Local Notes: Beautiful Christmas tree at St Mary's Church, Carnacon.
The beautiful Christmas Tree at the front of St Mary’s Church, Carnacon. Picture by Tom Quinn.
There was a huge turnout at the Christmas Market in Ballyglass Community Centre on Saturday week last. Congratulations to all the lucky raffle winners. Eleanor Corcoran took the top prize of a hamper of Christmas treats. Other prizes went to Maura Hamilton, Aoibhinn Burke, Tina Hughes, Jimmy Killeen, Niall Malone, Kevin Coyne, Ciaran Corbett, Claire Roche, Michelle O’Dowd, Rita Nestor, Jayne Cunningham, Mick Halligan and Jenny Keane. Thanks to all the generous sponsors, to all the vendors, Catherine the face painter, Mike and Paddy the parking attendants, Michael who helped with the signs, the raffle sellers Joan and Geraldine, Breege for organising and manning the Christmas Tree Treats, Leona and Geraldine who decorated the centre, Katie for the outdoor tree, the Ballyglass knitters for the beautiful tree decorations, and all who helped in any way. What a fantastic team! Special thanks to everyone who came along for your wonderful support on Saturday and for supporting the markets throughout 2025. The organisers wish everyone a happy and peaceful festive season.
Ballyglass FC 50th Anniversary Book will be launched shortly and is now available to pre-order, with over 300 pages packed with unforgettable moments, stories, photos, and the rich history of Ballyglass Football Club. The launch date is December 31, 2025. 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.
In conjunction with the Ballyglass FC 50th Anniversary book launch on New Year's Eve, December 31 - from 4 to 6pm there will be a kids disco, from 6 to 7pm the book launch takes place, 8 to 10pm the music will be supplied by Paddy and Stephen Burke, and from 10pm the musical entertainment will be by Concorde.
Thursday, January 1, at 4pm Live Premier League followed by Karoke by TC. Ballyglass is the place to celebrate the advent of the New Year 2026.
There was no winner of the €15,400 jackpot in the Ballyglass Christmas Lotto draw held on Monday, December 14, in the Carra Lodge. The numbers drawn from the drum were 2, 18, 21 and 32. Jimmy Killeen matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Judy Clarke, Helen Grealis, Geraldine Walsh and Joan Walsh. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €15,400 up for grabs. The end of year draw for all who matched three numbers in 2025 was held and the following were lucky winners: Joe Sheridan (€300), Denise Walsh (€200), Richard Carney (€100), Declan Corbett (€100), Padraig Heverin (€100), Fahy family Hollymount (€100), Bernie Conroy (€100). House prizes on the night went to James Loftus (bottle of whiskey), Caroline Heneghan (€20), Teresa Loftus (€20), Mena Mahon (€20), Sarah Keane (€20) and Niamh Hughes (€20).You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
The annual Christmas card game was held in Ballyglass Community Centre on Monday, December 15. There was a great turnout and a good time was had by all. There was a raffle and spot prizes on the night, and festive refreshments at the half way mark. Thanks to all who helped out in any way, to Mary and Breege and Mike for overseeing the cards, to Geraldine, Rita, Nora and Bridie who prepared the refreshments, and special thanks to all who generously sponsored prizes for the night. The winners of the card games were: 1st Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan, 2nd Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes; Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings; Dave Gibbons and Noel Costello and 3rd Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. The best of last 10 prize went to Gus Sweeney and Mattie Sweeney. The raffle winners were Tom Fitzpatrick, Majella Corbett, Tomas Solan, Peter Glynn, Seamus Nevin, Cathal Hennelly, John E Burke and Mattie Sweeney. Happy Christmas to all Ballyglass card players, thanks for their continued support and congratulations to all the winners.
Christmas Mass times across the parish are as follows: Christmas Eve, Killawalla 5pm, Carnacon 6.30pm and Ballintubber 8pm. Christmas Day, Carnacon 9am, Killawalla 10am and Ballintubber 11am.
The death has taken place of Margaret Farragher, Northampton, UK. The deceased was a sister in law of Pat Farragher, Curlisduane and Mary Casey, Castlecarra to whom sincere sympathy is extended. May she rest in peace.
Congrats are extended to Stephanie Lally, Ballintubber, who recently celebrated a milestone birthday. Her many friends in the community extend to her best wishes for many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Millie and Hunter Alister Hayes, baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, December 13. Congratulations to the family.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,900 on Sunday night, December 14, in Tuffy’s of Doonamona.There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Patricia Heraty, Mary Hallinan, Dean Loftus, Paddy and Bernie Thomas, Mikey Kelly and Bernie Thomas.The jackpot stood at €6,900 on last Sunday night, December 21. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber Resource Centre walkway and facilities are closed from December 22 to December 24 inclusive. The club regret any inconvenience caused.
A wonderful Christmas book 'Blitzen’s Best Christmas' with Lough Carra at its heart is now on sale. Thoughtfully, written by local author Claire O'Malley with excellent illustrations it is available online from www.buythebook.ie Blitzen’s Best Christmas is in its second edition and is also available as Gaeilge. Buy the book here:
https://www.buythebook.ie/product/blitzens-best-christmas/ .
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An indoor market in the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht Co Mayo will commence on February 7, 2026 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.
The 38th edition of Waterfall magazine is in local retail outlets this week. Chuck full of articles of interest and splendid photography it makes the ideal Christmas gift for Tourmakeady folk in Ireland and overseas. The organising committee deserve the highest plaudits for their dedication in producing this splendid magazine annually. It retails at a modest €10.
Grateful thanks have been extended to everyone who attended the recent pre-Christmas Party in Máire Luke’s. Despite the bad weather, there was a great crowd present and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food and the music provided by the Killary Sound.
Thanks especially to Barbara and the staff of Máire Luke’s for the lovely food, to the band and to Tom and Paul who sang songs. Thanks also to Gemma for her help putting the hampers together, to Sally, Noreen and Katie for their help organising the party, and to Santa who visited before the end of the night.
Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léír.
Congrats to Michael John Casey, Carheen who was a recent winner of Tour Mhic Eadaigh NS Draw with number 42. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, December 20, at 8pm.
Mass times in Partry on Christmas Eve, December 24, is 6pm - Partry Christmas Day, December 25, at 10am, Tourmakeady Christmas Eve December 24, at 8pm and Tourmakeady Christmas Day, December 25, at 12 noon.
An bhfuil gnó agat i nDúiche Sheoigheach nó Tuar Mhic Éadaigh? Cláraigh do @gradaim_gno scéim náisiúnta aitheantais don Ghaeilge sa ghnó. Are you a business owner in Joyce Country or Tourmakeady? Register for @gradaimgno a national recognition scheme for use of the Irish language in buisness.
Register here: www.glornangael.ie/gradaim. Nó má tá tacaíocht uait ó thaobh na Gaeilge i do ghnó, déan teagmháil le Róisín trí théacs: 0873970227 nó ríomhphost: opt.cdst@gmail.com, or if you need support in terms of the Irish language in your business, get in touch with Róisín via text: 087 3970227 or email: opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The weekend lotto jackpot on last Saturday, December 20, stood at €20,000. 6, 10, 14 and 30 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. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/ Nó sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/Máire Luke’s/Lough Mask Inn. There will be a Christmas Lotto giveaway on December 28. Paper tickets, 1st €1,000, 2nd, €500, 3rd 2 x €100. Online1 x €500 plus 3 x €100.
New Year’s Eve in Tourmakeady features a novelty football feast from 12 noon-2pm with a blitz – Fé10 / Fé12 buachaillí agus cailíní and at 2.30pm cluiche sinsear na bhfear – oga vs aosta. Beidh an tráthnóna go hiontach.
Killawalla Community Council has extended sincere thanks to all who attended and supported the recent festive events in the village. The Christmas tree lighting and memorial service on the Thursday and the Tea Party on the Sunday were highly successful and very well supported. Thanks to all.
The Christian community in Killawalla welcomes its newest member Patrick John McGing who was baptised in St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla on Saturday week, December 13. Congratulations to the parents and family.
At 2pm on Sunday, December 28, at Partry Community Centre, Partry AFC is hosting a 5k Family Fun Walk/Run/Crawl fundraising event. All funds raised goes to Partry AFC. The funds raised are essential for the running of the club so your support would be greatly appreciated. The entry fee is €10 each / €20 family or a use a family sponsorship card. Sponsorship cards were issued to all schools (the kids may enjoy getting sponsorship over the Christmas break).
There will be prizes to be won on the day, light refreshments in Partry AFC clubhouse afterwards, if anyone would like to drop off some goodies/buns on the morning of the 28th from 11am to the clubhouse that would be great. If you wish to help out and volunteer, contact Caroline on 087 6087343 or any committee member.
Partry AFC draw takes place on Wednesday nights weekly. Recent winners were Sean and Kathleen Bourke, Portroyal and Niall and Una Donoghue, Tourmakeady with the lucky number 37. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of patrons.
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.
Congrats to Tim and Ann Foley who were recent winners of Partry Residents weekly numbers draw with number 42. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, December 20. 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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On the weekend of December 14, the jackpot stood at €4,300. The numbers drawn were 8, 16, 20 and 28. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. Consolation prizes went to Ann Tuohy, Tommy Fahey, Michelle Ryan and Sandra Bourke. The weekend jackpot stood at €4,400 on Sunday last, December 21. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and also online at https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2628#Anchor.
The next game will be on Monday, January 5. The organisers wish all their patrons a peaceful and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Anne Foy, Belcarra on the recent passing of her mother, Nora Brady, Killawalla, Westport. May she rest in peace.
Belcarra Cycling Club is getting ready for Sunday, December 28, when they have the Christmas cycle with all donations going to a great cause. Come along to simply support or better still participate or even just to donate and support all participants as they depart for a short local cycle.
Congratulations to Fiadh Cunnane and Amelia Canavan, who won the Michelle Canavan Shield after one of the most thrilling games seen in years. The challenge from Lucy Cunningham and Rori Ruane pushed the game into an intense, heart-stopping tiebreaker. Well done Fiadh, Amelia, Lucy and Rori who played in a final that will be remembered for a long time.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, December 16 - the numbers 5, 10, 17 and bonus number 10 were drawn and there was no jackpot winner. There was no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at €18,500 on this Tuesday, December 23. Everyone who plays the Breaffy GAA lotto until the December 23 draw is automatically entered to win €500. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
Irish dancing classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be returning back on Tuesday, January 6, from 6.30pm-7.30pm catering for ages 4+. Contact Molly Hughes TCRG on 087 6562094. Classes are ideal for competitions, grade exams, displays, shows, fitness and fun.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm.
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Please come to Balla and encourage all your friends and family to participate in this year’s 5k. This year the Balla GAA annual St Stephen’s Day 5k is supporting Aoibheann’s pink tie, and the club are delighted to offer all proceeds to this worthy cause.
Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, Irelands National Children’s Cancer Charity was set up in 2010 by Mick Rochford and Jimmy Norman after the death of Jimmy’s daughter Aoibheann from a rare type of cancer.
They provide practical, emotional and financial fall back to those families who need it. The support varies case by case as almost every situation is different.
This charity is near and dear to the club and the organisers are very grateful and privileged that they can support them in this small way, by donating all funds received from the annual St Stephen’s Day 5k to the charity, @aoibheannspinktie.
The death took place Michael Gallagher, Comderry, Balla, Co. Mayo. Michael passed away peacefully on December 10, after a short illness at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar. Michael was deeply popular and is sadly missed in his home community. His passing leaves a deep void in his family and neighbourhood and the general area. Pre-deceased by his parents Andy and Rita he is deeply regretted by his brother Tommy Joe Gallagher and sister Pauline Wilson and by his loving family, sister-in-law Eileen, brother-in-law TJ, nieces Karl-Ann, Deirdre, Paula, Catherine, Fiona and Louise, nephew David, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Michaels remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on the Friday evening from 5.30 with removal at 7pm to the Holy Family Church, Kiltimagh. Michaels Funeral Mass was celebrated on the Saturday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on the Thursday, December 11 in The Rendezvous for a jackpot of €7,200. 3, 17, 21 and 34 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Robert Flatley (standing order), Winnie Gallagher (online) and Robert Flatley (standing order). The latest draw was held on Thursday last, December 18, in The Shebeen when the jackpot stood at €7,300. Thanks to all who support the club lotto.
Balla GAA and LGFA Club thank all the local councillors for their continued support of Balla GAA - Donna Sheridan, Cyril Burke, Harry Barrett, Al McDonnell and Blackie Gavin. The generous assistance helps the club move from strength to strength. Balla main pitch is closed until further notice.
Trial holes are being dug for the clubhouse extension which is welcome news for club members and supporter.
A huge ‘thank you’ has been extended to the amazing Knitwits ladies of Balla for making a donation of €600 to St Bríd’s Special School. They are deeply appreciative to them all for the wonderful donation. Happy Christmas to everyone who took part from all at St Bríd’s Special School.
Balla church are welcoming new members to join the folk group for Christmas. Former members are also invited to return. Interested persons should contact Karen at 087 8230164.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €3,900 for last Sunday nights, December 21, draws. The club are deeply grateful for the support of patrons. Congratulations to the recent ‘Last One Standing’ winner Seánie Larkin, Clogher. Seánie was presented with his €500 winnings by his wife Tracey Larkin, a vital member of Manulla FC Women's senior team. A great win Seánie and well deserved after picking 14 winning selections. Keep an eye out for the next LOS competition which will be re-starting up soon.
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 25 card players are always welcome.
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The walking group have organised the annual end of year walk for Saturday, December 27, at 11am, starting at the Heritage Cottage (F12 PF99). This is an opportunity to walk off the excesses of the Christmas days and to enjoy fresh air and good company. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Heritage Cottage.
The next Clogher 500 draw will take place on Sunday, December 28. Special Christmas vouchers are currently available and would make an ideal Christmas gift. Contact any of the committee for further details.
The results of the card game held on Friday, December 12, were 1st Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, 2nd Martin Moran and Tom Fitzpatrick shared with Derek Quinn and Tom Fahy. 3rd prize went to Gay Conway and Joe Thomas. The last 10 winners were Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran. The game will take a break for Christmas and resume on January 10, 2026. The cards committee wish a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year to all its patrons and to all the community.
The Clogher Active Age group are taking a Christmas break until January 14, 2026. They thank all the people who supported them during the year and who helped to make the weekly meetings and the various trips so interesting and enjoyable. Best wishes for a Happy Christmas are extended to everybody in the Active Age Group.
Errew Women’s Group had extended a huge thank you to everyone who attended the Christmas Wreath demonstration with florist Mary McHale in Errew Community Centre. A most enjoyable and informative evening was had by all. Mary created a Christmas wreath, spray and table decoration. The 3 beautiful displays were raffled off between the attendees and the lucky winners were Pauline McDonagh, Catherine Hoban and Eileen Conway.
All Re-turn donations to Errew Centre are most welcome over the Christmas festive season. It was a really successful venture this year raising much needed funds for the running costs of Errew Community Centre. Huge thanks have been extended to Marian Deasy for leading this fundraiser.
