Local notes: Housing plans submitted for Kiltimagh
Terry McDonagh addressing the gathering in the Museum, at the unveiling of the latest addition to the Kiltimagh Poetry Trail.
Plans have been lodged for a new residential development of 14 houses on the Balla Road in Kiltimagh, adding to the continuing investment in housing and development in the town.
Seamus O’Brien & Sons Builders Ltd is seeking planning permission for the development at Cordarragh, Kiltimagh, on a site across just off the Balla Road. The proposal provides for the construction of 14 dwelling houses together with a new site entrance, connections to public services and all associated site works.
The application represents another potentially significant addition to the housing stock in Kiltimagh at a time when the availability of new homes is an important consideration for the future growth of towns throughout the county. A development of this scale would provide a substantial cluster of additional housing on one of the principal approaches to Kiltimagh, while extending residential development in an area where housing is already well established.
The application will now go through the normal planning process, during which members of the public will have an opportunity to make submissions or observations. The closing date for submissions is October 25, with a decision on the application due by November 15.
If approved, the development would represent a further expansion of Kiltimagh’s residential base.
Kiltimagh has seen a number of development proposals and investments emerge in recent times, and the latest housing application adds another element to that activity. While the proposal remains subject to the planning process, the construction of 14 new homes would be a sizeable residential development for the town and would bring a currently proposed site on the Balla Road into residential use.
Kiltimagh Knock United has congratulated former player Owen Elding after he made his full international debut for Ireland as a late substitute in a 1–0 defeat against Kosovo on September 24.
Owen spent a season with KKU before continuing his football career with Manulla. He went on to join Sligo Rovers and is now with Scottish club, Hibernian. “Everyone at the club is delighted to see him take this much-deserved step in his footballing journey,” the club said.
St Louis’ Community School, Kiltimagh, will host two events during October, giving students and families an opportunity to explore education, training and career options as well as find out more about life at the school.
The first is a careers evening this Thursday, October 8 from 6pm to 8pm. More than 40 providers have been confirmed, bringing together a broad range of organisations representing different routes into further education, training and employment.
Third-level institutions and colleges of further education will be represented, along with apprenticeship bodies and local employers. The event will give those attending an opportunity to speak directly with representatives, ask questions and find out more about the different choices available after secondary school.
The career event is free of charge and is open not only to St Louis’ students and their parents, but also to members of the wider public. It may be of particular interest to young people considering their next step in education or employment and to parents looking for information on the range of options now available.
A week later, the school will open its doors for its Open Evening on Thursday, October 15. The evening begins at 6.30pm with an address by the principal.
Prospective students and their families will have an opportunity to visit the school, learn about the educational opportunities available and get a sense of school life at St Louis’. The open evening will highlight the school’s emphasis on learning, opportunity and a supportive school community.
The two October events offer an opportunity for families to gather information about both the transition to secondary school and the education, training and employment pathways available to students as they prepare for life after school.
Coillte Pickleball members Colin Thompson and Christina Morley celebrated success recently when they brought home a gold medal from a Galway pickleball tournament. It was the pair’s first competition and the club said it was very proud of their achievement and of the continued growth of pickleball locally.
The club now runs five sessions each week and is encouraging anyone interested in trying the sport to come along. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and can be played as singles or doubles, making it an accessible and social way to keep active.
Sessions include Saturday mornings from 10.30am to 12 noon and Mondays from 7pm to 8.30pm at Aghamore Centre. Further information on the club and its sessions is available from Teresa on 089-4841267.
The latest addition to the Kiltimagh Poetry Trail was unveiled at the Sculpture Park, with an evening of poetry and music continuing afterwards at Kiltimagh Museum, last week.
Dr Colette Nic Aodha began proceedings by reading and unveiling her own poem, , before Anthony Raftery’s was unveiled. Dr Nic Aodha was joined for the unveiling by local stonemason Dominic Fannon and poet Seamus Ruttledge, while Ollie Burke performed the Raftery poem in song.
At the museum, Terry McDonagh gave a brief account of the life of Anthony Raftery, followed by readings from Dr Nic Aodha, Ger Reidy and local poets. Music was provided by Mick Griffin, Ailish Quinn, Declan Prendergast, Ollie Burke and Elenor McDonagh.
Kiltimagh Tidy Towns thanked Bernard and Catherine Begley of New York for sponsoring the event and for their continued support of Tidy Towns and the local arts group.
The Kiltimagh One Act Drama Festival returns to the Town Hall Theatre from Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15, with Irene O’Meara adjudicating.
Friday’s programme, beginning at 7.30pm, features Balally Players with ‘One For The Road’, Shannonside Drama Group with ‘Aubade’ and Doonbeg Drama Group with ‘The Tinkers’ Wedding’. On Saturday at 7.30pm, Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group presents ‘No Romance: A Desperate Business’, Clann Machua stages ‘Babysitting Calvin’ and Charlestown Drama Group presents ‘The Donahue Sisters’.
The final session begins at 5pm on Sunday, with Castleconnor Drama Group presenting ‘After’, Shed by the Road Productions staging ‘Elegy For A Lady’ and Carraig na bhFear presenting ‘Lucy In The Sky’.
Groups compete in either the Open or Confined sections of the One Act circuit, with the leading groups progressing to the All-Ireland Finals in December. Admission is €10 per night or €20 for a weekend pass, with tickets available at the door.
Kiltimagh GAA is encouraging people to get active with two programmes now running at Gilmartin Park. Men on the Move takes place each Friday from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and is open to men of all fitness levels, with the emphasis on exercise in a relaxed and social environment.
A Couch to 5k programme is also getting underway at Gilmartin Park on Thursday evenings from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those returning to running, with participants working towards completing a 5k.
Further information is available from James Boyle on 089-4054300.
Kiltimagh Mothers and Others has thanked Claire, Emmett and everyone at the Park Hotel for their sponsorship of the team’s new jerseys. The new kit has been very well received.
Adrian Carroll was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €636.
The club congratulated Adrian on his win and extended its thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to support the club’s ongoing activities.
Brian McNulty and Tom Durkin took first prize at the latest 25 Card Drive, with Geraldine Turbitt and Aiden McDonagh finishing second and Colette Lavelle and John Conneally taking third.
The Last 10 prize was shared by three pairings: Mary McGough and Miko Sheridan, Mary and Liam Moran, and Tom Walsh and Danny Doherty.
Alo Langan and Jack Ryan claimed the spot prize, while the raffle winners were Mary Doyle, James Walsh, John Clancy and Chris Flatley.
Michael Hopkins from Kiltimagh was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €354.
The club congratulated Michael on his win and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the proceeds helping to support the club’s activities.
There was plenty to play for in the fifteenth and final round of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora, with a number of Grand Final places still to be decided.
Derry O’Sullivan took his opportunity, winning the tournament and collecting enough points to move into a share of twelfth place in the final league standings and secure his seat at the Grand Final. Majella Gilmartin finished runner-up, Tiernan Burke was third and Andy Quinn fourth. The remaining finalists were Michael Sheridan, Keith Lydon, Paul Walsh, Alan Sheridan and Martin Regan.
Long-time leader Pat Boyle finished the league at the top of the table on 260 points, followed by Michael Sheridan on 247 and John Borza on 236. The remainder of the qualifying positions were John Reynolds (227), Enda Ruane (226), Paul Walsh (224), Michael Higgins (218), Majella Gilmartin (209), Alan Sheridan (195), Andy Quinn (195), Keith Lydon (190), Gerry Groarke (190) and Derry O’Sullivan (190). Those thirteen players qualify for the Grand Final and will be joined by Conor Byrne and Martin Regan, who secured their places through the playoff game.
A record prize pool of €3,535 will be on offer in the Grand Final, which will be played on a date agreeable to all the finalists. Pat Boyle will take the chip lead into the game with a starting stack of 41,000, followed by Michael Sheridan (36,700), John Borza (36,300), John Reynolds (31,200), Enda Ruane (29,600), Paul Walsh (28,400), Michael Higgins (27,300), Majella Gilmartin (25,900), Alan Sheridan (23,800), Andy Quinn (23,800), Derry O’Sullivan (22,800), Gerry Groarke (22,800), Keith Lydon (22,500), Martin Regan (18,100) and Conor Byrne (12,300).
Meanwhile, last week's regular game was played as a bounty tournament, with Alan Sheridan taking the win. Michael Higgins finished runner-up, with Keith Lydon third.
