Local Notes: Ballintubber underage management and coaches celebrate the U15 Division 1 league victory.
Ballintubber underage management and coaches pictured after the recent U15 Division 1, League victory, Sean Corcoran, James Corbett, Michael Prendergast, Lyndon Reilly (with Cup), Cathal Hallinan, Peter Staunton and Declan Burke. Picture by Tom Quinn
The official launch of the Masterplan for Moorehall and Environs, will be carried out by the Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD at 1pm on Friday, October 31. Hopefully the event will see the further progression of the project which enjoys widespread public support.
The U15 Division 1 league final featuring Ballintubber and Castlebar Mitchels took place at Bekan on Sunday morning, October 19, with a final scoreline of Ballintubber 4-7, Castlebar Mitchells 1-8.Despite these two excellent West Mayo teams having probably had breakfast at 7.30am it did not inhibit them from providing some splendid football. Though level at halftime on a scorline of 1-4 apiece after a ding-dong struggle, Ballintubber showed immense hunger and know-how in the 2nd half to clinch a deserved victory.
Salute the Ballintubber panel; Noah Murphy, Devon Burke, Ciaran Earley, Conor Molloy, Matthew Corbett, Teegan Heneghan, Jack Loftus, Ross Malone, Cillian Reilly (captain) Jamie Carter, Sean Prendergast, James Staunton, John Feeney, Cillian Donnelly, Conor Fahey, M J Walshe, Ryan Summerville, Cathal Staunton, Ethan Concannon, Daithi Feerick, Dillon Corcoran, Oscar Diffley, David Keane, Robert Jennings, James Staunton, Patrick Burke, Donnacha Mannion, Donnacha Hughes, Joe Scully, Finn Bracken, Padraic Mannion and Brendan McCarthy. The teams management and coaches, James Corbett, Peter Staunton, Lyndon Reilly, Michael Prendergast, Cathal Hallinan, Declan Burke, Stephen Murphy and Deirdre Donnelly are deserving of the immense credit for their dedication and commitment.
Amazingly building on last year’s U15 titles, Ballintubber have won the U15 Féile title and the U15 Division 1 League title this season and also remarkably the U16 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams also won their county championships outright. It augers well for coming seasons as balanced and highly skilled panels mature and develop.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,200 on Sunday night, October 19. The numbers drawn were 10, 18, 23 and 35.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Ann Cannon, Noreen Keane, Michael Loftus, Natalie King, John and Catherine Murray and John Heneghan. The jackpot stood at €5,200 on last Sunday night, October 26.
The Voices of the Centenaries Concert event is on Sunday, November 9, at 6pm. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
The Celtic Strings Ensemble event is on Friday, November 14, at 8pm. Tickets are €20 and available online only. The fundraising concert and Mass is at 7pm on that evening.
November Harmonies Concert takes place on Saturday, November 22, with free admission - featuring Ballintubber Abbey Choir, Mayo Male Voice Choir and Ballinteer Male Voice Choir. Donations will be welcomed to the Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund.
Christmas Time by Simon Casey takes place on Thursday, December 19, at 8pm. Tickets cost €25 with proceeds to the Abbey Preservation and Restoration Fund. Tickets are available on line only. Info: www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
Ballintubber Abbey has been shortlisted for a Mayo Tourism Honour at this year’s Mayo Business Awards. For over 800 years, the Abbey has welcomed pilgrims, visitors, and couples from near and far - a living part of Mayo’s heritage, community, and spirit. Ballintubber Abbey staff are proud to represent the parish and can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in Claremorris on Friday, November 7. Ballintubber Abbey Trust who is in contention for the Mayo Tourism Award, sponsored by Fáilte Ireland, is wished the best of luck. Best wishes also to Hayes Mechanical and Engineering who are in line for the Small / Medium Business Award, sponsored by CBE.
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.
The death has occurred of Mark Dixon, Parnell Grove, Gort Road, Ennis, Clare and formerly of Blyth, Northumberland, UK. Mark passed away unexpectedly at his home, on October 17, 2025. Predeceased by his father Alan, he is deeply regretted by his devoted wife Margaret, (formerly Margaret Geraghty, Ballintubber) loving daughters Sarah, Katie and Róisín, his mother Hazel, brother Stevie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
His remains reposed at Kennedy’s Funeral Home, Ennis, on last Tuesday, October 21, from 5.30 until 7pm and arrived to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Barefield on last Wednesday, October 22, for Funeral Mass at 1pm, followed by cremation service at Shannon Crematorium at 3 pm. May he rest in peace.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw on Monday, October 20. The numbers drawn from the drum were 5, 10, 26 and 32. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Kevin Burke, Therese Heneghan, TC Connolly, Brendan Heneghan and John Heverin. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €14,700 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, October 20, were:1st Mary Brennan and Philip White; Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan, 2nd Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren; Mary and Richard Carney and 3rd Gus Sweeney and Tom Fitzpatrick; Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley. The best of Last 10 went to Francie Conway and Breege Jennings; Denny McDonagh and Kevin McDonagh; Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion.
The raffle winners were Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone who support the Ballyglass card games.
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, contact Sheila on 087 6704916.
If you are unable to commit to a six-week block of classes, why not choose the pay-as-you-go option of €15, at Ballyglass Community Centre on Tuesdays at 7.30. Beginners are very welcome.
The RTÉ cameras and team visited Lough Carra last week to learn about the inspiring evolution of community conservation here, and the continuing work of the Lough Carra Catchment Association and the Lough Carra LIFE Project. The broadcast is expected to feature on RTÉ's Six One News and Morning Ireland.
Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark personnel were delighted to host the Irish Association of Hydrogeologist on their fieldtrip west to the Geopark. They spent the Saturday at Lough Carra with presentations from Lough Carra LIFE personnel.
Congratulations are extended to James McCarthy and Jane Tuohy who were married on Friday, October 17, in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber. They are both wished health and happiness all the days of their married lives.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest member Bethany Josephine Larkin, baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, on Saturday, October 18. Congratulations to her parents and family.
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) takes place in Carnacon Centre on Thursday nights at 8.30pm. Admission is just €10. Beginners are welcome and will get help if needed.
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The death took place last week of Andy Lally, Gortnacullin, Srah, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Andy passed away peacefully on October 19. He was pre-deceased by his parents Jim and Liz and his brothers Mike, Jimmy and Tommy, and he is deeply regretted by his sisters Teresa (Prendergast), Letterineen, Anne (Huene), Chicago and Maureen (Miller), Chicago, brothers John (Partry) and Pat (Chicago), sisters-in-law Brenda, Mary and Margaret, brother-in-law Dan, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences ate extended.
Andy’s remains reposed at Tourmakeady Community Centre on last Tuesday evening from 6pm with removal at 8pm to St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, October 25, stood at €19,500. 3, 8, 14 and 29 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner.
Congratulations to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh U15 boys who had a very comprehensive victory over Cill Comáin in the Homeland U15 final – division played in Bekan on Saturday, October 18. Congratulations to the Tuar Mhic Eadaigh mentors and best wishes for ongoing success.
Congratulations to Cristin Ni Staundúin who has been appointed as Principal of Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Congrats also to Oral Uí Callaghain who has taken up the role of vice principal. Both ladies are wished long, fulfilling and successful careers. A reunion of Cairde Coláiste Mhuire is being organised for Sunday, February 1, 2026 in the Castlecourt, Westport.
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.
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.
Due to construction works at St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla Masses will move temporally to the local community centre.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Phil Higgins, Kinuary, on the recent death of his brother, Jimmy Higgins, Coventry, England. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
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.
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.
Sympathy is extended to Irene and John Farragher (Partry) on the death last week of Irene’s brother, Michael (Mickey) Tighe, RIP, Claremorris Road, Hollymount, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. He was laid to rest on Monday last after 12 noon Requiem Mass in Roundfort Church. May he rest in peace.
Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Áine and Thomas McHale, Ballinrobe 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 James Prendergast, Tourmakeady and Mattie Lally, Partry, who were recent €100 winners in the weekly draws.
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It was a tremendous honour for members of Belcarra Community Council to be invited to President Higgins for a final afternoon tea party in Aras an Uachtáran last week in recognition of Belcarra’s outstanding community spirit. Four community council members were invited to afternoon tea with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife, Sabina.
It was a wonderful recognition of their dedication, service, and the positive impact they’ve made in the community. Mary Jo Cannon, Mary Fitzgerald, Tony Cunningham and Mary Prendergast flew the flag for Belcarra with immense pride. It was marvellous to see such worthy local merited representation at Áras an Uachtáran.
Get your costumes ready and participate in a spooktacular Kids’ Halloween Disco at Belcarra Community Centre. The event is on this Thursday, October 30, from 5-6.30pm. The entry fee is €5 on the door. There will be music, dancing and prizes for the best costumes. All proceeds go in aid of Belcarra National School and it is hosted by Belcarra NS Parents Association.
The weekend October 19 jackpot stood at €3,500. The numbers drawn were 8, 17, 28 and 29. Consolation prizes went to Mary Cunningham, Robert Noone, Louise Noone, Louise Ryan and Riona Lawless. The weekend jackpot stood at €3,600 on Sunday last, October 26. 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.
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.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, October 21, had the numbers 4, 22, 28 and bonus number 3 drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Robert Logan won the €250 prize for Match 3 winner. The jackpot stands at €17, 700 on this Tuesday, October 28.
On November 7, the 2025 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.
Ballyheane Ladies Group have extended sincere thanks to all who assisted, contributed and helped in any way with the recent highly successful Hospice Coffee evening. A highly impressive total of €3,013 was collected for the worthy cause. Well done to all on a magnificent achievement.
Mass will be celebrated for the deceased members of Ballyheane Active Retirement group on Tuesday, November 11, at 11am in Ballyheane Community Centre.
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.
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Balla Christmas Market will take place in Balla Community Centre on Saturday, December 6. Folks are urged to get ready for Christmas magic in Balla. Come along and experience the wonder of the season with local crafts and gift stalls, festive food and sweet treats, children’s entertainment and plenty more Christmas cheer. The designated date is Saturday, December 6, from 11am onwards.
The death has taken place of Breda Hughes (nee Daly), Main Street, Balla, Co Mayo; East Finchley, London and Mallow, Co. Cork. Breda passed away peacefully at home in the loving care of her family. Predeceased by her husband Mick, son Larry, baby daughter Geraldine, daughter-in-law Caroline and brother Michael, she is deeply regretted by her children Deirdre, Teresa, Michael, Julie and Vickie, her siblings Will and Theresa, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Her remains reposed at her home on Thursday evening, October 16, from 5pm until 7pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla on Friday week, October 17 at 1pm with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, October 16, in Flukies for a jackpot of €6,400. 2, 3, 10 and 26 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Mike Ralph (cash sale), Patrick Brampton (online) and Fiona Tansey (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday last, October 23, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €6,500.
The death has occurred of Maura Barrett, Caffoley, Lahardane, Ballina, Co. Mayo and formerly of Comderry, Balla. Maura passed away on October 15, at her at home. Predeceased by her parents Patrick and Kate, sister Bridie, brothers John, Frank and Joe, Maura is deeply regretted by her husband Michael and her family Mark, Sharon, John, Alan and Louise; grandchildren Sean, Conor, Cara, Dylan, Mia, Saoirse and Noah, son-in-law Sean, daughter-in-law Megan, Louise’s partner Kieran, brothers Jim and Des, brothers-in- law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at Leonard’s Funeral Home on Friday week from 6 until 8pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday in St Patrick’s Church, Lahardane at 12 noon and burial ceremonies took place afterwards in Addergoole Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm.
The official opening of Balla Community Enterprise Hub and Remote Workspace and launch of Town Centre First Community Workshop will take place on November 8. Balla CRD is delighted to welcome Minister Dara Calleary.
Women’s Circles with Soul Vibration and Wellness will take place on Tuesday, November 11. Join up for a nurturing and empowering gathering of connection, mindfulness, and positive energy. All women are welcome. Contact Linda 086 3936174 to book your place or for more information.
Would you like to join a group of friendly, enthusiastic people interested in sewing? Come along every Monday from 10 to 1pm and have a cuppa and a chat while you sew. All levels are made welcome from beginners to seasoned stitchers. If interested get in touch with Josie on 085 1401229 or contact a member of staff in the centre on 087 1850860.
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A huge thank you has been extended to Holy Angels NS Clogher and St Mary's NS Partry for taking part in the Climate Action Week event “Lough Carra Climate Classrooms: Watching the Weather, Caring for the Lake.” With funding from Mayo County Council and Climate Action Week, the Lough Carra Catchment Association presented the schools with solar powered weather stations to monitor rainfall in the Lough Carra Catchment. This vital data will help provide understanding on how changing rainfall patterns affect the lake and connect classroom learning to real-world environmental data.
The students also took part in an art competition sharing what they learned while pond-dipping at Lough Carra. The standard and detail was incredible. The artwork is now displayed at their schools and at Castlebar Library.
Errew Community Centre now has a lifesaving AED Defibrillator installed. The centre personnel are delighted to finally have this important lifeline for the Errew community. The purchase was made possible thanks to successful funding from the HSE National Lottery Grant Scheme and a generous donation from the Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders Group who kindly facilitated the ordering of the defibrillator.
The Community First Responders Group would welcome new members from the Errew area to avail of their training programme. The training is currently taking place in Killawalla every second Thursday. Email ballyheanecfr@gmail.com or phone 087 9846401 for more details. Personnel are trained in CPR and the use of an AED Defibrillator.
November is the month of the Holy Souls and the rosary will be recited in Drum Graveyard on the Sunday, November 2, at 3pm to remember all the people who are interred there as well as members of local families who are buried outside of their native parishes.
If you would like to have a chance to win €500 and also to support the Clogher Community it costs just €60 for one year (12 draws). Details are on the following link https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership or tickets can be purchased from any committee member.
