Local Notes: Burns Night celebration comes to Kiltimagh
Emily Herward enjoying her first experience of snow in Treenagleragh, Kiltimagh earlier this month.
Pen and Ink Writers has been delighted with the response to the three successful themed events the group has hosted in partnership with The Folk Café in Kiltimagh. Each night combined music, poetry and prose, with performances from invited contributors alongside a lively open mic.
The group is now preparing for its next event - and this time it will have a distinctly Scottish flavour.
To mark the birthday of Scotland’s celebrated poet and songwriter Robbie Burns, Pen and Ink Writers will host a Burns Night celebration in Kiltimagh. The evening will feature a traditional Burns Supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, with a vegetarian or vegan option available, and the haggis will be piped in by a guest piper to complete the experience.
The programme will include songs and poems by Robbie Burns, along with other Scottish-themed contributions. As always, audience participation will be encouraged, and anyone who wishes to offer a suitable song, poem, story or dance will be invited to take part. On this occasion, there will even be a prize for the most fitting contribution, chosen by those in attendance on the night.
Scottish dress - whether traditional or light-hearted - is very welcome, though it is entirely optional.
Burns Night in Kiltimagh will take place in The Folk Café on Monday next, January 26th. Doors open at 7.45pm for an 8pm start. A charge of €12 per person applies to cover the cost of the meal, with a portion of the proceeds going to LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.
Tickets are available from The Folk Café, Main Street Rear, Kiltimagh, or directly from Pen and Ink Writers on 086-0738368 or by email at penandink.comayo@gmx.com.
As with previous events, the evening will remain firmly rooted in writing and music, with the added element of an open mic and prize on this occasion. While there is a charge this time due to the inclusion of a meal, organisers have kept the price as low as possible to cover costs and support the chosen charity.
The group now formally operates under the name Pen and Ink Writers, with the descriptor ‘Founded in Kiltimagh in 2007 and now Mayo-wide’.
Clann Machua Drama are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for their upcoming production, , which will be performed on February 12th, 13th, and 14th.
This superb play promises plenty of laughter and perhaps a tear or two, making it a show not to be missed. Tickets can be booked online at Eventbrite.
was written by renowned playwright Frank McGuinness and is set in Donegal in 1967. The play explores a time of dramatic change in Ireland, following two couples on the brink of ending, a woman trying to save her family, and a girl trying to secure her future. Overseeing the events, in her own enigmatic way, is the great and solitary Greta Garbo, whose presence shapes what happens next. But when the gods intervene, chaos ensues, even for the divine Greta herself.
The production is a full-length play with a cast of seven, including three male and four female performers. It was originally produced by Tricycle Theatre, premiering on January 7th, 2010, and has been widely acclaimed for its blend of humour, poignancy, and theatrical energy.
Clann Machua Drama invite all theatre-goers to experience this captivating and entertaining show in February.
Congratulations are extended to former Kiltimagh Knock United player Conor Leonard, who was recently named Under-14 Player of the Year with League of Ireland club Longford Town.
Conor also took part in an Ireland training camp during the year and has recently returned from injury as he prepares for his second season with the club. Everyone at KK wishes Conor the very best of luck and continued success in the seasons ahead.
There was another competitive and friendly evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with several close finishes across the prizes.
Top honours on the night went to Aiden Lydon and John Clancy, who secured first place with a strong showing throughout. Second place was taken by Patsy Flatley and Patricia Hyland, while joint third place was shared between Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, and the pairing of Paul O'Shea and Tom Byrne.
The Last Ten prize went to Joe Corry and Michael Costello. Mary and Jimmy Doyle claimed the spot prize, while raffle winners on the night were Seamus Larkin, Mary Doyle and Patricia Hyland.
It’s that time of year again, with Scór na bPáistí set to return for pupils of our primary schools. East Mayo Scór na bPáistí will take place on Thursday, February 12th, and all primary school students in the region are invited to participate.
Competitions will be held across a variety of categories, including Solo Singing, Recitation, Ceol Uirlíse, Ballad Group, Nuachleas/Drama, Figure Dancing, Set Dancing, and Sean Nós Dancing. Schools are asked to submit their entries to Aingeal Uí Mhaicín at aingealuimhaicin@gmail.com by Monday, February 2nd.
Details of venues and competition times will be shared with schools closer to the event.
Kiltimagh Emigrant Park has been successful in securing funding under Phase 1 of the Government’s Community Climate Action Programme, administered locally by Mayo County Council. The funding will support a range of initiatives designed to enhance biodiversity, encourage sustainable practices, and create a more welcoming, environmentally friendly space for the community.
The funding will allow the park to purchase items to attract wildlife, plant native Irish trees, and establish natural boundaries with native hedge species. Fruit trees will also be planted, while wild bee hives and bicycle parking facilities will be installed. In addition, the project will see further development of the park’s outdoor classroom and the creation of a community garden.
The Community Climate Action Programme is a new initiative designed to support both small and large, urban and rural community groups across Ireland in taking local climate action. Managed by Mayo County Council in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, the programme encourages groups to adopt a holistic approach to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
The programme is open to community groups of all levels of experience, from those just beginning their climate action journey to those already engaged in environmental initiatives. By participating, communities can develop practical, local solutions that contribute to wider national climate goals.
For Kiltimagh Emigrant Park, the funding represents an exciting step forward. As the project moves into the development phase, the park aims to become a model for community-led climate action, offering residents a space to connect with nature while learning about sustainable living.
Rachel Fitzpatrick was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €798. The club congratulated Rachel on her win and expressed thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Funds raised help with team development and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets remain available online, in local shops and pubs, and from club sellers throughout Kiltimagh.
Jean Carney was the winner of Kiltimagh Knock United’s 50/50 draw last week, receiving €352. The club congratulated Jean on her win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Proceeds from ticket sales help fund youth teams and maintain club facilities. Tickets remain available online and from local shops, pubs and club sellers in the area.
The death has occurred of Bernadette Doyle of Cricklewood, London, and formerly of Clogher, Bohola.
Bernadette died on Christmas Day, 2025. She was predeceased by her parents Eileen and M.J., her brothers Michael, John and Aidan, and her brothers-in-law Ian and Brendan.
Bernadette is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her brothers Charlie, Jimmy and Tommy, sisters Anna, Eileen and Caitríona, aunt Theresa, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and great-grandniece, sisters-in-law Kathy, Mary, Mavis and Anna, many cousins, neighbours and friends.
Bernadette’s Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, January 27th, in St Agnes Catholic Church, Cricklewood, London, and will be followed by cremation at West London Crematorium, Kensal Green Cemetery. Her ashes will be repatriated to Bohola, in the coming months.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Ethel Murray (née Forde) of Townparks, Skerries, Co Dublin, and formerly of Cordarragh, Kiltimagh.
Ethel died peacefully at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin on January 12th, 2026, after a very short illness, surrounded by her loving family.
Ethel was predeceased by her beloved husband Padraig, daughter Catherine, parents John and Annie, siblings Imelda, Raymond, Dermot, Vincent, Brendan, Cyril, Kieran and Enda, niece Audrey and nephew Eanna.
Ethel will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Paul, Ann, Irene, Colin and Brian, cherished grandchildren Laura, Ian, Shauna, Sarah, Ciara, Catherine, Anne and James, great-grandchild Luca, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, dear sisters Agnes and Dympna, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Ethel’s remains reposed at the family home on Thursday evening, January 15th. Removal took place on Friday morning to St Patrick’s Church, Skerries, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Ardla Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
