Local notes: Erris Athletic Club recognised at Mayo Athletic Awards evening.
Erris Athletic Club Juvenile members were recognised for their athletic abilities at the recent Mayo Athletic Awards. Congratulations to Niamh Walsh (javelin), Emma Naughton (javelin), Kyle Padden (long jump) and Louie O'Connor (long jump) and to the club first ever senior award recipient- Joanne Padden (cross country) pictured with club officers and supporters.
Erris Athletic Club was delighted to host the Mayo Athletic Awards recently celebrating the 2025 success of some of the finest athletes in the country. Awards were presented to over 100 athletes including Erris Athletic Club juvenile members - Niamh Walsh (javelin), Emma Naughton (javelin), Kyle Padden (long jump) and Louie O’Connor (long jump) and to the club first ever senior award recipient- Joanne Padden (cross country).
The event was held in the Broadhaven Bay hotel where the food and service were second to none - many thanks to all the staff and to Mary Tallott who went above and beyond to ensure everything was ready and ran smoothly.
Erris AC celebrate 10 years in existence this year and have grown from strength to strength not only with the support of the community but with the assistance of Marion Mattimoe in particular, and the County Board throughout the years. Thanks also to all the other fantastic clubs in the county who have shared their knowledge and experience with the club.
Hoping you all enjoyed the day in Erris and look forward to welcoming you back to a Mayo Cross Country competition later on this year.
Eoghan McGrath and McGrath’s Pool, Pullathomas had a Junior Flyer recently with 30 junior players from Erris taking part which was a very enjoyable evening, with players ranging in ages from 6 to 17, enjoying a great day’s pool.
The event was following on from the Mayo Pool Association, Junior Flyers in McGraths and Castle Cue Club - CCC Mayo Castlebar run before Christmas. The recent event was played in a 4 group- round robin format at group stages with lots of pool for all. It featured 3 novice players and 10 junior girls with 3 of the girls reaching the playoffs stages.
Winners of the flyers in McGrath’s were winner John Howard, runner-up Paul Neary, semi-final lists: Ruairi Walsh and Keelan Barrett.
Upcoming competitions for Mayo Juniors include Junior Flyers in Castle Cue Club starting at the beginning February; Junior Champion of Erris February 13/14(confined) Erris Pool Events; Junior Mayo Championships in McGraths Erris - date to be confirmed in February and of course McGraths Pub Pool Events Junior Flyers every Saturday afternoon. All new players are welcome or any information to Mayo Junior pool contact: Jackie Coyle on 086 8383110.
As you all are aware by now local motor dealer Mícheál Conroy attended a meeting in government buildings on December 9, to discuss the possibility of Belmullet having its own NCT centre. Very positive talks were held with Sean Canney, Minister of State of the Department of Transport on the day in which he was advised that talks for the new roll out will start in 2027.
Michael said that ‘Belmullet is been forgotten about in many ways. We have a hospital which is also being forgotten about when we need it now more than ever with the population of the Erris area. The main road to Castlebar is not fit for farm machinery never mind an ambulance to travel it, and to travel 130-170km return to get your car tested, pending it doesn't fail, just isn't right. Belmullet is a fantastic town but we need these facilities here’.
Beginning on Monday, January 26, Michael Conroy Motors will have a petition in the reception of his outlet and he is asking people to drop in and show your support for this much needed centre.
Erris Youth Service wishes to thank everyone who attended and donated to their event. It was a huge success and a testament to the huge efforts made by their Generation Glas Team. This group have worked tirelessly over the past couple of months preparing and organising this event and they are very proud of their achievements. A total of €181.40 was raised for Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead / Belmullet Tidy Towns. They thank all the businesses who supported the raffle by donating so generously.
Well done to 2nd year student, James McDonnell, who starred for the Mayo U15 schoolboys recently. The Mayo side triumphed 3-2 against the Midlands schoolboys in an epic encounter.
A very ‘Fun Friday’ was held in OLSS recently as they welcomed 6th class pupils of Belmullet NS as part of the Wellbeing Week. 6th class practiced ‘Being Active’ in the sports hall, ‘Being Kind’ by completing Kindness Postcards for their peers and ‘Being Challenged’ by competing against the TYs in some board games. TYs hosted ‘The Chase’ Game show to finish the day and it’s safe to say, the TYs need some more practice on their trivia. A huge thank you to Belmullet NS pupils, teacher and SNA for visiting on the day.
The U15 girls' soccer team had a busy week recently when they began the week with a highly entertaining game against Lacken Cross. In a game that ebbed and flowed throughout, both teams ended up with a share of the spoils as the game finished 2-2.
Next up, the girls lined out against a strong Coola side from Sligo. Despite a huge effort from our side, the Sligo girls ran out 6-2 victors on the day. Although the loss signals the end of the season, the girls have made huge strides this year and are already looking forward to next season and a big thank you to the Management for all their hard work with the team. Congratulations to first year student, Ryan Moran, who represented the Mayo youth’s darts team recently in the West Coast Challenge. The event was held in Newcastle West and Ryan's team managed to reach the semi-final of the shield competition before eventually losing out to a talented Donegal side.
Congratulations to Leaving Cert student Maedhbh Ní Mhuineacháin, class of 2025 who received an entrance award from Trinity College Dublin this week in recognition of her outstanding Leaving Certificate results.
The third year students enjoyed a visit to Belmullet Tidy Towns Biodiversity Exhibition in Aras Inis Gluaire recently. Stunning photographs showcased the great beauty and variety of plants and animals in the area. The students were accompanied by science teachers Mr N Reilly, Mr B McGrath and Ms McCormack. Special thanks to Ms Tallott and Ms Ginnelly.
The school community congratulate Leaving Cert student from the class of 2025, James Howe, who will receive an award from the President of UCD in recognition of his exceptional Leaving Certificate results. James will receive his award on Thursday, February 12, in UCD. James joins a list of past students of the school to receive this award titled Academic High Achievement award.
A huge thank you to Méabh De Burca, a sports mentor in association with Lidl’s ‘Serious Support’ programme who provided a session for the U14 and junior girls GAA panels recently. Méabh spoke about resilience both on and off the pitch and the importance of showing up for yourself and having support from others. Thanks again Méabh, a very enjoyable first session.
The underage champion of Erris in pool for 2026 with U12, U15 and U18 Champion of Erris will take place on Friday, February 13, and Saturday, February 14, in Our Lady's Secondary School Belmullet. Entry to the U18 event is through Cuescore and entry to the U12 and U15 events can be done by messaging 086 8383110. Entry fee covers cost of tables for the events. If anyone has any issues registering for an event contact by messaging the Erris Pool League Facebook Page. A reminder that this event is open only to residents of the Erris area or those living in the Erris area.
Calling parents of children who were born in 2015/2016/2017, Bangor Hibs is pleased to announce their plans in the next stage of development of their kid’s academy. The club are looking to enter a team in U11 section of the Mayo youth soccer league in the spring/summer 2026 and invite any parents whose child might be interested in becoming part of the club to get in touch. Bangor Hibs is an FAI club mark credited inclusive football club and open to all. No trials, no ability-based selection, equal minutes for all. Just register turn up and have fun with your friends in an exciting team environment. For more information and to register your interest contact Johnny on 085 7227920 or message the Bangor Hibs social media pages.
The Board of Management, staff, parents, and pupils of Glencastle NS thank Bernie Rowe for raising an additional €400 through her Christmas Open House over the festive period. This brings the total amount raised to €2,405. The school are very grateful for her hard work and extend their thanks to everyone who contributed to the fundraiser.
Seirbhisí Cúram, Chill Chomain Teo, (Teach Greannai) requires a general operative with immediate start. Ring 097 88935 for more details. Woodturning classes returns to Seirbhisi Curam, Chill Chomáin Teo, (Teach Greannai), starting on February 9. If you wish to participate, call 097 88935 for further information.
