Local Notes: Claremorris Lions Club supports Earthquake Relief
Valeriia Korovkova from Logboy National School won third place in the Mayo Mental Health art competition. She received her prize at a presentation evening in the Great National Hotel Ballina. Picture: John O'Grady
Claremorris and District Lions Club has pledged €500 towards emergency humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela, where more than 3,500 people have lost their lives.
The funding forms part of a major international response coordinated by the Lions Clubs International Foundation, which has released a $200,000 Major Catastrophe Grant to support local Lions Clubs in delivering urgent assistance to communities affected by the disaster. Lions Clubs throughout Ireland have also been asked to support the appeal.
Club President James Preston said the donation reflected the Lions’ long-standing commitment to helping communities both at home and overseas. He explained that providing humanitarian assistance during times of crisis is a core part of the organisation’s work and said the club was pleased to contribute to the international relief effort.
“While responding to emergencies abroad, Claremorris and District Lions Club continues to play a significant role within our own community through a wide range of projects and initiatives carried out throughout the year,” James told the .
Among its longest-running environmental programmes is the club’s annual tree-planting initiative, which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary. James explained that the project began in 2006 when club member Seán Heneghan introduced the idea of planting native trees to coincide with National Tree Week.
He said the initiative had evolved considerably over the years. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the club was unable to sell trees through its traditional outlets and instead moved to an online system in 2021. This, he explained, led to the idea of involving local schools in planting the trees. James said he was initially unsure whether students would embrace the project but said those concerns quickly disappeared.
“I thought students wouldn’t be interested,” he said. “But I was convinced otherwise, and it has worked very well.”
He said working with local schools, including Mount St Michael Secondary School and St Colman’s College, had brought an important educational element to the initiative.
“It gives the students a chance to learn about the environment,” he said. “They hear about native species like silver birch and issues like ash dieback. It’s an education for them as well as being hugely beneficial for the community.”
With support from Heneghan Forestry, which supplies both the trees and expert guidance, hundreds of native trees have now been planted throughout the area.
“They planted 150 trees in a matter of minutes,” Mr Preston said, praising the enthusiasm shown by the students.
He added that the support provided by Heneghan Forestry had been vital to the project’s continued success.
“They give advice on how the trees grow and the background to the species,” he said. “It wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Looking ahead, Mr Preston said involving young people remained central to the success of the initiative.
“It’s a joy for us to be involved with the schools,” he said. “It’s a great way for students to engage with the environment.”
The club also continues to promote health awareness locally through its annual Diabetes Awareness Day. The event is held in October each year in The Square, and offers free blood glucose and blood pressure testing to help identify people who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Now entering its third year, the initiative has provided reassurance to many participants while encouraging others to seek further medical advice where appropriate.
Another important community initiative is the Lions’ Message in a Bottle scheme, which is designed to assist emergency services by ensuring vital medical information is immediately available in the event of an emergency.
Club member Michael Clarke explained that the scheme involves placing essential personal and medical information inside a clearly marked container stored in the refrigerator.
“You put all your details into it, plus whatever medication you’re on,” he said.
Special stickers placed on the inside of front and back doors alert paramedics and first responders that the information is available.
“If something happens and the paramedics are called, they know to look in the fridge,” he explained.
The information can include medical conditions, allergies, medications, GP details, emergency contacts and communication needs, potentially saving valuable time during emergencies.
The Lions Club also continues to support the weekly Dance Memory Club, while its annual programme includes senior citizens’ parties, Christmas food appeals, the Midsummer Night Walk, environmental initiatives, mental health and suicide awareness programmes, carers’ support weekends, the National School Poster Competition, spectacle collection schemes and the popular Under-13 football tournament.
In addition, the club provides financial assistance to numerous local organisations and charities, including Claremorris Red Cross, the Men’s Shed, Family Resource Centre, Cúram, St Vincent de Paul, Mayo Autism Camp, the Federation of Victim Assistance, Motor Neuron Disease charities and humanitarian relief efforts both nationally and internationally.
James Preston said the wide variety of projects reflected the club’s commitment to serving the community in many different ways throughout the year. He also encouraged anyone interested in becoming involved to attend the club’s monthly meetings, which take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 8.30pm in the Dalton Inn Hotel, where new members are always welcome.
As excitement continues to build ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland Football Final, best wishes are extended to the entire county panel and management, with particular good luck wishes to local representatives.
Claremorris forward Darragh Beirne, Fenton Kelly of Davitts, Stephen Coen of Hollymount/Carramore, and the Garrymore duo of Enda Hession and Eoin McGreal have been outstanding in the campaign to date, and their achievements continue to be a source of immense pride for their families, teammates and local communities. On the sidelines, Davitts man Colm Boyle has been a vital part of the management team.
The entire county and Mayo people everywhere wish them all the very best and will be hoping the team can lift the title after our famously long wait.
The Facefield Community Group is preparing to welcome local families, neighbours and members of the Mayo diaspora for a special ‘Clans of Mayo Facefield Homecoming Gathering’ on Saturday, August 8th, as part of Mayo County Council's ‘Clans of Mayo’ initiative.
The event, which will take place on the grounds behind Facefield National School and Church, has been organised to celebrate community spirit, strengthen local connections and encourage people with roots in the area to return home, even if only for a day. The gathering is designed as a community celebration rather than a fundraiser, with organisers keen to create an enjoyable occasion where people of all ages can meet, reconnect and spend time together.
The evening will begin following 6.30pm Mass before activities get underway from approximately 7.30pm. A barbecue will be provided by June's Kitchen from Balla Community Centre, while live music will ensure entertainment throughout the evening. Children's entertainment has also been arranged, making the event a family-friendly occasion.
Admission is €5 per adult, which includes the barbecue, while children will be admitted free of charge. Refreshments will also be available.
While Facefield has an active committee that has been working on a number of local initiatives over the past few years, members felt the ‘Clans of Mayo’ programme provided an ideal opportunity to host a larger gathering for residents, former residents and visitors with connections to the area. The committee hopes the event will encourage newcomers to the district, as well as long-established families, to get to know one another in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Facefield Community Group has already completed several successful local projects, including fundraising for the installation of a public defibrillator at the front of the local church. A number of volunteers from the area have also completed first aid and defibrillator training, helping to improve emergency response within the community.
Organisers stressed that the homecoming gathering is purely a community initiative and is not connected with any other local campaigns or issues. Instead, the emphasis is firmly on celebrating the area's heritage, fostering community spirit and strengthening local ties.
The event is one of a number taking place across County Mayo as part of the wider ‘Clans of Mayo’ programme, which encourages people with Mayo ancestry to reconnect with their home communities while celebrating local history, heritage and identity.
The Facefield gathering will feature the themes of community, heritage, connection and togetherness, with organisers hoping to attract both local residents and members of the Mayo diaspora who may be visiting the county during the summer.
Congratulations are extended to Mary Gill, Scardaune, who was the lucky winner of the Garrymore GAA Club Lotto jackpot of €13,800.
A cheque presentation recently took place, marking the club's biggest lotto prize in some time. The Garrymore GAA Lotto continues to provide valuable financial support for the club while also offering participants the chance to win substantial cash prizes.
Garrymore GAA congratulated Mary and her family on their fantastic win and thanked all those who continue to support the club's weekly lotto.
Organisers have announced a number of new attractions and returning favourites for the 106th Claremorris Agricultural Show and Trade Fair on Sunday, August 2nd.
Among the highlights is the first-ever appearance at the show by Sarah Butler, the popular Mayo-based chef, bestselling cookbook author and food content creator.
Known for her practical, family-friendly approach to cooking, Sarah has built a large following through her cookbooks, live cookery demonstrations, television appearances on RTÉ's and her popular online platforms. She specialises in creating simple, delicious recipes using fresh everyday ingredients, making home cooking accessible for busy families.
Sarah will join Chef Adrian, the popular Virgin Media Television chef, who returns once again to the Exhibition Hall after many years as one of the show's most popular attractions. Together, the pair promise an enjoyable programme of live cookery demonstrations for food lovers of all ages.
Television coverage will also form part of this year's event, with TV-Ireland broadcasting from the showgrounds throughout the day. Presenter Henry McGlade and his production team will capture the atmosphere, competitions and interviews for a special programme to be broadcast at a later date. TV-Ireland is available on Sky Channel 588 and Freeview Channel 279, with its Tuesday evening broadcasts reaching viewers both in Ireland and internationally.
The Claremorris Fire Service will once again be a major attraction from midday onwards. Members of the local brigade will carry out a series of demonstrations highlighting fire prevention, emergency response techniques and public safety. Firefighters will also be available to answer questions and provide advice on fire safety and related issues.
Visitors can also look forward to taking part in the inaugural Great Wellie Race. While welly throwing has become a familiar feature at many country shows, this brand-new competition offers a fresh twist on the traditional favourite. Open to competitors of all ages, entries will be accepted on the day, with trophies and prizes up for grabs.
With an extensive programme of livestock competitions, family entertainment, trade stands, live music and demonstrations already planned, organisers say this year's Claremorris Show offers something for everyone.
Further updates, the full show schedule and entry details are available on the Claremorris Show website, on the show's Facebook page, or by contacting Show Secretary Maureen Finnerty on 087-9241450 or by email at claremorrisagshow@yahoo.ie.
Claremorris Golf Club members enjoyed another competitive weekend of golf in the HG Hair-sponsored competitions, held from July 3rd to 5th.
In the Ladies’ 18-Hole Stableford, Marina Reilly claimed first place with an excellent score of 38 points, while Mary Coleman won the Ladies’ 9-Hole competition with 20 points.
The Men's 18-Hole Stableford was closely contested, with Gavin Groarke taking first place on 41 points after a countback. Paul Biggins won Category 1 with 36 points on countback, John Tuohy claimed Category 2 with 39 points, Phelim Munnelly won Category 3 with 41 points, and Robert McCormack was the Category 5 winner with 39 points.
Preparations are underway for the ‘Let's Get Moving’ Summer Camp, which will take place from Monday, July 27th to Friday, July 31st at Barnacarroll Community Sports Centre.
Running daily from 10am to 2pm, the camp promises a fun-filled week of activities for children, including GAA, athletics, playground games, arts and crafts, STEM activities and much more.
The cost is €80 for one child or €150 for a family of two. Organisers are encouraging parents to book early for what promises to be an enjoyable week of fun, friendship and activity.
For further information or to book a place, contact Ger on 087-6484334 or email gercommins91@gmail.com.
There was tremendous pride in Hollymount last week as two local students, Edel Walsh and Orlaith Colleran, were selected to represent Europe at the Technovation Junior Division Global Finals in India this October.
The 13-year-olds, who attend Mount St Michael Secondary School, earned their place after their project, ‘DiAssist’, was chosen as one of just five finalists worldwide from more than 3,600 app entries submitted by girls in over 100 countries.
Developed during Teen-Turn's after-school Technovation programme, under the guidance of teacher and mentor Stephanie Hogan, the app is designed to help teenagers manage diabetes by supporting both their physical health and mental wellbeing.
The girls identified a gap in existing diabetes apps, finding that many were aimed at adults and offered little support for the emotional challenges faced by young people living with the condition. Their app includes an AI-powered food analysis feature, allowing users to photograph meals to receive nutritional information, while also helping teenagers monitor the relationship between their blood glucose levels and their emotional wellbeing.
Speaking about their achievement, Edel and Orlaith said they were thrilled to have the opportunity to represent Ireland and Europe on the world stage.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be named Technovation Global Finalists,” they said. “When we first entered the competition, we never imagined we'd have the opportunity to represent Ireland and Europe on the global stage.”
The pair said the experience had taught them valuable lessons in technology, teamwork and problem-solving, while showing that young people can create solutions capable of making a real difference.
Their mentor, Stephanie Hogan, praised the girls for their creativity, commitment and determination throughout the project, describing their selection for the global finals as an extraordinary achievement.
The success of Edel and Orlaith is also a significant achievement for Hollymount and Mount St Michael Secondary School, demonstrating that young people from rural communities can compete successfully with some of the world's brightest young innovators.
The girls will now travel to India in October, where they will present ‘DiAssist’ to an international judging panel and compete for global honours and scholarship prizes.
Warm congratulations are extended to Dr Lisa Sheridan, daughter of Bridie (née Egan) and Paddy Sheridan, Logalisheen, Ballindine, on her recent graduation with a Doctorate in Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology (DEdPsy) from the Institute of Education at University College London.
Lisa's achievement marks the culmination of years of dedication and study in the field of educational and child psychology, equipping her to support the educational, emotional and psychological wellbeing of children and young people.
A former pupil of Ballindine National School and Mount St Michael Secondary School, Claremorris, Lisa's success is a source of great pride for her family, friends and the wider Ballindine community.
Everyone in her home area joins in congratulating Dr Sheridan on this outstanding academic achievement and wishes her every success and happiness in her future career.
Mike Ryan from Ballinrobe was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €1,121. Mike purchased the winning ticket in Vantive.
The club congratulated Mike on the win and thanked all supporters who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser. Funds raised through the draw help support coaching, facilities and underage development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Padraic Prendergast was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €480. Padraic bought the winning ticket in O’Brien’s.
The club extended congratulations to Padraic on the win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
The death has occurred of Agnes O'Gorman (née Sheridan) of Terenure, Dublin, and formerly of Cullane, Ballindine. Agnes died peacefully on July 8th, 2026, surrounded by her family, in the care of the wonderful staff of Fern Dean Nursing Home, Stepaside.
Agnes was predeceased by her beloved husband Michael and son Francis. She will be forever loved and dearly missed by her son Eamon, his partner Sheena, granddaughter Aoife, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Agnes’ remains reposed at her home on Sunday afternoon, July 12th. Removal took place on Monday morning to St Pius X Church, Templeogue, for Requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Bohernabreena Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
