Local Notes: Kiltane GAA Club present cheque to lotto jackpot winner.

Congratulations to Geraldine Padden, proudly accepting the Kiltane GAA €17,000 lotto jackpot on behalf of her grandson Kyle. Wishing them both many happy moments with this amazing win. They are pictured with club members John Munnelly, Richard Cosgrove and others.
The draw was held on March 23, and the numbers drawn were; 21, 23, 31 and 33 with no winner for the jackpot €10,100. The house prize of €100 was won by Brendan Murray, Cornboy and the €30 offline winners were Lee Lavelle, Knocknalower and Michael King, Glengad. The €30 online winners were Karen McDonnell, Cornboy and Laura Gibbons, Belmullet. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on March 30 increased to €10,200. The offline winner of Connaught v Munster tickets was Adam/Leah Irwin, Swinford and the online winner of Connaught v Munster rugby ticket was Michael Moran, Gortleatilla.
Connor Kilker Coaching will return to Erris Utd over the Easter for three days from April 14-16 from 10.30am til 2.30pm, and it is suitable for boys and girls aged 6-14 years. For more information call Connor on 083 1753142.
Tullaghan Bay Rowing and community were truly saddened recently at the passing of Mike Goonan. Mike’s family home is at The Ferry, Tullaghan, a place the club also calls home and the home of Cruinniú na mBád. It is a place of great beauty and history, of which Mike was so proud and protective. Mike would ensure every year that The Ferry was looked after, people welcomed and that things were right. He had such a strong presence and stature and an encouraging way of leading.
He had the gift of remembering in such detail. Mike would re-count a boat race won, while an All-Ireland final was listened to on the radio at The Ferry. He’d know the score, the result, the weather and how Kiltane were doing at the time. The conversation would of course go on to the Government of the day and what was or wasn’t happening in the area, and the consequences.
He had a lovely acceptance of the natural progression of life too. Young people were reminded to enjoy their youth; parents encouraged to enjoy their families. Every year of Cruinniú na mBád he would remind everyone how lucky they were to have had such an enjoyable day and days in the lead up to the event. He knew the importance of enjoying life.
There is no doubt there will be many tributes paid to Mike at his sad passing. He had many talents and characteristics and he achieved many things not widely known in the community - but that was another gift he had. He was a private person.
Tullaghan Bay Rowing would often call on Mike when paying tribute to someone; he could so easily capture a person in a few words or memories. He focused very much on the positive. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and he will be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
Another super day of darts was held in Castlebar at the Mayo Districts Championships. A massive well done to the Erris 3rd team winning the bowl, coming back from 5-2 down in the final against Castlebar 3 to win 7-6. It was an absolute testament to the spirit and togetherness across all of the teams that came out on top to become the inaugural bowl winners and ensuring they had silverware to carry across the bridge in Corrick for a second year in a row. Well done to the 2nd team for reaching the plate final, narrowly losing out to Westport 2 but providing some brilliant moments and memories on the day.
The first teams reign as county champions came to an end in the main semi-final against a very strong Castlebar (1) side who went on to claim the title. A big thanks to Martin Geraghty as always for running a super event, a massive shout out to Mary Murray for her brilliant work on their social media, keeping everyone up to date throughout the day and too all the supporters that came to watch throughout the day. Finally, the club extend thanks ‘to all the players and managers that represented Erris Darts at the event. The atmosphere was top class, and it's a credit to each and every one of you’.
Sinn Féin recent brought a motion to the Dáil calling on the government to properly fund the National Ambulance Service.Years of underinvestment and staff shortages have pushed services to the brink, putting both patients and frontline workers at risk.
It is time to invest, tackle this crisis, and ensure staff has the resources they need to deliver the care the communities deserve. This is a huge issue in Erris, way too many incidents where people were left waiting hours for an ambulance. Full respect to the amazing ambulance crew who are fantastic, but they are pulled all over the county or country, often leaving Erris with no ambulance cover. This has to change urgently.
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family of John Larry Geraghty, Leam, Clogher; Angela Connor née McArdle, Tallagh Road, Belmullet and formerly of Nottingham, England; Frank O’Boyle, Tallagh Road, Belmullet and formerly of Ardmore Lake, Binghamstown and Grantham, Lincolnshire; Michael Goonan better known as Mike, Tallaghan Bawn (The Ferry) Geesala; and Anne Wilson née Togher, Drum, Clogher. May they all rest in peace.
A big thank you to everyone who came out recently to support Chloe Coyle on her All Ireland Boxing success. Chloe is an inspiration to all the young club members. It was another great night for the club in the National Stadium. Chloe Coyle had her hand raised after giving an exhibition of boxing in the All-Ireland final to become champion. Well done to all it has been a long hard journey to get to this moment in time, it was also a very special moment for her coach and dad James who has put in endless hours.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club weekly lotto jackpot of €5,100 with the €50 winners being Aaron Barrett, Geesala and Leah Calpin, Doohoma, while Peter McDonagh, Geesala and William Doherty, Shragraddy both won €25. The two online winners were Sandra Carey, Ballina, €50 and Cora Clarke, Dublin €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor tonight, Tuesday, April 1, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €650 in 48 calls or less.
The Belmullet Autism Friendly Town committee will host Champion training on Thursday, April 10, at 6pm, in Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet. This is open to all businesses in the Erris area. The training equips businesses and organisations with the knowledge and tools to create autism-friendly environments enhance customer experiences and foster workplace inclusivity. This is a specialised training programme in partnership with AsIAm, a national charity which is autistic-led and dedicated to working for autistic people and their families. The workshop is a great opportunity to empower your business to become more inclusive and to be a champion for positive change. Email belmulletautismfriendlytown@gmail.com now to sign up for the workshop or to find out more information.
Erris Utd thank everyone for taking part in their Sports Genius fundraiser, and to their sponsors Platt Reilly and Belbridge Developments. The majority of people went with Ireland in the rugby and with them not even coming second it could prove costly. Some went with France because of Dupont and then they didn't even need him, massive ten points. Willie, Gavin and Henry had a super Cheltenham which meant a high scoring 20 winners at the races. Such strange events mean that only two people have maximum points after two events. Well done Grainne Conroy and Cillían Reilly, with only 20 events to go they can't be caught.
The transition year students of Our Lady’s Secondary School delighted audiences with their vibrant and energetic recent production of Grease, performed to a full house on two unforgettable nights. The show, which showcased the incredible talent and dedication of the students, was met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations.
In addition to the evening performances, the cast also treated local primary school children to a special matinee on Tuesday, giving young audience members a taste of musical theatre magic. The production was a resounding success, bringing the beloved story and iconic songs to life with outstanding performances, dynamic choreography, and impressive stage design.
A special thank you to the wonderful band - consisting of past pupils George Maloney, John Ruddy, and Tara Hayes, whose incredible musicianship added so much to the show; to Ms Shauna Gallagher and Ms McAndrew for their outstanding dedication and commitment to yet another fantastic musical production at Our Lady’s Secondary School. Their hard work and passion truly brought this show to life.
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to all our generous sponsors who made this event possible. Your support played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the production, allowing students to gain invaluable experience and create lasting memories. Congratulations to the cast, crew, and everyone involved in making Grease a truly spectacular show.
Naíonra Gleann na Muaidhe invites tenders from registered contactors for proposed construction works (installation and alteration works) to be undertaken in the pre-school building at Bun Altaí, Gleann na Muaidhe. For specifications of the proposed works contact Treasa on 087 1251642 or e-mail dunchaochain1@gmail.com before Friday, April 4.
On Saturday, April 5, CLG Cill Chomáin will welcome John F Kennedy's GAA club from Leeds to an U8's and U10's blitz. John F Kennedy's have major ties to the Erris area and with Cill Chomáin, Béal an Mhuirthead and Erris St Pat's all taking part it promises to be a great day for underage football in Erris.
Blitzes will take place in Cill Chomáin, starting with U10's blitz at 11am, U8's blitz at 1pm and U11 Cill Chomáin v John F Kennedy's at 3.30pm.