Local Notes: Claremorris students thrill audiences with brilliant musical
Students from Mount St Michael Secondary School in Claremorris performing in their recent musical, 'The Band', at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre. Picture: Trish Forde
The Claremorris and District Lions Club has praised the achievements of the Claremorris AFC Under-13 Girls’ team, that finished runners-up at the National Lions Girls’ Football Tournament held at St Joseph’s AFC grounds in Sallynoggin, Dublin, on Monday, October 27th.
Their strong performances saw them overcome the host club, St Joseph’s AFC, by 3-0 and defeat a highly rated Killeigh team 2-0 to reach the national final, where they were narrowly beaten by an excellent Dundalk side.
James Preston, President of Claremorris Lions Club, commended the players and management for their outstanding performance.
“Claremorris Lions Club is delighted to have been represented so brilliantly by the Claremorris Under-13 Girls’ Team at the Lions National Football Tournament in Dublin,” he told the . “Indeed, not only did the girls represent Claremorris, they also represented Mayo and Connacht, as they were the only team participating from west of the Shannon. The girls, along with their coaches Stephen Ring, Kiara Reilly and Tom Healy, can all hold their heads high on finishing runners-up in the final of this national tournament. It was a very proud day indeed for Claremorris.”
Team coach Stephen Ring expressed gratitude to the Lions Club for its support.
“Claremorris AFC girls Under-13 team and management would like to sincerely thank James Preston and the Claremorris and District Lions Club for their generosity and support of our trip to Dublin,” he said. “It was a fantastic day of football for all involved and gave these girls a unique opportunity to play against other Lions districts from around the country. To represent an organisation like the Lions Club, knowing the wonderful work they do in their communities, was a huge honour and reflects the teamwork and spirit to which we aspire.”
The Lions Club commended the team for their commitment and sportsmanship, describing them as outstanding ambassadors for Claremorris, Mayo, and Connacht.
The McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris has added to its growing list of recent honours with further success at the Irish Hotel Awards 2025, held recently at the Johnstown Estate, County Meath.
The hotel received the Regional Excellence in Service Award, recognising its consistent commitment to providing high-quality hospitality and customer care. Team member Joe Fleming was also named Kitchen Porter of the Year - Connacht, earning individual recognition for his dedication and professionalism.
The Irish Hotel Awards, judged by industry experts, celebrate achievement, innovation, and excellence within the hospitality sector nationwide. Winners are chosen for their ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences and to set high standards across all areas of hotel service.
The latest awards continue a pattern of national recognition for the McWilliam Park Hotel, which has received numerous accolades in recent years for both its facilities and the strength of its team. This year’s success reinforces its position among Connacht’s leading hotels and highlights the high standards consistently achieved by its staff.
The ninth edition of , the annual journal of the Claremorris Historical Society, will be launched on this Friday, November 7, 2025, at 7.45pm in Claremorris Library.
This year’s edition will be officially launched by former MEP for Connacht–Ulster, Jim Higgins, who will address those attending the event. The evening will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to meet contributors and committee members of the Historical Society.
continues to document and celebrate the rich history and heritage of Claremorris and its surrounding areas, featuring articles, photographs, and local research. Refreshments will be served following the launch.
The event is open to all, and the Society has extended a warm invitation to the community to attend.
The Brickens community is gearing up for its festive Christmas Market, set to take place on Sunday, December 14th, from 10am to 3pm. The event promises a joyful celebration of the holiday season, and organisers are currently seeking vendors to participate.
Local vendors interested in showcasing their products are encouraged to get in touch. The market is organised by the Brickens community and will be held at the Brickens Community Centre, F12 RX04. Those interested can contact the organisers at 094-9380910 or 087-6505260 for more information.
This event is held in aid of Brickens Meals on Wheels, supporting a vital community service during the festive season. The market aims to bring residents together and spread holiday cheer, with a variety of stalls and activities planned for all ages.
A treat is in store for food lovers when celebrity chef Neven Maguire visits Claremorris this month for a Charity Cookery Night, hosted by Taugheen National School in partnership with the McWilliam Park Hotel and the Cancer Fund for Children.
The event takes place in the McWilliam Park Hotel on Sunday, November 17, with doors opening at 7pm for a craft fair, followed by Neven’s cookery demonstration at 8pm.
Tickets, priced at €20, are available from Taugheen NS and a wide range of local outlets, including Sam’s Stores and Hunt’s Filling Station in Claremorris; Murphy’s Newsagents and Jennings Butchers in Ballinrobe; The Shop in Ballyhaunis; Hollymount Stores; 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 will go directly to Daisy Lodge, the Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short-break centre, which provides vital support for families affected by childhood cancer. The evening promises to combine great food, community spirit, and support for an important cause.
Garrymore GAA Club has announced that its annual general meeting will take place on this Thursday, November 6, at 8pm in Garrymore Hall.
Nominations for club officer positions are being accepted. Each nomination must be proposed and seconded by two full members, with the consent of the nominee obtained in advance. Completed forms should be returned by email to the Club Secretary by the same deadline.
Copies of the nomination form are available by post or by emailing communications.garrymore.mayo@gaa.ie.
The AGM provides members with an opportunity to review the year’s activities, discuss plans for the future, and play an active role in shaping the direction of the club.
Mark Noonan was the winner of Claremorris GAA’s weekly 50/50 draw, taking home €1,458. Mark purchased his winning ticket online and was delighted with his prize. The club extended sincere thanks to all who support the draw each week, noting that proceeds help fund youth development and improvements to club facilities.
Tickets continue to be available online and from local shops and pubs around Claremorris. The club has announced that it will offer a guaranteed jackpot of €1,000 weekly, from now to Christmas.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has announced details of its latest round of community classes, offering opportunities for local residents to learn new skills, meet others, and get creative this winter.
An Intermediate Computer Class, led by tutor Alex Gilligan, begins this evening, Tuesday, November 4th, from 7pm to 9pm. Aimed at those who already have basic computer skills, the six-week course will focus on expanding digital knowledge and confidence. The cost is €60, and each session runs for two hours.
For those with a creative flair, a Furniture Upcycling Workshop will begin on Monday, November 10th. The five-week course will guide participants through practical painting and decoration techniques to give new life to old furniture. Attendees are asked to bring a small, portable item to work on each week. The cost is €30 per person.
The centre is also offering an Intermediate English Class designed to help participants improve their language skills, build confidence, and prepare for the workplace. The class takes place on Tuesdays from 6.45 to 7.45pm at a cost of €2 per session and is open to all.
Further information on any of the courses is available by contacting the Claremorris Family Resource Centre at 094-9377838 or by email at info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Hollymount Carramore GAA Club extends thanks to everyone who supported their Trick or Treat party for Children’s Health Ireland. The event, held on Monday, October 27th at Hollymount Hall, was a great success, raising a total of €2,230.87 for a very worthy cause.
Organized by Liz, Amanda, and the club’s dedicated team, the event brought the community together for an afternoon of fun activities and festive cheer.
The generous support from local families and community members made the day a memorable one. The funds raised go directly towards supporting children’s healthcare, with organisers encouraging others to continue their support through donations and visits to the Children’s Health Foundation's website. The club’s successful event demonstrated the community’s strong spirit and commitment to helping those in need.
The death has occurred of Paddy Solan of Ballykinave, Claremorris, who passed peacefully at the Mayo Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.
Paddy was predeceased by his wife Lil, brothers John and Joe, and sister Mary. He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken family – daughters Maura and Ann, sons-in-law Charlie and Declan, grandchildren Dan, Sarah, Grace, James and Shaun, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Paddy’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home in Claremorris last Tuesday evening with removal to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday afternoon at 1pm, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Nellie Quinn (née Staunton) of Ballygown, Claremorris, who passed peacefully on October 28th at the Mayo Hospice, surrounded by her loving family.
Nellie was predeceased by her husband Joe, brothers Paddy (Claremorris), Jimmy (Loughrea) and Liam (Athlone), and her son-in-law Richard Wynne (Castlebar). She is survived by her sons Tom and James, daughters Bríd, Regina, Áine and Noreen, sons-in-law Sean Donoughe (Parke) and Mike Harte (Clare), daughter-in-law Laura (Claremorris), sister-in-law Anne (Loughrea), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Nellie’s remains reposed in Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris last Thursday evening, with removal to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris. Funeral Mass took place on Friday followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery, Claremorris.
May she rest in peace.
