Local Notes: Irish Sign Language training workshop in Clogher
A dedicated group of participants at the Irish Sign Language training workshop pictured at Clogher Community Centre with their tutor Cuilleann Bourke.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,800 on Sunday night, August 30. 15, 26, 28 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Sarah Foy, Caroline Corbett, Joseph Conroy, Hugh Corley, Marie Duffy and Michael and Cillian Nestor. The lotto jackpot stood at €7,900 for last Sunday night’s draw.
Construction work has started at Ballintubber Abbey. The work is being carried out by Cunningham Civil and Marine as the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Project moves into an exciting new phase. After years of planning and work behind the scenes, it’s incredible for all associated with the Abbey to see real progress taking shape on the ground. There’s a long journey ahead, but the next glorious chapter of Ballintubber Abbey is well and truly underway.
Ballintubber underage teams have enjoyed a mixed week in competition. Ballintubber minors overcame a stern challenge from Ballina Stephanites in the “B” championship final winning on a scoreline of 2-16 to 1-16. It was a tremendous entertaining game. Ballina were pressing hard all through especially towards the end of the game but the Abbeyside persevered and showed immense character for a team with many 17-year-olds.
In the U14 ‘A’ championship final, Ballintubber had a tremendous joust with Ardnaree in a match that went to extra time. Finally, the North Mayo boys gained the upper hand winning by two points on a scoreline of 1-16 to 3-7. It took a brilliant late save from the Ardnaree keeper, Archie Mulhern to deny Eoin Flatley’s effort and deny Ballintubber the victory. It was nice to see these two teams coming from clubs with a limited player population base contesting the prestigious U14 ‘A’ final.
Yoga classes start back after the summer break on this Tuesday, September 8, from 7.30–8.30pm in Ballyglass Community Centre. A 4-week block costs €50, and there are limited spaces. Beginners welcome. Contact Emma on 087 997 3357.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, August 31, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 31 and 36. Katie Loftus matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Peter Quinn, Joe Maloney, Benny Browne, and Denise Walsh. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €19,200 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, August 31: 1st Tom Fitzpatrick and Michael Sweeney shared with Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes, 2nd Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan and 3rd Michael Loftus and Liam Davoren sharing with Kitty Rumley, Judy Clarke; Cathal Hennelly and Patricia Jennings. The best of last 10 prize went to Mary Brennan and Philip White, and the raffle winners were Jimmy Sheridan and Breege Jennings. The games continue every Monday night from 9pm in the community centre.
A new series of art classes commenced on Monday, September 7 from 6.30 to 8.30pm in Ballyglass Community Centre. Beginners very welcome. Contact Nora for further information on 087 9729672.
Mayo Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland are having their annual church gate collection on September 12 and 13. All monies raised stay within the Co. Mayo community.
Lough Carra LIFE Project are thrilled to share the latest feature in the Catchments Newsletter. It’s been amazing to see science, local partnerships, and the brilliant community come together to protect the beautiful lake. A massive thank you is extended to the 60 local farmers working with Carra LIFE. Because of your support, they have already planted over 800 native trees, put up 22km of fencing, and created 71 hectares of buffer zones to keep the waters clean. They are heading into the final two years now, and they are fully focused on keeping this momentum going for the future. Check out the full story and see how the project is shaping up at the live link below. https://www.loughcarralife.ie.
Everyone had a great day at the Moore Hall BioBlitz! The Lough CarraLife Project was delighted to take part in a fantastic BioBlitz at Moore Hall on Saturday, August 22, together with the Lough Carra Association (LCCA), their wonderful ambassadors, and River Basin Management Services (RBMS), who also attended on the day.
It was a fantastic opportunity to explore, discover and learn more about the amazing biodiversity and natural heritage of the Lough Carra area. There were lots to see, plenty of interesting information shared, and a great atmosphere throughout the day.
The organisers extend big thank you to the Heritage Council for sponsoring the event, and to everyone who helped organise and those who took part — especially all the LCCA ambassadors who gave their time and support on the day.
It was an enjoyable day of learning, sharing knowledge and celebrating the wonderful natural environment around Lough Carra.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice are looking for community groups, individuals, schools, or workplace etc to host a coffee morning/evening on National Coffee morning for Hospice on Thursday, September 24, or any date that suits. Coffee and posters will be provided. Contact 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie or register online at https://www.hospice.ie/ fundraising/coffee-morning/
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Fuair Seán Ó Conghaile (Iar-phríomhoide, Coláiste Muire), Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo, agus Cnoc na Radharc, Gaillimh bás go suaimhneach i ospís Mhaigh Eo, lena gclann timpeall air, ar an 27ú Lúnasa 2026.
Fear céile ionmhain d’Áine agus athair d’Eoin, Colm agus Tríona. Cúis mhór bróin a bhás dá gclann, dá gcliamhaineacha Collette, Tanya agus Eoin agus dá garchlann Kate, Ciara, Seán, Clíodhna, Cóilín, Rónán agus Fíadh. Méala mór freisin a bhás dá gcuid deirfiúracha Pauline, Barbara agus Marion, agus dá ndeartháireacha Noel agus Tony, chomh maith lena gcuid nianna, neachtanna, ghaolta, chomharsan agus a chairde. Deartháir do Kathleen agus Mícheál agus mac d’Éamonn agus Síle nach maireann.
Bhi sé á thórramh i Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ón 6pm i.n go dtí 7.30 i. n Aoine 28ú Lúnasa.
Bhi an t-aifreann socraide ar an Satharn an 29ú Lúnasa ag 11 r.n. le créamadh ina ndiaidh.
Seán Ó Conghaile Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mhaigh Eo, and Prospect Hill, Galway (retired Principal, Coláiste Muire), passed away on the 27th of August 2026, in the wonderful care of the team at Mayo Hospice. Sean will be fondly remembered for his contribution to Coláiste Mhuire down the years and to his adopted community of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. Many former pupils have fond memories of his time as principal for his understanding, ability, and humour. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends who held him in the highest regard.
He is predeceased by his sister Kathleen and his brother Mícheál and his parents Éamonn and Síle. He is deeply regretted by his wife Áine (née O’Hora, Tuam), their family, Eoin, Colm and Tríona, daughters-in-law, and son-in-law-in-law, Colette, Tanya and Eoin, beloved Daideo to Kate, Ciara, Seán, Clíodhna, Cóilín, Rónán and Fíadh, his sisters Pauline, Barbara and Marion and his brothers Noel and Tony and all his nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
There was a large attendance present as his remains reposed at Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh on the Friday evening, August 28, from 6 to 7.30pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, August 29, at 11am in St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. Cremation took place afterwards. Fear uasal cumasach at lár a thug saothar saoil do theanga agus cultur na nGael. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
The death has taken place of Breege Heneghan (née Morrin) Ballygowan, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, formerly of Tourmakeady, Co. Mayo. Breege who passed away peacefully on August 28, after an illness fought with great courage and dignity, surrounded by her loving family. Breege was a kind and caring teacher in Mount Saint Michael and all the schools in which she served. She was loved by her pupils and colleagues alike and gave great service as an Irish teacher, a trans-yr-coordinator and later as vice principal. She was hugely respected in all facets of her life, and her passing is hugely regretted by multiple friends and acquaintances.
Breege was predeceased by her parents Bridget and Patrick, her sister Peggy and brother Larry. Beloved wife of Bertie and devoted mother of Áine, Niall and Cathal. Breege will be deeply regretted by her loving family, daughters-in-law Lesley and Lisa, Áine’s partner Michael, her cherished grandchildren Billy, Rían and Emma, sisters Mary, Noreen and Ann, brother Paddy, nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, neighbours, to whom sincere condolences are extended.
The family have expressed their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin, who cared for Breege with extraordinary compassion, respect, and dignity throughout her illness. Breege’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Monday, August 31, from 5.30pm with removal at 7.30pm to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris. Her Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, September 1, at 1pm in St Colman’s Church, Claremorris, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heave.
Tourmakeady Wood Parkrun runs every Saturday meeting in the carpark of the wood at 9.30am. This is a timed 5k route. It is a vibrant community event and encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy outdoors and connecting with others. It is also completely free. It is open to walkers, joggers, runners, families and dogwalkers if the dog is on a short leash. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, August 29, stood at €20,000. 14, 16, 18 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Sarah Mulroe was the online draw winner.
Congratulations are extended to Isadora Ni Grenchain, a student of Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic €Éadaigh who received top marks of 625 in her Leaving Certificate Exam. Generally, Coláiste Muire students did very well in the 2026 exam. Congrats to the pupils and teachers.
Down Syndrome Church Gate collection will be taken up at all churches in the parish on September 12 and 13.
Partry Athletic are delighted to announce the club lotto is now open for renewals with the new lotto season to commence in mid-September. The draw will be based on the bonus ball selected from the main National Lottery draw on Wednesday nights and winners will be notified. Weekly winners will receive €50 and the yearly subscription is €130. Monies raised go towards club running costs and the development of club facilities which benefits all users. Payment can be made instantly via PayPal with other payment methods available such as cheques or cash. For further details contact any committee member or call 087 9957761.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Recent winners were Ruari Conroy and family and Jim Durkin and family.
Western Alzheimer’s are organising a ‘Peak of the Reek’ Community Climb. Join local families, individuals, and groups climbing Croagh Patrick on next Saturday, September 12. Walk for a loved one or enjoy a community day out. All funds support care for local families living with dementia in the West. Register at westernalzheimers.ie or contact 094 9364900 for further details.
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The death has occurred of Nora Barrett (nee Boyle) Drumdoagh – Drimcurrabawn, Breaffy, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Nora passed away on August 30, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in Claremount Nursing Home, Claremorris, surrounded by her loving family. Highly respected among her peers Nora loved a game of 25 cards and together with her late husband Jimmy, they were well known at local venues on the card playing circuit. Predeceased by her husband Jimmy and brother Eddie Boyle (Irishtown), Nora is deeply regretted by her sons John, Seamus and Kenneth, daughters Maureen (Hanlon), Patricia (O’Boyle) and Rhona (Kilcommins), sisters Mary Kelly (Irishtown), Bridget Callan (Stoke-on-Trent) and Kitty and Michael O’Connor (Castlebar), sister-in-law Alice Barrett (Manulla), daughters-in-law Ann, Margaret and Fiona, sons-in-law John, Michael and Tomás, grandchildren Jamie, Sean, Neil, Emily, Thomas, Aoife, Ciarán, Fergus, Eilís, Rachel, Sarah, Daragh, Ava, Lauren, Isabelle and Rubyanna, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Nora’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Tuesday, September 1, from 5pm with removal at 7pm to St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning at 11.30am followed by burial ceremonies afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery.
Commiserations to Breaffy Rounders ladies’ team, who unfortunately lost 16-15 to Limekiln recently in the Senior Women’s Final in NGDC Abbottstown. Breaffy have been fantastic Champions, winning the last 4 All Irelands in a row, setting the standard and raising the bar in senior rounders and hopefully they will be back again next year. On September 13, Breaffy mixed team play Glynn Barntown, Wexford in the senior mixed final in Mallow.
All finals are being live-streamed with full commentary on Sport TG4's YouTube channels. Best wishes to all.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, September 1, had the numbers 3, 11, 15 and bonus number 4 drawn. The jackpot stands at £22,200 on this Tuesday night, September 8.
Belcarra’s annual sports day and townlands tug a war will now take place on September 20, at 2.30pm. There will be traditional games, fun for all the family, super prizes, a food truck, and ice cream. There are loads of new fun additions to this year. It will be a day not to be missed.
Congratulations to Cuffe Car Sales, Belcarra who has been named the Connacht winner of the Best Online Marketing category in the Q2 CarsIreland.ie Dealership Awards. The Mayo dealership received the prestigious award for its customer-focused digital strategy, engaging online presence and commitment to making the car-buying journey as easy as possible. Sponsored by Wilsons Auctions, the category recognises independent dealerships setting new digital standards in the Irish motor industry. The Cars Ireland Dealership Awards recognise brilliance in marketing, innovation, and customer care across the Irish motor industry. Winners are selected by an independent panel of automotive and marketing experts from a competitive pool of entries submitted across all four provinces. Congrats to all.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, August 30, was 4, 8, 28 and 29. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Marie Reilly, Joe Thomas, Mary Cunningham, and Janice Kenny. The weekend jackpot stood at €8,100 on last Sunday night, September 6.
Every Wednesday at 6.45am starting on September 16 participants can start the day early and strong at Belcarra Sports Centre.
It will be a splendid work out and give more energy for your day. All fitness levels welcome. Contact Adrian to book your spot at 086 0581956.
Fun2Bfit, September to October term is coming. Belcarra Centre is excited to welcome participants back to class on Thursday, September 10, at 6.30pm for a 7 week term.
The Fun2BFit classes bring together popular dance routines, trending TikToks, and fitness games in a fun and supportive environment.
Along the way, children work on teamwork, co-ordination, timing, social skills, and self-confidence while having plenty of fun. Suitable for boys and girls aged 3.5 to 12 years. The fees are; 1 child €49, 2 children €95 and 3 children €140.
Chair Yoga will be starting this Tuesday, September 8 in Belcarra. The classes are beginner friendly. Message Emma for more information and to book your place call 087 9973357.
The Belcarra baby and toddler group is back on Wednesdays running from10.30-12 noon. It is open to all babies, toddlers and preschool children accompanied by their parent or minder.
Back to routine, back to running and racing? Why not take an hour out for yourself and join Breda for this superb Yoga class.
Yoga classes will resume on Wednesday, September 23, and will run on September 30 and October 7, 14, 21 and 28 for a 6-week block in Belcarra Community Centre. The cost is €60. Contact Breda to book your spot on 087 773 8312.
Thank you from Ballyheane / Ballintubber Community First Responders recent bucket collection Thaks to all who helped and donated. Amont raised was €3,104.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 10 to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a chair yoga session. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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Balla Community Centre is preparing for an evening celebrating culture, community, music, food, and togetherness to mark Culture night on September 18.
Regina Durcan will be running Physio-Led Pilates at Balla Community Centre on Wednesdays at 6pm and 7pm.
It will be suitable for all levels, with a focus on strength, core stability, flexibility, and balance. Osteoporosis-friendly too.
For more information or to book: call 089 420 3098 or email durcan.physio.pilates@gmail.com.
All at Balla Community Centre are thrilled to welcome Mayo Performance Academy back this September with a brand-new term of Speech and Drama classes for children. A free taster class takes place on Wednesday, September 9, giving children the chance to experience the classes before committing to the 10-week term beginning on September 16. To register for a free taster session or to find out more, please email june@mayoperformance.ie.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, August 27, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €10,800. 7, 22, 23 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Mary O'Brien (online), Martin Brennan (online), and Barbara Kearns (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, September 3, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €10,900.
The jackpot has commenced again and stood at €1,400 on last Sunday, September 6. Manulla FC are deeply grateful for the continuing support of the community.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young women aged 14–18 to build strength, confidence, and healthy habits in a supportive environment. Starting Tuesday, September 15, at 5.15pm the 6 weeks course will run in Balla Community Centre. Its €60 for the 6-week block. Places are limited, so contact Michelle to book michelleoconnorfitness@gmail.com or phone 089 4437407.
Balla Centre staff are delighted to be welcoming new dancers to the Balla classes this September. Tots & Tutus for children ages 3–6 are on Tuesdays from 4-4.50pm; Jazz and Contemporary also on Tuesdays from 4.50–5.50pm in Balla Community Centre. Book your place here: https://dance-concepts.classforkids.io/?venueName=Balla%20-%20Mayo.
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Congratulations to all the Ballintubber GAA minor team and their management on their epic Minor B Championship recent win in McHale Park against Ballina Stephanites. Special congratulations to the 6 former Errew NS pupils on the team, Captain, Padraig Kilcoyne, Conor Hoban, Finnian Brady, Ciaran Earley, Cian Brady and Seán Prendergast. Congrats also to their manager Michael Hoban and his coaching staff and selectors on a fine achievement with a young team.
Congratulations to the nine people who recently completed a six-night course in Clogher Community Centre on Irish Sign Language. The course was delivered by Cuilleann Bourke and the participants learned some of the basics of ISL including everyday greetings, introductions, numbers, colours, family, common phrases, and simple conversation.
The results of the card game for Friday, August 28, were 1st, Mary Morrin and Breege Blake, 2nd Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey, 3rd Martin Moran, and Tom Fitzpatrick. The last 10 winners were Eileen Donnelly and Gus Sweeney shared with Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Supporters of the Clogher 500 Club who bought their tickets for the past year, note all draws have taken place. To be in with a chance for the current and upcoming draws supporters must sign up again at https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/X45TU2GQCI or contact any member of the committee.
Errew Re-turn bin has raised €470 for the centre so far this year. Help the community to raise more than the €700 raised in 2025 by donating your cans and bottles to Errew Community Centre.
All donations raised go towards the electricity running costs of the community building and are greatly appreciated.
