Local Notes: Kiltimagh hosts nature walks for Heritage Week
Members of Kiltimagh Women's Group enjoying the sunshine and the Morris Dancing at Kiltimagh Sculpture Park on Thursday, July 31st, from left: Mary Moran, Mary Campbell, Monica Browne, Angela McDonagh and Mary Corless. Picture: John Corless
As part of this year’s National Heritage Week celebrations, the Glore Mill Regenerative Living Centre will host a series of self-guided nature walks between Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 24. The walks are open to the public and take place on the scenic and historically rich lands of Glore Mill, where participants are invited to explore the site’s unique labyrinths, natural features and walking trails at their own pace.
National Heritage Week, which runs from August 16 to 24, is an annual initiative coordinated by the Heritage Council, aimed at celebrating Ireland’s cultural, built and natural heritage. This year’s theme, 'Exploring Our Foundations', encourages people across the country to consider not only the physical structures of heritage, but also the cultural practices, landscapes and shared knowledge that have shaped communities over time. In this context, the walks at Glore Mill provide an opportunity to engage directly with the landscape and to reflect on the deep-rooted relationship between people and place.
The walking route at Glore includes riverside paths and woodland trails, incorporating a variety of natural features such as mill races, small waterfalls, a large pond, orchard, forest, springs, and picnic areas. A key feature of the site is a set of four constructed labyrinths, designed to support mindful walking and gentle reflection. The walk is self-guided and suitable for all ages. There is no admission fee, though donations are welcomed and will go toward the ongoing maintenance and development of the centre.
The walking trails will be open each day during Heritage Week, with specific times allocated as follows: Saturday, August 16 (9am to 9pm); Sunday, August 17 (10am to 8pm); Monday, August 18 (1pm to 9pm); Tuesday, August 19 (10am to 6pm); Wednesday and Thursday, August 20 and 21 (9am to 9pm); Friday, August 22 (9am to 6pm); Saturday, August 23 (1pm to 9pm); Sunday, August 24 (9am to 9pm).
Admission is free with donations welcome.
Organisers at Glore Mill Regenerative Living Centre are encouraging members of the public to take this opportunity to experience the local environment, engage with the theme of heritage, and enjoy a quiet moment in nature. Further information can be obtained by contacting the centre via email at raycooper120@gmail.com or by telephone on 087-104 0438.
The weekly 25 Card Drive saw another enjoyable night of play, with strong performances and a good spread of winners across the evening.
First prize went to the pairing of James Walsh and Paddy Carney, who came out on top after a competitive run of games. Second place was shared between two pairs: Aidan McDonagh and Denis Regan, and Tom Durkin and Francis McNicholas, both finishing just behind the winners.
The 'Last 10' prize went to Hilary Foley and Danny Doherty, while the spot prize on the night was claimed by Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell.
Winners in the raffle were Teresa Coleman, Jack Pidgeon, Flor Higgins and James Walsh.
A special evening of live performance will take place this Thursday, August 14, at The Folk Café in Kiltimagh, where poet Terry McDonagh and musician Emer Mayock present RECITE, a collaborative event blending spoken word, traditional music and storytelling.
Starting at 8pm, the performance forms part of National Heritage Week.
This year’s Heritage Week theme, Exploring Our Foundations, invites communities to look beneath the surface of what we often think of as heritage - not just buildings, but the cultural and creative practices that shape identity and place. In keeping with that idea, RECITE explores the deep connections between rhythm, language and sound, and how they come alive in a shared space.
The event brings together two well-known Mayo artists. Terry McDonagh, originally from Kiltimagh, is a poet and dramatist whose work reflects the places and people of his early life, even as his career has taken him far afield to Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom. He describes poetry as something rooted in rhythm rather than fixed form, saying it comes out of speech, sound and memory — “closer to music than introspection”.
Terry's collaborator on the night is musician Emer Mayock, whose playing on flute, uilleann pipes and whistle has gained national and international recognition. She has worked across a range of genres and disciplines, and her improvisational style brings a fluid energy to live performance.
Terry and Emer first began working together during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of 'Festival in a Van', an initiative supported by the Arts Council. That project brought live poetry and music to audiences in care homes and community settings during lockdown, with performances taking place from a mobile stage parked outside.
“That time meant a lot to both of us,” said Terry. “It reminded us how important the act of sharing is, especially in real time. We knew then that we wanted to keep developing something.”
In RECITE, Emer’s music is not an accompaniment but a dialogue with Terry’s words. Both artists describe the process as a form of improvisation, grounded in listening and response.
The setting of The Folk Café, with its strong community focus and intimate space, provides the right atmosphere for what promises to be a reflective and engaging evening. The event also offers a chance to consider the living nature of heritage - not only what has been passed down, but how it continues to evolve through language, sound and expression.
After the performance, there will be time to meet the performers, enjoy refreshments and share in conversation. Tickets for RECITE are €10 and can be booked by contacting 085-1058597 or emailing thefolkcafe@gmail.com.
The deadline is rapidly approaching for Kiltimagh GAA club’s scrap metal collection which the club hopes will help raise funds. The event takes place at Gilmartin Park on this Sunday, August 17th, with a skip on-site from 9am to 5pm.
This is a great opportunity to tidy up around the house, farmyard, workshop or business premises while also supporting the continued growth and development of your local GAA club. All types of metal can be donated. Whether it’s a single piece or a trailer full, it will all make a difference.
The initiative is part of the club’s fundraising efforts, with proceeds going directly toward supporting activities for all within the club - from underage boys and girls to adult teams, and a growing cohort of coaches and volunteers.
In recent years, Kiltimagh GAA has continued to strengthen its commitment to providing safe, inclusive and high-quality sporting opportunities for everyone in the community. Fundraisers like this help ensure that the club can maintain its facilities, invest in equipment, and support coaching for the next generation of players.
If you are unable to deliver your scrap to Gilmartin Park, collection can be arranged on the day. Just ring Karen on 087-0612079, Joe on 086-8077209 or Paddy on 085-1744117 to make arrangements.
Congratulations to Hannah Cleary, from Claremorris, who won last week’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw. Hannah won €495 with her entry.
Tickets for KKU’s draw continue to be available online and from participating outlets in Kiltimagh. The club extended its thanks to all who support the weekly draw, which plays a vital role in funding equipment, facilities and youth programmes.
A strong field of 25 players competed for a €780 prize pool in Round 10 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last.
Derry O’Sullivan took top honours for the second consecutive week, continuing his good run of form in the league.
Julian Keane finished in second place, followed by Michael Sheridan in third and AN Other 2 in fourth. The remaining finalists were Kieran McGee (5th), Michael Higgins (6th), AN Other 1 (7th), Gerry Groarke (8th), and Nicky Cunnane (9th).
The latest results have reshaped the top of the leaderboard. AN Other 1 now leads the table with 190 points, one ahead of John Reynolds on 189. Derry O’Sullivan’s back-to-back wins see him move up to third place on 172 points, with Michael Higgins just behind on 168.
The rest of the top 12 includes Gerry Groarke (148), Michael Sheridan (144), Pat Boyle (143), AN Other 2 (142), Enda Ruane (137), Kieran McGee (129), Martin Regan (127), and Keith Lydon (120).
The league continues every Wednesday night at 8pm and runs for 15 weeks in total. Entry is €20, with an optional rebuy or add-on also priced at €20. €5 from each entry and rebuy goes towards the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. The top 12 players, along with two additional qualifiers, will compete in the grand final for a prize pool expected to exceed €2,000.
Meanwhile, the Road to Killarney mini-satellite series also continues at Teach O’Hora throughout the summer. These low-cost tournaments offer local players the opportunity to win a €1,270 package to the Paddy Power Irish Poker Tour Killarney Poker Festival in late September. The package includes entry to the €700 Main Event, with a guaranteed prize pool of €500,000, and three nights’ B&B for two in the Gleneagle Hotel. The next mini-satellite takes place this Sunday, August 17th, at 4pm. Entry is €20.
The death has occurred of John Ronayne of Rathfarnham, Dublin, and formerly of Kiltimagh. John died peacefully on August 1st at Marlay Nursing Home, surrounded by his family.
John is deeply mourned by his wife Nora and their sons Mark, Ian and Frank. He will be sadly missed by his sister Anne, daughters-in-law Cecilia and Diane, and was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Maria. John’s passing is deeply felt by his grandchildren Seán, Catherine, Jack, Ella, Maeve, Cillian and Renee, as well as by his extended family and friends.
John’s remains reposed at Fanagan's Funeral Home, Willbrook, Rathfarnham on Monday evening, August 4th. Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday morning in the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham, followed by burial in Mount Venus Cemetery, Rathfarnham.
May he rest in peace.
