Local Notes: Ballyglass FC launch 50th anniversary book.
Jarlath Moran, Emma Staunton, Abigail Killeen and Anthony Killeen pictured at the Ballyglass FC 50th anniversary book launch. Picture by Tom Quinn.
Ballyglass FC 50th Anniversary Book has over 300 pages packed with unforgettable moments, stories, photos, and the rich history of Ballyglass Football Club. The book celebrates a half a century of passion, pride, and community. This is a must-have publication for players, supporters, and friends of the club. Available in local retail and book shops copies of the superb publication are sure to sell out fast.
A very special pre-premiere screening of “Ireland West Camino: A Pilgrimage Reborn” will take place at Ballintubber Abbey on Monday, January 26. This feature-length documentary follows the remarkable 2024 pilgrimage of Jeremy Schewe and 20 pilgrims who walked over 170 kilometres in eight days, tracing the ancient Tóchar Phádraig from Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, to Croagh Patrick, County Mayo. Along the way, the film captures the sacred landscapes, deep heritage, and living traditions of Roscommon, Sligo, and Mayo, revealing pilgrimage as a journey of faith, renewal, and hope. The event takes place at Ballintubber Abbey, Co. Mayo (F12 W584) on Monday, January 26, with doors open and a social gathering at 6pm, screening will follow at 6.30pm.
If you are unable to view it at Ballintubber Abbey, you are very welcome to attend one of the other screenings taking place over the weekend, Thursday, January 22 at Mayo Movie World, Castlebar (F23 WN66). Doors open 6pm and screening 6.30pm; Premiere Screening Saturday, January 24 at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk (F45 HH51). Doors open at 1.30pm and screening 2pm; Matinee Screening on Sunday, January 25, at Knock House Hotel, Co. Mayo (F12 R6Y5) in the large conference room. Doors open at 6pm and screening 6.30pm. A film trailer can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/HPzF27v_uOc?si=9B4uZBNFom_dMYyI.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €6,300 on Sunday night, January 11. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 15 and 35. Consolation prizes went to Caroline Corbett, Noreen Keane, Colm Mulroy, Sheila Staunton and Sinead Mulroe. The jackpot stood at €6,400 on last Sunday night, January 18. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Join the Irish Life GAA Healthy Steps Challenge on MyLife and support Ballintubber GAA Club by going the distance and helping them get to 4000km until February 11 next. Clubs who achieve the 4000km will be entered into a draw to win a share of €30,000 in club funding. You don’t need to be an active club member to participate. Download MyLife from Irish Life from the App Store or Google Play. Help yourself and Ballintubber GAA get healthy.
By volunteering to assist Ballintubber Bord na nÓg teams you not only contribute to the future of the club but also join a dynamic and supportive community. This is an excellent opportunity to give back, connect with others, and positively impact the next generation at Ballintubber GAA. If you are interested in getting involved, contact, Ronan Mannion on 087 464 6495 or email secretary.ballintubber.mayo@gaa.ie.
St Brigid’s Crosses will be on sale in the Abbey on Sunday, February 1, in aid of Fr Shane’s Charity Apostolic Society of the Most Trinity. Candles are available in the Abbey Shop to purchase for Candlemas Day.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Micky Donnelly and Vera Staunton on the death of their sister, Teresa Casey, Chicago, U.S.A. May she rest in peace.
Ballyglass Community Council will hold its AGM on Wednesday, January 21, at 8pm. New members are always very welcome to join this active community group. New volunteers are needed for the next few months to help out with the planned renewal of the Community Futures plan. Anyone who is interested is welcome to come along on the night and hear about all that is going on in our group. Contact any of the current members for information.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Tom Fallon (Ex Garda Siochána, Ballyglass) his wife Áine and family and the extended Fallon family on the passing of Toms father, Tom Fallon, Skevard, Ballindine, Co. Mayo. His remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris on last Thursday evening, January 8 and the removal from his residence took place on Friday morning arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon in St. Joseph’s Church, Ballindine, followed by burial ceremonies afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
There was no winner of the €15,800 jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, January 12, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 4, 17, 31 and 36. Aisling Carney matched 3 numbers. Consolation prize winners were Dee Ryan, Louise Kenna, Niamh, Niall and Stephanie Gilligan and Caleb Connor. The latest draw had a jackpot of €15,900 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
The card game results from Monday, January 12: 1st Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes’, 2nd Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith; Noel Costello and Dave Gibbons and 3rd Martin Forde and Seamus Nevin. The raffle winners were Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes. Card games continue every Monday night in Ballyglass Community Centre from 9pm.
A first aid course will take place in Ballyglass Community Centre on Tuesday, February 3, from 10am to 1pm. All are welcome to attend.
Enrolment for Mountpleasant NS School year 2026/27 will open on Monday 2nd February and closes on Monday, March 2. If you wish to enrol your child, email the school at mountpleasantns@gmail.com or phone on 094 9360125. All are welcome to our open evening on February 3 at 7pm in the school. If you have any questions, call the principal Mrs. Leydon on the above number.
Limited spaces are still available for a Chair Yoga class in Ballyglass Community Centre. Contact Emma on 087 9973357. This is a gentle class to support mobility, balance and relaxation, all from the comfort of a chair. No experience needed. The relevant dates are Wednesday mornings in January from 11.15 to 12.15. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and cushion, and wear comfortable clothing.
The AGM of the Active Age group will be on Tuesday, January 20, at 12.15 in the community centre. New members are always very welcome to join. The exercise class continues every Tuesday morning from 11am to 12pm. Two yoga classes will be held every Wednesday morning, from 10am to 11am, and from 11.15 to 12.15. There are some spaces available for the second class. No experience is required for these classes.
Historical records for Lough Carra Trout Anglers meetings have been put onto the Lough Carra website. They make for interesting reading. If you have any historical information or photos you'd like to share email info@loughcarra.org.
There is a bus service operating to Castlebar on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week providing a vital service for communities along the way. The stops include; Tuar Mhic Éadaigh at 10.30am, An Trian Láir, An Tamhnaigh, An tSraith, Partry, Tooreen, Cloonlagheen, Ballinrobe, Lecarrow, Roundfort, Hollymount, Ballygarris, Carnacon, Ballyglass, Belcarra and Castlebar. Full information on services available on the website – pre-book your seat on Demand Responsive Transport services at least one day in advance. Its available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm for calls to assist you. Linking local communities to essential services and opportunities, call 094 900 5150 for details.
The OPW are currently hiring seasonal tour guides at numerous sites nationwide. If you are passionate about history, heritage and storytelling apply today by visiting: https://heritageireland.ie/recruitment/.
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CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo is running a ‘Last Man Standing’ competition on GAA National Football League Competition to raise funds for the club. The entry fee is €10 and the prize fund is €200. The closing date for entries is next Friday, January 23, at 8pm. Weekly updates detailing the fallers from the previous round and the remaining contestants will be posted after the conclusion of each weekend’s round of games. Rules and tie-break rules are available on the club Facebook page. Enter here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CLGThuarMhicÉadaigh/_2026GAANFLLastManStandingCompetition.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, January 17, stood at €20,000. 4, 9, 19 and 30 were the numbers drawn on Sunday night, January 10 and there was no jackpot winner.
Organised walks take place on Tuesdays and Thursday at CLG, Tour Mhic Éadaigh. All fitness levels are welcome to participate the Saturday morning Park Run which takes place at 9.30am at Tourmakeady woods - join in at your own pace. Please support the local club.
An indoor market in the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht Co Mayo will commence on February 7, and will continue on the 1st Saturday every month thereafter from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo. The market will feature a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts, to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts. For further details make contact by email: makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
Recent winners of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball school fundraiser draws were Saturday, December 6, ball 42, Michael John O Cathasaigh; Saturday, December 13, ball 40, Andi Mac an Tailliura; Saturday, December 20, ball 30 Aisling and Seamus Mhic Ghiobuin; Saturday, December 27, ball 32, John and Nina Uí Luideain; Saturday, January 3, ball 31, James and Linda Seoighe. Congratulations and many thanks to all for supporting the fundraiser draws. 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.
Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh School reunion will be held in the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport, on Sunday, February 1, at 7pm. Whether you are a past pupil, former or current staff member, family member, or friend of the school it would be wonderful to see you there. Tickets are available via the website and social media channels. For further information, contact the school on pc@colaistemuire.eu or 094 9544107.
Improve your Irish in the New Year. From beginners to advanced, a six week course starts on Wednesday, January 26 in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. Beginners commence from 11 to 12 and the conversation circle - Ciocal Comhrá runs from 11 to 12.
A sewing class will be starting in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Thursday, January 22, if there is enough interest. The course will run for 6 weeks. If interested call 087 7657191.
Congratulations are extended to Thomas Heneghan, son of Brid and Thomas O’hÉanacháin, Srah, Tourmakeady who recently celebrated his 21st birthday. He is wished many more such joyous occasions in the years ahead.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Recent winners were, Eileen and Tom Byrne, Portroyal and Triona and Frank Gilligan, Ballintubber. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of patrons.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Recent winners were Colin Staunton, Michael Walsh, Donal and John O’ Mahony and John and Donna Staunton. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
Killawalla Community Council have requested volunteers for assistance with traffic and parking for funerals. If persons would like to be added to the group, text John at 087 0546853.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Ann Lally, Derrendafderg on the recent passing of her sister, Kathleen Guthrie, Castlebar. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The Digital Hub in Partry is up and running. Feedback has been positive, and its popularity is growing. You can make a booking through Connectedhubs.ie https:// connectedhubs.ie/hubs/profile/5001. There are excellent facilities, with ultra-high speed internet access, plentiful and accessible parking, tea making facilities and a microwave. The facility is funded by: The Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Bernie Heneghan is a Gambling Therapist supporting both the problem gambler and their families. She is based in the Tacu Family Resource Centre in Ballinrobe and she covers all of Mayo. It is a free support service and open to anyone in need. For further details email: gawarenesstacufrc@gmail.com or 087 7005811.
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The death took place last week of John Martin Tuffy (O’Toole), Coranna and An Coillin, Westport Road, Castlebar and formerly of Bridgemount, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co Mayo. John Martin passed away on January 12, at Hollymount Nursing Home. John is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by Paddy and Maureen Tuffy, his brother Martin-John, his nephews Seamus, Liam and Brian and his niece Marie. John remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Thursday, January 15, from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to the home of Paddy Tuffy. His funeral cortege arrived at St. Anne’s Church, Belcarra on Friday last at 11am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. John was laid to rest afterwards at Guesdian Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on January 11 were 16, 21, 26 and 27. The consolation prizewinners were Charlie O’Malley, Frank and Noreen McNamara, Ann Cunningham and JP Reilly. The weekend jackpot stood at €4,800 on Sunday, January 18.
The agm and registration will be on Friday, January 23, at 8pm in Belcarra Community Centre. All current members and anyone interested in joining a friendly leisure cycling club are very welcome. New member registration will be available on the night to over 18s only. Contact belcarracyclingclub@gmail.com.
Belcarra National School are now taking enrolments for the next academic year. Contact the school to get your form. Details are available from 094 9032210 or email office@belcarra.ie.
The Living Well Programme is a free HSE initiative which helps people living with a long term health condition to manage their condition and improve their overall well-being. Anyone with any chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, anxiety, etc., can benefit from these workshops. The next programme commences on tomorrow Wednesday, January 21, at 10.30am in Castlebar. For further information contact Liam Gildea on 086 0142675.
Breaffy GAA lotto jackpot stood at a highly attractive €18,800 on January 13. The numbers drawn on January 6, were 11, 13, 26 and bonus number 1. There was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £18,900 on this Tuesday, January 20.
A new and exciting class will start starting in Ballyheane Community Hall on Friday, January 16. Women's box and tone classes will be commencing on Friday, January 16, at 7pm. The fees are £80 for a block of 6 classes. Contact Adrian on 086 0581956 for details. Booking is essential.
Why not join your local CFR group to help your neighbours and friends when they need you most. The group have moved training to Ballintubber Community Hall in the hope to gather more volunteers. If you have any queries or questions reach out to 087 9846401.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, January 8, in the Railway Tavern for a jackpot of €7,600. 3, 10, 15 and 27 were the numbers drawn in Flukies and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Margaret Connolly (cash sale), Lisa Durkan (online) and Julia McFadden (online). The latest draw was held in The Shebeen on last Thursday, January 15, when the jackpot will be €7,700.
Over the course of the next few weeks Balla GAA will be taking part in a fantastic initiative “Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Steps Challenge 2026”. Through signing up and logging your steps you can help win a share €30,000 but more importantly, help keep Balla GAA active. See the club socials as the club will be hosting weekly walks and more fit and fun activities. Follow the instructions in the link below to set up your account and start logging your steps! https://mylife.irishlife.ie/irish-life-gaa-healthy-clubs...
After a great turnout last year it has been announced that the Classic and Vintage Car Show is returning to Balla on Sunday, May 10. All are invited to come along and enjoy a fantastic display of vintage and classic cars, meet fellow enthusiasts, and soak up the atmosphere. The location is Balla Mart Grounds, Co. Mayo F23 EC99. Vintage and Classic Cars welcome.
On Tuesday mornings why not visit Balla Centre and try line dancing with Christopher at 11am? Join the group at Balla Community Centre and have fun moving to the music. All levels welcome –and beginners are encouraged. It’s a great way to stay active, meet new people, and have fun. Call 087 1850860 or 09493 65846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
Messy Tots is coming to Balla. This will be a fun-filled session for little ones to explore, play and create a sensory world and music. The programme is designed especially for young children to enjoy messy play, textures, sounds and movement in a relaxed, playful environment. It’s perfect for curious hands, happy feet and lots of giggles. The date is Monday, January 26, at 10.15am and bookings to 089 2200234 (Magda). The fee is €45 for a 4 week term and toddlers 10 months to 4 years old will be catered for.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €4,400 for last Sunday nights, January 18 draws. Sincere thanks have been extended to Shay O'Brien and family for their generosity in sponsoring a blue home set of jerseys that will be in use with the U14 boys next season. The Manulla FC senior masters team kicked off their campaign with a 5-3 win over Castlebar Town FC last week.
Balla Community Centre is looking for a full-time office administrator. If you’re organised, friendly, and enjoy working in a fun, supportive environment, they would love to hear from you. The role involves: general office administration, answering phones and emails, supporting day-to-day operations, working as part of a positive, community-focused team, strong organisational and communication skills, a positive attitude and willingness to get involved and an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Send CVs and application letter to jobs@balla.ie.
A personal monitored alarm can give you peace of mind and security this winter. For more information or to see if you qualify for one, get in touch with Balla Community Centre. Immediate assistance is available in case of emergency. Apply today and enjoy the comfort of knowing you’re never alone. info@balla.ie 094 9365846 or 087-1850860.
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The Lough Carra Catchment Association meets on this Tuesday, January 20, at 8pm in Clogher Community Centre. The meeting will provide a great opportunity to hear about local environmental work and what’s happening around Lough Carra. The guest speaker will be Michael Kingdon, Clogher Environmental Group who will speak on “Upstream of Annies: Life on the Clogher Bog” - an illustrated talk on the group’s environmental work, including the Sand Martin nesting wall, Hare’s Corner Pond project, conservation and biodiversity on the Clogher Bog. Also updates will be given on LCCA recent activities and updates on Lough Carra LIFE Project. All welcome.
Huge congratulations to Cian Brady, who won the Mayo U16 Post Primary Schools Handball Competition on a recent weekend
Yoga classes have commenced in Clogher Community Hall on Wednesdays. Contact Fiona on 086 3310012 for further information.
The Clogher 500 Club is a local fundraising initiative run by Clogher Environmental Group CLG to support the upkeep and development of community facilities. Membership costs €60 per year (just €5 per month). Each member is entered into a monthly draw for €500. Contact any committee member; call/text 087 272 1574 or message through the Facebook page – Clogher Heritage Centre.https://clogherenvironmentalgroup.clubforce.com/products/membership.
Chair Yoga with Ann has started on Wednesdays from 7-8pm in Errew Community Centre. The fees are €10 per session. Contact Eileen Conway on 087 9227567 for more information and to book your place.
