Local Notes: Erris club celebrates famous victory
Congratulations to Kilmore Utd FC and management on their recent Tonra Cup success against Killala with the cup crossing the bridge in Belmullet to the Kilmore Parish.
All over Ireland there are graveyards that are no longer in use and many of them are neglected and never visited.
There is only one graveyard in Belmullet town, the Church of Ireland Graveyard on Church Road. The church is no longer in use as a place of worship and the graveyard itself, apart from the area where the World War II graves are, is overgrown and many of the headstones have fallen over or are covered in weeds, ivy and trees.
Recently, participants on the Iorras Domhnann Community Employment Scheme and Tus participants, under the guidance of Belmullet Tidy Towns, have begun clearing away the overgrowth and they have uncovered six headstones.
The enthusiasm shown by these participants is to be commended. The clean-up is an ongoing project that may reveal many more headstones. This graveyard is a very important part of the history of Belmullet. If you want to know more about the six headstones that have been revealed to date then check out the Facebook page of Belmullet/Erris Ancestors.
The Golden Gloves Boxing Club welcomed the Dillon Quirke Foundation for a cardiac screening for youths from the boxing club, as well as Erris United FC/Iorras Aontaithe and Erris Shamrocks GAA.
Some 45 young people were screened on the day as part of this nationwide campaign by the Tipperary-based foundation, helping to detect any cardiac abnormalities.
This is an outstanding service to the young people of Ireland and we are just thrilled to have had the foundation in Belmullet.
A special word of thanks also goes to the Broadhaven Bay Hotel for kindly providing their excellent facilities for the event. The clubs truly appreciate your generosity and on-going support of our local community.
The day reminded us that boxing is about much more than sport - it's about looking after one another, supporting our young people, and putting their health and wellbeing first.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of John F. Doherty.
The organisers would love for his family, friends, teammates, and our wider community to come together to honour his memory, celebrate his passion for football, and remember the joy he brought to so many. The event takes place on Friday, August 14th, with kick-off at 6.30pm in Ballybeg Park, Bangor (Bangor Hibs).
After the match there are refreshments, music, and a raffle in the Lighthouse Tavern, Inver where we will continue to remember John together.
All proceeds from the event will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and North West STOP-Suicide Prevention, two incredible charities that provide vital support to families and individuals when they need it most.
Whether you knew John personally or simply want to support two amazing causes, the organisers would love to see you there.
The Great Erris Run is held in loving memory of Rob Turner, and Rob’s family have chosen Erris Youth Disability Network (EYDN) as this year’s charity partner.
It’s a fitting tribute to Rob, who dedicated so much of his life to supporting and encouraging young people in our community.
If you’re taking part on August 9th, they would love you to go one step further and set up your own fundraising page.
Whether you raise €20 or €200, every donation will help EYDN continue providing vital support to children, young people and families across Erris.
Donate or create your own fundraising page at www.eventmaster.ie.
Let’s honour Rob’s legacy by making a real difference together.
The annual memorial Tommy Murphy Tractor Run in aid of Cara Iorrais will be held on August 2nd. Registration is at 12 noon at Lennon’s Quarries with the run departing at 2pm to Blacksod, please support and all tractors are welcome.
Cruinniú na mBád has been more than just a gathering of the boats. It’s a day when families come together, old friends reconnect, children make memories, and our community celebrates everything that’s special about home.
But none of it happens on its own.
Every tray of sandwiches, every cake of boxty, every pot of tea, and every helping hand is a quiet act of kindness that keeps this wonderful tradition alive. It’s these small gestures that create the warm welcome that everyone remembers long after the boats have left the water.
If you can spare a few hours in the tent or donate a few treats, you’ll be playing a part in something much bigger than food - you’ll be helping preserve a day that means so much to so many. The event takes place on Saturday, August 8th, from 12:30pm.
If you’d like to contribute, please contact Emma on 086-3132082 or speak to any committee member.
The annual Cara Iorrais bucket collection will take place on next Friday, July 31st, in and around Belmullet. They are looking for volunteers to help on the day and if you can help in any way please contact Cara Iorrais on 087-0678630. All money collected goes to services provided by Cara Iorrais.
Deepest sympathies to the family of Thomas Togher, Luton and formerly of Bunnawillian, Bunnahowen; John Joe Meenaghan, Muing, Carnefowler, Belmullet; Mary Carey, London and formerly Foxpoint, Barnatra; Patrick Barrett (Pat) Mount jubilee, Bangor Erris; James McGowan, better known as Jim of Springfield, Bangor Erris and formerly of Derrylea, Castlebar; Seamus Barrett of Dooyork, Geesala; Brendan Padden of Ballina Road Belmullet and formerly of the Square.
May they rest in peace.
The draw in the Kilcommon Community Development Lotto was held on June 20th and the numbers drawn were 1, 12, 23 and 31.
There was no winner of the jackpot. The house prize of €100 was won by Hannah McGuire, Pullathomas and the two €30 offline winners were John Ruddy, Milltown and Michael McGrath Jnr, Milltown. The two €30 online winners were Mary Deane, Belmullet and Elaine Carey, Barhave.
Next week’s jackpot is €10,500.
There will be a mega bingo night of fun, excitement and amazing prizes as we come together to support Geesala National School on Monday, August 10th, in the Kiltane GAA Complex, starting at 8pm with a guaranteed jackpot of €1,000 plus raffle on the night with great prizes up for grabs.
Bring your family, friends and neighbours along for a great community night out while helping to support Geesala National School.
The Kiltane GAA Lotto draw was held on July 20th and there was no winner of the jackpot.
The winners of €50 each were E. Barrett, and Roy and Michael Carey, Dooyork. The two €25 winners were Pat Corduff, Bangor and Elaine Carey Collins, Glencullen. The online €50 winner was T.J. McGuire and the €25 online winner was Damian Cuffe, Townagh.
The jackpot is now €5,800.
