Local Notes: Claremorris school to stage fantastic musical
St Colman's College in Claremorris, in association with the students of Mount St Michael Secondary School, present 'Shrek The Musical' at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on April 29, April 30 and May 1. Picture: Trish Forde
Transition Year students from St Colman’s College, in collaboration with Mount St Michael Secondary School, will stage a musical production at the Town Hall on April 29 and 30 and May 1.
The show is based on the stage version of ‘Shrek The Musical’ and features a student-led cast and crew. Students have been involved in performance and technical roles, including music, choreography and costume design, with the production providing an opportunity to present their work to a local audience.
One of the most popular singers in the country, Mick Mulhern, from Ballyvary, will perform in concert this Friday, April 24, in the McWilliam Park Hotel.
Joining Mick on the stage will be country legends TR Dallas and John Glenn, and the most exciting new voice on the Irish country scene, Clodagh Togher from Belmullet. The Ryan Turner Band will provide the music.
Mick has a great rapport with audiences, with his yarns and jokes adding humour to the enjoyment of the night. Mick has two successful albums to his credit, and his songs are amongst the most requested on commercial radio stations throughout the country.
Tickets for Mick’s show are available at the reception of the McWilliam Park Hotel.
Claremorris AFC had double cause for celebration last week when it marked the official opening of its resurfaced astroturf pitch and the presentation of the FAI Club Mark One Star Award.
The tape was cut by Maria Walsh MEP, who paid tribute to those involved in delivering the project.
“Noel Daniels, Dave Graham, Rory Walsh, Anne-Marie Gilmore, Assumpta Lally and Edel Walsh were instrumental in making all this happen,” she said.
She described the development as a major asset for the area.
“This will add to the club’s already phenomenal facilities,” she said. “If we don’t have amenities like this, people don’t stay in rural parts of the country.”
She also referred to the club’s record at underage and senior level.
“There have been many trophies won by the women’s and men’s teams and there will be more to come, and the same for younger generations.”
The project was supported by a Sports Capital Grant of just over €120,000. Club chairperson Edel Walsh said the work involved a large number of people over a sustained period.
“The club now has close to 600 registered members, and the facility is in use throughout the week,” Edel told the .
“The new surface had to remain within existing dimensions due to planning requirements. We weren’t allowed to change anything, but a full-size all-weather pitch remains part of the club’s long-term plans.”
Speaking at the event, Nigel Naughton, the FAI Mayo Development Officer, said the upgraded facility would support the club’s continued growth.
“The surface looks absolutely great,” he said. “To be able to play all year round on a new surface with lights is really important for Claremorris and for the community.”
He said the club had increased its numbers in recent years and described the investment as important for both players and organisers.
Mr Naughton also presented the FAI Club Mark One Star Award on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland. He outlined the requirements involved in achieving the award.
“It required every team to have a coach with an age-appropriate qualification,” he said. “It required the appointment of a head of football and the opening of a nursery for young players.”
He said the process demanded input from across the club.
“It took a huge effort from everyone.”
Clare Conlon, FAI Head of Football in Connacht, spoke about the wider role of clubs in the region.
“Clubs like Claremorris are absolutely instrumental for the development of football,” she said.
She referred to the need for facilities in light of weather conditions and participation levels.
“It’s about providing more football, more often,” she said.
She also pointed to the importance of a clear pathway for players.
“If they have aspirations to go on and play at the top level, there should be potential there for that to happen.”
Local independent councillor Richard Finn said he was always delighted to support Claremorris AFC and greatly admired the work it was doing for the sport and the community.
“The event marks both the completion of the resurfacing project and recognition of the club’s progress in organisation and coaching structures, following best practice as set down by the FAI,” he said.
Carramore Gun Club held its annual 25 Card Drive recently, with 14 tables taking part in a well-attended event. The night also supported Claremorris Lions Club, with a donation of €1,000 presented by the club.
First place went to D. Carr and J. Heffernan, while second place was shared by B. and P. Campbell, J. Feeney and K. Heverin, and C. Conway and B. Jennings. Winners in the last nine category were J. Derrig and M. Heaney, D. Bell and R. Phelan, J. Cawe and P. White, and D. Martin and T. Keane.
Home prizes were awarded to A. Ronan and H. Grimes. Table prize winners included D. Martyn and T. Keane, P. Forde and M. Carney, S. Hughes and C. Turner, P. White and J. Cawe, A. and P. Grimes, D. Maloney and J. Clancy, and A. Burke and M. Mahon. Raffle prizes were won by M. Regan, K. Mooney, P. Jennings, M. Horan, M. Donnellan, B. Campbell, D. Maloney, S. Mellett, D. Bell, D. Carr, P. Campbell, P. Dormody, J. Feeney and C. Flatley.
The club thanked sponsors and all who contributed prizes on the night. Proceedings were overseen by Ger McHugh. Carramore Gun Club indicated that the event will return again next year.
Claremorris Golf Club has confirmed that the McWilliam Park Hotel will continue its sponsorship of the club’s Mid-week Open for the 2026 season.
The competition will run from today, Tuesday, April 21, through to the end of September, taking place each week from Tuesday to Thursday. Entry is set at €7 for members and €25 for visitors, with both ladies and gents competing in the same event. Ladies will play from the red tees, while gents may choose between yellow, white or blue tees.
Weekly prizes will be on offer, with the winner receiving a €50 McWilliam Park Hotel bar lunch voucher. Additional prizes will be awarded depending on entry numbers.
All weekly winners will qualify for a Grand Final, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 26. The final will be an 18-hole competition, with the overall prize consisting of a two-night stay with bed and breakfast and dinner on one evening at Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
This marks the fourth year of sponsorship by the McWilliam Park Hotel, with an expanded prize offering for the 2026 competition.
Ollie Charles was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €2,000. The winning ticket was sold in Hillside Service Station. The club has now increased its guaranteed weekly jackpot to €2,000, a move that has been warmly received by supporters.
The club congratulated Ollie on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who continue to back the draw, noting that funds raised go towards facilities, coaching and underage development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Brickens Meals on Wheels is seeking to recruit a weekend and summer holiday carer and Meals on Wheels assistant. The role requires a good level of fitness and may suit a student in the healthcare field. A Level 5 qualification in healthcare, or work towards it, is considered desirable.
Further information is available by contacting Lorraine on 094-9380910.
Brian Lenihan was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, taking home €450 with an online ticket. The club congratulated Brian on the win and expressed sincere thanks to all who continue to support the weekly fundraiser.
Mount St Michael Secondary School has extended congratulations to Leaving Certificate student Aoife Heaney following her recent international performance.
Aoife represented Ireland U18 Women's Rugby Team in the Six Nations competition and scored her first try at this level. The school acknowledged her achievement and said it is proud of her progress on the international stage.
Connacht Comhaltas hosted a concert of All-Ireland prize winners at the Dalton Inn, bringing together performers from across the province for an evening of music, song, dance and storytelling.
The event was officially opened by Dara Calleary. Among those in attendance were Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh, Uachtarán, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Paul Lawless, TD and Cllr Patsy O'Brien.
The concert featured performers who achieved All-Ireland success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford last August. The programme reflected the range and standard of traditional music across Connacht. Proceedings were led by Breege Gleeson and Mark Dunleavy. The event concluded with a session involving performers and audience.
Organisers thanked those who attended and supported the event.
