Local notes: Community remembers its lost loved ones
Ellie, Fionn and Emma Langan enjoyed Kiltimagh GAA club's victory in the AIB Connacht Club JFC Final where they got the better of Leitrim champions Aghavas in Carrick-on-Shannon.
The parish community has recorded the passing of many much-loved residents and former residents over the past year, the. In November 2024, the community lost Pia Gill of Greenfields and Raymond Gallagher of Cloonkedagh Road. December saw the passing of Micheál McNicholas of Cloondolagh and Celine Jordan, also of Cloonkedagh Road.
The new year began with several bereavements in January 2025, including Rosaleen McNicholas of Treenagleragh; Sonny Aidan and Vincent Creighton of Ballinamore; James (Jimmy) Walsh of Derrycleagh; and Attracta Ivers of Treenkeel. In February, the parish recorded the deaths of Ann McNicholas of Main Street, Anthony Regan of Manchester and Cuiltbo, Margaret Higgins of Thomas Street, and Martin O’Brien of Castleroyan.
In March, the passing of Brendan Reilly of Churchpark was marked, followed in April by the death of Seamus Brennan of Cleragh. May brought the losses of Sylvia Smith of Thornhill, John Regan of Cuiltbo, and Megan Ivers of New York, while June saw the deaths of Maureen Walsh of Chapel Street and Annie (Anne) Heneghan of Station Cottage.
The month of July included the passing of John (Jack) Corley of The Pines; Vincent Forde of Kent and Cordarragh; Ann Conlon of London and Treenagleragh; and Michael McDonagh of Yorkshire and Canbrack. In August, the parish community noted the death of Julianne Kelly of Canbrack.
In September, the deaths of Shane Freeman of Altbawn Crescent and Cordarragh, Johnny Roughneen of Reading and Belfast, Anne Cunnane of Knock Road, and Michael Walsh of Pulronaghane were recorded. October brought further losses, including Des Lydon of Derrynalecka, Tommy Govin of Thomas Street, Frank Walsh of Birmingham and Cullilea West, Tom Morley of Greenfields, Tommy Ivers of Bristol and Cleragh, and Mick McGonagle of Cleveland, Ohio.
Finally, in November, the parish lost Christina Sheridan of Cleragh, Anne O’Hora of Treenagleragh, Kathleen Handsberry of London and Derryclaugh, Pat Browne of Carrick, Winnie McDermott of Manchester and Treenkeel, Tom McHugh of Ballinacostello and Ballure, and PJ Carolan of Woods.
The parish community continues to remember all those who died during the year, along with their families, in prayer and with deep respect.
The Parents Association of St Aidan’s National School, Kiltimagh, extends warm Christmas greetings to the community and is delighted to announce its annual Christmas Raffle. The event has been made possible thanks to the generosity of numerous local businesses, whose ongoing support is greatly appreciated. The association encourages everyone to consider shopping locally this festive season as a way to support businesses that consistently give back to the community.
The raffle offers parents, guardians, family members, friends, school staff, and the wider community the chance to win a range of exciting prizes designed to bring Christmas cheer. All proceeds from the raffle will go directly to St Aidan’s NS, helping to enhance the school experience for its students.
The draw is scheduled to take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Winners will be contacted regarding prize collection once all winning tickets have been drawn.
Tickets for the raffle can be purchased online through their social media pages. The Parents Association thanks everyone for their continued support and wishes the community a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Victim Assistance, the national charity supporting victims of crime and trauma, is calling on the public to get behind its biggest fundraising initiative to date, a Christmas raffle offering a Nissan Qashqai Hybrid as the top prize. The car, supplied by Cleary Nissan Kiltimagh, is valued at €44,000, making this one of the most significant charity raffles in the region this year.
Tickets are €20 each or three for €50, a price described by many supporters as exceptional value. Tickets are available now through victimassistance.ie, and the draw will take place on December 20, 2025.
Tom Brophy, chairperson of the Federation of Victim Assistance, said the raffle is gaining strong support as the draw date approaches. “The draw is picking up really, really good momentum,” Tom told the . “People are getting genuinely interested as we come into the final few weeks. When they look at the prize, they’re saying, ‘Wow, what a present this would make for someone at Christmas’.”
Tom appealed for a strong final push from the public. He said the organisation relies entirely on fundraising, as it receives no government funding, and described this raffle as the most ambitious awareness and fundraising campaign Victim Assistance has ever undertaken.
“We’re making a huge appeal now for as many people as possible to support an organisation dedicated to helping victims of crime and trauma, not just in Mayo, but right across the whole island of Ireland,” he said.
He explained that the response from the public has been deeply encouraging. Many people who had quietly carried the impact of crime or trauma for years have come forward to support the charity. According to Mr. Brophy, these individuals have told him they are contributing because the work of Victim Assistance is “absolutely amazing” and deserving of support.
“A lot of people are saying, ‘No problem. €20 for the chance of getting a €44,000 is great value,’” he said.
He stressed that while most people may never need Victim Assistance, having the service available is crucial. The charity supports those affected by domestic violence, elder abuse, coercive control, scams, bullying, assault, neighbour disputes, and more. Services include telephone support, face-to-face meetings, court accompaniment, onward referrals, and guidance on victims’ rights.
The aim of the raffle is to secure funding to keep the organisation’s office open throughout 2026 and into 2027. “We don’t get any money from the State, but we’re not going to cry about it,” Tom said. “We’re fit and well and able to raise our own funds. And this campaign has created awareness across the whole country.”
He expressed deep gratitude to everyone who has contributed so far. “We have to thank all the people who’ve put their hands in their pockets and said they’ll support this charity because they believe in what we do.” Further information about the raffle, volunteering opportunities, or any of the services provided by Victim Assistance is available at victimassistance.ie or by contacting the office at 094-90-00251.
The weekly 25 Card Drive saw another lively evening of friendly competition, with several familiar faces among the prize winners.
First place was taken by Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, who performed consistently throughout the night. Second place went to Francis McNicholas and Martin Regan, while third place was claimed by Mary McGaugh and Miko Sheridan.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was won by Teresa Coleman and Danny Doherty, and the spot prize went to John Clancy and Pius Forde.
Raffle winners on the night were Patricia Hyland, Tom Conroy, Patsy Flatley, and John Clancy.
Miriam wins 50-50 Miriam McNicholas from Kiltimagh was the winner of last week’s Kiltimagh-Knock United 50-50 draw, receiving a prize of €320. The club congratulated Miriam and extended its thanks to all who continue to support the draw each week. Entries purchased online and through local shops and pubs make an important contribution to the running of KKU’s teams and facilities.
Lauren Kelly claimed €764 in the latest Kiltimagh GAA 50-50 draw. The club congratulated Lauren on her win and expressed appreciation to everyone who entered. Proceeds from the draw help fund team development and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets remain available online, in local shops and pubs, and from club sellers throughout Kiltimagh.
Round 10 of the Winter Poker League saw Derry O’Sullivan take the honours in Teach O’Hora last week. He finished ahead of runner-up Martin Regan, with Michael Sheridan in third place and Paul Walsh fourth. The remaining finalists were Gerry Groarke in fifth, followed by Marcella Gilmartin, Pat Boyle, Keith Lydon and league leader Adam Earley completing the top nine.
Despite finishing ninth on the night, Adam Earley remains comfortably ahead on the league table with 189 points. Derry O’Sullivan moves into second place on 150 points. The rest of the top twelve currently stands as follows: Julian Keane 147, Andy Quinn 147, Paul Walsh 146, Martin Regan 145, Michael Sheridan 145, Keith Lydon 144, Michael Higgins 131, Gerry Groarke 124, Marcella Gilmartin 121 and Kieran McGee 121.
Entry to each round remains €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from each buy-in and rebuy/add-on is added to the league final prize pool, with the balance paid out on the night. At the end of the league, the top twelve players plus two qualifiers will contest the Grand Final for an expected prize pool of approximately €3,500.
The death has occurred of Teresa Smith (née Conlon) of Thornhill, Kiltimagh. Teresa died peacefully on November 27, surrounded by her family, in the loving care of the staff at Claremount Nursing Home. Teresa was predeceased by her beloved husband Reginald, her daughter Sylvia, her parents Martin and Bridget Conlon (née Coleman), and her siblings Jim, Mary, Joe, Johnny, Julia and Winnie.
Teresa is deeply missed by her sister Ann Gordon; her sons Martin, Desmond and Christopher; daughters-in-law Ana and Juliana; her cherished grandchildren Alex, Rachel, Daniel, Martin, Charlie and Katie; her extended family, neighbours and friends.
Teresa’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home on Wednesday, 3rd December, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass took place last Thursday, December 4, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
