Local Notes: Boys from bonny Scotland helped get power restored in Carnacon area
The boys from bonny Scotland - Fraser Douglas from Dundee and Donald MacInnes from Glasgow worked in horrendous conditions last week to get the power restored in the Carnacon area. Picture: Tom Quinn
Carra Country
The death took place last week of Chris Prendergast née Foy, Rosewood, Ballyglass, Claremorris and late of Kinally, Belcarra. Chris passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Cuan Chaitriona Nursing Home, Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family on February 1. Widely known and respected among her peers she had a great sense of humour and enjoyed witty banter with her many friends. She helped out fundraising in years past with worthy projects in Ballyglass Community and she was well known with the card playing fraternity across the region. Predeceased by her husband Ray (former 1950s Ballintubber GAA Player) parents Mike and Catherine Foy, sisters Mary (Gavin) and Kathleen (Costello), nephews Frank and Gerry, nieces Catherine G and Catherine K, she is deeply regretted by her family, daughters Mary (Connor, Belcarra) and Deirdre (Balla), sons Ray (Ballyglass) and Declan (Belcarra), sons-in-law Padraic and Mike, daughters-in-law Brenda and Imelda, her nine cherished grandchildren David, Emma, Nathan, Sean, Dan, Max, Rían, Clodagh and Derin, cousin Nancy, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a large attendance present as Chris’s remains reposed at Ballyglass Community Centre on Monday, February 3, from 5pm with removal taking place at 7pm to her son Ray’s residence, Ballyglass. Her remains were taken to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey on last Tuesday morning at 11.15am for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Afterwards burial ceremonies took place in Mayo Abbey New Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,700 in Hughes of Carnacon on Sunday night, February 2. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 18 and 34. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mary Hallinan, Hugh Geraghty, Michael and Noreen Corbett, Ger Brady, Monica Lally, Jack and Dylan Prendergast.
The jackpot stood at €8,800 on last Sunday night, February 9. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber Bord na Óg continues to grow and they are thrilled to have many young players. For the first time it will be necessary to field two teams in U10, U12, U14, and U16 categories for the 2025 season. More helping hands are needed to ensure the smooth running of Bord na nÓg. Whether you are new to the club area or have some limited experience everyone is welcome to get involved.
The club are urgently seeking additional volunteers for a variety of roles. An hour or two of your time could help to create a fun, safe, and organised environment for our young athletes.
By volunteering, you’ll not only play a vital role in the club but also become part of a vibrant and supportive community. This is a wonderful chance to give back, meet new people, and positively shape the future of Ballintubber GAA.
If you’re interested in getting involved, phone Ronan Mannion at 087 464 6495 or email the secretary - ballintubber.mayo@gaa.ie.
Ballintubber GAA Club will hold an EGM on Friday, February 21, at 8pm in Ballintubber Resource Centre with the sole purpose of filling the vacant position of County Board Delegate. All members are requested to attend.
The AGM of Ballyglass Community Council took place on Wednesday, January 29. Officers for the coming year will remain the same. Chairperson Bernard Prendergast; vice-chair Joan Walsh; secretary Leona Nestor; assistant secretary Geraldine Walsh; treasurer Breege Jennings; PRO Tomás Concannon; solas liaison Nora Conroy. The directors remain unchanged. Tributes were paid at the meeting to the late Joe Nestor, who founded the community council in 1986 at the time the new school in Mountpleasant was built and the old school turned into a community centre. Joe’s tireless work for the community was remembered and acknowledged and it was agreed that the 40th anniversary of the founding will be marked next year in 2026. Ballyglass Community Council is very pleased to welcome new members. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8pm. Contact any of the above members for further information.
The Drum Inn, Clogher, was the venue for Monday, February 3, Ballyglass FC lotto draw. The numbers drawn were 3, 16, 17 and 18. There was no winner of the €10,900 jackpot and no Match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Tina Maloney, Breege Jennings, Margaret Haywood, Fintan Moran and John McNeely. Joe Glynn and Maureen Burke won the house prizes. The weekend jackpot stood at €11,000. Go to smartlotto.ie to play.
Winners from February 3 were: 1st Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion, 2nd Jimmy Sheridan and Noel Costello and 3rd Seamus Nevin and at Griffith Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan. The last 10 winners were Richard and Mary Carney and the raffle prizes went to Mary Brennan and Breege Jennings. The 25 progressive games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
The AGM of Ballyglass Active Age group was held on Wednesday, January 28, in the community centre. The officers’ positions remained the same for the coming year; Mary Brennan is chairperson, Maureen Murphy is secretary, Aggie Larkin is treasurer and Christina Murphy is PRO. Ideas were shared during the meeting about possible outings and activities for the coming year. The exercise class will continue every Tuesday morning at 11am in the centre, and yoga every Wednesday at 10am. The group is always very happy to welcome new members, any time.
Joe Kelly, who sells fresh vegetables at the Ballyglass markets, has organised a weekly vegetable box delivery service to Ballyglass Community Centre. He delivers boxes of fresh seasonal organic vegetables, to be picked up on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 5.30pm at the community centre. The boxes cost €20 each. If you would like to order a box of Joe’s vegetables, call him on 089 4519198.
A series of 6 art classes started on Monday, February 10, in Ballyglass Community Centre. The classes start at 6.45pm and cost €50 for the 6 weeks, payable at the 1st class. Contact Nora to book your place.
The death has taken place of Sheila Igoe, Blackrock Nursing Home, Foxford and late of Carnacon. The deceased was a sister of Paddy Igoe, Knockaraha, to whom sincere condolences are tendered. The death has also taken place recently of Philomena Lydon, Tirellan Heights and Kilconly, Galway. The deceased was a sister of Con Lydon, Banogues Ballintubber to whom deep sympathy is extended. May they rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Coillte staff is working hard to clear storm damaged trees across forestry estates as a priority and to resolve any issues as quickly as possible. Hazards arising from storm damage may not be visible and it will take time to assess and treat damaged areas.
As a result, Coillte asks members of the public to not enter forests in many counties including Mayo until further notice.
Where operations are ongoing in forests in other areas to clear storm damage, visitors are asked not to approach any operations during this time.
J & G Jiving classes take place in Carnacon Centre on Wednesdays from 8 to 9. 15pm. No partners required. Details are available from Jessica Connolly on 085 8188727 to register for the class.
Racquetball classes for ladies and men have commenced on February 11 from 8 to 9pm. No racquets or goggles required. Contact Thomas at 087 2041967. Eircode for Carnacon Centre F12 NY 38.
The Liam Swift Goalkeeping Academy will be held at the Ballintubber GAA pitch on Saturday, February 15, from 11am to 1pm. The event is open for boys and girls from U10 to U18. Visit www.gaagkcoach.com to book a place.
Check out the latest Carra Life Newsletter. Hard copies will be distributed throughout the catchment area over the coming weeks, but an electronic version is available on the website now. https://loughcarralife.ie/news-and-events.
Listed below are the Tóchar Phádraig group walks in 2025 organised by Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo. Easter Monday, April 21, (as part of Pilgrim Paths Week) Half Tóchar – Ballintubber Abbey – Aughagower – distance 15km; Saturday, June 21, Full Tóchar (as part of Irish Pilgrim Journey Week) distance 30km; Saturday, July 26, (Reek Saturday) Full Tóchar - distance 30km and Saturday, August 30, Full Tóchar - distance 30km.
Booking is now open at ballintubberabbey.ie. Payment is required at the time of booking. If you wish to cancel your booking refunds are available for up to 7 days prior to the event. The cost of this year's group walks are €30pp for Half Tóchar’s and €35pp for the Full Tóchar, booking fees may apply. Individual walks are €25pp (self-guided). Volunteers, leaders and back up drivers are needed for the 4 group Tochar Walks yearly. If you can help out on any of the above dates, call the office 094 9030934 to put you name down. A donation will be given to the Leader and back- up driver to cover the costs.
***********
Along the Partries
The death occurred last week of Tommy Coyne, Gortmore, Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Tommy passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, on February 5,. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Mary, and by his brother Padraic, Tommy is deeply regretted by his brothers Michael and Joe, relatives, friends, and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered. His remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on last Friday evening from 5.30pm with removal at 7pm to St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady.
Tommy’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Churchfield cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €15,700 on February 1. 17, 25, 30 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The weekend jackpot on Saturday, February 8 stood at €15,800. 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/. Ticéadaí ar díol freisin sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/ Maire Luke’s/ Lough Mask Inn.
To celebrate the 60th year of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club (1965 to 2025) a dinner dance will be held on February 15 in The Castlecourt Hotel Westport. To ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone please note the following age requirement: All attendees must be 17 years or older. Those aged 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. It promises to be a historic and memorable night in the annals of the club. A huge response is anticipated and tickets should be promptly purchased as they will be in huge demand.
Minister Dara Calleary has confirmed that the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme is available to support households directly affected by Storm Éowyn. The scheme provides income-tested financial assistance to alleviate hardship, following a three-stage approach: Emergency payments for immediate needs (food, clothing) are not income-tested. Replacement of essential items like white goods and furniture /assistance with primary residence repairs and losses covered by insurance are excluded.
Income limits for the scheme are: €50,000 (single), €90,000 (couple) +€15,000 per dependent (with reduced support above limits). For support, contact emergency Community Welfare Services by email - DNCWS@welfare.ie Completed form can be submitted to the local Intreo office. https://assets.gov.ie/.../92faa7b2989d442c9359b57771888d4...
A new session of Yoga classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Tuesdays from 6.30 to 7.30pm. The classes will run for up until late February. If interested email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295 with your name and contact details.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, February 13, from 2-4pm. Come along for social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
The Tourmakeady NS lotto winners on Saturday, January 25, was number 38. Congrats to Niall and Una Uí Dhonnchadha, Derryveeney who were €100, 00 winners.
Irish classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh every Wednesday morning. Beginner’s class is from 10-11am. The Intermediate class runs from 11 to 12pm. Phone 087 397 0227 or Rphost: opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Sincere condolences are extended to the Casey family, Greenaun, Tourmakeady on the recent death in England of John Casey. Sincere sympathy is also accorded to the family, relatives and friends of Willie Keancy, a native of Ballygarry, Partry who recently passed away in, Rugby, England. May they rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ciorcail Cniotáil/Knitting Circle: Tagann an Grúpa Cniotáil le chéile gach oíche Luan i Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 7.30-9.30 i.n. Fáilte roimh baill nua. The Knitting Circle comes together on Monday nights in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 7.30- 9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
Killawalla annual lotto tickets are now due for renewal. You can renew them by contacting any member of the Killawalla Community Council. The support of the community is appreciated.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Claire Mitchell and Mark Conway who were recent winners of the popular numbers draw with number 9. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year and the support of Club patrons is deeply appreciated. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Cristin Ni Eanachain, Kilkeeran, and Richie and Laoise Heneghan, Carrawina who were recent €100 winners in the popular numbers draw. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, February 15. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
**************
Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra
The death took place last week of Alice Joyce née Jordan, Magherafadda, Ballyheane, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Clogher, Breaffy, Castlebar. Alice passed away on February 5, peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, in her 88th year. Predeceased by her parents Martin and Ellen (née Parkinson) and her brothers Paddy, Willie, John Martin and her sister Bridie, she is deeply regretted by her husband Joseph, her family, Christopher (Castlebar) and Valerie (Ballyheane), her daughter-in-law Mary and Valerie’s partner Kevin, by her cherished grandchildren Deirdre, Leah, Catherine and Jessica, her Godchild Connie and Connie’s husband Kevin and their children Martin and Jayden, her sister Eileen and her husband Ray (U.K) and her sister Freda (U.K), her nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Alice was held in high esteem by her previous work colleagues in Lavelle’s Bakery in Castlebar and later in St. Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar and she loved music and enjoyed dancing. She was very well regarded in the Ballyheane community and she will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Alice’s remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on last Friday, February 7, with removal to St Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane at 7.40pm. The Funeral Mass for Alice was celebrated on Saturday at 11.30am after which she was laid to rest in Ballyheane Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €28,400 for the February 4 draw. There was no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the weekly prizewinners. The jackpot stands at €28,600 for tonight’s February 11 draw. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play Online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/.
Breaffy GAA registration portal is now open for the coming 2025 membership year. Members should go to www.foireann.ie to register. Remember to read through the membership options carefully before making your selection. All players involved in county team training (underage and adult) must renew their playing membership for 2025 immediately.
Breaffy Club will be hosting a membership evening in the coming weeks at the clubhouse for both new and existing members. Stay tuned for details. Membership payments are crucial for the day-to-day running of the club. For any issues, contact Martina at 087 272029. Thank you for your ongoing support.
The Gold Circle Membership Package is as follows: Breaffy GAA Membership for 2025, 1 weekly entry into the club's lotto and 1 Mayo County Board Draw ticket (six draws with prizes ranging from €10,000 to €200). Support your club and stand a chance to win amazing prizes, including €50,000 cash, exciting weekend packages to the All-Ireland finals, a holiday voucher worth €2,500, and many more. The draw date is March 26.
There will be a meeting of Breaffy Sustainable Energy Community on February 15, from 11am-1pm in Breaffy GAA Clubhouse. All households are welcome to join for this very informative morning.
Breege Canavan has been a dedicated and beloved member of the Belcarra community for many years. Through her tireless work on various committees and involvement in numerous local development projects, charity events, and fundraising effort, most notably the establishment of the Belcarra lotto, Breege has made a lasting impact.
Breege is also a devoted mother and in December 2023, Breege faced an acute medical condition that resulted in permanent, life-changing consequences. This condition has affected her mobility and functionality, making it impossible for her to fully participate in her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and sister.
After completing a rehabilitation program, Breege is now preparing to return home. While her family are excited for her return, they face significant challenges in adapting their home, securing transportation, and providing full-time care.
The Belcarra community, who has benefited so much from Breege’s selfless contributions over the past 30 years, has come together to support her and her family during this difficult time. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the ongoing costs associated with Breege’s care and the necessary adaptations to her home and transportation.
Contributions to help make Breege’s return home as comfortable and manageable as possible for her and her family would be greatly appreciated. Your support means the world to them as they navigate this next difficult chapter.
Thanks is extended in anticipation of your kindness and for giving back to someone who has given so much to the community. Please support this most worthy initiative at https://gofund.me/dac9f72a.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €10,400. The jackpot stood at €10,300 on Sunday, February 2. The numbers drawn were 1, 20, 21 and 24. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Caroline McGreal, Lorraine Connor, Julie Tolster and Caroline Heneghan.
On February 9, the jackpot stood at €10,400. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
Ballyheane Goes Country Music Festival will take place once again in 2025. This year’s summer festival will run from June 6 to 8 with 3 amazing nights of music and dancing. Some of Ireland's top Country Music bands will be on stage, Friday, June 6 - Jimmy Buckley and Band and Gavin Gribben; Saturday, June 7 - Derek Ryan and Band and Stacey Breen and Sunday evening, June 8 - Nathan Carter and Band and Mylo and Vinny. Tickets are on sale from at www.ballyheanegoescountry.com.
Mayo FC is delighted to announce that they are hosting a 24 hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. The Soccerthon will be held on March 14 and 15, from 6pm-6pm. The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24hrs. Players participating must be 16 or older. Why not get your club, business, friends, family, work colleagues or even an all-star team together and support Mayo FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Click the link below to register your team’s interest. Contact mayofcsoccerthon@gmail.com for more information.
A pilgrimage takes place to Medjugorje from August 6 to 13, with flights from Dublin to Mostar. This airport is 30 min from Medjugorje. The cost is €845. Contact 087 6660032/086 8455447.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are the venue for enjoyable bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
