Local Notes: Kathy Driscoll, Bunmore, Ballycroy celebrates her 101st birthday.
Congratulations to Kathy Driscoll from Bunmore in Ballycroy who reached her 101st birthday recently pictured with her son Michael and Fr Chris Ginnelly after she planted a tree in the church grounds to mark her 100th birthday back in 2025. The community wish her well in her 101 year.
The draw was held on October 18, and the numbers drawn were 22, 25, 27 and 30 for a jackpot €5,300 with no winner. The house prize of €100 was Conor McAndrew, Knocknalower and the 2 x €30 offline winners were Kayleigh Gallagher, Gorthbrack and Rocha McGuire, Parkbawn. The 2 x €30 online winners were Noel Curley, Dublin and Leah Irwin, Swinford. The jackpot in the draw which was held on October 25, in McGuires, Pullathomas was €5,400.
There was 6 winners in the Club Development Draw No 4. 1st prize of €5,000 was won by Gerry Moran, Barrnacullew, Pullathomas and 3rd prize was won by Michael D McAndrew, Lacken. The 4 x €200 winners were Fabien Healy, Muinginaune, Kate Midmer, England c/o Kieran Moran, Lily and Feile Coyle, Knocknalower and AJ Deane, Gorthbrack.
Ballycroy was at the centre of all the excitement recently when the Sam Maguire Cup rolled into town, with Ryan O’Donoghue and Seamus Howard making sure all three schools were given time with them and the famous cup and villages and locals never imagined they would get the chance to see him, bringing a wave of excitement wherever he went. What made it more special was Stephen and Eoin were on hand to proudly make sure that young and old got their picture and make memories for those who didn’t make it to Croke Park. The sea of red and green was a sight to behold, with Mayo pride shining through at every stop, and the best part? Sam hasn't even made his way to the GAA club yet.
Congratulations to Belmullet ladies who were winners of the Junior (B) championship shield final against Kilcommon recently and Molly McManamon on getting player of the match. They came out on top with a score line of 2-11 to 0-10.
There was a fantastic day recently for the RNLI fundraising Golf Classic 2026. Congratulations to all the prize winners, and a sincere thank you to everyone who took part and supported such a worthy cause. A special word of thanks to the incredible sponsors, particularly the many local businesses whose generosity and continued support helped make the event such a success. Events like this are a wonderful reminder of the strength and generosity of the community, and Carne Golf Links is delighted to play a part in supporting the incredible, lifesaving work of the RNLI. RNLI are delighted to announce that Carne will once again host Fundraising Golf Classic in 2027.
You are warmly invited to attend the annual general meeting of Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSéadhna Teo (CFCT) on November 23, beginning at 8pm in Geesala Community Centre. Come along to hear about their work, review the year’s progress, and learn more about the services and activities supporting our local community. Your community, your services, your voice.
There was plenty of excitement, teamwork and brainpower on display recently as the school welcomed pupils from primary schools across Erris for the annual Maths Week Quiz. The teams put their mathematical skills to the test with a range of fun challenges and puzzles, and it was brilliant to see everyone getting involved and enjoying themselves. Well done to the 5th year students who helped with the organisation and running of the quiz.
Congratulations to the winning teams: 1st Belmullet NS, 2nd Drumgallagh NS, and 3rd Aughalasheen NS. Well done also to all the lucky raffle winners.
Erris Family and Community Support Centre, in conjunction with Mindspace Mayo, has organised safe talk training on Thursday, November 26. This is suicide alertness training that prepares participants to identify and engage with persons who may be having thoughts of suicide. They would like to invite as many people as possible from local organisations, GAA and sports clubs, and the wider local community to get involved and be trained in safe TALK, so they encourage everyone to take part.
The training date is set for Thursday, November 26, from 6-9.30pm (registration 5.45pm) in the Irish Wheelchair Association, Logmore. Make sure to register on https://bookwhen.com/srotrainin.../e/ev-sirk2-20261126180000 or you will not be confirmed to take part in this training.
The 3rd annual Pete Lavelle Memorial Doubles competition takes place Sunday, November 15, at 4pm in The Valley Inn, Pullathomas. It is always a cracking days darts with it being double teams (bring your own partner) and a round robin format on the day.
Who will follow in the footsteps of Aiden and Tom in 2024 and Noel and Cathal in 2025 and become this year's champions. A raffle on the day is in aid of Pullathomas Graveyard. The event is confined to Erris players.
There is a fundraising quiz night Friday, October 30, in the Western Strands Hotel beginning at 9pm, with teams of 4 - €40 with a raffle on the night and amazing prizes. All funds raised will go to Belmullet Swimming Club towards swim lesson equipment and instructor training.
Belmullet Tidal Pool have been very busy all summer teaching swimming and water safety to adults and children, seeing many milestones and achievements being smashed. They have also been working away behind the scenes helping trainee instructors and lifeguards hit their own milestones and achievements. A huge well done and congratulations and thank you to; Treasa, Aoibhe, Ellice and Jean being awarded their Assistant Swim Teachers Awards; Michelle progressing in her Swim Teacher Tutor training; Treasa, Aoibhe and Ellice being awarded their Water Safety Instructor Certificate; Billy, Leah and Amy on their level 2 lifeguard revalidation; Aoibhe B, Ellice, Jean, Fiona, Ruby, Sean, Saoirse and Aoibhe C achieving the level 2 pool lifeguard awards; and Michelle being awarded her Water Safety Ireland Examiners Certification and she were delighted to have James McLaughlin present this certificate.
Belmullet Tidal Pool have also had many of their crew complete their safeguarding, first aid, PAWS training for national schools, disability inclusion and autism awareness.
The second Annual Tom Doocey Memorial Darts event will be held on Sunday, November 1, in the Valley Inn Bar in Pullathomas beginning with the Youths (U18 on the day) at 1pm. The main event begins at 4pm and is confined to Erris. There will be a raffle on the day with all proceeds to Erris Defib and all donations and spot prizes welcome.
The Shraigh Tractor run will be held on November 7 beginning at 6pm and entry is €20 and starting in Shraigh Banks, doing a loop and finishing at the Castle Inn in Glencastle with refreshments and music afterwards.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €7,000 with the two €50 winners being Monica Henry, West End Bar and Seamus Henry, West End Bar, while Oscar and Ellie Barrett, Geesala and Michael Gillespie, Bellacorick both won €25. The two online winners were Mary Ginty, Doohoma €50 and Packie Sweeney, Geesala €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, October 27, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €500 in 45 calls or less.
Erris Workability supports people with challenges to build confidence, develop skills and explore employment opportunities. They tailor the support to your needs and at a pace that suits you. Everyone’s journey is different, and they are there to help you take the next step towards your goals. Is féidir linn tacú leat chun do spriocanna a bhaint amach – ar do luas féin. For more information, contact Siobhan on 087 499 6605. Eligibility criteria applies.
As part of the travel independence initiative between Erris Workability, TFI Local Link Mayo and Sláintecare Healthy Communities North West Mayo, a group travelled to Dublin recently and spent a brilliant day at the Wayfinding Centre. The full-scale Luas, DART carriage, double-decker bus and Airbus plane, plus the realistic streetscape, made for a truly hands-on and unique experience. It’s a wonderful, low-stress way to practise using public transport, and the mock airport is a real gem for anxious or first-time flyers.
The visit gave everyone a real insight into the everyday accessibility challenges faced by people of all abilities and disabilities. It is highly recommended for families, schools, community groups and professionals alike – ar fheabhas.
Míle buíochas to all involved on the day, including Eve and the Wayfinding Centre staff and Stephen from Gaughan Travel.
Erris Family and Community Support Centre supported by Mayo, Sligo Leitrim ETB are delighted to introduce Erris Skills Share Community Education Programme, an exciting six-week programme bringing people together to share practical skills and learn from one another. It will be led by members of the community, and taster workshops will include: sewing skills and pin cushion making workshop with Atty Gaughan; Baking with Nessa from Butty’s Kitchen; Woodturning with the Erris Men’s Shed; the basics of mending and repairing clothes with John from JP Sewing; Spring bulb planting workshop with Baile Slachtmhar Bhéal an Mhuirthead/ Belmullet Tidy Towns.
Come along to try something new, discover useful skills for everyday life, and get to know others in the community.
The programme is starting on Monday, November 2, and running every Monday until December 7, from 6-8.30pm with light refreshments provided and all materials will be provided. The venue varies week to week. Places are limited, so booking is essential. To register or express an interest in sharing a skill, contact Brandon on 087 457 9658 or community@errisfcsc.ie.
