Local Notes: Claremorris students to stage brilliant musical
Pictured are some of the cast members of 'Shrek the Musical', which will be performed by the Transition Year students at St Colman's College, in association with the students of Mount St Michael Secondary School, at Claremorris Town Hall Theatre, on April 29th, 30th and May 1st. Picture: Trish Forde
Claremorris South Community First Responders is seeking new volunteers to join its team.
Community First Responders attend emergencies in the local area, including cardiac arrest, heart attack, stroke and choking incidents. Volunteers provide early assistance, including CPR and the use of defibrillators, in the period before ambulance crews arrive.
New volunteers won’t need experience as full certified training will be provided. Volunteers are equipped with safety apparel, identification and access to a responder app. Ongoing monthly training is available, along with opportunities to progress to advanced levels and attend national events.
The role offers an opportunity to develop practical skills while supporting the local community.
Further information is available through Mayo Volunteer Centre on 096-71444 or by email at Vincent@volunteermayo.ie.
Claremorris Golf Club has confirmed that the McWilliam Park Hotel will continue its sponsorship of the club’s popular Mid Week Open for the 2026 season.
Now in its fourth year under the same sponsor, the competition has gone from strength to strength, with an expanded prize offering, adding further appeal for members and visitors alike.
The Mid Week Open got underway on Tuesday last and will run 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. In terms of format, ladies will play from the red tees, while gents have the option of playing from the yellow, white or blue tees.
Weekly prizes will be awarded throughout the season, with each winner receiving a €50 bar lunch voucher for the McWilliam Park Hotel.
Additional prizes will be presented depending on the number of entrants each week. All weekly winners will go on to qualify for the Grand Final, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 26th. The final will be played over 18 holes, with the overall prize a two-night stay with bed and breakfast, along with dinner on one evening, at Dunboyne Castle Hotel.
The club expressed its appreciation to the McWilliam Park Hotel for its continued support. The club said that the sponsorship has a positive impact on participation and competition standards.
The announcement comes on the back of a very busy period on the course, with strong turnouts reported across recent competitions. Over the weekend of April 17th to 19th, a highly successful competition sponsored by Pat Hession Milk attracted large entries across all categories.
In the Ladies 18-Hole Stableford, Florrie Campbell secured first place with an excellent score of 35 points. The Ladies 9-Hole competition was won by June Elliot, who finished with 23 points.
The Men’s 18-Hole Stableford saw an outstanding performance from John Tuohy, who claimed first place with an impressive 46 points. In the category sections, Steve Walsh topped Category One with 42 points, while Alan Gurren matched that score to take honours in Category Three. Kevin Bacchus won Category Four with 38 points, and Conor Groarke secured Category Five with 41 points.
The previous weekend also saw keen competition during the Albany Paints-sponsored event, held from 10th to 12th April. Calum Waldron produced a superb round to take first place with 44 points. Ger Noone won Category One with 36 points, John Haverty claimed Category Two with 39 points, Billy Pierik secured Category Three with 37 points, and John O Gibbons took Category Four with 34 points.
Away from the fairways, members also showed strong engagement with the club’s Masters Fantasy League, which proved to be a popular addition to the golfing calendar. Deirdre McDermott emerged as the overall winner, claiming the top prize of €500. Joint second place went to Henry Murphy and Pete Murphy, who each received €200, while Aaron Hanlon and Noreca Kilkenny shared fourth place, each taking home €100.
The Fantasy League format required participants to select golfers from a number of graded pools, with scoring based on finishing positions in the Masters tournament. The lowest combined score determined the overall winner, adding an extra layer of competition and interest alongside the on-course action.
Overall, it has been a lively and successful period for Claremorris Golf Club, with strong participation levels both on and off the course. The club looks forward to maintaining that momentum as the Mid Week Open continues alongside other competitions, throughout the summer months.
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 this week, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29th and continuing on Thursday and Friday.
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.
Conor Hession was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €2,000. Conor bought the winning ticket in Hillside Service Station.
The club congratulated Conor on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who continue to support the weekly draw.
Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Mayo Sports Partnership is supporting a series of sprint training sessions being run by Mayo AC at the Claremorris Athletic Track.
The sessions are aimed at adults of all ability levels and are designed to improve speed, technique and overall athletic performance. They focus on areas such as acceleration, running mechanics and general fitness. Each session costs €3 and are held on Saturdays from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Organisers say the initiative offers an accessible way for people to try structured sprint training in a supportive environment. Enquiries can be made to Declan on 086-0731365.
Mayo Sports Partnership is inviting parents of babies and toddlers to take part in a weekly 'Buggy Buddies' walking group in Claremorris.
The initiative takes place each Thursday morning at Clare Lake, with participants meeting at McMahon Park (Lake Park) at 9.30am. The group includes a gentle walk around the lake followed by light exercise, designed to encourage activity while parents meet and socialise.
After the walk, participants gather for tea and coffee at Hegarty’s Centra. Organisers say the sessions offer an informal way for parents to stay active and connect with others in the community.
The programme is open to all and runs weekly, with further information available from 094 937 7838.
Conor Hughes was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €500 with an online ticket. The club extended congratulations to Conor and thanked everyone who continues to support the fundraiser.
Funds raised through the weekly draw contribute to the running of teams and the ongoing development of the club, with tickets available online and from local retailers and pubs.
Carers Dementia Dance Memory Group continues to host its weekly gathering at the Cúram Family Centre for those caring for people living with dementia.
The group meets every Wednesday from 11.30am to 1pm and provides an opportunity for carers to come together in a relaxed setting. Attendees can enjoy music, conversation and refreshments while meeting others in similar situations. Organisers say the sessions offer both social support and a chance to take time out during the week.
Further information is available by contacting Irene on 087-108 0650.
The death has occurred of Daphne (Dee) Manning of Crossboyne, and formerly of Bedfordshire, England. Dee died peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her sisters Angela and Dawn.
Dee will be deeply mourned and sadly missed by her beloved husband Mick, daughter Carly, son Jonathan (Joff), daughters-in-law Eibhlín and Cara, her cherished grandchildren Robin, Ódhran and Roma, sisters Penny and Tracy, brother John, brothers-in-law Tommy and Adam, sister-in-law Anne, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many dear friends.
Dee’s remains reposed at her home in Crossboyne on Monday, April 20th. Removal took place on Tuesday morning to Crossboyne Church, where a Church of Ireland service was held, followed by private cremation.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Pauline Treacy (née O’Sullivan) of Ballindine, and formerly of Thomastown, Hollymount. Pauline died peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Ellie O’Sullivan, brothers Michael Joe and David, and sister Mary Walsh.
Pauline will be sadly missed by her loving husband Hugh, daughters Sharon and Corinne, son Hughie, son-in-law John, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Pauline’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Saturday evening, April 18th. Funeral Mass was held in St Joseph’s Church, Ballindine on Sunday morning, followed by private family cremation in Shannon Crematorium.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Kathleen Casey (née O’Neill) of Derryloughra, Hollymount. Kathleen died peacefully at her residence in the loving care of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Tommy and her cherished daughter Kathleen.
Kathleen will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her son John, daughters Mary, Christine, Breege and Louise, daughter-in-law Martina, sons-in-law Joe, Foz and Kevin, her adored fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, her wide circle of dear friends, neighbours and relatives.
Kathleen’s remains reposed at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Thursday evening, April 23rd with removal to her home. Her Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort on Friday afternoon, followed by burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.

