Local Notes: Cyclists at Ballyglass Vintage Day.

Cyclists at the Ballyglass Vintage day waiting for the Commissaire to set them on their way as part of a High Nelly demonstration. Picture by Tom Quinn
It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Thomas Prendergast (better known as Tommy), Mountpleasant, Clogher, Claremorris, Co Mayo. In his late 60s Tommie passed away suddenly and his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends. A former Eircom employee Tommie was widely known across the county. A former club goalkeeper with Ballintubber GAA he made a great contribution to the U21 and Intermediate victories of 1976. Tommie was highly supportive of the club and also proud of its achievements in recent decades. He was widely known in handball circles having won Master titles at county and national level. Tommie had many skills and could “turn his hand to many tasks”. He had personal warmth and humour that endeared him to many people involved in vintage and sporting circles.
Predeceased by his parents Martin and Martina, infant grandson Finn and the deceased members of the Prendergast and Ralph families, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Nuala (Jordan), daughter Ashling and son Kenneth, his grandchildren Kaden, Keefe and Kalem, brother Gay and sister Sally, daughter-in-law Breda and Ashling’s partner Stewart, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a large attendance present as his remains reposing at Carnacon Community Centre on last Friday evening from 5pm until 7pm. Tommie’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon on last Saturday at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Drum cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The 'Growing Minds Preschool’ in Carnacon are holding an open day today, Tuesday, June 24 from 4-6pm (Eircode F12 NY38). A new preschool next to Carnacon NS will be opening shortly. All parents, carers and children are welcome to come along to the open day to meet and have a look around and ask any relevant questions you may have. If you would like more information contact the provider, growingmindspreschool0@gmail.com with any questions or enrolment information.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €10,600 on Sunday night June 15. The numbers drawn were 11, 16, 23 and 34. Consolation prizes went to Brenda Prendergast, Helen Horan, Noreen Corbett, Al McDonnell, Myles Kelly, and Carmel Quinn and Michael Rooney.
The jackpot stood at €10,700 on Sunday, June 22.
Sincere sympathy is extended to John Flatley, Banogues, Ballintubber on the recent passing of his father, Tommie Flatley, Cloonmore, Ballyfarna, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Tommie died peacefully, on the June12, after a short illness, at University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his loving family. Widely known in farming circles and hugely popular with card playing friends over a wide region his passing is an occasion of deep sorrow to his family and many people who held him in the highest esteem.
Predeceased by his parents Frank and Annie (nee Connelly) and his brother Micheal he is deeply regretted by his wife Patricia, their family - Francis, Bernie, John, David and Adrian, grandchildren Olivia, Cathal, Aaron, Ruairí, Saoirse, Laura, Eoin, Aoife, Jessica, Ruby, Ameila, Conor, Liam, his sisters Margaret and Imelda, daughters-in-law Catherine, Anne, Lynsey and Jenny, son-in-law James, sisters-in-law Peggy, Mary, Bridget and Eileen, brothers-in-law Anthony and Jimmy, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
His remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on the Saturday, June 14, from 6-8pm. His Funeral Mass took place on Sunday at 2pm in the Church of our Lady, Barnacarroll, followed by burial ceremonies afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The following are the results from Monday, June 18, Ballyglass FC lotto draw. The numbers drawn were 4, 11, 16 and 36. There was no winner of the €12,800 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Sean Killeen, Darren Reilly, Connor O’ Keefe, Rob Gibbons and Donal Flaherty.
Winners from Monday, June 18 were: 1st Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford, 2nd Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly and 3rd Cathal Hennelly and Pat Griffith. The last 10 winners were Willie Davoren and Michael Loftus and the raffle prizes went to Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley. The games continue every Monday night at 9pm. Ballyglass card players have extended sympathy to Patsy Flatley and family on the untimely death of her husband Tom. Both Patsy and Tom played cards in Ballyglass Community Centre in the past. May Tom rest in peace.
Congratulations to Fr Austin Fergus, Mayo Abbey, on his recent celebration of his Diamond Jubilee. He is wished continued good health and happiness from all his friends in Ballyglass.
If you would like to be part of the group of volunteers who keep Ballyglass village looking its best, contact Breege on 087 6292164 to get your name added to the group. There is no work too strenuous, just some sweeping, weeding, gardening and litter picking one evening per week.
The summer cemetery Masses programme is as follows, Burriscarra Saturday, 5, July at 7.30pm, Killawalla Sunday, July 6, at 10am and Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday, July 6, at 11am.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Ann Duffy, Lufferton, Ballintubber, on the passing of her mother, Norita O’Boyle (née Galvin), Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, formerly of Dunkineely. Norita passed away peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital. A retired national teacher, she was predeceased by her husband Brendan, their infant child, and her sisters Mary and Cathleen.
Norita reposed at her late residence on last Tuesday, June 17, from 7 to 9pm and again on Wednesday from 12 noon to 9pm. Her funeral took place on last Thursday, June 19, leaving her home for 11am Requiem Mass in the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, followed by burial ceremonies in the family plot in Conwal Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
Tóchar Phádraig is a sacred pilgrim route from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick, following the ancient chariot road travelled by St. Patrick himself. Step onto a path walked for over 1,500 years. Guided walks bring you through stunning landscapes, fairy hills, and places steeped in legend and story.
Upcoming walk dates: Saturday, July 6, and Saturday, August 30. Book your walk online at: https://www.ballintubberabbey.ie/tochar-walks/
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The death has taken place of Tom Lydon, (Tom Phaddy), Derrypark, Coilla’tSídheáin, Co. Mayo. Tom passed away on June 12, peacefully in the loving care of Friars Lodge Nursing Home, Ballinrobe. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Pete, Tom is survived by his brother Paddy, sister-in-law Mary, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
His remains were taken to The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Finny on the Sunday evening at 6pm. A Funeral Mass for Tom was celebrated on the Monday morning at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Churchfield Cemetery, Tourmakeady. Beannacht Dé Lena anam Dílis Irish language officer.
The community has welcomed to the area Róisin Seoighe as Ros a 'Mhí who is the new Irish Language Officer for Dhúiche Sheoigheach and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Róisin replaces Stiofán Seoighe who was in the post for the past few years. Róisin will be in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on a weekly basis from now on. The classes commence on Wednesday morning this week with beginners running from 11am to 12 and intermediate class from 12 to 1pm. Persons who are interested can contact Róisin on 087 3970227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com.
A new Irish Summer Camp ‘Spraoi na Locha’ will take place at Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh this summer. It has been announced that a brand new Irish Summer Camp will run at Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from July 14 to 18 from 10am until 3pm daily. The camp is open to all 4th, 5th, and 6th class primary school students and this camp is suitable for all levels of Gaeilge. Students will improve their Irish through a wide range of fun activities, such as sports, drama, arts and crafts, cooking, and the “camps fittest family” challenge. The cost is €60 (camp t-shirt included). For more information contact; spraoinalocha@gmail.com.
The death has occurred of Theresa Marrey (née Flaherty), Cappanacreha, Killitiane, Co. Mayo. The deceased was formerly of Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, Co. Galway and she passed away on June 14, peacefully in Mayo General Hospital surrounded by her family. Predeceased by her husband John, son Patrick, parents Gobhnait and Peter, sisters Máire, Bridie and Julia, brothers Seán, Mikie, Tomás and Peter, she is deeply regretted by her daughters Philomena (Paddy), Noreen (Christopher), Mary Anne (Peadar), Bridie , Juliana, (Trevor), sons Joe (Michelle ) and Peter her 19 adored grandchildren, 3 dearly loved great-grandchildren, brothers Pádraic and Stevie, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Her remains reposing at Burke’s Funeral Home, Clonbur, on the Monday from 6-8pm and was conveyed to The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Finney on the Tuesday morning for her Funeral Mass at 11am. Private cremation ceremonies were arranged. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, June 14, stood at €17, 600. 8, 19, 28 and 31 were the numbers drawn at the previous draw and there was no jackpot winner. The jackpot stood at €17,700 on June 21.
“Enjoy your Garden” a demonstration on creating floral displays with garden flowers by Martina and Lil will be held in the Mons Horan Partry Centre on next Thursday, June 26, at 8pm. Partry Ladies Circle are organising the event and there will be tea and treats afterwards. There is a modest €5 admission. There is no need to bring flowers as this is a demo only. Plant swap – if you have any excess plants or ones you want to share, please bring them along.
The annual 2025 Cúl Camp will be held at Páirc Naoimh Muire running from July 21 to July 25 running from Monday to Friday. Places can be booked at kellogsculcamps.gaa.ie.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club is due to meet again on this Thursday, June 26, from 2-4pm. Why not pop along for a social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company. New members will be made most welcome.
Volunteers are needed to read and do Eucharistic Ministry in both Partry and Tourmakeady Churches. Interested persons are asked to please give you name to Fr Jarlath or email, partrytourmakeadynewsletter@yahoo.ie.
The winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball school fundraiser on Saturday, May 31, was ball number 8, Noreen and Noel Mac Ghiobuin.
It’s that time of the year again to prepare for Killawalla Community Day, on Sunday, June 29. It will be a fun day for all the community, young and all. Congrats to Eamonn Walsh who was the 2nd winner of the bonus ball 50/50 draw netting €470.
Congrats to Partry AFC soccer team who recently won the U13 Mayo league final. Partry AFC weekly draws takes place on Wednesday nights each week. Congrats to Christelle and Joe Staunton, Partry and Sean and Kathleen Folan, Tourmakeady who were recent winners on number 11.
Congrats to Fergal Murphy and Tommy Joe Hennelly who were recent winners of the draw. Both parties won €100 on number 19. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, June 21.
The Dementia cafe continues the first Tuesday of every month, (July 1) in the Tacu Resource Centre, Ballinrobe from 11am to 12.30. This month they will have the fabulous Brenda Grealis vocalist and instrumentalist providing some great music and performance. All welcome and refreshments supplied. Volunteers are required contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for details.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra

The death has taken place of Michael Kilcourse, Rocklands, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Michael passed away suddenly, in his 86th year on June 15. Ballintubber Cycling Club has extended their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael. Michael was a central figure in Connacht cycling for many years - a mentor, leader and passionate advocate for the sport. His generosity, guidance and unwavering support shaped the journeys of countless cyclists, young and old. His passing has left a profound impact on everyone involved. Ballintubber Club acknowledge and thank all who assisted and supported with diligent care and respect on the day. Michael leaves behind a lasting legacy and he will be deeply missed throughout the cycling community.
Predeceased by his sisters Bridie and Patsy, he is deeply regretted by his wife Kay, sons John, Paul and Michael, daughters-in-law Marie, Lynsey and Paul’s partner Cora, grandchildren Michael, Gabrielle, Mimi, Roxanne and Alex, sisters Margaret, Sarah, Anne and Rosie, brothers-in-law Sean, Frank, Joey and Mick, sister-in-law Ron, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Michael remains reposed at his residence on Tuesday, June 17, from 2pm. The removal from his residence took place on Wednesday morning at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Michael’s remains were laid to rest afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery.
Congratulations and warm best wishes are extended to exceptional twins on their very special birthday. Sr Josephine Roche and Mrs Maureen Roche Kennedy celebrated their 100th birthday in Chicago on last Thursday, June 19. They are the daughters of Mary Kate Thomas (Clooncundra) and Thomas Roche (Bohola), who emigrated to Chicago some years ago. Wishing both ladies continued good health and happiness and many more joyous occasions.
The annual Townland v Townland tug of war competition will take place at the Belcarra Sports Day in early August. Townlands are urged to get your teams ready for Saturday, August 9: Men’s and Ladies competition -Teams of 8 - 6 pullers + 1 sub and 1 coach. The pride of your townland is at stake - No pressure. Let the training commence
Plans are well advanced for a major benefit dance in aid of a great cause. The benefit dance entitled "Bring Breege Home" will be held in Breaffy House Hotel on July 4, at 9pm. Music will be by Concorde and local artists. It is sure to be a great night with some fabulous entertainment, raffle and great spot prizes. Tickets modestly priced at €20 will be on sale soon and everyone is urged to come out and support the worthy cause.
On July 13, there is a One Day- One Competition - One Club Handball Legends Competition. Belcarra Handball Club is calling all past and present members for an epic showdown in the 60x30 alley for a mixed doubles event. Bring the buzz, the banter, and enjoy the game. It’s the Nestor Cup 2025 - Make It Legendary. There are some spaces available in the weekly U10 session for boys and girls on Sundays from 10-11am. If you know anyone who might like to give handball a go, they’re more than welcome to come and try it out.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €12,300. The jackpot stood at €12,200 on Sunday, June 15. The numbers drawn were 3, 7, 11 and 20 and there was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Mary Tuffy, Carmel McManamon, Rebecca McNeely and Mary Reilly.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for June 17 - the numbers 16, 24, 29 and bonus number 5 were drawn and there was no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stood at €15, 900 on this Tuesday, June 24.
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The death has taken place of John (Jack) Niland, Cartron, Balla, Co. Mayo. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on June 15. Predeceased by his parents Tom and Nora (nee Connor) Niland, his brother Paddy Joe and sisters Maureen McLoughlin (nee Niland) and Martina Loftus (nee Niland), he is deeply regretted by his wife Sarah, daughters Fiona Prenty (nee Niland), Rebecca Connor (nee Niland) and sons John and Tom, grandchildren, great granddaughter, sons-in-law, Damian and Colm, daughter-in-law Caroline, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom condolences are extended.
Jack’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on last Tuesday evening, June 17, from 5-7pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on the Wednesday, June 18, at 12 noon at St Cronan’s Church, Balla followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on June 12, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €4,600. 9, 21, 22 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Edmund Fallon (Online), Pat Kenny (Standing Order), and Ita O'Connor (Standing Order). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, June 19 when the jackpot stood at €4,700.
A summer gardening course will be commencing on June 30. Get in touch with the organisers to book your place at 087 1850860 or 094 9365846 or contact Balla Community centre at info@balla.ie.
Manulla FC U12 girls are in full swing preparing for their trip to Newcastle in July for the Trans World Soccer tournament. In order to assist them with funding, the girls and their management team have added a re-turn bottle bin to the Manulla FC grounds. They will be looking for support in recycling plastic bottles to help their funding. They have entered the 'Small town big difference' campaign showcasing their work on encouraging people to return their bottles to Manulla and how they are helping the community. Peruse their video and assist them with the project.
Manulla FC Club lotto jackpot stood at €1,400 for last Sunday nights draw.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to the family, relatives and friends of Tommy Kearns, Brooklyn, New York who passed away recently. The deceased was formerly of Fourgreens, Manulla. May he rest in peace.
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On Wednesday, July 2, at 7pm past pupils of Errew Monastery Boys’ School are invited to attend the 3rd Errew Prayer Service for the Deceased Members of the Community and for a group photograph in front of the Monastery to mark 50 years since the school closed and the boys joined Errew Girls’ National School. The prayer service is to remember deceased family, friends and the late Franciscan Brothers and afterwards all will visit the Monastery cemetery at 7.30pm led by Brother Conal Thomas from Corrandulla a native of Errew. When Errew Monastery closed in 1982, the Franciscan Brothers’ departure had a huge effect on the Errew community. Their focal point disappeared and daily life as they knew it changed forever.
The cemetery service aims to bring the community back together again, allowing them to reminisce and take a step back in time.
All are welcome and refreshments will be served afterwards. Park all cars at the community centre and walk up the avenue to the monastery. Older members can be dropped off at the monastery but space for cars is extremely limited. All enquires to errewcc@gmail.com. Errew Community CLG is most grateful to the Veale family for welcoming the community for this occasion.
Thanks to all the people who are supporting the Tuesday evening Bog walks in Clogher. There are three different lengths of walk and are suited to the fast walkers or to the more leisurely walker. Refreshments and a chat afterwards are available for all participants. The Clogher area is fortunate to have a variety of different circular walks. There is a weekly Thursday morning walk starting at Clogher Community Centre at 10am followed by tea, coffee and a chat in the centre. These walks are along country roads so please wear hi-vis jackets for safety.
The winners of the card game on Friday, June 13, were; 1st Mary McDonagh and Breege Blake, 2nd Majella Corbett and Bernie Heneghan and Joe Thomas and Gay Conway, 3rd Sean Hopkins and Peter O Malley, Last 10 Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick. The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
The Steering Group of the Clogher Community Futures are continuing to work on the results of the Community Survey. To date the following sub groups have been formed, Care in the Community, Preschool/ Afterschool and Road Safety at the School. These sub groups are based on the most important issues which were raised in the community survey. If people have any suggestions or ideas for these themes or would like to join any of these sub groups contact Finian at 087 0961210. The next all community event will be the official launch of the Community Futures Plan for Clogher which will take place in the coming weeks.