Local Notes: Claremorris delights in Mayo team's success
Pictured at the Mayo homecoming in Claremorris were Majella with her dad Michael Finnegan who was also in Claremorris in 1951 to welcome the Sam Maguire. Picture: Trish Forde
When the final whistle sounded in Croke Park and Mayo's 75-year wait for All-Ireland glory finally came to an end, celebrations erupted in every corner of the county. Across South Mayo there was an added sense of pride, with players, coaches and backroom personnel from Claremorris, Garrymore, Hollymount-Carramore and Davitts all playing significant roles in one of the greatest days in Mayo football history.
No South Mayo player had a bigger influence on the outcome than Claremorris forward Darragh Beirne. On the biggest stage of all, the young attacker delivered a performance to remember, finishing as Mayo's top scorer with 1-3, including two converted frees. His crucial goal helped swing the momentum in Mayo's favour and underlined the composure and confidence he has shown throughout a remarkable breakthrough season.
Darragh's display was one of several South Mayo contributions that helped bring Sam Maguire to the county for the first time since 1951. Garrymore pair Enda Hession and Eoin McGreal were both named in Andy Moran's starting fifteen and produced outstanding performances on the biggest day of all. Enda's pace and experience were important down the left flank, while Eoin once again showed the calmness and defensive discipline that have become hallmarks of his game.
There was disappointment for Hollymount-Carramore's Stephen Coen, who missed the final through injury after helping Mayo reach the decider. A veteran of several previous All-Ireland finals, Stephen's leadership and experience have been invaluable to the squad, and while injury denied him a place on the field for the county’s greatest day for 75 years, his contribution throughout the campaign formed part of the foundations of Mayo's success.
Davitts clubman Fenton Kelly was among the substitutes for the final, another local footballer who earned his place in a squad that combined youthful talent with strength in depth. Every member of the panel had a role to play over the course of the championship, and Fenton's presence reflected both his own development and the confidence the management placed in him.
South Mayo's influence extended well beyond the playing panel. Claremorris native Conor Finn played a vital role behind the scenes as Mayo's strength and conditioning coach, ensuring the squad was physically prepared for the demands of a championship campaign that culminated in victory at Croke Park.
Another familiar South Mayo figure was Colm Boyle. The former Davitts defender and multiple All-Star has earned enormous respect throughout his playing career, and as a coach and selector he helped guide a new generation of footballers to the summit of the game. Colm experienced the heartbreak of coming close as a player on several occasions. To finally see Mayo lift the Sam Maguire Cup from the management team was a fitting reward for years of outstanding service to the county.
This latest success also rekindled memories of another proud chapter in South Mayo's football story. Long before the modern era, Seamus O'Malley captained Mayo to the county's first All-Ireland senior football title 90 years previously in 1936, establishing a legacy that has endured for generations. His leadership became part of Mayo folklore, and this year's triumph creates a powerful link between the county's first champions and those who have finally ended the long wait for another Sam Maguire triumph.
‘Win a House in Mayo’ has been launched to help fund the proposed Claremorris Community Sports and Recreational Centre. The campaign, unveiled at the Claremorris Agricultural Show, offers the chance to win a new three-bedroom home in Convent Gate, Claremorris.
Tickets cost €20 each, three for €50, seven for €100 or 25 for €250. The campaign is expected to run for six months.
Committee co-chair Catriona Doherty said the fundraiser is aimed at raising the local contribution required to secure Government funding for the €7 million project. The proposed centre will provide indoor facilities for a wide range of sports and community activities. Further information is available at winahouseinmayo.com.
A public meeting will take place in Mayo Abbey Community Centre on Monday next, August 17th, at 7pm to explain the proposed 110kV substation and electricity infrastructure planned for Cloonbaul.
Organised by Cunlaghfadda Mayo Abbey Voice, the meeting will outline the planning process, explain how submissions can be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála and answer questions from local residents. The organisers state that the deadline for submissions is September 1st.
The application is separate from the proposed seven-turbine wind farm recently refused planning permission by Mayo County Council. A €50 fee applies to submissions made to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Claremorris RFC is inviting women to join its first-ever Senior Women's Rugby Team ahead of the new season.
The club hopes to compete in the Connacht League from September and is holding a series of free 'Give It A Try' sessions at Colts Park. No previous rugby experience is required, with beginners and experienced players welcome.
Sessions take place on Mondays in August from 8pm to 9.30pm. Anyone interested can contact Pearse on 087-9427598.
It was an easy week for GAA clubs across Mayo to sell lotto tickets. With large crowds in circulation following the county’s historic win, sales and prizes were up everywhere.
A ticket purchased in PJ Byrne's proved a lucky one for Caitlyn Waldron, who won €2,852 in last week's Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw. The sizeable jackpot reflected another successful week for the fundraiser.
The club wished Caitlyn every congratulations and expressed its appreciation to supporters who continue to back the draw each week. The draw remains an important source of income for the club.
A ticket purchased in Killeen's proved to be the lucky one in last week's Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw, with Amy Kinsella collecting the top prize of €600.
The club congratulated Amy on her success and thanked everyone who took part in another well-supported draw. Money raised through the weekly fundraiser continues to support the club's activities both on and off the pitch.
Claremorris AFC also congratulated James Kavanagh, who won the club's World Cup prediction competition and collected the top prize of €300.
Mayo Abbey Community Centre has announced the winners of its €5,000 giveaway following the recent draw.
The top prize of €3,500 was won by Jarlath Duggan, while Anna Wade claimed the second prize of €1,000. The third prize of €500 went to Sean Larkin.
The committee has extended its sincere thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser by purchasing or selling tickets, sponsoring prizes or volunteering their time. It said the success of the draw was made possible by the generosity and commitment of the local community.
Funds raised from the draw will go towards the continued development and maintenance of Mayo Abbey Community Centre and its ongoing projects.
Claremorris Tidy Towns, in partnership with The Heritage Council, will host a free guided walk and information evening at Clare Lake on Thursday, August 20th, as part of National Heritage Week.
Ecologist Dr Karina Dingerkus will lead the event, exploring the fascinating world of insects and their importance to biodiversity. The walk begins at 7pm from the bandstand inside the Clare Lake entrance and is suitable for all ages. Light refreshments will be served, and admission is free.
A large crowd attended the 106th Claremorris Agricultural Show at the Claremorris Athletic Grounds on August Bank Holiday Sunday, with damp weather doing little to deter visitors from across Mayo, Galway and beyond.
Thanks to the extensive indoor facilities, exhibition centre and marquees at the venue, the full programme of events went ahead as planned. More than 250 competition classes attracted strong entries across livestock, horses, sheep, poultry, dogs, arts, crafts, photography and cookery, while visitors also enjoyed live music and freestyle motocross displays by Evan Mullarkey.
Former Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte officially opened the show. A native of nearby Woodstock, Ballindine, he recalled attending the Claremorris Show as a schoolboy and spoke of his affection for the event, while also congratulating Mayo on their recent All-Ireland football success.
Show chairman Tom Connolly thanked the sponsors, volunteers, exhibitors, competitors, venue owners and the many organisations whose support helped make the event another success.
Crissie Moran, Crossboyne, Claremorris, won the show's 'Golden Ticket' raffle, securing free admission and complimentary meals for four people at the Claremorris Show for the next ten years.
TV Ireland recorded the day's events for a programme to be broadcast at a later date, while photographs and reports are available through the Claremorris Show website and social media channels.
Planning is already underway for the 107th Claremorris Agricultural Show, which will take place on Sunday, August 1st, 2027.
The death has occurred of Michael (Mickey) Walsh of Carravilla, Roundfort.
Mickey died peacefully, in his 92nd year, in the exceptional care of the staff of St John’s Ward, Sacred Heart Home, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family.
Mickey was predeceased by his parents John and Julia, brothers Eddie and Paddy, and sisters Mary, Kathleen, Nora, Rita, Sally, Bernie and Eileen. He is deeply regretted by his loving family, beloved wife Ann, sons Edward, Gerard, David, Brendan and Declan, daughters Mary, Joanne, Martina, Catherine and Pauline, sons and daughters-in-law Kate, Liam, PJ, Nicola, Tadhg and Paul, Joanne’s partner Ray, Declan’s partner Orla, adored 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, sister Bridie, sister-in-law Mary Jo, brother-in-law Sean, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Mickey’s remains reposed at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Sunday evening, August 2nd, followed by private removal to his home. Requiem Mass was held on Monday afternoon in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort, followed by burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Ethel Walsh (née Hynes) of Currykirwan, Mayo Abbey. Ethel died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family, following a short illness.
Ethel was predeceased by her parents Pete and Mae Hynes, husband Mick, brothers Joe and Patsy, sister Eileen, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Ethel will be deeply missed by her loving family, Patsy, Geraldine, Michael and Ann, devoted grandchildren Adrian, Alan, Shauna and Seán, Alan’s wife Sarah, daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Bob, sisters-in-law Phil (London), Helen, Ann (Chicago) and Kathleen (Roscommon), nieces, nephew, grandnieces, grandnephew, cousins, extended family, neighbours and her friend Sarah.
Ethel’s remains reposed at Ballyglass Community Centre on Friday evening, August 7th. Removal took place from her residence on Saturday to St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Mayo Abbey Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
