Local Notes: Enjoying the balmy weather at the Killawalla Fair recently

Christina Murray, Tom McGrath, Maureen McGrath and Pat Murray along with Gypsey and Bob enjoying the recent balmy weather at the Killawalla Fair. Picture by Tom Quinn
All roads lead to Ballaghadereen on next Saturday as Ballintubber GAA team play Ballaghadereen in the county senior championship quarterfinal at 4pm. Needless to say Ballintubber have been profoundly lucky to find themselves in the last eight of the competition in 2024. They overcame a second half determined fightback by Kilmeena in Round 3 to win by two points. Also they were done an enormous favour by neighbours Breaffy who defeated Aughamore by the required seven point margin in their clash. That is history now and the men from ‘Tubber can’t afford any slipups if they want to progress to a semi-final. If the truth be told they have a solid core of quality players as good as any club in the county. It is true also that they have underachieved in the past three seasons due to fundamental errors and perhaps a lack of providence on occasions. Still their destiny is now in their own hands. Ballaghadereen at home will be a huge hill to climb and few will fancy the Abbeysiders. Still the proverbial ‘old dog’ who has been in many a battle since 2010, just might relish the hard road once again!
On last Sunday week, September 15, the Ballintubber GAA Club jackpot stood at €6,700 and the numbers drawn were 2, 5, 11 and 36.
There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to Olivia Moran, Colie Fahey, Declan Kelly, Dave Hogan, Eoghan Vahey and Martha McDonnell. The jackpot stood at €6,800 on Sunday, September 22. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Congrats to Eadaoin Early, Colm Staunton and Paul and Sheila Feeney on winning €200 prizes in the Cairde Mhaigh Eo Club Development Draw which took place in Tooreen Hurling Club recently. Ballintubber CLG has extended a sincere thanks to everyone who supported the draws, which will benefit both the club and Mayo GAA.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir held the official launch of their new fundraising album ‘Dóchas ‘s Grá’ – Hope and Love by Ballintubber Abbey Choir in Ballintubber Abbey on last Thursday, September 19, at 7.30pm. A large attendance present heard many tributes to Ballintubber Abbey Choir for their excellent work and dedication to bring the project to fruition. All proceeds from the sale of this album will go directly to the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Centre East Wing Restoration Project and the ongoing upkeep of the Abbey. Full report next week.
Due to popular demand, another Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk will take place on next Saturday, September 28. All proceeds from the walk will go towards two local community projects: the Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders and the Celtic Furrow Outdoor Museum and Garden which will be reopening shortly as a community facility. In addition Ballintubber Abbey Trust has pledged to donate €1 for every registered walker on the Tóchar Phádraig to the Croagh Patrick Path Project, which provides sustainable access and habitat restoration on Croagh Patrick. Please book and enjoy this unique, unforgettable experience while supporting local community projects.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto on Monday, September 16, were 1, 9, 10 and 30. There was no winner of the €8,900 jackpot and no match 3 winners. Consolation prizes went to Kathleen Killeen, Ryan Connolly, Declan Corbett, Gerry Golden and Ruth Devlin. Play now to be in with a chance of winning the giant jackpot, a whopping €9,000.
Winners of the card game play on September 12: 1st Tom and Ann Burke; Pat Griffith and Chris Turner; 2nd prize was shared between, Philip White and Martin Ford; Mary Brennan and Tom Fitzpatrick; Richard and Mary Carney; 3rd prize was shared between Patricia Jennings and Kevin Burke; Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin. The last 10 winners were Seamus / Hughes and Sean Reilly and the raffle prizes went to Patricia Jennings and Kevin Burke.
On September 19, the prizes went to, 1st Richard and Mary Carney; 2nd Pat Griffith and Chris Turner and 3rd Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. The last 10 winners were Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes and the raffle prizes went to Richard and Mary Carney. Games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
The Hallowe’en market will take place in Ballyglass Community Centre, on Saturday, October 19. More details to follow.
A coffee morning in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice will be held in Ballyglass Community Centre on this Thursday, September 26, hosted by Nuala Heneghan and Bernie Reilly. Please support a very worthy cause.
Sean and Brid Heneghan, Ballintubber are celebrating 30 years of hosting the Mayo Roscommon Coffee Day. Please join them as they raise funds for this very worthy cause from 9am onwards on this Thursday, September 26.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest member Rían Sean Murphy, who was baptised in St Mary's Church, Carnacon and James Edward McCanney who was baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday, September 21. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Happy birthday wishes are extended to Bridie Morley who celebrated her 60th birthday recently. Many happy returns from all your friends and neighbours in Ballyglass.
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the community centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for a clean- up. Sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. are the duties. If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087 6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools, gloves and high-vis jacket is asked to bring them along.
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CLG Thuar Mhic Eadaigh held the official opening of Páirc Ben, a most magnificent new astro turf pitch named in memory of Ben Duffy, R.I.P. on Saturday, September 14, at 3pm.
Among those presiding for the official opening were the Duffy family and Minister of State Alan Dillon, TD. Also among the huge attendance were; Dara Calleary TD, Michael Ring TD, Senator Lisa Chambers, Councillors Donna Sheridan, Patsy O’Brien, Blackie Gavin, Cyril Burke, Séamus Tuohy, Cathaoirleach Mayo GAA Michael Diskin (Mayo GAA), Liam Moffatt (Connaught Council delegate), John Prenty (Connaught GAA CEO) Karol Curran (Curran Plant Hire), Joe O’Flatharta and Eamonn McGoill (Roinn na Gaeltachta), Seán Ó Coisdealbha (Údarás na Gaeltachta) and many members of CLG Tuar Mhic Eadaigh and community.
David Lally on behalf of the club presented a specially designed jersey to Michael Ring for his outstanding support of the club down the years.
On the official opening day on Lá Mór na Gaeilge 2024, the vision of this proud go-ahead Gaeltacht Club became a splendid reality at Páirc Naomh Muire. The occasion was filled with celebration and remembrance of Ben's life and legacy.
A club statement on social media stated “We are proud to announce and unveil our astroturf pitch name - "Páirc Ben", in memory and honour of Ben. Ben's memory and spirit will live on through this fantastic facility and Páirc Ben will be enjoyed by all for many years to come. We are grateful to the Duffy family for their support and delighted they were in attendance to unveil and open Páirc Ben.
Thank you to SN Thuar Mhic Éadaigh for their support and providing an opportunity for the school children to design a sign for Páirc Ben. So many fabulous designs were submitted and on display in An Ionad Spóirt, well done to all. Congratulations to Annabelle Burke, fittingly, a classmate of Ben, who's beautiful design was chosen for the new sign.
It has been a long road. We have overcome many project challenges - setbacks became stepping stones and the perseverance and hard work of many signify what is at the heart and motto of our club "Neart le Chéile" - strength together.
We would like to express our gratitude to everyone who helped bring this project to fruition. The list is long and we are humbled by the amazing generosity, goodwill and support from the community at home and abroad. Special thanks to Fr Jarlath Heraty for blessing the facility and to political and GAA guests who joined us for the opening”.
The community of Tuar Mhic Eadaigh is sure to enjoy this new facility which will continue to keep Ben's spirit alive. Tour Mhic Eadaigh CLG is forever grateful for the support shown towards Páirc Ben and they look forward to creating many new memories in this special most magnificent facility.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on September 14 for a jackpot of €13,700. 8, 15, 24 and 31 were the numbers drawn. There was no jackpot winner. The online consolation prizewinner was Grace McLoughlin. The jackpot stood at €13,800 on last Saturday night, September 21. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated.
A Hospice Support night will be held in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh next Friday night, September 27, from 7 to 9pm. Tea will be served and there will be a raffle on the night. Donations are welcome to Noreen Maloney, Breege Heneghan and Michael John Casey.
Féilire 2025/2025 Calendar: Seol do ghrianghraf do Féilire 2025 chuig opt.cdst@gmail.com roimh 1ú Samhain 2024. Would you like to see your photo in the 2025 Gaeilge Dhúiche Sheoigheach agus Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Calendar? Twelve pictures will be chosen for the 2025 calendar. Send your photo with your name, address and phone number to apt.cdst@gmail.com or by post to Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga, CDS Teo, Corr na Móna, Co. na Gaillimhe, F12 PT02. Forward you photo to opt.cdst@gmail.com before November 1.
A new series of yoga classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, on last Tuesday, September 17, at 6.30pm. Classes will run until Tuesday, October 22. If interested in attending email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295 with your name and contact details.
The Waterfall Editorial committee will be once again compiling that wonderful annual community Magazine ‘Waterfall’ 2024. This is the 37th edition of the popular festive publication. Articles of interest, history and heritage material, photographs, sports reports, advertisements etc. should be emailed to waterfalltme@gmail.com.
The winter season of Irish classes commences in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on October 2. On Wednesdays, at 10m there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday). Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The Mons Horan Centre in Partry is the venue for a ceile on Saturday night next, September 28. The Rise the Dust Ceile band will supply the beat. Dancing is from 9pm to midnight and refreshments will be served.
Congratulations to Nonie and Johnny Horan, Partry, and Neil Donnelly, Ballintubber, all of whom were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws. The annual membership fee of €120 is due once again and the support of the broader community is greatly appreciated.
Congrats to Austin O’Neill, John Horan and Noel Gibbons, who were recent winners in the Partry Residents numbers lotto Saturday night bonus, number draws.
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The GAA senior club championship 2024 has been a splendid competition to date with fine fare on the playing fields, remarkable late scoring and some weird and wonderful quirks in results. What will happen at Breaffy pitch on next Sunday at 1pm as the home team Breaffy, play the visiting covey team, Westport in a mouth-watering championship quarterfinal?
This is the contest that will arouse huge interest across the county as a valid argument could be made for the undoubted quality of both teams. Westport is surely disappointed that after all their splendid Division 1 underage success in recent years, their undoubted pace and talent, only one county senior title has gone their way. Breaffy have turned their season around in 2024 with a string of good victories under Sean Deane and his management. Aiden O’Shea is playing the football of his life; the sky blue club also have home advantage so the odds must favour Breaffy. Surely also the ‘Gods of Benevolence’ will reward Breaffy for their effort, decency and honesty in ensuring their struggling neighbours Ballintubber also made the cut on Saturday week last. That it may be so.
Congratulations to Breaffy Rounders who captured 2 of the 3 All Ireland GAA senior finals last week in Abbotstown. The women's team beat Glynn-Barnstown (Wexford) 13-5. The mixed team claimed their title with a close win over Limekiln (Dublin). The men’s team came up just short in their quest suffering defeat to Erne Eagles (Cavan). It was however such a fantastic achievement being in all 3 finals and winning 2 National titles. Huge credit is due to all those who have organised, coached and honed the skills of Rounders in Breaffy down the decades. Well done to all.
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €24,600 for tonight’s draw on September 24. The numbers drawn last week on September 17, were, 6, 10, 13 and Bonus number 1. There was no jackpot winner and there was no match 3 winners. Congrats to the lucky dip winners. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €8,300 on September 15. The numbers drawn were 1, 7, 11 and 21. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 each were Orlaith Payne, Noel Gormley, Yvonne Moran and Della O'Boyle. The jackpot was €8,400 on Sunday, September 22. Thanks as always for your support. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
Yoga and Aromatherapy returned to Belcarra Community Centre on a recent Thursday after 10am Mass. Contact Virginia at 087 2831400 or Kathy on 087 6712225 for further details.
The next monthly card game in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, October 7.
HIB 24’ will go ahead on the following dates; Friday, October 25, Full Horror 7pm to 8.45pm; on Saturday the 26th of October, 6.00pm to 8.45pm - Full Horror show. On Sunday, October 27, from 5 to 7pm, children U12 accompanied by an adult; at 7-8.45pm Full Horror. The ticket price remains at €20 plus a booking fee through Eventbrite. The dates of ticket sales are to be announced at a later time.
The Ladies Group are hosting a coffee evening for Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Ballyheane Community Centre on this Thursday, September 26, between 3 and 6pm. The group meet every Monday night at 8pm in the community centre starting this season with an interior design course by Margaret Ruthledge, Design at Eight.
Kieran Kelly commenced the dance classes on Mondays from 9pm to 10.30pm. All welcome. €15 euro per class and refreshments served. Call 087 7414968 for more details.
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The fabulous mural at Errew NS is now complete. The pupils chose all their favourite activities and with the help of local artist and illustrator Linda Fährlin, each painted a leaf on the fabulous ‘Tree of Life.
The sixth class pupils from last year were also invited back to paint their leaf as they were involved in the student planning and personal design of this wonderful creation. The mural is a great addition to the impressive colourful upgrade Errew NS received over the summer break.
A special ‘thank you’ has been extended to all the Errew students for making the playground a vibrant place to be. Check out the website to see all the work and activities the Errew NS children are involved in! https://errewns.com/ Linda Fährlin is an artist and illustrator inspired by the wild Atlantic Ocean and the landscape of the north west of Ireland.
Errew ‘Pay as you Go’ Breakfast Club and After School facility welcomes children from the surrounding area - 7.30-9.10am and 2-5.30pm. It is a drop-in child care service with no weekly or monthly set fees. Contact Ríona Lawless on 087 9005099 for more information and click on the link below. https://errewns.com/breakfast-club-and-afterschool/.
The official opening of Errew Community Centre will take place on Friday, October 4, at 5pm. Errew NS and Errew Community Centre have transformed since March 2021. The past few years saw initial improvement works carried out by the Community Committee volunteers thanks to the response from the local community to the GoFundMe page established in 2021.
The support of Castlebar Mayo County Council Councillors, the DRCD- Community Centre Investment Fund Capital Grant was a huge plus for this small, rural area. Sincere thanks has been extended to Minister Alan Dillon TD and Minister Heather Humphreys Department of Rural Community and Development. Bringing the Old School back to life has certainly enhanced community spirit and kept the proud history of the community alive.
The official opening will be carried out by Minister Alan Dillon. Errew community are congratulated on the suburb completion of this project which will be of tremendous benefit to the local community in the decades ahead. All are welcome to come along and enjoy real and unique Errew hospitality.
On Friday next, September 27, from 12 to 3pm Errew Ladies are hosting a ‘Coffee for Hospice’ in Errew Community Centre. Call in for a chat, enjoy a Bewley’s cup of tea or coffee and a nice scone or piece of tart and please donate generously to the local Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation. Many families have benefited from the outstanding care given in the 14-bed inpatient unit and the day care facilities in Castlebar.
A Beginner Yoga 6 week series of Yoga classes has commenced in Errew Community Centre. It is great to see the former old school being used by the community and brought back to life. A huge thanks is extended to everyone who is supporting this new activity held in Errew Community Centre every Monday and Tuesday 7-7.45pm for the next 6 weeks. If you are interested in joining the next block of 6 week classes contact Lorraine on 087 6835623 or lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com.
The AGM of Clogher Environmental Group will take place in Clogher Community Hall on next Thursday, September 26, at 8pm. Everyone in the community is invited to come along and get involved in some of the activities that are being organised for the future.
Card results for Friday, September 13, were 1st Mary Morrin and Pat Griffin and Sean Hopkins and Peter O’Malley, 2nd Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Donnelly, Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons and Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey, last 10 Martin Moran and Joe Thomas. The progressive 25 game continues every Friday night at 9pm and everyone is made welcome.
Sincere thanks are tendered to all the people who supported the recent Clogher Heritage Week events. The area was very busy for the entire week and thanks to all the work which was carried out prior to the events. Thanks also to the people who came for the Bog Walk on the Tuesday, the many guests and local representatives who attended the opening of the Sand Martin nesting wall and the people who came to the rededication Mass on the Saturday. Everybody’s attendance and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks also to the organisers of the event at the Boheh stone. Twice a year the phenomenon of the Rolling sun is visible from the Boheh Stone, (weather permitting). This year the weather was perfect and a large crowd was there to witness the spectacular event. Thanks to Michael Kingdon and Leo Morahan for their presentations on the subject and to all the other people involved in the organising and catering on the evening.
The community in conjunction with the Clogher Active Age Group are holding a tea/coffee day in support of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice on tomorrow Wednesday, September 25. The day will commence at 9am and finish at 2pm. Everyone will be welcome. Please support this very worthy cause.