Local Notes: Claremorris students stage fantastic musical this week
Transition Year students from Mount St Michael Secondary School in Claremorris, in association with St Colman's College, are staging a new musical, 'The Band' at the Claremorris Town Hall Theatre on October 21, 22 and 23. Pictured are the cast members with (on right) school principal Ciarán Ryan and TY co-ordinator Therese Moran and (on left), Elly Cazabon-Regan (Director and Choreographer) and Siobhán Shaughnessy (Musical Director). Picture: Trish Forde
A planning application has been submitted to Mayo County Council for the development of a new McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant in Claremorris.
The proposed site is located on lands adjoining Silverbridge Plaza and Shopping Centre on the Knock Road. This is currently a grassed area adjacent to Born and the Tesco Car Park. The application, lodged by McDonald’s Restaurants of Ireland Ltd, outlines plans for a single-storey drive-thru restaurant that will include the sale of hot food for consumption off the premises.
The development will feature a range of facilities typical of a modern McDonald’s outlet, including a corral area, car parking with accessible spaces, grill bays, EV charging points, bicycle parking, and a customer order point with canopies. A height restrictor, totem signage, digital menu boards, free-standing signs and banner frames also form part of the proposal.
Additional elements include rooftop photovoltaic panels and plant, an ESB substation and kiosk, and landscaping around the site, which will incorporate outdoor seating with parasols. The plan also proposes a new vehicular entrance via the existing Silverbridge Plaza car park, along with a reconfiguration of the car park’s circulation route.
Pedestrian access would also be upgraded, with a new footpath and zebra crossing linking the restaurant to the Silverbridge Shopping Centre, as well as improvement works to the existing footpath along the Knock Road.
The planning application was submitted on October 10 last. A decision from Mayo County Council is due by December 4 next.
Claremorris Musical Society will host a Halloween Table Quiz and Fancy Dress night on Friday, October 31, in the Dalton Inn Hotel, Claremorris, starting at 9pm.
Teams of four can take part for €40, with a cash prize for the winning team and prizes for the best costumes. There will also be a raffle on the night.
All are welcome to come along for what promises to be a fun-filled evening with plenty of laughs, friendly competition, and spooky seasonal spirit. A great night is guaranteed!
Taugheen National School, in association with the McWilliam Park Hotel and the Cancer Fund for Children, has announced that tickets are now on sale for an evening with celebrity chef Neven Maguire.
The event will take place in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, on Sunday, November 17. Doors will open at 7pm for a craft fair, followed by Neven’s cookery demonstration at 8pm.
Tickets are priced at €20 each and are available from the school or from the following outlets: Sam’s Stores and Hunt’s Filling Station in Claremorris; Murphy’s Newsagents and Jennings' Butchers in Ballinrobe; The Shop in Ballyhaunis; Hollymount Stores in Hollymount; O’Connor’s Spar in Cong; The Old Ground Restaurant in Knock; Quinn’s Newsagents in Tuam; and the SVP Charity Shop in Castlebar.
All proceeds from the event will go to Daisy Lodge, the Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break centre currently being built in Cong.
The annual general meeting of Garrymore GAA Club will take place on Thursday, November 6, at 8pm in Garrymore Hall.
Members wishing to submit motions for discussion are asked to email them to the Club Secretary at secretary.garrymore.mayo@gaa.ie no later than 5pm on Sunday, November 2.
Nominations for club positions are also invited. Members may nominate any full member of their choice, whether outgoing or not. Each nomination must be proposed and seconded by two full members, and the consent of the nominee must be obtained in advance.
Completed nomination forms should be returned by email to the Club Secretary by 5pm on Sunday, November 2. A copy of the nomination form is available via the post or by emailing communications.garrymore.mayo@gaa.ie.
Claremorris GAA’s weekly 50/50 draw saw Charlie Brennan scoop the jackpot of €966. Charlie purchased the winning ticket online and was delighted with the win.
The club extended sincere thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw, reminding members that all proceeds go towards the upkeep of facilities and development of underage teams. Tickets are available online and in local shops and pubs throughout Claremorris.
Hollymount Carramore GAA Club is gearing up to host its annual Trick or Treat Party in aid of the Children’s Health Foundation. The event takes place on Monday, October 27, from 3 to 6pm in Hollymount Hall.
The afternoon promises plenty of family-friendly fun, including games, goodies, and ghostly goings-on for ghouls, goblins, witches, and all children who come along. Donations will be collected at the door, with all proceeds going to support Children’s Health Ireland hospitals in Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght, and Connolly. For more information or to donate, visit www.ChildrensHealth.ie.
Mount St Michael Secondary School, in association with St Colman’s College, will present ‘The Band’, a lively musical later this month.
The production tells the story of five teenage friends brought together by their shared love of music, whose lives take unexpected turns when they reunite years later. Filled with laughter, nostalgia and emotion, ‘The Band’ celebrates friendship, dreams and the music that shapes our lives.
Featuring many of Take That’s greatest hits, including and , the show promises to deliver an evening of energy, humour and outstanding performances from the talented students of both schools.
Performances will take place this week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, October 21, 22 and 23, at Claremorris Town Hall. Doors open at 7pm with show time at 8pm. Tickets and further information are available by phoning 094-9310999.
Facefield National School is gearing up for a week of community events this October, inviting locals to come together for fun, music, and fundraising.
The first event is a Table Quiz in aid of school activities and student facilities, taking place on this Friday, October 24, at 8.30pm in the Dalton Inn Hotel. Teams of four are welcome to join for an evening of challenging quiz questions, raffle prizes, and entertainment. The entry fee is €10 per person, payable on the night, and those wishing to reserve a team spot can contact Conor at 087-6346189 or via email at con79trainra@gmail.com.
All funds raised will go directly towards supporting the school, enhancing facilities and extracurricular opportunities for students.
Facefield National School will host a festive Halloween Concert on Monday, October 27. The evening will feature performances by Macvey, Ann Jordan, and friends, with a special guest appearance by Gerry Carney. Doors open at 8pm, and entry is €5. A raffle will also take place on the night, with proceeds supporting Facefield First Responders and the local community group.
Both events promise to be lively, community-focused evenings, offering plenty of entertainment while supporting worthy local causes. All are warmly invited to attend and join in the fun.
Harvest Moon Theatre Group, a community-based amateur theatre company based in Claremorris, is inviting local residents to get involved in its upcoming productions. The group contests the All-Ireland drama competitions and tours the country.
Harvest Moon is particularly looking for volunteers to join its backstage team, with opportunities available for a sound desk operator, lighting rigger and operator, and stage crew. Previous experience is not required, as training and support can be provided.
The group is keen to hear from anyone with an interest in theatre, whether in technical roles or in other areas such as acting, costumes, props, set building, or front of house. This is an opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and be part of creating live theatre for the local community.
Those interested are encouraged to contact the group through their social media channels for more information.
Claremorris and District Lions Club, in partnership with Claremorris Red Cross, will host a Diabetes Awareness Day on this Saturday, October 25.
Free blood glucose and blood pressure testing will be carried out in The Square, outside the Credit Union office, from 12 noon until 3pm.
The simple tests are designed to highlight if further medical attention may be required in relation to the possible onset of Type 2 Diabetes. This is the third year the two organisations have provided this service locally, with the majority of participants reassured by their results.
Local singer-songwriter Gerry Carney and his band take to the stage at the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on Thursday, October 30. The concert, featuring a guest appearance by Frank McCaffrey, promises an evening of memorable music and entertainment. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm.
Tickets for the concert are available at several local outlets, including Hillside Service Station in Claremorris, The Gem in Ballyhaunis, and Cahill’s SuperValu in Castlerea. Tickets can also be purchased online via eventbrite.ie.
This event is sure to draw a large crowd, so attendees are advised to book early. For more information, visit the event's official page on Facebook or the ticketing website.
Local parents are invited to join Buggy Buddies for Thursday morning walks and light exercise at Clare Lake, followed by coffee and conversation. The group meets at 9.30am every Thursday at McMahon Park (Clare Lake Park). Further information is available at 094 937 7838.
The Claremorris Family Resource Centre offers a free and confidential citizen information service staffed by qualified personnel. A range of practical supports is also available, including photocopying, lamination, binding, and access to public information resources. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm and is located on Mount Street, Claremorris (F12 H2C2).
The Friday Friends group for those aged over 55 meets each Friday from 2 to 4pm at the Claremorris Family Resource Centre. The group provides a relaxed setting for conversation and social connection, and attendance is free.
The death has occurred of Carmel Byrne (née Clarke) of Shanaghy, Ballina, Carmel’s Fashions, Garden Street, Ballina, and formerly of Kilbeg, Claremorris.
Carmel died peacefully at the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, Castlebar, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents William and Mary, brother Liam and sister Eithne.
Carmel is deeply mourned by her devoted husband Ted, son Edward (Galway), daughters Fiona (Ballina) and Rachel (Dublin), grandchildren Dylan, Sarah and Chloe, daughter-in-law Michelle, Chloe’s father Kiran, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Carmel’s remains reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Sunday evening, October 12, with removal to St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina. Requiem Mass took place on Monday afternoon followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Geraldine (Ronnie) O’Leary (née Mellett), The Cottage, Frenchgrove, Hollymount, and formerly of Cullenagh, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford. Geraldine died peacefully at her residence on October 11, surrounded by her loving family.
Geraldine was predeceased by her beloved husband William (Bill), parents Thomas and Geraldine Mellett, and brothers Cecil, Billy, Pat and Dermot. She is deeply missed by her son Thomas, daughter-in-law Ethna, granddaughter Hollie, step-grandchildren, sister Jackie Moran (USA), brother Don Mellett (Ballinrobe), sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Geraldine’s remains reposed at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Wednesday evening last with private removal to her home. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday morning in St Joseph’s Church, Carras, followed by burial in Ballinrobe New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of John Toughey of Ballymote, Co Sligo, and formerly of Crossbeg, Tooreen, Ballyhaunis. John was predeceased by his parents John and Rose.
John will be sadly missed by his beloved sisters Patricia and Geraldine, brother Michael, brother-in-law Mike, sister-in-law Donna (Claremorris), nephews Stephen and Conor, nieces Marie, Roisín, Meadbh and Annie, grandnephew Jamie, grandniece Sophie, extended family, neighbours and friends.
John’s remains reposed at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Thursday evening with removal to St Mary’s Church, Tooreen. Funeral Mass took place on Friday morning, followed by cremation on Saturday at Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Kathleen McGuire (née Walsh) of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Lohan Park, Brickens, and formerly of Ballinross, Cloonfad. Kathleen died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Austin, brothers Miko, Pat, John, Martin and Tom, and sisters Ellie and Mary.
Kathleen is deeply regretted by her sons Martin and Dermot, daughters Helen, Kathy and Corine, sister Sr Corine (Texas), grandchildren, great-grandchild, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Kathleen’s remains reposed at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on Tuesday evening with removal to St Mary’s Church, Logboy. Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday morning, followed by burial in Tulrahan Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Liam (Bill) Jennings of Rookfield, Knock, and Sonas Nursing Home, Knock. Liam was predeceased by his wife Margaret and son Tommy.
He will be deeply missed by his daughter Ann, sons John and Chris, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law Sandra, Fiona and Marie, brothers Tom, Jim, Brian, Andy and Vincy, sisters Josie (Maguire), Breege (Cunningham) and Bernadette (Waldron), nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Liam’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Thursday evening last with removal to St John the Baptist Church, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Friday morning followed by burial in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Sean Niland of Birmingham, and late of Dalton, Ballyfarna, Claremorris. Sean died peacefully on September 19.
He was predeceased by his wife Teresa and his parents Pat and May Niland.
Sean will be sadly missed by his loving family – son John, daughter Anna (Ivory), daughter-in-law Marites, son-in-law Sean, granddaughter Chloe, sisters Mary Burke (Ballyhaunis) and Rene Foody (Enniscrone), brothers Padraic (Rockfield, Claremorris) and Jimmy (Chicago), brother-in-law Tommy, sisters-in-law Maureen and Doreen, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Sean’s remains arrived at St Paul’s Church, Sisefield Road, Birmingham on Sunday last. Funeral Mass took place yesterday (Monday) followed by burial in Kings Norton Cemetery, Longdales Road, Birmingham.
May he rest in peace.
