Local Notes: Erris girls donate a combined total of 56 inches of hair to both Rapunzel Foundation and Little Princess Trust.
Garda Amanda Cunningham together with her two daughters Aoibhéann (10), Ríona (7) and Honorary Garda Sarah Conway (12), presenting a cheque for €12,101 to Garda Audrey Garvey, Little Blue Heroes representative for Mayo. They donated a combined total of 56 inches of hair to both the Rapunzel Foundation and the Little Princess Trust, while also raising much needed funds for the little Blue Heroes Foundation.
SN Cholmcille sincerely thank all of you who supported the recent Christmas carol, raffle and craft fair event, to all who sold and purchased raffle lines, donated spot prizes, those who baked and prepared the centre and to all who helped out in any way. Míle buíochas daoibh go léír. Beannachtaí na Nollag oraibh.
The draw was held on December 14, and the numbers drawn were; 2, 11, 25 and 29 for a jackpot of €7,300 with no winner. The house prizewinner of €100 was Lexi Deane, Glenamoy and the 2 x €30 offline winners were Adam McAndrew, Knocknalower and Michael King, Glengad. The 2 x €30 online winners were Bernice McNulty, Belmullet and Jo Croghan, Roscommon. The jackpot in the latest draw held in mcGuires, Barnatra on December 21, was €7,400.
Do you have a medical condition, difficulty or disability? Are you looking for work, or wanting to improve your employment prospects? Do you want to make plans for 2026? Not sure where to start? Contact the Mayo North East Workability programme now to find out how they can assist you. Email rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com or call Siobhán 087 499 6605 for more info. Labhair linn i módh ruin. All confidential.
The community in Ballycroy gathered for their annual Social Services Christmas Dinner. The evening began with Mass by Fr Chris Ginnelly, followed by a Christmas meal prepared by local chef Padraic Ginty. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed lovely singing and poems with the Christmas tree lighting up the hall and the space was filled with chatting, laughter, and remembering loved ones gone. This much-loved tradition continues to bring Ballycroy parishioners together each year.
Social Services thank the London Ballycroy Reunion Committee, Roy Craigie and Kevin Sweeney for their kind financial donations towards the Christmas party, to Peggy Ginty, Aughness for the beautiful iced fruit cake (an annual delight and highlight of the Christmas Party), and to all the people and businesses that sponsored raffle prizes, CE participants, Ballycroy Community Council and all the volunteers who helped make the party a lovely event in the community.
Calling all third level students, apprentices and young farmers, the Erris Credit Union’s Community Educational Fund is open for applicants; this year, 10 students are in with a chance of winning €1,000 each. The draw will be held at Erris CU AGM in January 2026, providing equal opportunity to win, with 2 applicants selected from each of the five parishes. To enter simply fill out an entry form online or in the office and provide proof of course attendance, it couldn’t be easier. The closing date is December 31. You must be a member of Erris CU to apply, but if you aren’t already, don’t worry joining Erris CU is easy. Terms and conditions apply, for more info call the office on 097 82388.
AJ Keane thanks everyone who donated to the Hospice Coffee Morning in Ballycroy Post Office in October. €737.40 was raised. Everything raised goes to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice and is a very special and worthy cause. Unfortunately every house has been touched by the passing of someone as a result of cancer and Mayo/Roscommon Hospice has been there for families in the final weeks and months. Thank you AJ for hosting and for being the centre of the community. Thanks also to his two special ladies helping on the day.
First Stop Ireland has pulled off a major coup with the addition of one of county Mayo’s most respected independent garages, as it plans to broaden its presence across the area. Sean’s Tyres in Belmullet has agreed to join the First Stop family as its 54th Irish branch, coinciding with a pledge to recruit additional staff and expand its reach across the Erris region, with eye-catching new signage worth €2000 appearing soon. Opened in 2014, Sean’s Tyres has grown from humble beginnings, starting out with just eight tyres on a single rack, now stocks over 500 tyres into a respected, family-run business serving motorists, agricultural customers and commercial operators across the area.
Today, Sean Reilly and his team of three pride themselves on a reputation built on hard work, forward thinking and friendly service, making their decision to join First Stop all the more exciting for Territory.
Manager Celine May said “We’re absolutely thrilled to bits to welcome Sean’s Tyres to the network. They’re the perfect match for us, as a community business with a strong local reputation and an unwavering commitment to customer service. Their values align perfectly with our brand and we couldn’t be happier to have them on board.
“Expanding our coverage in Belmullet has been a priority for us, and this partnership shows the type of momentum we’re building as we head into 2026.” By becoming a First Stop member, Sean’s Tyres will benefit from group purchasing power, access to premium brand support, and a spread-the-cost payment option for customers of up to €3,000, helping local motorists manage essential vehicle maintenance more easily.
Sean added: “Joining First Stop felt like the natural next step for our business. We wanted a premium brand affiliation that would elevate what we do, while still allowing us to serve our community in the way we always have. The buying power and support available through the network means we can continue offering real value to our customers as we grow.” Davanti Tyres will serve as Sean’s primary tyre brand, complementing a wide offering that includes car, van, agricultural and HGV tyres, alongside exhausts, batteries and brakes. New First Stop signage is currently being installed, giving the Belmullet site a fresh new look to match its ambitions.
For more information about First Stop Ireland and Sean’s Tyres, visit https://www.firststop.ie/ Martin Mattie McHale.
The third annual Martin Mattie McHale Memorial Darts competition will be held in the Eagle Bar in Corclough West on December 30. The minimum prize of €1500 is guaranteed with top up based on entries. Youth open competition commences from 12.30pm for people aged 9 and under 21 on the day – ID required. The memorial competition begins from 4pm, and is open to all. Entry fee is €10 for each event with six boards in use. The main event is best of 7x501 down to semi-finals. There will be a raffle on the day in aid of Naíonra na Corrchloiche and all donations and spot prizes welcome.
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family of Teresa Dixon, Gorthbrack, Belmullet; Annie-May Leech (née Burke), Tallagh, Belmullet; Kevin Walsh, “Achill View House”, Church Road, Belmullet; Shirley Vagg (née Reilly), Ballymacsheeron, Binghamstown; and Sarah Deane (nee Doherty), Birmingham UK, formerly Porturlin. May they all rest in peace.
Congratulations to St. Brendan’s College Boys’ Basketball Team, who recently won the Connacht/North West U19 Basketball title, by defeating Maigh Éne College, in Bundoran. Congratulations also to their back room team of Damian Lavelle (team trainer), Shane Lavelle, Declan O’Reilly (school sports director). They now progress to the All-Ireland playoffs in the New Year. First years recently took part in the 'Run Up to Christmas' initiative organised by Mayo Sports Partnership, where they tracked their steps in the lead-up to Christmas.
Well done to Mandy Carrabine of Daybreak Belmullet who is braving the icy cold water this December as part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s 12 Dips in December challenge.
Mandy was inspired by the loss of her father, Frank Brogan, who died suddenly of a heart attack at the of aged 62 and Mandy and her colleagues are taking on a dozen cold-water dips at the Belmullet tidal pool to raise awareness and raise vital funds for heart disease and stroke. This nationwide initiative is proudly supported by Daybreak, bringing communities together across Ireland for heart health. You can support Mandy and all taking part by donating by clicking on http://fundraise.irishheart.ie/.../12-dips-in.../home.
Congratulations to the wonderful Bean an Tí na Nollaig as they took the glory and are Kilmore FC Quiz Champions 2026. Ten teams battled it out over 10 rounds and this clever team won by the narrowest of margins.They kindly donated the hamper back and it was then auctioned off which added further drama on the night.
Huge thanks to everyone who supported and a massive thanks to Rose and James for being great hosts as always. €1150 raised on the night which was great.
Congratulations to the U19 girls’ basketball team and management who captured some silverware recently, winning the Mayo Senior Championship. In an enthralling contest, the girls ran out 4 point winners over an impressive St. Joseph's, Foxford side. They now advance to the Connacht Championship and will meet Galway opposition in the coming weeks.
The school had the Cicada Circus visit the students, and it was a brilliant morning. Thank you to Vermillion who sponsored this event and thank you to the fantastic performers.
There was another excellent performance recently from the U19 boys’ soccer team. The team continued their strong start to the group stages with a well-deserved 4-1 win over Ballinode College. They played with great energy and control throughout, creating chances and defending solidly as a unit. Goals on the day came from Gavin McAndrew (2), Leonardo Pettinella, and Matthew Lynch, reflecting a confident team display in the final third.
Man of the Match went to Matthew Lynch, who impressed with his work rate, creativity, and a superbly taken goal.
The Erris notes correspondent wishes all the readers at home and abroad a very Happy Christmas and Happy Healthy and Peaceful New Year for 2026.
This year marks the 13th year of the St. Stephen’s Day Dip for Inis Aoibhinn which will take place at Belmullet Tidal Pool on Shore Road at 12 noon.. Join everyone this St. Stephen’s Day as they dip for Inis Aoibhinn and all funds raised go directly to supporting Inis Aoibhinn Cancer Care West.
At the Gradaim na Gaeltachta 2025 Awards ceremony, organised by Údarás na Gaeltachta at the Conamara Coast Hotel, chief executive Tomás Ó Síocháin and chairperson Siobhán Ní Ghadhra recognised a wide range of projects that contribute to the economic, social and cultural vitality of Gaeltacht areas. Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo achieved second place in the Tourism Project category in recognition of the development of the Táin Bó Fliodhaise – Cattle Raid of Mayo Heritage Trail. The award was accepted on behalf of Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo by Uinsíonn MacGraith and Treasa Ní Ghearraigh.
Museum, House and Gardens Journey back in time and marvel at the innovation and endurance of rural ancestors through the Irish Folklife Collection. Then discover more about the life of the Fitzgerald family and the history and architectural style of Turlough Park House and Gardens. Join an experienced museum guide for these informative and engaging tours, which take place at 2pm and 3.30pm on Saturday, December 27. Tours start at the museum reception. No booking required. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Mass on Christmas Eve in St. Bridget's Church, Ballycastle at 8pm and Mass on Christmas Day at 11.30am. Mass in St. Teresa's Church, Belderrig on Christmas Day at 10am.
The annual St. Stephen's Day Match for the Peter Sweeney Cup will take place at 1pm (weather permitting) on Friday, December 26, in Tom Langan Park. The over 30's will take on the under 30's in this year's match. Past and present, young and old welcome. Donations on the day will go to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice.
Congratulations to Mary Kenny, last week's winner of €192, in the GAA 50/50 draw.
The annual Ballycastle/Belderrig Parish Christmas Party has been rescheduled. It will now take place on Sunday, January 11. Tickets purchased can be used then.
