Local Notes: Former stars of the past enjoy the 40th anniversary of Lá na gClub and the 140th anniversary of the GAA in Clogher clubhouse.
Enjoying the 40th anniversary of Lá na gClub and the 140th anniversary of the GAA on Sunday week at Clogher Clubhouse were former stars of the past, Jimmy Murphy (Ballyglass ex Supt Garda Siochána, Dublin) and the venerable veteran, Liam O ‘Toole, (Glasgort).
Over 150 people packed into Clogher for a memorable gathering in Ray Prendergast Memorial Park when Ballintubber GAA commemorated the 40th anniversary of Lá na gClub and the 140th anniversary of the GAA. The gathering was addressed by club stalwarts Tony O'Connor and Seán Hallinan, who gave talks on the rich local history of the area.
His oration included a history of the local big houses and their custodians' contribution to the development of the GAA in the area. This included estates such as Towerhill, Moorehall and Clogher, upon which the club's facilities now stand.
Various pictures were put on display from Lá na gClub, a celebration which took place at the club in 1984 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the GAA.
Pat Barrett, Cathaoirleach of Ballintubber GAA, presented Mayo GAA vice-chairman, Con Moynihan, with a copy of the award-winning DVD and book 'Face the Ball Ballintubber!" which documents the history of the club from its foundation until 2005. The club has thanked everyone who attended and helped organise this memorable social occasion.
Congratulations to Dr James Keaveney who was presented with the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust’s inaugural New Frontiers Research Award in Johannesburg recently. James is the son of Bernie and the late Michael Keaveney, Carrowreaghmony, Ballyglass, and a past pupil of Mountpleasant NS. Dr Keaveney is a respected research physicist, based at CERN in Switzerland, and he plans to use the research award to “apply the rigorous methodologies and techniques developed in fundamental particle physics to real-world problems”, especially at the cutting edge of low-cost medical imaging for use in cancer research.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Sunday, May 26. 12, 21, 23 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes of the €20 special €52k draw tickets on the night were Maggie Geraghty, Nora Conroy, Aisling and C J Bough, John O’Connor, Keelan Boyle and Emma Hughes. On last Sunday, June 2, the jackpot stood at €5,200 for the weekly draw.
The numbers drawn on May 27, were 13, 16, 24 and 28. There was no winner of the €7,300 jackpot. Match 3 winner was John Heverin. Consolation prizes went to E.G.A&C Murphy family, James Hennessey, Ann Marie Keane, Paul and Eileen Kelly and Michael Conroy. Play now to be in with a chance to win next week’s jackpot by going to smartlotto.ie.
Winners of the cards on Monday, May 20 were: 1st Chris Turner and Pat Griffith; Philip White and Chris Flatley, 2nd Mary Brennan and Jimmy Sheridan; Martin Ford and Tom Fitzpatrick. The last 10 winners were Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion and the raffle prizes went to Chris Turner and Pat Griffith.
On Monday, May 27, card game results were; 1st Mary Morrin and Jimmy Sheridan, 2nd Tom Fitzpatrick and Seamus Hughes and 3rd Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. The last 10 winners were; Chris Flatley and Philip White and the raffle winners were, Tom and Patsy Flatley. The 25 card games continue every Monday evening from 9pm in Ballyglass Community Centre.
Congratulations to Aoife McLoughlin and Hugo Naysmith on their recent wedding in Westport church. Aoife is the daughter of Mary and Clem McLoughlin, Newbrook. Good luck to the happy couple from all your friends and neighbours in Ballyglass.
The organisers of the recent Darkness into Light walk in Ballyglass have extended a sincere thank you to Tricia Forde for her wonderful photos of the highly successful event. Regretfully Tricia was not credited for her work in recent notes.
The next Ballyglass Market, will be on June 9, the second weekend in June. A selection of stalls with all the usual superb fare and prizes galore on will be offer.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) is seeking the services of a professional person to work full-time for about five months as an Education and Awareness specialist. The work will involve further developing and implementing the LCCA'S education and awareness programme, including School events, newspaper articles, podcasts, and information booklets etc.
Applications are invited from suitable qualified persons for a consultancy contract to carry out this work. Prospective applicants are requested to contact loughcarraCA@gmail.com for details. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, June 7.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Isaac Seamus Griffin and Ayla Ellie Conway, who were baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Saturday the 1st of June. Congratulations to their parents and families.
All enthusiastic walkers are invited to participate on Saturday, June 22, for the Full Tochar Walk along the captivating 35km scenic historic route. This immersive experience is a highlight of Pilgrim Path Week 2024, promising breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural insights. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the past and forge unforgettable memories. Lace up your boots and join up for an adventure like no other!”
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The death has occurred of Seán Ó Cróinín (Cronin), Ballymeekra and Ballyvourney, Co Cork. Seán passed away unexpectedly, on May 21, in the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin. Seán was a founder member of CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh in 1965 and the club have fond memories of him from those days and they have paid a fulsome tribute to his memory on their Club Facebook page. He was involved in Gaeltarra Knitwear and served as club secretary in Thuar Mhic Éadaigh for five years. He also represented the club as a player at midfield and in defence in those early years. As one of the four original founding members, he had a key input into the choice of black and white as the club colours, a decision which was partly influenced by the fact that those were the original colours of his native Baile Bhúirne.
Seán also has the distinction of scoring Tuar Mhic Éadaigh's first ever championship point, which he kicked against Achill on May 1st, 1966 at Keel.
Seán returned to Baile Bhúirne in 1973 but remained closely in touch with Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, and participated in the club's 1979 tour to Chicago. He was also very heavily involved in Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta, from its beginning in 1969 when Tuar Mhic Éadaigh participated in the inaugural Comórtas in Gaoth Dobhair.
In 2019, Seán was conferred with a Lóchrann award at the Comórtas in Corca Dhuibhne in recognition of 50 years of outstanding service. Seán and his colleagues in Naomh Abán gave tremendous help and support to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh when the club hosted the Comórtas in 2017, they having hosted it the immediate prior year. Predeceased by his wife Nora, and his son Aodh, he is deeply mourned by his children Donal, Sinéad (Barry), Seán, Michelle (Leonard), Bríd (McGregor), Micheál, Eibhlís (O’Halloran), and Gobnait, his partner Peggy, his sons and daughters-in-law, brothers Donie, Frankie (deceased), sisters Eibhlís, Gobnait, Joan, Maura, Mairéad and Josephine, his grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, the extended family and a wide circle of friends to whom condolences are extended. His remains reposed in McCarthy’s Funeral Home, Ballymakeera, on Thursday, May 23, from 6 to 8pm. His Funeral Mass took place in St Gobnait’s Church; Baile Mhúirne on Friday, May 24, at 1pm. Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in St Gobnait’s Cemetery. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a anam dílis.
The death has taken place of Kevin Burke, Tooreen, Partry and formerly of Burnage, Manchester and Belclare, Tuam. Kevin passed away on May 23, peacefully surrounded by his loving family and in the tender loving care of the staff at Mayo hospice. Pre-deceased by his brothers Joe, Jack, Pete, sisters Maureen and Phil and son-in-law John Munroe. Kevin is deeply regretted by his wife Helen (Nell), daughters Bernadette Munroe and Theresa McDonagh (Partry), sons Kevin and Barry (Manchester), son-in-law John McDonagh, sons' partners Kristine Toole and Francesca Graham, grandchildren Alicia, Sinéad, Aoife and Pearce, brother Frank Burke (Tuam) and sister Ethna Gallen (Galway), nieces and nephews and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
His remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on the Sunday evening from 6 with removal at 7.30pm to St. Mary’s Church, Partry. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday at 11am followed by committal service at 3pm in Shannon Crematorium. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Why not visit the beautiful Drimbawn gardens on the open day? Originally designed in the 18th century Drimbawn Gardens have been redesigned and cultivated with many new spaces. Located on the tremendously scenic shores of Lough Mask in Tourmakeady village, there is a beautiful flower garden surrounded by an arboretum, bluebell wood, decorative rhododendron bank, an orchard and woodland areas. New Projects are also in progress including a "Jungle" with its tree ferns and stumpery and a bog land walk. This year’s dates for open days at Drimbawn are Saturday and Sunday, June 8 and 9, from 12 to 5pm each day and there will be plants for sale.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on May 25, for a jackpot of €12,100. 12, 13, 19 and 25 were the numbers drawn. Online consolation prizes went to Harry Sheehan and Caroline Heneghan. The jackpot stood at €12,200 on last Saturday night, June 1. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week.
The Kellogg’s Cúl Camp, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will take place from the July 22-26. The website for booking children into Cúl Camp is now open: https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/.
The annual Ceol na Locha traditional music festival will take place in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh this year from August 12 to 16. Bookings are available at ceolnalocha@gmail.com and ceolnalocha.com.
The annual Tourmakeady outing to Knock will take place on Wednesday, June 28, this year. The bus will depart from O’Toole’s at 10am in order to be present for 11.45 Mass celebrated by Fr Jarlath Heraty at the Shrine. Lunch will be served at St Mary’s Restaurant Knock at 12.30pm and the return trip will commence at 4.15 approx. arriving back in Tourmakeady at 5.30. Places can be booked from Katie Clarke at 097 9650811, Kathleen Gibbons at 087 7660081, Sally Gibbons on 087 2974375 or Nora at the Halla on 094 9544295.
July 7, will be a busy day in Killawalla! In the morning the Killawalla Cemetery Mass and Blessing of the new area will take place. The details of the Killawalla Community Day 2024 on July 7 are as follows; Gates open from 12.30 with races at 1.30pm. The usual fun and games are on the programme plus more additions including fun races for parents. Claremorris Bouncing Castles will be in attendance with something for the kids and kids at heart and also a food truck and treats will be provided by Corbett Catering. The entrance fee is modest at €5 / adult and kids free. There will be a small charge as usual on novelty events and to cover costs on the bouncy castles. There will be a raffle on the day and music after from 8pm in McEvilly’s with Conor Duffy. So rain or shine there's something for all the family. Please support the event and thanks to all who committed sponsorship and prizes so far.
Patrick Joyce, Goatstown, Dublin and Hazelrock, Ayle The death took place suddenly at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, of Patrick (PJ) Joyce of Goatstown and formerly of Hazelrock Ayle. PJ was predeceased by his son Ciarán parents, his brothers Micheál and Seamus. His funeral Mass took place at the Church of The Holy Cross, Dundrum, followed by burial in Deans Grange Cemetery. He is very sadly missed by his wife Mairéad, son Micheál sisters Marie and Adrienne, brother, Liam, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Congratulations are extended to Conor Duffy and Sharon Gibbons who were married on Friday, May 31, in St Mary’s Church, Ballinrobe. We wish them both health and happiness all the days of their lives.
Congratulations to John Byrne, Portroyal, who was a recent winner of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draw. Congrats also to Jenny Gallagher and Peadar Barker who were €100 winners of the Partry Residents Association Saturday night bonus number draws.
Congrats also to Connie and Declan Grady who were recent winners of the Tour Mhic Eadaigh National School weekly €100 prize draw. Details of the school draw can be had from 094 9544088 or emailanthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
The Remote Working Hub in Partry Community Centre is almost complete with just some small issues to be resolved. If anyone would like to trial the hub over the next few weeks, free of charge please do not hesitate to contact Brendan Duignan, (Partry Community Council) at 087 283 5082.
St Mary’s National School, Partry are holding a clothing collection on Tuesday, June 18. All unwanted clothes, bags, belts shoes or bed clothes would be greatly welcomed but no duvets or pillow cases can be accepted. Bags can be dropped off at the school and those wishing to donate clothes after school should ring 087 3141868.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra
Scores of birdwatching enthusiasts from Ireland, the UK and Europe travelled to Belcarra village last week following the sighting of a rare North American species of bird. Perched in the trees along the riverside walk in the village was a yellow-crowned night heron named “Lorrie” which is an extremely rare visitor. The visitation stirred great excitement among villagers and birdwatchers, and many visitors flocked to the village armed with cameras and recorders. RTÉ Radio covered the story on the early morning news. The heron, which is only found in North America, was first noticed in Belcarra by local woman Lorraine Ryan Jennings. Sightings of the bird in these Islands and Europe have been very rare, with the only one previous sighting recorded in Madeira in Portugal some years ago.
Remarkably, this is the first time it has been seen Ireland or England and Belcarra folk are extremely proud that the rare bird, choose their beautiful scenic village. Experts say the bird may have flown to Belcarra after getting immersed in an Atlantic hurricane system last autumn. Another more plausible theory is that uniquely Belcarra in Co Mayo is twinned with another Belcarra on the West coast of Canada and who knows but the bird (perhaps a native of there) was overcome with curiosity to see what beautiful Belcarra in Mayo looked like and decided to make the epic journey!
The annual “Ballyheane goes Country - Big White Barn Dance” music gestival will run next weekend on June 7, 8 and 9. Located at The Punch Bowl in the heart of the village the event will feature such well-known artists as Michael English and Andy Feery, Derek Ryan and Stacey Breen, The Whistling Donkeys, Milo and Vinny with DJ Brian Gibbons each night. It is sure to be a massive weekend in Ballyheane. Tickets can be sourced at ballyheanegoescountry.com.
The death occurred last week of Michael Kennelly, Cloonsunna, Castlebar, Co Mayo. A retired teacher of St Gerald’s College, Castlebar, Michael passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff in the Ross Suite, Sacred Heart Hospital, Castlebar, surrounded by his loving family on May 26.
Predeceased by his parents Margaret and Daniel, twin brother Donal and his brother Seamus, he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary, son Ronan, daughters Orla and Keira, brothers Sean, Richie and Brendan, sister Lucy, daughter-in-law Joanna, sons-in-law Patrick and Ben, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren Aoibhinn, Shea, Ulysse, Margot and Lily, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. His remains reposed at his home in Cloonsunna, Castlebar on last Tuesday, May 28, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11am followed by burial ceremonies in Ballyheane Cemetery. Dis dean trócaire ar a h-anam dílis.
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €21,400 for tonight’s draw on June 4. The numbers drawn last week on May 28 were 3, 11, 16 and Bonus No 3. Congrats Lucky Dip winners and to Susan O’Connor who won a €50 voucher for Mulroy's. All players in this week’s draw will be included in a draw to win a €50 voucher for Egan's Jewellers.
Congratulations to Conor Coghill and Oisin Costello on winning the Connaught Minor Title with Mayo. A massive personal achievement and a very proud day for Breaffy GAA to have both lads represent the club. Next up is Cork in the All-Ireland series and best wishes to all for ongoing success.
The death has taken place of Joseph Gannon (better known as Joe), ‘Kantara’, Breaffy Road, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Joseph passed away peacefully on May 26, in the Hollymount Private Nursing Home. Predeceased by his father Austin in September 2020 and his brothers John and Michael, Joseph was the son of Anne née Daly, father of Conor and loving brother of Tommy, Alan, Anne, Olive and Karen. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his mother, son, sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law Mick, John and Mark, sisters-in-law Assumpta and Grainne, nephews Colm, Aidan, Eoghan, John and Eric, nieces Lisa, Caroline, Sarah and Leah, cousins, relatives and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. His remains reposed in Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on last Tuesday, May 28, from 6.30 until 8pm. His remains arrived at St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy on Wednesday morning for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Belcarra 8k Fun Run (rescheduled from April) will take place on next Sunday, June 9. Children will run at 11am, followed by the main run at 12 noon. Registration is on the day from 9.30 in the community centre. All proceeds are in aid of Belcarra Recreational Park. Donations of food for the post run refreshments would be greatly appreciated. They can be dropped off on Saturday, June 8, or on the Sunday morning from 9am. Contact Ger on 087 9968365 for more details.
Mass will be celebrated in Drum Cemetery on Friday, July 5, at 7.30pm and on Sunday, July 7, at 11am in Balla Cemetery. Guesdian Cemetery Mass will be celebrated on July 12, at 7.30pm and in Elmhall on Friday, July 19, at 7.30pm.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €6, 800 on June 2. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
Castlebar Regional Pioneers are holding a Mass for bereaved members on next Friday, June 7, at 7.30pm in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. If there are persons due a pin, contact Pat at 087 9915229 or Mary Jo at 087 9282102 as there will be a pins presentation on the night. Castlebar Pioneer Group Summer outing is on June 9, to Connemara and for more information, call Pat McDonnell 087 9915229.
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Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €6,600 for the latest draw on Thursday, May 30. The numbers drawn on Thursday, May 23, in The Shebeen were 1, 5, 13 and 35 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Gerard Flanagan (online), Ann and Paddy Madden (cash sale) and Aoife Gaynor (online). The latest draw was held on Thursday, May 30, in Flukies when the jackpot was €6,600.
Balla CRD is organising a Drystone Walling Workshop on next Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9. Contact 087 1850860 for further information. There will be a Weaving Workshop on Thursday, June 6, in Balla Centre. For more information, contact Balla CRD 0949365846 /087 1850860 or email info@balla.ie.
Manulla FC Summer Camp will take place from August 19-23, from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The camp will be suitable for boys and girls aged between 6 and 14 years of age. The fees are 1 child €60, 2 children €110 and 3 children €160. It promises to be a great week of fun with a UEFA B license coach. Contact Conor on 083 1753142.
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The Clogher Bog Loops and the Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail are each to receive €10,000 in funding. This funding has been granted by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in conjunction with South West Mayo Development Company CLG. The funding will be used to resurface, re-route, and improve the outdoor trails for the benefit of local communities, tourists, walkers, and hikers.
Clogher Card results from Friday, May 26; 1st Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, 2nd Majella Corbett and Cathal Hennelly, 3rd Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey. Last 10 Bridie McDermott and Eileen Moran. The progressive 25 game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
