Local Notes: Kiltimagh Knock United duo step up to Mayo FC
Conor, Aaron, Darragh and Charlotte Colgan, from Kiltimagh, enjoying last week's snowfall.
Kiltimagh Knock United’s reputation as one of the most important development hubs for young footballers in the west of Ireland has been further underlined with the latest progress of two of its former players, Dylan Reddington and Ethan Hosty, both of whom have secured places within the Mayo FC pathway ahead of the new season.
The club’s commitment to youth coaching, player welfare and long-term development is once again bearing fruit, with Reddington returning to the county to join the Mayo FC MU17 squad and Hosty stepping up to the Mayo FC MU20 panel. Their journeys reflect not only individual talent and hard work, but also the strong footballing foundation laid during their formative years with Kiltimagh Knock United.
Dylan Reddington’s move back to Mayo comes after a valuable spell with Longford Town, where he gained first-hand experience of the League of Ireland environment. A technically assured right-back, Reddington developed his early game with Kiltimagh Knock United, where his composure on the ball, positional awareness and consistency marked him out as a player with significant potential. Those qualities were nurtured through regular competitive football and coaching that emphasised both technical skill and tactical understanding.
His time in Longford allowed him to test himself against elite opposition and adapt to the demands of a higher level, experience that will now stand to him as he joins the Mayo FC MU17 squad. His return is seen as a positive example for younger players at Kiltimagh Knock United, illustrating that progression to national underage structures is achievable through dedication and the right development environment.
Ethan Hosty’s football journey tells a similarly compelling story. An exciting, attack-minded winger, Hosty has already made a strong impression at senior level, something that is relatively rare at his age. His early development with Kiltimagh Knock United played a central role in shaping his direct style of play, pace and confidence in one-on-one situations. Coaches within the club consistently encouraged his attacking instincts, while also ensuring he developed the work rate and discipline required to succeed at higher levels.
Hosty’s progression through the local game saw him gain further senior experience with Manulla FC, but his grounding at Kiltimagh Knock United remained a crucial part of his football education. His performances did not go unnoticed, and he was selected for the Mayo Football League U18 side that reached the Inter League Final last season, a significant achievement that further highlighted his potential.
Now stepping into the Mayo FC MU20 set-up, Hosty brings with him not only pace and goal threat, but also a maturity gained from competing regularly in senior football. His inclusion reflects Mayo FC’s confidence in players who have progressed through strong grassroots clubs like Kiltimagh Knock United, where competitive football is matched with a clear focus on long-term player development.
For Kiltimagh Knock United, the advancement of players such as Reddington and Hosty is a source of immense pride. It reinforces the club’s role as a vital stepping stone for young footballers aspiring to play at the highest levels available to them. The club’s coaches, volunteers and administrators continue to invest time and energy into creating an environment where players can grow technically, physically and mentally.
As both players embark on the next chapters of their careers with Mayo FC, their progress stands as a testament to what can be achieved when talent is supported by strong coaching structures and a community-driven club ethos. For the next generation coming through at Kiltimagh Knock United, their stories offer clear inspiration - proof that dedication at local level can open doors to elite pathways and beyond.
Julian Keane produced a dominant performance on his way to victory in Round 13 of the Winter Poker League in Teach O’Hora last week, knocking out ten players from the twenty-strong field. Enda Ruane finished as runner-up, with Nicky Cunnane taking third place and Gerry Groarke fourth. The remaining finalists on the night were Kieran McGee, Michael Higgins, Majella Gilmartin, Martin Regan and John Reynolds.
Despite finishing outside the top four, Adam Earley remains at the top of the league table on 214 points. However, the chasing pack has closed significantly, with Martin Regan on 196 points and both Michael Sheridan and Derry O’Sullivan tied on 194. The remainder of the top twelve currently stands at Keith Lydon 188, Julian Keane 184, Majella Gilmartin 182, Paul Walsh 177, Gerry Groarke 175, Michael Higgins 173, Andy Quinn 163 and John Reynolds 157.
The league runs for a total of fifteen weeks, and several players outside the top twelve remain in contention for a place in the final. These include Nicky Cunnane on 155 points, Isaac Boyle 152, Kieran McGee 149, Enda Ruane 134, Bart Furtak 129 and Pat Boyle 128.
Entry to each round is €50, which includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from each entry and rebuy/add-on goes towards the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players, along with two qualifiers, will contest the Grand Final for a prize pool of approximately €3,500.
Kiltimagh GAA Healthy Clubs are gearing up for an active start to the new year as they take part once again in the annual ‘Ireland Lights Up’ and ‘Irish Life Every Step Counts Challenge’ for 2026.
The initiative will feature a weekly group walk, open to everyone in the community, with participants encouraged to walk at their own pace, get some steps in and enjoy a chat along the way. The walks will run for five weeks, starting nightly at 7.30pm, with walkers meeting at the Kiltimagh GAA pitch.
Participants are advised to wear hi-vis clothing and dress appropriately for the weather. In addition to the group walks, members of the community are encouraged to sign up on the MyLife app to help the club track steps and contribute to the national challenge.
The Healthy Clubs committee is encouraging people of all ages and fitness levels to get involved, highlighting the initiative as a great way to kick-start 2026, boost wellbeing and make every step count.
Megan Cummins was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €1,000. The club congratulated Megan on her win and expressed thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Proceeds from ticket sales help fund team development and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets remain available online, in local shops and pubs, and from club sellers throughout Kiltimagh.
The death has occurred of Eddie Keane of Ballinamore, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Rooskey, Knock. Eddie died peacefully on January 3rd, 2025, in the care of the staff of Ballinamore Nursing Home. Eddie was predeceased by his parents Michael and Catherine, brothers Walter and Richard, and nephew Richard Cronnelly.
Eddie is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by his brothers Joe (Rooskey), John (London) and Tom (Birmingham), his sister Mary Cronnelly (Birmingham), nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Eddie’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Monday evening, January 5th, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday morning, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Kathleen Deacy (née Roughneen) of Gortgarve, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Ardboley, Balla.
Kathleen passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on January 2nd, 2026, in the loving care of the staff of St Joseph’s District Hospital, Ballina, surrounded by her family. Kathleen was predeceased by her loving husband John, parents Agnes and John Roughneen, and brothers John and James.
Kathleen is deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her beloved children Ann and James, extended family, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends in both Kiltimagh and Balla.
Kathleen’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Kiltimagh, on Monday evening, with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred peacefully of Edward Hearne, better known as Ted, of Curraghteemore, Knock.
Ted will be sadly missed and deeply regretted by his loving wife Phyllis, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Ted’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Friday evening, with removal to St John the Baptist Church, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
