Local Notes: Kiltimagh contingent enjoy Mayo dinner in London
Pictured at the 62nd annual Mayo Association London dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel were a group from Kiltimagh, from left: Callum Egan, Charlotte McEvaddy, Max Egan, Emily and Thomas McEvaddy, Niamh Roughneen and Rory O'Connell. Picture: Malcolm MacNally
Kiltimagh GAA Club has announced that its popular Coillte Cup will once again take place on St Stephen’s Day, bringing players, families and supporters together for a morning of football and festive community spirit at Gilmartin Park.
This year’s competition will open with the first semi-final between the Townies and Mountain/Balla at 11am, followed by the second semi-final at 11.30am, where Swinford/Bohola will take on Knock/Kilkelly.
The Shield Final is scheduled for midday and the Coillte Cup Final will round off the sporting action at 12.30pm.
All games are planned for the main grass pitch, weather permitting.
Before the match action builds to its climax, a special penalty shootout for U10 and U12 boys and girls will take place. It begins at 11.30am and will culminate in a final at noon, with prizes awarded on the day.
The organisers have confirmed that all matches in the tournament will be mixed, with men and women lining out together in 15-a-side teams. Each game will consist of ten-minute halves and rolling substitutions will be permitted throughout.
In a twist that has become a hallmark of the event, all points scored by female players will be worth double.
Players are being asked to arrive by 10.45am in order to sign the required waiver forms and must come fully togged out and ready to play.
Spectators can look forward to tea, coffee and cakes, and the club is encouraging families, children and supporters from across the community to come along and enjoy the day. Entry costs €10 per player, while visitors may make voluntary donations at the gate. All funds raised will go to two important causes - The Dillon Quirke Foundation and Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
Later that evening, the presentation of the Coillte Cup will take place in Tommy Ryan’s at 7pm. Anyone wishing to take part in the event can register using the link available on Kiltimagh GAA’s social media platforms.
Kiltimagh Knock United has received a significant boost with confirmation of a €50,564 grant under the 2025 CLÁR Programme. The funding will support the construction of a new two-bay spectator stand at the club’s grounds in Cloonlee, enhancing facilities for supporters and the wider community.
The announcement was made by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary during a visit to the club as part of the broader €12.3 million national allocation for 206 projects under the 2025 CLÁR scheme, which focuses on strengthening rural, community and Gaeltacht areas.
The new spectator stand represents an important investment in the club’s infrastructure, providing improved comfort and shelter for fans attending matches throughout the year. The grant ensures Kiltimagh Knock United can continue to develop high-quality amenities as the club grows both on and off the pitch.
Work on the project is expected to progress in the coming period, with the club expressing its appreciation for the support that will help deliver a long-awaited improvement to the grounds.
There was another lively night at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a strong turnout and plenty of close hands keeping the competition interesting.
Top honours went to Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell, who secured first place after a consistent showing throughout the evening. Second place was taken by the pairing of Michael Costello and Martin Regan, while third place was shared three ways. Finishing level were Aiden Lydon and Alo Langan, Mary and Liam Moran, and Denis Regan and Joe Corry.
The Last 10 prize went to Chris Flatley and Manus Kilcoyne. The spot prize was won by John Clancy and Pius Forde, while the raffle prizes went to Chris Flatley, John Clancy, Pius Forde and Aiden Lydon.
The Parents' Association of St Aidan’s National School, Kiltimagh, has opened its annual Christmas Raffle, supported once again by the generosity of local businesses.
The group is encouraging families and the wider community to shop locally this festive season in recognition of the businesses that continue to back the school.
A wide selection of prizes is on offer, with all proceeds going directly towards supporting St Aidan’s National School. The draw will take place this Thursday, December 18th, and winners will be notified afterwards.
Tickets are available to purchase online through the school’s social media channels. The Parents' Association thanks everyone for their support and sends warm Christmas wishes to the community.
Victim Assistance, the national charity supporting people affected by crime and trauma, celebrates its biggest fundraising initiative to date, a Christmas raffle offering a Nissan Qashqai Hybrid worth €44,000 as the top prize. The car has been supplied by Cleary Nissan Kiltimagh, making this one of the most substantial charity raffles in the region this year.
Tickets cost €20 each or three for €50 and are available now at www.victimassistance.ie. The draw will take place on this Saturday, December 20th.
The charity reports strong momentum as the draw approaches and is encouraging the public to give a final push of support. As Victim Assistance receives no government funding, the raffle is a crucial part of its efforts to sustain services throughout 2026 and into 2027.
The organisation has been heartened by the response from across the country, including from many people who have experienced the impact of crime or trauma and wish to support the charity’s work. Victim Assistance provides free and confidential services for those affected by domestic violence, coercive control, elder abuse, scams, bullying, assault, neighbour disputes and other forms of harm. Supports include phone and in-person assistance, court accompaniment, onward referrals and guidance on victims’ rights.
Further details about the raffle, volunteering, or available services can be found at www.victimassistance.ie, by contacting the office at 094-9000251, or via the freephone helpline at 1800 277 477.
Cill Aodáin Choral Society is looking forward to a busy Christmas season, with a number of performances scheduled throughout the week ahead.
Today, Tuesday, December 16th, the choir will perform at the local church’s annual Carol Service at 7pm, bringing a blend of traditional and newly rehearsed Christmas pieces to the community.
On Sunday, December 21st, at 3pm, the singers will travel to the National Museum of Country Life in Turlough, where they will entertain visitors with a selection of old and new carols. From there, the Society will travel to St Attracta’s Nursing Home in Charlestown to perform for residents - an engagement the choir says is “a real privilege".
Ava Maye from Kilkelly was the winner of last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw, receiving a prize of €332.
The club congratulated Ava on her win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who entered the draw.
Weekly support continues to play an important role in funding KKU’s youth teams and maintaining club facilities. Tickets for the weekly draw are on sale online and in local shops, pubs and through club sellers in the area.
The Kiltimagh Women’s Group rounded off the year in style with a lively Christmas party at the Cill Aodáin Hotel on Friday night where music was provided by Berni Carroll.
Members will meet again for a social gathering today, Tuesday, December 16th, at 2pm in the Folk Café. The group will also celebrate Nollaig na mBan on Tuesday, January 6th, at 2pm in the Park Hotel.
All women in the community are warmly invited to attend these events. The group extends Christmas wishes to all members and their families, hoping they enjoy a happy and safe festive season.
Season’s greetings are extended to all our readers and to all the people who submitted items for publication. Thank you all for your continued support.
Please note that the next issue of the will be in the shops on Tuesday, December 23rd. Items for inclusion in the Kiltimagh Notes should be submitted by this Wednesday evening, December 17th. Items for inclusion in the issue of December 30th should be submitted by this Sunday, December 21st. As always, publication cannot be guaranteed due to space constraints, but we will do our best.
The Folk Café will host well-known country singer Bernie Heaney tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17th.
Originally from Kildare, Bernie is one of the busiest performers on the Irish country music circuit, appearing at venues nationwide each week and featuring regularly on Midwest Radio.
Admission on the night is €10, with doors opening at 7.30pm and music beginning at 8pm. Guests can also enjoy complimentary festive nibbles during the evening.
A great night of music and Christmas cheer is guaranteed at the Folk Café.
The death has occurred of Thomas (Tom) McLoughlin of Bedford, United Kingdom, and formerly of Carrick, Kiltimagh.
Tom died peacefully in hospital on November 29th, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Bridget, wife Maureen, sisters Ann and Monica, brothers-in-law Mick Phillips and Len Loeser, and sister-in-law Sylvia McLoughlin.
Tom is sadly missed by his daughter Teresa, sons Thomas, Anthony, Gerard and Paul, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, sisters Kitty and Bridie, brothers Mick, Tony and Pat, son-in-law Dave Fitzgerald, daughters-in-law Mary, Geraldine, Eileen and Angela, sisters-in-law June and Bernie, brother-in-law Jack, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Tom’s remains reposed at the Funeral Home in Bedford yesterday (Monday) with Requiem Mass taking place today at 10.30am at Christ the King Church, Bedford, followed by burial in Bedford Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Patricia McNicholas of Lismirrane, Bohola. Patricia died peacefully at Mayo Hospice, surrounded by her loving family. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Helen, infant brother David, and sisters Mary and Carmel.
Patricia is sadly missed by her sisters Rosaleen, Loretta and Bernadette, brothers Noel, John Joe, Michael, Brendan and David, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, neighbours, friends and a large family circle.
Patricia’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh on Thursday last with Requiem Mass on Friday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St Joseph, followed by burial in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Bohola.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Michael Gallagher of Conderry, Balla, who passed away peacefully on December 10th at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, after a short illness. He was predeceased by his parents Andy and Rita.
Michael will be sadly missed by his beloved brother Tommy Joe and his sister Pauline, sister-in-law Eileen, brother-in-law TJ, nieces Karl-Ann, Deirdre, Paula, Catherine, Fiona and Louise, nephew David, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Michael’s remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Friday evening, with removal to the Holy Family Church, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
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Bohola
The 53rd edition of the is on sale in all local shops. A bumper edition for family and friends at Christmas time. Online sales are through www.mayobooks.ie.
Thanks to the sales outlets and advertisers who support the each year.
A Christmas Quiz and Party will be held in The Village Inn, Bohola on Friday, December 19th, starting at 7pm. The cost is €50 for a table of five.
There is a party afterwards with DJ Michael Burke.
Prizes on the night for the quiz winners, the best Christmas outfits and a raffle. Also, cocktail specials for one night only.
All money raised will go towards the Bohola Community Playground. To book, call into The Village Inn, Bohola.
A fundraiser will take place in McDonagh's Pub in Bohola on Saturday, December 20th, in aid of Rise and Shine (formerly Irish Pilgrimage Trust) to provide supported pilgrimage holidays for guests with additional needs and respite for their families.
Kenneth Moran is undertaking a cycle in aid of the charity from Chartres to Lourdes, a total of 789km.
There will be a raffle, music, food and craic on the night. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Bohola National School will host a Carol Service on Tuesday, December 16th, at 7pm. A donation box will be at the door in aid of Bohola NS. All are welcome to attend this very special event.
Congratulations to Damian Langan who won a jackpot of €541 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, December 6th.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
The death occurred of Patricia McNicholas, Lismirrane, Bohola who was buried in St Joseph's Cemetery, Bohola on Friday last.
The death also occurred of Teresa Smith (née Conlon), Thornhill, Kiltimagh, who was burial in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh on Thursday, December 4th.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
There will be a visiting priest in Bohola and Straide churches on Sunday, December 21st, from 5pm to 6pm, to hear confessions. You are encouraged to avail of this opportunity to prepare for Christmas.
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Mayo Abbey
Mayo Gaels 2026 Calendar is out now, celebrating a wonderful year for the club and parish.
It is aailable to buy in Byrne's, the Community Centre, online or by contacting Lisa Mannion at 086-0770865. All proceeds will go directly to Mayo Gaels LGFA to help fund gear, equipment and essential running costs.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
The numbers drawn for the Mayo Gaels GAA Lotto on Tuesday, December 9th, were 10, 15, 28 and 34. There was no jackpot winner.
The winners of consolation prizes were Pauline Costello, Co Meath (online ticket); Una Maughan Prendergast, Rathnacreeva (online ticket); Eileen McNicholas, Balla (online ticket); Liam Hughes, Rathnacreeva (annual ticket).
The next draw takes place today, December 16th, for a jackpot of €16,900.
Your support is requested.
Mayo Gaels GAA and LGFA are organising a Christmas Table Quiz on Saturday next, December 20th, at 8pm in Malachy Byrne's. The cost is €40 for a table of four. Raffle prizes on the night.
Mayo Abbey National School are launching a new fundraising lotto. One line costs €2.50 or three lines for €5.00. See www.ourfundraiser.ie, search for 'Mayo Abbey'. Please support.
Why not come in to the Mayo Abbey Community Centre Coffee Morning every Thursday for a cuppa, a chat and some freshly baked scones. No booking necessary.
The Social Dinner takes place every Tuesday – must be booked in advance.
The Community Centre offers free computer/smartphone support for beginners. Hot desk spaces with fibre broadband connections suitable for virtual meetings or interviews.
The Community Centre is the pick-up and drop-off point for the Local Link bus service, which goes to Castlebar daily from Tuesday to Saturday and Claremorris every Thursday. The service is available to all, including free to travel pass holders. Book with Local Link at 094-9005150.
Collection from your home may be possible – call the Community Centre to find out more at 094-9365987.
Why not come along on Thursday mornings and join the Mayo Abbey walking group, starting from the Community Centre at 10.30am. All are welcome, walk as little or as much as you like and please bring a hi-vis. Call Ann on 086-6057568 or call the Centre at 094-9365987 for information.
Join the pupils and staff of Mayo Abbey National School on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7pm for their wonderful Christmas Concert. All are welcome!
