Local Notes: Claremorris students all set for fantastic musical
Cast members who play The Islanders in Mount St Michael Secondary School's production of 'Thank You For The Music - A Tribute to ABBA'. The musical, which is presented in association with St Colman's College, is being staged at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on October 20th, 21st and 22nd. Picture: Trish Forde
Claremorris No Name Club is facing the loss of its clubhouse on James Street after 14 years, following confirmation that the premises is to be sold. However, the club has reassured members and parents that it is not closing down and intends to continue providing activities and opportunities for young people in the town.
The James Street premises has been the club's home for almost a decade and a half, providing a safe and welcoming environment where hundreds of young people have been able to meet, socialise, develop friendships and take part in activities. The club has played an important role in the lives of successive generations of teenagers, supported by a dedicated group of adult volunteers.
In announcing the closure of the clubhouse, the club expressed its sincere appreciation to landlords Noel and Patricia Riordan for their generosity and support throughout the past 14 years. Their provision of the premises enabled the club to establish a permanent base and offer young people a place to gather in a friendly and supportive setting. The club also acknowledged the contribution of the adult volunteers whose commitment has been central to its continued operation.
Although the loss of its long-established home is a setback, Claremorris No Name Club is already making arrangements to continue its activities. Recruitment for the 2026–2027 year is underway through the Transition Year classes at St Colman's College and Mount St Michael Secondary School, with temporary meeting venues in Claremorris to be used while the search for suitable new premises continues.
The No Name Club movement has had a presence in Claremorris for more than 25 years, providing a social outlet for teenagers and encouraging personal development, friendship and positive interaction in an alcohol-free environment.
The club hopes to secure a new permanent home and continue its work with young people from Claremorris and the wider South Mayo area for many years to come.
It is a big weekend for South Mayo football, with four clubs preparing to contest Mayo GAA County Championship Finals. Eastern Gaels, Davitts, Ballinrobe and Garrymore have all enjoyed impressive championship campaigns and will be hoping to bring county titles back to their respective communities.
Davitts will be first into action when they take on fellow South Mayo side Ballinrobe in the Mayo Intermediate Football Championship Final at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Saturday, October 24th, at 4pm. Davitts secured their place in the decider with a convincing 3-16 to 0-17 victory over Islandeady in the semi-final, having previously defeated Ballyhaunis away from home by 3-10 to 1-10 in the quarter-final.
Ballinrobe, meanwhile, defeated Ardnaree in the quarter-final before overcoming favourites Moy Davitts in the semi-final.
Sunday, October 25th, will be an especially busy day for local supporters, with Eastern Gaels and Garrymore contesting the Junior A and Senior Championship Finals respectively at MacHale Park.
Eastern Gaels will take on Ardagh in the Junior A Championship Final at 1pm, having come through a competitive campaign to reach the county decider. The club, which is affiliated to East Mayo GAA Board but draws its players and support from the Brickens and surrounding areas, will be hoping to complete its championship journey with a county title.
Eastern Gaels began their campaign in Group 3, where they drew with Kilmovee Shamrocks, defeated Swinford and lost to Tourmakeady. Those results saw them finish second in the group and progress to the knockout stages, where they found the form needed to secure a place in the final.
A quarter-final victory over Burrishoole was followed by a semi-final win against Killala, setting up Sunday's meeting with Ardagh. Having successfully negotiated two knockout games, Eastern Gaels will be looking to produce another strong performance when they take to the field at MacHale Park.
The Junior A final will be followed by the Mayo Senior Football Championship Final at 3.30pm, when Garrymore take on Castlebar Mitchels. The South Mayo club will be hoping to crown an excellent season by capturing the county's premier club football title.
Garrymore have been the outstanding teams in this year's championship, winning all three of their group games against Ballina Stephenites, Balla and Sunday's opponents, Castlebar Mitchels. They continued that form with a home quarter-final victory over Crossmolina in front of a huge crowd, earning a place in the last four.
Their semi-final against Belmullet proved to be one of the most dramatic games of the championship. In a contest that required extra time to separate the sides, Garrymore eventually emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, 2-16 to 2-15, to book their place in the county final.
Sunday's decider will see Garrymore renew acquaintances with Castlebar Mitchels, whom they have already beaten during the group stages. However, a county final presents a different challenge, and both teams will be determined to finish their campaigns with the title.
The presence of four clubs in county finals over the same weekend is a significant achievement for football in the wider South Mayo area. It reflects the work being done at club level by players, management teams, coaches and the many volunteers who contribute to the development of Gaelic football throughout the year.
There is also considerable excitement in the communities represented by the clubs, with supporters preparing to travel to Castlebar to lend their backing. For Eastern Gaels, Davitts, Ballinrobe and Garrymore, reaching a county final is a reward for months of training and competition, but all three will now be focused on taking the final step and bringing home the silverware.
The very best of luck to them as they bid to make it a memorable weekend for football in the South Mayo region.
Claremorris Musical Society will host its annual Halloween Table Quiz and Fancy Dress Night in the Dalton Inn Hotel on Friday, October 30th, beginning at 9pm.
The event offers an enjoyable evening of questions, costumes and entertainment, with members of the society, supporters and the wider community invited to take part. Teams of four can enter the quiz for €40 per table, and there will be a cash prize for the winning team. There will be a raffle and a selection of spot prizes throughout the evening. Fancy dress is a major part of the occasion, with a Best Costume Award up for grabs, so participants are encouraged to get creative with their Halloween outfits.
The annual event provides an opportunity for friends, families and work colleagues to get together for a social evening while supporting Claremorris Musical Society and its activities. Participants do not need to be involved in the society to take part, and everyone is welcome, whether entering a quiz team or simply coming along to enjoy the atmosphere.
Western Care Association will hold a Staff Recruitment Open Day at Cúram, on today, Tuesday, October 20th, from 10.30am to 3pm.
The event, entitled ‘A Day in the Life of Western Care Association’, will give visitors an opportunity to meet staff, management and people supported by the organisation, and to learn more about its work and the roles available within the association. The open day is designed to be a relaxed and informal occasion, welcoming anyone interested in finding out more about Western Care Association, including those considering employment opportunities in the care sector.
Everyone is welcome to attend the event at Cúram, Claremorris (F12 F6C5), between 10.30am and 3pm.
The South Mayo Darts League got underway last Friday, October 16th, with 14 teams competing across two divisions in this year's competition. Division B will be first into action, while Division A will begin its campaign on Friday, October 30th.
Six teams will contest Division A: Lyons Bar A, Gilligan's Bar The Square, O'Brien's Bar Claremorris, Máire Lukes, The Western Hotel and Connolly's Pub Hollymount. Division B will feature eight teams: Kilkenny's Pub A, Kilkenny's Pub B, Bourke's Bar, Lyons Bar B, Mac's Bar Ballyhaunis, The Ranch Claremorris, The Three Counties and Harry Walsh's Pub.
With teams representing pubs across Claremorris, Hollymount, Ballyhaunis and the surrounding area, the league will provide another season of competitive darts and local rivalry. The full fixture programme will be distributed to participating teams when finalised.
The South Mayo Darts League is sponsored by St Colman's Credit Union, The Western Hotel, Cllr Richard Finn, Cllr Patsy O'Brien and Turin Components Ltd.
The league committee comprises chairperson Stephen Doherty, secretary Robert Flatley, treasurer Donal Walsh and PROs Mark Maloney and Danny McNamara.
Two Hollymount students have returned from India after finishing fifth in the world at the 2026 Technovation Global Finals.
Orlaith Colleran and Edel Walsh, both aged 14 and students at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School, represented Ireland and Europe in the junior category of the international technology competition, held in Bengaluru. Their achievement came in a competition which attracted 3,600 entries involving 13,000 students. The girls qualified for the finals with their innovative DiAssist app, developed with the support of Teen Turn, an initiative which encourages teenage girls to pursue opportunities in technology.
DiAssist uses artificial intelligence to help teenagers manage diabetes by analysing photographs of meals and providing nutritional information to assist with blood glucose management. The app also allows users to record their glucose levels and emotional wellbeing, helping them identify possible connections between their mental health and diabetes management.
Teen Turn Regional Manager Iseult Mangan praised the girls' achievement, describing their appearance on the world stage as particularly significant for students from rural Ireland. The programme has been running at Mount Saint Michael since 2019, and Orlaith and Edel's success provides further encouragement for other young students interested in technology and innovation.
Claremorris Tennis Club is inviting players of all ages and abilities to come along to its weekly Club Night, held every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm.
The sessions are open to everyone, from complete beginners who would like to try tennis for the first time to experienced players looking for a regular game. The emphasis is on enjoying tennis in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with opportunities to meet new people, improve playing skills and find out more about the club. Those interested in joining can also get information about membership and coaching options.
The cost is €2 for club members and €5 for non-members, making it an affordable opportunity to try the sport without having to commit to membership. Everyone is welcome to come along and take part.
For further information, contact Fran by text or WhatsApp on 089-2446445 or simply turn up on Thursday evening. Claremorris Tennis Club is located at F12 E8H0.
Garrymore GAA has launched a fundraising raffle offering supporters an opportunity to win three special prizes associated with Mayo's 2026 All-Ireland football success and the Garrymore senior team.
First prize is a football signed by the Mayo team that won the 2026 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. The ball is presented in a display case commemorating the county's historic achievement and would make a special keepsake for any Mayo football supporter. Second prize is a pair of football boots belonging to Mayo star Enda Hession, which he wore during the 2026 All-Ireland Final. Third prize is a framed Garrymore 2026 jersey signed by members of the club's senior football panel.
The raffle provides an opportunity for supporters of Garrymore and Mayo football to acquire a unique piece of GAA memorabilia while contributing to the club's fundraising efforts. Tickets can be purchased online at the club’s online idonate.ie page, with the draw scheduled to take place in early December. Garrymore GAA has thanked everyone who has supported the raffle already and encouraged club members, supporters and the wider community to take part.
Members of Barnacarroll Group Water Scheme are reminded that the annual general meeting will be held in Barnacarroll Sports Centre today, Tuesday, October 20th, at 8.30pm.
All members are encouraged to attend and take an interest in the ongoing operation and management of the scheme. Those unable to attend are asked to ensure that they are represented at the meeting. Nominations from members interested in serving on the committee are also welcome.
A varied programme of activities for children and adults is being organised by Claremorris Family Resource Centre over the coming weeks, with Halloween activities, nutrition education and smartphone photography among the opportunities available.
The centre will team up with Go Fly Your Kite for a Halloween Camp on Friday, October 30th. Children will have an opportunity to design and make their own kite, with separate sessions catering for five to seven-year-olds and children aged eight to 12. Halloween costumes are welcome, and the participation fee is €5 per child.
For adults, the Food Freedom programme will begin with a free information session, followed by a four-week course focusing on health and nutrition. The introductory session is planned for later this month with the main programme due to begin in November at a cost of €25. Exact dates will be confirmed by the centre.
A four-week smartphone photography course is also being arranged for those interested in improving the photographs they take with their mobile phones. Classes will run in two sessions, one in the mornings and the other in the evenings from 7pm to 9pm, with the commencement date to be announced. The fee for the complete course is €25.
Anyone wishing to find out more about these activities, including booking arrangements and confirmed starting dates, can contact Claremorris Family Resource Centre on 094-9377838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Cúram Family Centre will host ‘Look Beyond the Behaviour’, an information evening for parents and carers of primary school-aged children, on this Thursday, October 22nd, from 7pm to 9pm.
The session will be facilitated by child and adolescent creative psychotherapist Lyndsey Gill and will focus on understanding the feelings and emotional responses that can lie behind children’s behaviour. It will explore how parents and carers can respond to strong emotions, develop greater understanding and strengthen connections with their children.
Places are limited, and those interested in attending should contact m.cribbin@curamclaremorris.ie or telephone 087-9119714.
The Autism Parent Peer Support Group has introduced a revised meeting schedule, with gatherings now taking place on the first Monday of each month. The group welcomes parents, guardians and grandparents who would like to meet others, share experiences and enjoy a cup of tea and a chat in a supportive and informal environment. The contribution is €2 per person.
Ellen Keaney was the winner of Claremorris GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, collecting a jackpot of €1,502. Ellen purchased her winning ticket in Gilligan’s.
The club congratulated Ellen on her win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the draw. Tickets are available online and from local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to fund the club’s activities and development.
Marie Regan was the lucky winner of €450 in last week’s Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw. Marie entered online and was rewarded when her name was drawn for the weekly prize.
Claremorris AFC congratulated Marie and thanked its regular supporters for their continued backing. Tickets can be purchased online or through participating shops and pubs in Claremorris, with the draw providing valuable financial support for the soccer club.
Taugheen Tuesdays are back, with social dancing classes returning to Taugheen Community Centre. The classes are open to both beginners and those looking to improve their dancing skills.
A range of popular dances will feature during the classes, including jiving, waltz, foxtrot and line dancing, offering participants an opportunity to learn new steps, brush up on existing skills and enjoy a social evening in the community centre. Beginners and improvers are welcome to come along and join in.
The death has occurred of Michelle Molloy of Bloomfield, Hollymount, and Dalton Terrace, Ballaghaderreen. Michelle died on October 8th, aged 52.
Michelle was predeceased by her father Liam, sister Christine and brothers David and John. She will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her heartbroken family, daughters Teddy and Jess, partner George, mother Winnie, brother Billy, grandson Kai, son-in-law Padraic, aunts, uncle, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Michelle’s remains reposed at Sharkey’s Funeral Home, Ballaghaderreen, on Sunday afternoon. Removal took place on Monday morning to Sharkey’s Cremation Chapel, Loughglynn, for a committal service.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Patricia Murray of Gorthaganny, Castlerea, Co Roscommon, and formerly of Brickens. Patricia died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Patricia was predeceased by her infant son Owen and parents Mary and Paddy Murray. She will be deeply missed by her children Roseanne, Seamus, Marian, Davina and Philip, their father James Morris, grandson Tadhg, Davina’s partner Damien, Philip’s partner Jessalyn, sister Mary Rose Murray and her partner Liam, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Patricia’s remains reposed at Gavin’s Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, on Sunday evening. Her Funeral Mass was held on Monday in St Mary’s Church, Gorthaganny, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of John Joyce of Garryduff, Claremorris.
John died peacefully on October 11th, surrounded by his loving family, in the exceptional care of the staff at Blackrock Clinic, Galway.
John was predeceased by his son Michael and sister Mary Bell. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Ann, children Tom (California), Birgitta (Dublin), Katherina (Dublin) and James (Mayo), cherished grandchildren Kiera, Caeleigh, Eoin, Eva, Amy and Amelia, sons-in-law Ciaran and Liam, daughters-in-law Heather and Chloe, brothers Noel (Drogheda), Bertie (Enniscorthy), Frank (Leeds) and Michael (Dublin), relatives and friends.
John’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine, on Tuesday evening, October 13th. His Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday in St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine, followed by burial afterwards in Ballindine Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
