Local Notes: Golden jubilee reunion at Claremorris school
Enjoying the golden jubilee reunion at St Colman's College in Claremorris were, from left: Fr Tommy Commins, Gerry Gill, Paul Waldron, Alec Morley and Michael Clarke. Picture: John Corless
Claremorris AFC marked its 40th anniversary over the August bank holiday weekend with a series of events that brought together players past and present, committee members and supporters.
The club, founded in 1985, has grown from a single team in Division 3 of the Mayo League to more than 600 members today, with over 30 teams competing across various age groups. The club’s senior men’s team has just been promoted back to the Mayo Super League and recently won the Tuohy Cup.
Founder member Tony Cosgrove recalled the circumstances that led to the club’s creation. Having moved to Claremorris from Bangor Erris in 1984, he saw untapped football talent in the town.
“I had played with four clubs in Mayo and they all went out of business,” he said. “So I decided I was going to start a club that would last. In 1985, I called a meeting in Hanley’s Bar, got together with a few people. Seamus McGrenera became chairman, Gerard Prendergast was the treasurer, and I was secretary, and we entered the Mayo League with a team in Division 3.”
The first season set the tone, with the new side going unbeaten in the league and winning both league and cup.
“Without wanting to sound overconfident or anything, I knew we were too good for Division 3. I wanted them to put us in at a higher league but the Mayo League committee wouldn't, and we went the whole season unbeaten, with the league and cup double. We were the first Invincibles!” Tony said, “our only defeats came in Connacht Cup and the FAI Junior Cups - the outside competitions.”
Tony managed the team later and then became a referee, stepping back from direct involvement at the club during that time.
He credited the late Paddy Smyth and the Racecourse trustees for providing the club’s first pitch at a nominal rent.
“From day one, we didn’t have a pitch. The Racecourse Committee were very generous, and the facilities here now are second to none,” he said.
Tony highlighted the club’s Connacht Cup success at under-18 level as one of its greatest achievements, against opponents from much larger underage setups.
Former player and long-serving committee member Peter Browne played in goal during that first season before injury curtailed his involvement. He remained active in the club for three decades in roles including treasurer, chairman and with pitch maintenance. He described the early years as a struggle without a permanent home, with matches played at various venues including Ballindine, Garryduff, Barnacarroll and Concannon Park.
“It was hard because until you had a base, you were going no place,” he said. “Getting a lease at Concannon Park was the turning point. After that it was progress.”
Peter said that the club now fields teams across multiple generations and continues to expand, while acknowledging the work required to maintain the grounds.
Tony Gleeson joined in 1990 and recalled the 1990s as a period of mixed fortunes, with promotions, relegations and the introduction of a B team. By the early 2000s, he said, the club had established a strong underage structure, running teams from under-10 to under-16. Growth in membership was matched by improvements to facilities, including three grass pitches and a recently resurfaced all-weather pitch, supported in part by sports and tourism grants.
The 40th anniversary was marked with several events over the weekend. Younger players took part in a 3v3 tournament on inflatable pitches and seemed to have great fun, while senior players from different eras played a mini-tournament involving four matches, three of which were so close they had to be decided by penalty shoot-outs. Damien McGahan’s team emerged as winners.
A fundraising draw was held, supported by local sponsors, and the weekend concluded with a 'Beat the Keeper' competition as part of the Claremorris Agricultural Show, offering cash prizes.
Tony Cosgrove said the anniversary was a proud moment, not just for the founding members but for all who had contributed over four decades.
“My main ambition was to start a club that would last, and it has. This is a very welcoming town and I’ve been glad to live here and to be part of this club,” he said.
Tony Gleeson paid tribute to the many volunteers who have sustained the club’s growth.
“It takes a lot of work by committees and a lot of money to keep things going. The support we have had over the years has been incredible,” he said.
Peter Browne summed up the change since the early days.
“It’s a different club now, but it’s the same club at heart. It’s continuously growing and evolving.”
The Claremorris and District Lions Club will host its annual trivia table quiz on Thursday, September 19th, in the Dalton Inn.
President James Preston said the event is “a quiz night for all members of the family”, with questions covering a wide range of general knowledge topics.
“It’s not a sportsman’s quiz,” he added. “There will be something to suit all ages.”
The evening will once again be compered by Ethan Jordan, who James described as having “done a fabulous job on it last year”.
Proceeds from the quiz will support the Dance Memory Club, held every Wednesday morning in Cúram, which provides social connection, music, dancing and laughter for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
James said the club has supported this cause for nearly ten years and spoke warmly about the atmosphere at the sessions.
“Oftentimes you see a couple out on the floor dancing, and you wouldn’t know who has the Alzheimer’s and who hasn’t because everyone is simply enjoying themselves,” he said. “People might not remember everyone in the room, but they’ll know every word of a song they learned in their youth.”
Teams of four are invited to take part in the quiz, with entry set at €40 per table. Registration opens at 8.30pm, with the quiz starting at 9pm. There will be “loads and loads” of spot prizes throughout the night, James promised, adding that “nearly every round is interrupted to give one out – but it flows very well and everyone has a ball".
Later in the month, the Lions Club will team up with the Claremorris Red Cross for a free diabetes and blood pressure awareness event in the Square on Saturday, September 27, from 12 noon to 3pm. Participants can have their blood sugar levels checked to see if further tests for diabetes are needed, and have their blood pressure taken. James said most people will “get the all clear there and then,” but some may be referred to their GP for follow-up. He expressed gratitude to the Red Cross for their expertise and to Mayo County Council for facilitating the event.
The club would be delighted to accept new members. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of every month at 8.30pm in the Dalton Inn, and all are welcome.
Martin and Catherine Cosgrove scooped €993 in last week’s Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 jackpot. Their winning Loyal Blue ticket proved lucky, and the couple were delighted to claim the prize.
Tickets for the draw are sold both online and in local shops and pubs, and the club extended sincere thanks to all who take part weekly. Every entry helps fund player development and ongoing improvements at the club grounds.
Congratulations to Collette Kelly, who won €400 in the latest Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw. Collette’s winning ticket was purchased in Warde’s.
The club expressed its appreciation to all who entered, and reminded supporters that each ticket sold helps fund youth development and club improvements. Weekly draws are open to all, with tickets available in town outlets, pubs and online.
The death occurred of Val Conroy, 'Locodegi', Fortfield, Castlebar, and formerly of Clooncan, Hollymount, Claremorris, on August 9th. Val passed away peacefully at Hollymount Private Nursing Home.
Val was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Sabina (née Keaveney, Ballintubber) Conroy, and his brother Gerard. He will be sadly missed and forever loved by his heartbroken wife Christine (née Guilfoyle, Mayo Abbey), daughter Louise Cooper and her husband Gerard (Manchester), son Colin and his partner Leons (New York), daughter Debra Malone and her husband Eddie (Keelogues, Islandeady), daughter Gillian and her partner Stephen (Castlebar); cherished grandchildren Lisa, Nicole, Lee, Jack, Amanda, Brandon and Tiegan, and great-grandchildren Emily, Mia, Óisin, Odette, Harriett, Katie, Zoe and Robbie; sisters Teresa Sullivan (Leeds), Gaye Dempsey (Carlow), Carmel Egan (Clooncan) and Anne Stewart (Sligo); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, godchildren Linda Dempsey (Carlow), Frankie Murphy (Fortfield) and Robert Vahey (Robeen), cousins, relatives and many friends.
Val worked in the construction industry throughout his life and had a great love of sport, particularly handball. He won three All-Ireland Handball Championships with Mayo and Connacht, and was awarded the Mayo Sports Person of the Year by the . Above all, his devotion was to his beloved wife of 58 years and to his family, whose achievements he followed with pride.
Val’s remains reposed at his home in Castlebar on Tuesday evening last with removal on Wednesday morning to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar for Funeral Mass followed by burial in the New Cemetery, Castlebar.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Tom Fitzpatrick of Clare Lakes, Claremorris, and formerly of Lehinch, Hollymount, York (UK) and Dublin, who passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at Hollymount Nursing Home in his 92nd year.
Tom was predeceased by his parents John and Mary, sister Maureen, and brothers Jim and Michael. He will be deeply mourned by his loving partner Sally Fleming, children Alan, Ray, Anne, Helen and Mark and their mother Chrissie, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother Sean, sister Bridie, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, Sally’s children and grandchildren, extended relatives, friends, neighbours, and his longtime carer Joe Henaghan.
Tom’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris, on Wednesday evening last followed by burial in Roundfort Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Tony (Anthony) Waldron of Keenaghan, Ballymote, Co Sligo, and formerly of James Street, Claremorris. Tony died peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Tony was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Delia, and his brothers John and Bill. He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Maureen, daughter Lara, sons Anthony and Garry, son-in-law Ronan, daughter-in-law Kay, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Tony’s remains reposed at Perry’s Funeral Home, Ballymote, on Friday evening. Requiem Mass took place on Saturday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymote, followed by private cremation.
May he rest in peace.
