Local Notes: Claremorris Musical Society delivers another great production
Members of Claremorris Musical Society during their recent production of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', which was a huge success.
Claremorris Musical Society has wrapped up a hugely successful, sold-out run of , with standing ovations, laughter and a strong sense of enjoyment marking every performance.
Once again, the award-winning society delivered a show packed with talent and energy. Neil Conway, Ryan McDonald, Mary Dempsey and David Alexander led a strong cast, with standout contributions also coming from Nicole Scott, Vivienne Lee, Paul Singleton and Joff Manning. The young performers, including Hazel Cheevers, Abbie Flatley, Michael Farrell and Ódhran Morley Manning, were widely praised for their confidence, focus and enthusiasm, while the wider ensemble added colour, pace and polish throughout the production.
Behind the scenes, the show was guided from auditions to final curtain by a dedicated production team led by Donna Ruane, Deirdre Lee, Jay Molyneux and David Keane. Their work, along with that of the musicians, backstage crew, front-of-house teams and parent volunteers, helped ensure a smooth and highly professional run.
Claremorris Musical Society also paid tribute to its sponsors, supporters and local businesses, whose backing made a production of this scale possible, and to the loyal audiences who filled the theatre night after night. The society was also delighted to welcome AIMS President Gerry Sweeney, who remarked on the clear enjoyment of the audiences.
As the curtain comes down on another memorable production, CMS looks ahead with pride and excitement, with more news to follow about plans for its 20th show in 2027.
Plans are already underway for the 2026 Claremorris St Patrick’s Day Parade, with organisers encouraging schools, clubs and local businesses to get involved and help build on what was described as one of the most successful celebrations in recent years.
Last year’s parade and fireworks drew huge crowds into the town, with colourful school floats, creative community groups and strong support from local businesses combining to create what many described as a memorable and uplifting day for Claremorris. Organisers said the streets were packed, the atmosphere was electric, and there was a real sense of community spirit throughout the town.
With that momentum behind them, the parade committee is now setting its sights on making the 2026 event even bigger and better. The theme for this year’s parade has been announced as 'Where Luck Meets Dreams', offering plenty of scope for imaginative and creative entries.
Schools and clubs across Claremorris and the surrounding area are being invited to take part, whether through floats, marching groups or themed displays. Organisers say participation is a great way for groups to showcase their activities and highlight the important role they play in the life of the community.
Local businesses are also being encouraged to come on board, either through sponsorship or by entering a float or display. Committee members have said that the success of last year’s event was due in no small part to the backing of local traders, who helped create a feel-good occasion that reflected the pride people have in their town.
The parade committee will be contacting schools, clubs and businesses in the coming weeks to discuss involvement, but anyone interested is being encouraged to register early. A participation form is now available online, allowing groups to sign up in advance and begin planning their entry.
Organisers say the aim is once again to deliver a family-friendly celebration that brings the whole community together on Tuesday, March 17th, and showcases Claremorris at its best, with creativity, colour and local pride at the heart of the day.
Claremorris Golf Club has wrapped up another competitive season of its Team League, with players showcasing great skill and consistency throughout the series.
In Week 5, the men’s category saw Tom Fanning Jnr claim top honours with 40 points, while Peter Gallagher and Gabriel Farragher both scored 38 points in Categories 2 and 3 respectively. Among the ladies, Yvonne Oldham led the field with 29 points, followed by Erika Ryan with 28 points in Category 2.
The final results of the Team League reflected strong performances across all categories. Peter Gallagher secured the overall men’s victory with 41 points, John Dillon claimed Category 1 with 40 points, and Gabriel Farragher again took Category 3 with 38 points. Mary T Coyne topped the ladies’ leaderboard with 30 points.
The league highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie among club members, providing an enjoyable and engaging series of matches throughout the season.
The death has occurred of Marian Walsh of Castlemagarret, Claremorris, and late of Lohan Park, Brickens and Claremont Nursing Home, Claremorris. Marian died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by her family.
Marian was predeceased by her parents Patrick and Mary Delia Walsh, sister Claire Brennan and brother-in-law Pat Brennan. She will be sadly missed by her loving sisters Christine, Síobhan and Carmel, brother-in-law Walter Hughes, nephews and nieces Bláthnaid, Roísín, Walter, Ultan, Doireann, Caolan, Sinéad and Julie, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Marian’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Friday evening, January 30th, with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Crossboyne. Requiem Mass was held on Saturday, January 31st, followed by burial afterwards in Crossboyne Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Conor Macken of Clogherbeg, Claremorris. Conor died suddenly at home. He was predeceased by his mother Emily and his son Lewis, and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his heartbroken wife Caroline, sons Matthew, David and Peter, father Michael, daughter-in-law Sarah, aunt, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Conor’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Sunday evening, February 1st, with removal from his home on Monday morning to St Michael’s Church, Taugheen.
Conor’s Funeral Mass was held on Monday with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Sr Anne Hynes of Stella Maria, Taylor’s Hill, Galway, and formerly of the Convent of Mercy, Tuam, and Lissatava, Hollymount. Sr Anne died peacefully on January 29th in the loving care of the staff of St Mary’s Residential Care Centre, Galway. She was predeceased by her parents Owen and Delia (Morris), her brother John and her sisters Mary and Rita, and will be deeply mourned and fondly remembered by her nieces, grandniece and grandnephew, sister-in-law Anne, extended family and the Sisters of Mercy Western Branch, in particular the community in Stella Maria.
Anne’s remains reposed at Stella Maria on Sunday with removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam. Mass of the Resurrection was held last Monday week with burial afterwards in the Convent Cemetery, Tuam.
May she rest in peace.
A new, evidence-based parenting course is set to begin at Cúram Family Centre, focused on promoting confidence, learning, and positive behaviours among children aged 6 to 11 years. The programme will run every Wednesday from February 18th to March 25th, from 10am to 12.30pm.
Parents and guardians interested in participating or seeking further information are encouraged to contact family support workers Maria at 087-9119714 or Geraldine at 086-0470587. This is a valuable opportunity to gain practical strategies and support for nurturing confident, well-behaved children.
Sarah O’Brien was the lucky winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s 50/50 draw last week. Sarah purchased her winning ticket in Warde’s, taking home a top prize of €1,516.
The club expressed its appreciation to all who entered, and reminded supporters that each ticket sold helps fund youth development and club improvements. Tickets continue to be sold online and in local shops and pubs, and the club extended sincere thanks to all who take part weekly.
Ben Smyth was last week’s winner of the Claremorris Soccer Club 50/50 draw. Ben’s winning ticket, purchased online, earned him €520.
The club thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly draw, noting that every ticket sold contributes to the running of the club and the development of local teams. Tickets remain available both online and at local outlets.
The death has occurred of Margaret McLoughlin (née Murphy) of Ballyhaunis Road, Claremorris.
Margaret died peacefully at Galway University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her husband Seamus and will be sadly missed by her sons James, Patrick and Clement, daughters Dolores, Lynn, Imelda and Brigid, 25 adored grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and neighbours.
Margaret’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris last Tuesday evening. Her Requiem Mass was held on Wednesday with burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The Women’s Collective will begin a free course on women’s health, wellbeing and self-care at Cúram Family Centre towards the end of February.
The programme will cover a range of topics including personal health, mindfulness, financial wellbeing, creativity and safety. Further details will be announced next week.
Anyone interested in taking part or looking for more information can contact the Women’s Collective on 094 936 2096.
Ballindine Cemetery Committee is currently examining the possibility of installing a Columbarium Wall in Ballindine Churchyard to provide a dedicated space for cremated remains.
To help assess whether the project should go ahead, the committee is seeking expressions of interest from the local community, particularly from anyone who may wish to reserve or purchase a niche in advance. The level of interest received will play a key role in determining whether the proposal moves forward.
Anyone who would like to express interest, or who has comments or suggestions, is asked to contact 087-6496780.
The death has occurred of Maura-Eileen Biggins of Kilbeg, Claremorris, and formerly of Boston, Massachusetts. Maura-Eileen died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar. She is survived by her loving son Cormac and Cormac’s father Jimmy, her heartbroken parents John and Mary, siblings Seán-Michael, Brenda-Anne and Kathleen-Rose, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, close friends and neighbours.
Maura-Eileen’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Sunday morning, February 1st, with removal to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, for Requiem Mass with cremation taking place at a later date.
May she rest in peace.
