Local Notes: Conor crowned Kiltimagh Poker Champion
Conor O’Hanlon captured the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion at the Spring Poker League Grand Final.
Conor O’Hanlon captured the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion at the Spring Poker League Grand Final, held in Teach O’Hora, and lifted the Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup for the first time.
Fourteen players had qualified for the season-ending showdown, competing for a prize pool of €3,310 after fifteen weeks of league action. Conor emerged victorious following a heads-up deal with Enda Ruane, which saw the top two prizes shared before play continued to determine the championship winner.
Enda finished as runner-up, while Majella Gilmartin claimed third place. Conor Byrne took fourth, with John Reynolds completing the prize-winning positions in fifth.
The remaining players at the final table and their finishing positions were Michael Higgins (6th), Nicky Cunnane (7th), Gerry Groarke (8th) and Kieran McGee (9th).
Conor’s victory caps a strong campaign and sees his name added to the roll of honour as the latest winner of the Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup and Kiltimagh Poker Champion title.
Kiltimagh Writers will launch their latest anthology, , at a special event in Kiltimagh Museum on Friday, July 10th at 5pm.
The publication is a collection of poetry and short stories written by members of the local writing group and showcases a wide range of creative work from writers within the community. The anthology has been supported by Mayo County Library in Castlebar, and Kiltimagh Library, with funding provided through Mayo County Council Arts Office.
The book has been published by Sinead McClure of The Calendar Road Press and represents the latest chapter in the continuing development of Kiltimagh’s vibrant literary scene.
Organisers say the anthology reflects the talent, imagination and creativity of local writers and provides an opportunity for readers to enjoy a diverse selection of poetry and prose inspired by life, people and place. The launch will form part of this year’s Coillte Come Home Festival and promises to be an enjoyable cultural event. Guests will have the opportunity to meet contributors, hear readings from the anthology and celebrate the achievements of the writers involved.
Organisers said they were looking forward to sharing the work with the wider community, and are extending an open invitation to the public to attend what is expected to be a relaxed and welcoming evening.
The event will begin at 5pm in Kiltimagh Museum and admission is free. Those attending can look forward to an evening of words, rhythm and conversation, with refreshments also being served.
Kiltimagh Writers said they look forward to welcoming friends, supporters and members of the public to celebrate the launch of Kiltimagh Writers Review and another successful showcase of local literary talent.
There was tremendous pride across Kiltimagh and East Mayo last week with the announcement that Dayna Finn and twins, Grace and Niamh Kelly, have been selected on the Irish squad for the upcoming AFLW International Rules clash against Australia.
The highly anticipated encounter will take place in Sydney on August 1st, with Ireland fielding a 26-player squad drawn from Irish players currently competing in Australia's elite AFLW competition.
For Kiltimagh, the selection of Dayna Finn represents another remarkable milestone in what has already been an impressive sporting journey. A former Mayo footballer, Dayna has continued to make her mark since joining Carlton in the AFLW and now has the opportunity to wear the Irish jersey on the international stage against some of the best players in Australia.
Her selection is a source of enormous pride not only for her family and friends but also for the wider Kiltimagh community, where her sporting achievements have been closely followed and celebrated.
There is also significant local interest in the inclusion of Shanaghy twins Grace and Niamh Kelly. The sisters have enjoyed outstanding success both with Mayo and since making the move to Australia, where they now line out for Adelaide in the AFLW.
The Kelly twins have long been regarded as two of Mayo's finest footballing talents and their selection for Ireland is recognition of the dedication, skill and commitment they have shown throughout their careers. Their continued success has inspired many young players across East Mayo and beyond.
Joining Dayna and the Kelly sisters on the Irish panel are fellow Mayo representatives Sarah Rowe of Kilmoremoy, who plays with Collingwood, and Rachel Kearns of MacHale Rovers, who lines out for Geelong. The five Mayo women form part of a strong Irish squad that will travel to Australia for the international fixture, which will be played under Australian football rules.
For Dayna, Grace and Niamh, the August international represents another exciting chapter in already impressive careers. It is also a proud moment for their clubs, communities and Mayo football as local talent continues to make an impact on one of the biggest stages in women's sport.
Work is currently underway on another major public art project in Kiltimagh, with artists Yuri Bohatyrov and Klim Bohatyrov bringing colour and creativity to a prominent wall beside SuperValu.
The latest mural marks the third significant project undertaken by the father-and-son artistic team in the town in recent months, and continues their growing contribution to Kiltimagh’s streetscape.
Many local residents will already be familiar with the artists’ work following the completion of the large-scale mural on Main Street earlier this year, which attracted considerable attention as it transformed a previously plain wall into a vibrant public artwork. More recently, the pair completed a striking mural at the historic Old Ball Alley on Thomas Street, giving fresh life to one of the town’s best-known landmarks.
The new project beside SuperValu is expected to further enhance the visual appearance of the area and add another colourful feature to the town centre. As with their previous work, the mural is designed to brighten the streetscape while contributing to Kiltimagh’s growing reputation for public art and community-led improvement projects.
Klim Bohatyrov, who is originally from Ukraine, is a former student of St Louis Community School and is currently studying Level 6 Art at Mayo College of Further Education in Westport. His artistic work has earned widespread praise locally, with previous mural projects completed both in educational settings and within the wider community. Together with Yuri Bohatyrov, he has helped create a series of eye-catching artworks that have become talking points around the town and have been warmly welcomed by residents and visitors alike. The latest mural is already beginning to attract attention as work progresses, with many looking forward to seeing the finished design unveiled in the coming days.
The project continues Kiltimagh’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public spaces through creativity, heritage and community involvement, while also showcasing the talents of artists who have developed a strong connection with the town through their work.
There was another lively and enjoyable evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a strong turnout and plenty of competitive play throughout the night.
First prize went to Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon, who finished top of the standings after a consistent performance. Second place was secured by James Walsh and Denis Regan, while third place was shared by Anne Rowley and Geraldine Turbitt and the pairing of Ciaran McDonnell and Jack Ryan.
Brian McNulty and Tom Durkin claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Mary Carney, Michael Carney, Miko Sheridan and Danny Doherty.
Winifred Wimsey was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home €550.
In the previous week’s draw, Shane King collected a prize of €674. The club congratulated both winners on their success. The club also thanked all supporters who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser.
Funds raised through the draw help support underage coaching, maintain club facilities and contribute to the ongoing development of the club. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
The death has occurred of Gertie Lohan (née Curry) of Rathbawn Road, Castlebar, and formerly of Cloonlee, Knock. Gertie died peacefully, surrounded by her much loved family, in the wonderful care of all the staff of the Carra Suite at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar.
Gertie was predeceased by her parents Jim and Annie Curry and her brother James. She is deeply regretted by her loving husband John and her family, Joan Carmody (Cappawhite, Co Tipperary), Paul (Ennis), James (Lucan, Co Dublin) and John (Castlebar), sisters Mary Jennings (Knock), Bridie McLoughlin (Claremorris) and Nell McNicholas (Kiltimagh), brothers Martin (Swinford) and Tom (Knock), her grandchildren Mikey, Aisling, Éabha, Ciara, Donncha, Naoise, Dáithí, Emelia, Kate and Henry, son-in-law Sean, daughters-in-law Jo, Emma and Arundhati, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, former colleagues at the HSE and friends.
Gertie’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Sunday evening. Removal took place from her home on Monday morning to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar, for Requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Ambrose Martin Walsh, formerly of Cullen House, Gortgarve, Kiltimagh, and Stockton-on-Tees, England. Ambrose died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, on May 27th, 2026.
Ambrose was predeceased by his father Brian, mother Annie B, brothers Bernie, Tommy and Jim, and sisters Cora and Assumpta. He will be greatly missed by his wife Mary, daughters Margaret and Anna-Marie, sons-in-law Justin and Paul, grandchildren Thomas and Annie, his sister Kate, his two dogs Paddy and Seamus, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Ambrose’s remains reposed in O'Hora’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Kiltimagh, on Sunday evening, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass was held on Monday, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Michael Howley of Watersville, Pontoon Road, Castlebar, and late of Thomas St, Kiltimagh. Michael died peacefully in Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on June 24th.
Michael was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Josephine, sister Theresa, infant brother Jerome and sister-in-law Mary (Fahey). He will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife Jacinta, sons Damian and Brian, daughter-in-law Lisa, granddaughter Fia, sisters Susan, Margaret, Veronica and Bernie, brothers Benny, Patrick and John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Michael’s remains reposed at his residence in Watersville, Pontoon Road, Castlebar, on Thursday, June 25th. Removal took place on Friday morning to the Church of the Holy Rosary for Requiem Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Castlebar New Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
