Local Notes: Claremorris man wins new car in fundraising draw
Adam and Ailish O'Gara with their amazing Christmas reindeers at the craft fair in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, which was held as part of the Neven Maguire Cookery Demonstration, hosted by Taugheen National School in aid of Daisy Lodge cancer retreat facility in Cong. Picture: Trish Forde
The Kiltimagh-based charity, the Federation of Victim Assistance, has hailed the success of its biggest-ever fundraising and awareness campaign following the draw for a brand-new 261-registered Nissan Qashqai Hybrid, with the prize going to Josh Howard from Claremorris.
The draw marked the charity’s largest fundraising and awareness campaign to date, with strong public support seen across Mayo and beyond. Tickets were sold both online and in shopping centres throughout the region, with physical sales proving particularly successful. Organisers reported that overall ticket sales exceeded expectations, helping to secure vital funding for the organisation.
The raffle was held to raise funds to keep Victim Assistance’s office operating through 2026 and into 2027.
Chairperson Tom Brophy described the campaign as a landmark moment in his more than three decades of involvement in victim support services. He said it was particularly heartening to see a young person take home the top prize, adding that the handover of the vehicle will likely take place early in the New Year.
Reflecting on the raffle itself, Mr Brophy said ticket sales exceeded all expectations.
“We went above what we thought,” he said. “The sales in the last three weeks was quite phenomenal.”
Despite the success of online sales, Mr Brophy noted that physical ticket sales still accounted for the majority of entries. He estimated the split at roughly 60 per cent physical sales to 40 per cent online. Volunteers sold tickets at supermarkets and shopping centres across Mayo and beyond, including Tesco, SuperValu and stores in Ennis in Co Clare.
“Once you engage with people face to face, it really works,” he said, explaining that this direct contact also helped spread awareness of the organisation’s work.
Mr Brophy described the campaign as “the most enhanced awareness campaign” undertaken during his 31 years involved in victim support and victim assistance services.
Victim Assistance was founded in 2005, with Mr Brophy having spent 11 years in victim support roles prior to that. He said the raffle served a dual purpose: raising essential funds while also shining a national spotlight on the services the organisation provides.
While many people may never need Victim Assistance, Mr Brophy stressed the importance of having the service available when it is needed. The organisation supports people affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, coercive control, scams, bullying, assault, neighbour disputes and other forms of harm. Supports include confidential telephone and face-to-face assistance, court accompaniment, onward referrals and guidance on victims’ rights. All services are provided free of charge and in strict confidence.
Mr Brophy emphasised that confidentiality is “the cornerstone” of the organisation.
“People can feel safe, open up and be listened to,” he said. “And if we see they need further support, we refer them on. That’s how we help them begin to rebuild.”
The primary aim of the raffle was to secure enough funding to keep the organisation’s office open throughout 2026 and into 2027. Mr Brophy acknowledged that Victim Assistance does not receive State funding but said this has not dampened the organisation’s resolve.
“We don’t get any money from the State, but we’re not going to cry about it,” he said. “We’re fit and well and able to raise our own funds, and this campaign has created awareness across the whole country.”
He thanked everyone who supported the draw.
“We have to thank all the people who put their hands in their pockets and supported this charity because they believe in what we do,” he said.
Further information about Victim Assistance, volunteering opportunities or available supports can be found at victimassistance.ie, by contacting the office on 094-900 0251, or through the Freephone support line on 1800 277 477.
Claremorris-based auctioneer, Brendan French, has been appointed a Peace Commissioner for County Mayo by the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, and the Minister of State, Niall Collins.
A member of a well-known local family, Brendan brings a strong understanding of community needs to the role through his daily professional work and long-standing involvement in local organisations. He has played with and coached teams at all levels within Claremorris GAA and is currently involved in underage coaching with Claremorris LGFA.
Brendan is also a director of Clár IRD, a community development organisation supporting social, economic and cultural initiatives in the Claremorris area. He was educated at St Colman’s College, Claremorris and GMIT, now the Atlantic Technological University.
Brendan said: “I am honoured and delighted to be appointed as a Peace Commissioner for County Mayo and look forward to serving the community in this role.”
Ben Smyth was the winner of Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home €665. Ben purchased the winning ticket online and was congratulated by the club on his success.
Claremorris AFC expressed its thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw, with proceeds helping to fund player development and ongoing improvements to club facilities.
Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs around Claremorris.
Claremorris GAA had a busy period of draws recently, with a number of prize winners announced.
Michael McCarty won €1,273, and was one of two winners in the Christmas 50/50 draw, with Rose McHale winning the same amount. The club congratulated both winners and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly lotto.
Several hamper prizes were also on offer. Pauline Burns won a hamper sponsored by PJ Byrne’s, with the winning ticket sold in PJ Byrne’s. Johnny Broxton claimed a hamper sponsored by Christy Phillips after entering online. Jackie Slattery won a Corrib Oil–sponsored hamper with a ticket bought in Hillside.
The club expressed its appreciation to all sponsors and to everyone who entered the draws, noting that ongoing support helps fund underage coaching, team development and improvements to club facilities. Tickets remain available online and from local shops and pubs throughout Claremorris.
Garrymore GAA will once again take part in the GAA’s popular ‘Ireland Lights Up’ initiative, which returns in January in partnership with Get Ireland Walking and Irish Life. The programme encourages communities to come together during the winter months to enjoy safe, social walking while promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
The first ‘Ireland Lights Up’ walk at Garrymore GAA grounds will take place on Wednesday, January 7th, from 7 to 8pm, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.
In addition, club registration is now open for the MyLife/GAA Healthy Clubs ‘Every Step Counts’ Challenge 2026. The challenge runs from Wednesday, January 7th, to Wednesday, February 11th, and Garrymore GAA is aiming to collectively reach a target of 4,000 kilometres over the five-week period.
By reaching this target, the club will be entered into a draw to win a share of €30,000, with three donations of €2,500 available in each province. Participants can contribute by walking, running, or moving in any way that suits them, with all activity logged through the MyLife app.
Members of the community are encouraged to join the Garrymore GAA team on the MyLife app and help the club reach its kilometre goal. Participation is open to all ages and abilities, and every step counts towards the overall total.
To take part, participants are asked to download the MyLife app from the App Store or Google Play, register their details, and navigate to the Challenges section under the social tab. From there, users can select Connacht GAA, choose the leaderboard option, and join the Garrymore GAA team.
Garrymore GAA has extended an open invitation to everyone to get involved, enjoy the social walks, and support the club’s efforts to promote health, wellbeing, and community connection this winter.
The Re-turn recycle bins initiative operated by Taughen Community Centre (TCC) continues to receive strong local support, with organisers thanking everyone who has donated plastic bottles and cans since the project began in February 2025.
The scheme has already generated proceeds approaching €1,000, with funds being used to support the ongoing maintenance of Taughen Hall, assist with village enhancement projects, and promote greater environmental awareness within the community.
The Re-turn bins are conveniently located adjacent to the entrance of Taughen Hall and at Forde’s Country Club, making it easy for residents to contribute while recycling responsibly.
Donations of bottles and cans over the festive period are especially welcome, with organisers emphasising that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a real difference.
The committee has extended seasonal good wishes to the community, wishing everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Season’s greetings are extended to all our readers and to all the people who submitted items for publication. Thank you all for your continued support.
The death has occurred of Michael Cunnane of Drum, Knock, and formerly of Adrigoole, Kiltimagh.
Michael died peacefully on December 20th at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by his family, in his 76th year. He was predeceased by his parents John and Anne, brothers Seán, Tom, Patrick and Brendan, and sisters-in-law Josie and Teresa.
Michael is deeply regretted by his brothers Joe, Ciarán and Eamon, sisters Mary (Biesty) and Annemarie (Perry), sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Michael’s remains reposed at his residence in Knock on Monday evening, December 22nd, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
