Local Notes: Enjoying the Lahardane Fair Day Festival
Pictured at Lahardane Fair Day Festival were Harry Grigg, Rafferty Conn, Louie Wilson, Zachary Stalcup and Gregory Stalcup from Killala. Picture: John O'Grady
On Sunday morning last huge crowds gathered at the Church of Christ the King, Knockmore, for the 11am Requiem Mass for the late James Butler, Ballyhanrick, Knockmore and to bid a fond farewell to a beloved parishioner. James went to his eternal reward on Thursday, August 28, surrounded by his beloved family in Mayo University Hospital following an illness.
During the past number of days precious memories were recalled of James by all who knew him both as an employee in Archers, Ballina, where he served as yard manager for over 40 years and where he was always so helpful. Many recalled his dedication to Knock Shrine where he and his late wife Mary served as stewards for almost fifty years.
James was a gentleman whose warm and gentle manner touched so many people’s lives. He was always so pleasant to meet and willing to help in a time of need. In the early sixties he always came to the rescue with support for those setting out on their first days' to work in Ballina and when there was no other means of transport.
James too had a great work ethic and especially around his farm where he had everything so organised and where his yard was the envy of many farmers.
James was born in Ballyhanrick, Knockmore to parents Tom and Maud Butler (nee Nallon) and was a member of a family of five boys. He married the love of his life Mary Dempsey, a fellow parishioner and they had a family of five. James enjoyed many social activities together with his wife Mary joining in their families happy occasions and especially that of the birth of their grandchildren who brought so much joy to their lives.
On his retirement James took great pride in helping out with his daughter Helen and son-in-law Michael in Clarkes Funeral Services. He too enjoyed card playing with his neighbours, cousins and friends and his many meet ups with his family siblings.
During the homily at his Requiem Mass James was remembered as a person of great faith, dedicated to his weekly Mass, the Sacraments and his rosary, his dedicated service to Knock Shrine, his life long membership of the Pioneer Association and the love and care he had for family always. In the Eulogy at the end of Mass his grandchildren Megan and Kate recalled many happy memories of his presence in their lives, memories that would remain with them for many times to come.
James suffered many crosses in his life, with the passing of his beloved wife Mary in 2014, infant daughter in 1970 and his brothers Johnny and Willie in more recent years.
James’s health began to decline in 2023, but with the love and care of his beloved family he was able to remain at home until his final few weeks. This love and care he appreciated so much which he expressed to Fr Michael Reilly during his monthly calls.
We hope that all those precious memories of James will help to be of some consolation to the family at this time and take this opportunity to extend them our deepest sympathy, to his son Alan, his daughters Aine, Helen and Nuala, his beloved grandchildren, his loyal brothers Tommy and Paddy, daughter-in -law Edel, sons-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. May he now rest in peace.
Confirmation will be celebrated for the pupils of Rehins, Garracloon and Cloghans national schools in Christ the King Church, Knockmore at 11am on February 14, 2026 and for Currabaggan and Lisaniska national schools on February 21.
Congratulations to Michael and Bridie McHale, Lisdovogue, Knockmore, who celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary last weekend. They are wished many more years of health and happiness.
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Women in Moygownagh and surrounding areas are holding an information evening for a new community group for women of all ages (18+) in the Learning Forum Moygownagh Community Centre on Wednesday, September 10, at 7pm. Come along for a cup of tea and chat. Hear plans for starting a new community group and share your ideas. Bring a friend, sister or neighbour as everyone is invited.
Best of luck to the children from the Moygownagh area who are representing Mayo in the National U13 choir at the weekend in Carlow. Also a huge thank you to Bernadette Finnerty for taking the time to practice the last few months with the children.
A Suckler Beef Farm Walk event will be held by Josephine, John and Martin Murray, Tullyegan, Ballina, Eircode F26 R8C6, on Wednesday, September 10, at 6pm. The main focus of this event in on the Beef Welfare scheme which is now open for application and on animal health and safety.
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There was no jackpot winner on August 27 when the numbers drawn were 3, 20, 25 and 26. Consolation prizes went to Valerie Aams, Aidan Sweeney and Deirdre O’Donnell. The numbers drawn on September 3, were 13, 15, 20 and 26. Consolation prizes went to Martin Queenan, Ann Loughney and Brian Coultry. The jackpot this week is €10,000.
There is transport, free of charge with your bus pass, from your home to Killala Community Centre and back for Friday lunch for anyone interested. Contact 096 32166 for more information.
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A statement from the Lacken Housing Association Board of Directors, dated 1 September 2025 states ‘After many years of managing and maintaining these homes as a voluntary committee Tithe Cois Trá, Lacken Housing Association has decided to begin the process of transferring the management and ownership of our homes to our near neighbours Ballycastle Voluntary Housing, who have kindly agreed to look after the next phase of ownership and management of the homes in Lacken, a decision which secures these homes for tenants. As a small group, Lacken has faced several obstacles in recent years, which has led us to making this transfer decision. This has included rising fixed costs for a small body such as ourselves, challenges with board renewal and an increasingly complex regulatory and compliance environment for the approved housing body (AHB) sector. However, we are delighted that Ballycastle VHA has agreed to take over the management of the homes. Ballycastle are a local AHB that already provide quality accommodation and other services in the village. Maintaining this local involvement is crucial for us, rather than having the homes managed by a much larger body remotely from Dublin or a similar location. To note that this transition will be fully explained to all our tenants shortly and we hope for a smooth changeover with minimal change for tenants. The board of Tithe Cois Trá, Lacken would like to thank everyone who helped with the development and management of the houses to date, as well as all our former and current board members and local community groups’.
Preparations are already underway in Lacken Community Garden for The Annual Harvest Mass in Lacken Church on Sunday, September 14, at 10am. The pumpkins are harvested and carefully placed in the polytunnel being cured as they soak up the Autumn sun and heal any minor damage from harvesting. It has been a fantastic Spring and Summer Season in the garden and an array of vegetables will be on display in the church as we take time to give thanks to God for the natural bounty of the Earth, including crops, food and the ongoing goodness of life. The children in the parish will participate in the Mass creating a sense of shared experience and community. If you would like to bring offerings for the display, drop them into the church by Saturday, September 13. Refreshments will be served in the Failte Rooms after Mass.
Lacken Annual Tractor run will take place on Sunday, September 28, with registration of all vehicles, new and old at 12 noon at The Failte Rooms beside Lacken Church. The children’s convoy will lead the way down the beach at 1.30pm. The route remains the same as previous years but with a little twist at the finishing line. The Convoy will travel down Lacken Strand along The Wild Atlantic Way, taking in spectacular views of our famous sea stack at Downpatrick Head, in through the picturesque village of Ballycastle and along the main Ballycastle Road out to Palmerstown. Turning left at Palmerstown Bridge, the convoy will bypass the Enterprise Centre and finish at Bessies Bar for a hearty barbeque, refreshments, fun activities and live music. A monster raffle and auction will be conducted under the hammer of Michael D McAndrew. This promises to be a really enjoyable day out and it’s all for a very good cause, as we continue to raise funds for the beautiful sensory garden.
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The bus will leave from Fr Corcorans house, Cooneal, on Wednesday, September 10, at 9am. A full itinerary will be available on the bus.
Commencing from October 1, 2025, Baptisms in all three parishes will be held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
Atlantic Care are urgently looking for caregivers in Killala and surrounding areas. Competitive rates of pay, flexible hours and support network are available. If you are interested contact Nollag 094 9014028.
Moy Singers began their rehearsals on Wednesday, September 3, last at 7.15pm in Ballina. Their Christmas concert will be held on Friday, November 28 and their 40th Anniversary concert on June 13, 2026. Contact moysingers@gmail.com for details.
