Cup will provide top class competition.
Group singing classes will take place in the centre on Mondays for 6 to 8 year olds and also for 8 to10 year olds. Registration is required and details can be had from 087 692 6753 or email carramusicschool@gmail.com.
Belcarra Parent and Toddler Group have resumed meetings on Wednesdays in the community centre. The group meet from 10.30am to 12pm on Wednesdays and babies, toddlers, pre-school children are welcome with a parent or minder. The next card game in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, November 3.
The death has taken place of Pat McTigue, Lisgowel, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Pat passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by son John, his parents Michael and Delia, brothers Tommy, Martin and Michael and his sister Mary, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Julia, son Adrian (Catherine), daughters, Aisling (Fiachra Moran) and Majella (Luis), grandchildren Niamh, Izan, Rebeca, Natalia, Chloe, Kyle, Caoimhe and Sean, brothers Billy (London) and Jimmy (Foxford), brothers-in- law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Pat was a wonderful neighbour, popular and respected within the community. His passing is an occasion of great sadness to his family and many friends across a wide region. His remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on last Wednesday evening from 5.30 until 7pm followed by removal to his home. The removal from his home took place on Thursday at 1.30 to St Aloysius Church, Breaffy for Requiem Mass at 2pm. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, October 14, had the numbers 8, 17, 28 and bonus number 8 drawn and there was no jackpot winner. There was no match 3 winner. The jackpot stands at €17, 600 on this Tuesday, October 21. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA. http://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/.
Breaffy U21 team have organised a Premier League “Last Man Standing” competition”. The entry fee is €10 and the prize an attractive €300 in cash. To enter, simply drop €10 into “The Shamrock Bar” and sign the book with your name and number or message / Revolut Ciarán at 0879333246.
You can pay directly at https://revolut.me/ciarandc0l. In the “Note” text box, please leave your name and number before sending.
The competition starts on next Friday, October 24. Your support is hugely appreciated all proceeds go towards the Club U21 team. If you don’t want to participate but would still like to support the players, you can make a €10 contribution to help a son, brother, friend, or club player competing in the U21 Championship.
Support the next generation of Breaffy players.
A Re-Union night for staff who served in Breaffy House Hotel from its opening in 1963 up to the end of the 1980s is being planned. The event is due to happen in November at Breaffy house Hotel and interested persons should contact Frances at 085 1138932 or Ger at 087 1267018 for details of the gala event.
On November 7, 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.
Irish dancing classes will be held in Ballyheane Centre every Tuesday evening from October 28, onwards. The classes will take place from 6.30 to 7.30pm. Contact Molly Hughes on 087 6562094 for details. Booking for the event is essential.
On November 1, in the Punch Bowl Ballyheane, a fundraiser will be held for Noel Moran who was in an accident 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. A great night is guaranteed. There is also a go fund me page and strong support is urged for the worthy cause. Donate at https://gofund.me/e2a2c6cfd.
Mayo’s Creamery Years Project is preserving the voices and memories of people who remember life around Mayo’s creameries. Supported by the Heritage Council, and led by Mayo County Council, it welcomes contributions from anyone with memories to share. To get involved, contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting at 086 274 7230 or tara.macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.
