Local Notes: Claremorris Lions raised funds for Mayo Autism Camp
Bibby and John Whittle, Claremorris and District Lions Club, with Damien Hall, Manager SuperValu, Colette Heaney of Mayo Autism Camp, and Michael Clarke of Claremorris Lions at the presentation of a cheque for €1,300 to Mayo Autism. Picture: John Corless
Claremorris and District Lions Club presented a cheque for €1,300 to Mayo Autism Camp last week following the success of this year's Midsummer Walk and fundraising raffle.
The money was raised through voluntary donations at the annual Midsummer Walk around Clare Lake together with proceeds from a raffle held in SuperValu Claremorris, where a hamper sponsored by the store proved a popular attraction.
Colette Heaney of Mayo Autism Camp thanked everyone who supported the fundraiser and said the response from the community had been outstanding.
“The Claremorris Lions Club had a Midsummer Walk on June 21st and we were delighted, as Mayo Autism Camp, to be the recipients of that fundraiser,” Colette told the . “They also held a raffle for a hamper that was sponsored by SuperValu.”
Colette said large crowds attended both the walk and the presentation afterwards. She praised SuperValu for providing refreshments and thanked local DJ Michael Bourke for supplying the music.
“It was a beautiful day with sunshine and everybody had a great day,” she said. “A huge thank you to the Lions Club here in Claremorris and to SuperValu for their support of the work that we do in the autism camp.”
She explained that the donation will help fund the Mayo Autism Camp's upcoming two-week programme for families, which will be based at Manulla Football Club.
“We're going to use that money because we bring in a lot of people to deliver workshops during the camp,” she said.
Colette revealed that around 160 children are currently registered to attend this year's camps. She also said autism diagnoses continue to increase, with growing awareness leading more families to seek support and services.
SuperValu Claremorris has partnered with the Lions Club on the Midsummer Walk since the initiative began, and store manager Damien Hall said the event has become an important part of the business's community involvement.
Damien explained that SuperValu Claremorris employs around 70 local people following a €2.5 million redevelopment completed four years ago.
“We team up every year with the Lions Club,” he said. “We do a number of different things with them throughout the year and we always try to support a local charity.”
He said the Midsummer Walk is held around the summer solstice each year and SuperValu provides refreshments for everyone taking part.
“We provide finger food, sandwiches, tea, coffee and treats,” he said. “Michael Bourke, the local DJ, also plays music every year. It's great to come together and hopefully we'll be doing it again next year.”
Damien added that SuperValu continues to support many Lions Club initiatives throughout the year, including the club's annual Christmas Food Appeal and Tree Appeal.
Claremorris and District Lions Club member John Whittle said the €1,300 donation came from two main sources.
“That was raised mainly through a raffle at SuperValu and by the collection that was made at the gate on the day we walked at Clare Lake,” he said.
John said this year's event attracted a larger turnout after organisers decided to move the walk from the evening of the longest day to the following Sunday morning.
“We felt that would entice more people out on a Sunday morning,” he said.
He explained that the event has never charged an admission fee, instead relying on voluntary contributions from participants.
“The idea is to get people out exercising and at the same time support the Mayo Autism Camp, which is a very worthy cause,” he said. “After the walk people can enjoy tea, sandwiches and coffee at the bandstand in Clare Lake. It's a wonderful occasion because locals gather together, have a chat and support a good cause.”
John recalled that the idea for the Midsummer Walk emerged from discussions between the Lions Club and a former manager of SuperValu Claremorris about creating a community event that would benefit local charities.
“The first one was held about six years ago, just after Covid,” he said. “The first charity we supported was Cúram and we've helped a number of causes since then. This is the second year we've supported Mayo Autism Camp.”
He said the concept was inspired by a similar community event in Tipperary and has developed into an annual fixture that combines exercise, community spirit and fundraising for worthwhile local organisations.
Competition at Claremorris Golf Club over the weekend of July 10th, 11th and 12th was generously sponsored by Roche's Centra, Balla, with members enjoying another excellent weekend of golf.
In the Ladies' 18-Hole Stableford competition, Rebecca Kean produced a superb round to claim first place with 43 points. Martina Hennelly won Category 2 with 38 points, while Florrie Campbell took the Category 3 honours on 33 points.
The Ladies' 9-Hole Stableford competition was won by June Elliott, who finished with 17 points.
The Men's 18-Hole Stableford competition saw Robert McCormack take first prize after an impressive score of 44 points. Niall Monaghan won Category 1 with 38 points, Ger Noone claimed Category 2 on 42 points, Peter Coen secured Category 3 with 43 points, while Peter Gallagher was the Category 4 winner on 39 points.
Congratulations are extended to all the prize winners and sincere thanks to Roche's Centra, Balla, for sponsoring another successful weekend of competitions at Claremorris Golf Club.
The Facefield Community Group will host a special ‘Clans of Mayo Facefield Homecoming Gathering’ on Saturday week, August 8th, as part of Mayo County Council's ‘Clans of Mayo’ initiative.
The event, taking place behind Facefield National School and Church, aims to bring together local families, neighbours, former residents and members of the Mayo diaspora to celebrate community spirit and strengthen local connections. Organisers emphasise that the gathering is a community celebration rather than a fundraiser.
Activities will begin after 6.30pm Mass, with the main event getting underway from approximately 7.30pm. June's Kitchen from Balla Community Centre will provide the barbecue, while live music and children's entertainment will ensure something for all ages.
Admission is €5 per adult, including the barbecue, while children will be admitted free of charge.
The Facefield Community Group has already completed a number of local initiatives, including fundraising for a public defibrillator at the local church and organising first aid and defibrillator training for volunteers. The committee hopes the homecoming event will encourage both long-established residents and newcomers to get to know one another while also welcoming those returning to the area.
The gathering forms part of the wider ‘Clans of Mayo’ programme, which encourages people with Mayo roots to reconnect with their communities and celebrate the county's heritage and identity. Organisers hope the evening will strengthen community ties and provide an enjoyable occasion for everyone attending.
Damien McGahon was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, taking home €550.
Damien has given a lifetime of service to the club, making the win a particularly popular one among members and supporters. The club congratulated Damien on his success and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser.
Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Jim Quinn was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, collecting €2,320 with an online ticket.
The club congratulated Jim on the win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Funds raised help provide coaching, improve facilities and support underage development.
The club also congratulated Tadgh Daly, who was the winner of an All-Ireland Final ticket. Tadgh, purchased his winning ticket in The Shamrock Bar.
The death has occurred of Paul Hanley of Brookhill, Claremorris. Paul died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Paul was predeceased by his beloved parents, Micéal and Peggy Hanley. He will be sadly missed and remembered by his heartbroken family, his devoted wife Anne, daughters Karen, Jayne, Katie, Michelle, Nicole and Jessica, sons-in-law Lorcán, Julian, David, Brian, Mark and Paul, cherished grandchildren Tom, Daithí, Fíonn, Tadhg, Cuán, Aodán, Chloe, Frankie and Billy, his beloved sister Bernie, brothers Martin, Micéal and Niall, parents-in-law Nancy and Gerry McGreal, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
Paul’s remains reposed in Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris, on Friday evening, July 24th. His Funeral Mass was held on Saturday in St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, followed by burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Martin Cosgrove of Meigh, Killeavy, Co Armagh, and formerly of Irishtown, Claremorris. Martin died peacefully at Daisy Hill Hospital on July 22nd, surrounded by his loving family.
Martin was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Annie, brothers Ambrose and Billy, and sister Martina. He will be very deeply regretted by his loving wife Veronica, sons Jamie and Ciarán, daughter Niamh, brothers Padraic, Michael and Tony, sisters Mary, Briege, Noreen and Margaret, Jamie’s fiancée Jennifer, and the extended family circle.
Martin's funeral and burial took place in Meigh.
May he rest in peace.
