Local Notes: Kiltimagh native called up to Ireland basketball squad
Kiltimagh native Hazel Finn has been called up to the Irish basketball squad. Picture: INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Kiltimagh’s Hazel Finn has been named in the Ireland basketball squad for the upcoming Jysk Summer Series, set to take place at the National Basketball Arena in Dublin on this Saturday, July 26th.
Hazel’s rise in Irish basketball continues, following a historic achievement earlier this summer as part of the U-23 Irish 3x3 team that won their first-ever Nations League tournament in Latvia.
In January, Hazel played a pivotal role in FloMAX Liffey Celtics’ triumph in the Paudie O’Connor National Cup. Coming off the bench in the final against Killester, she scored 13 points and directed the team from her point guard position, leading to a 65-53 victory and earning the Most Valuable Player award for her outstanding performance. Her impressive form has now secured her a place on the senior Ireland team for the Jysk Summer Series match against Norway.
Earlier this year, Hazel was also honoured as Sportswoman of the Month for January, recognising her contribution to the National Cup win and her standout performances on the court.
Tickets for the Jysk Summer Series at the National Basketball Arena are available now.
There was another enjoyable evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with strong performances and a familiar spread of prize winners.
First place went to Francis McNicholas and Tom Durkin, who edged out the competition to take the top prize. Second place on the night went to the team of Geraldine Turbitt and Anne Rowley, with Tom Conroy and Joe Boyle securing third after a tight finish.
The 'Last 10' prize was shared between two pairings: James Walsh and Paddy Carney, and Jack Pidgeon and Philip Moore, who both finished the night on level scores in the closing stages.
The spot prize went to Flor Higgins and Colette Lavelle, while the raffle winners were James Walsh, Mary Moran, Brian McNulty and Alo Langan.
The first match to be played on the newly realigned surface at Gilmartin Park will take place this Friday evening, July 25th, when Kiltimagh face Moy Davitts in a fixture that carries both sporting and personal significance. Throw-in is at 8pm, and the event will also serve as a fundraiser for Mayo Cancer Support, with all proceeds going directly to the organisation.
The match will mark the first opportunity for supporters to use the new 242-seat cantilever stand at the ground, a significant development in the continued improvement of facilities at Gilmartin Park. Central to the evening’s meaning is the memory of Stephen Jordan, a much-missed presence in both clubs and a long-time supporter of Gaelic games across the county.
Stephen, who passed away in 2023, had a close connection to both Kiltimagh and Mayo Davitts GAA. Known for his warmth, humour, and dedication to sport, he was a regular figure at matches across the region, particularly when his nieces and nephews were involved. He was recognised by many for his consistent presence, arriving early, taking his seat, and following the action with enthusiasm and focus. His support never wavered, regardless of the result.
Mayo Cancer Support, the match's beneficiary, has provided professional and emotional support to individuals and families affected by cancer in the region for over 20 years. With centres in Castlebar, Ballina, and Achill, the service offers confidential, non-clinical support free of charge, including counselling, group sessions, and complementary therapies.
Friday night’s fixture will bring together community, sport and remembrance. For Kiltimagh GAA, it’s a new chapter on a familiar field - and a quiet but meaningful tribute to one of their own. The throw-in is at 8pm and payment can be made at the gate using cash or cards.
John Reynolds continued his impressive form in the Summer Poker League with a third tournament victory in seven appearances, taking top spot in Round 7 at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last.
John edged out Aiden Maughan, who finished second, while Daniel Kennedy claimed third place and Keith Lydon came home in fourth. The other finalists were Enda Ruane (5th), Derry O’Sullivan (6th), Isaac Boyle (7th), Pat Boyle (8th), and Martin Regan (9th).
The latest results have tightened the race at the top of the league standings. AN Other 1 remains in the lead with 142 points, but Reynolds has moved into second place on 137 points, narrowing the gap to just five. The rest of the top twelve includes Gerry Groarke and Pat Boyle (104), Enda Ruane and Michael Higgins (103), Michael Sheridan (99), AN Other 2 (86), Aiden Maughan and Keith Lydon (84), Nigel Maughan (83), and Paul Walsh (79).
The league runs for 15 weeks, with tournaments every Wednesday at 8pm in Teach O’Hora. Entry is €20, with a rebuy or add-on also available for €20. A portion of each entry goes towards the Grand Final prize pool, which is expected to exceed €2,000. The top 12 players, along with two qualifiers, will contest the final at the end of the season.
Kiltimagh GAA Club has launched a trio of fundraising initiatives this summer, aimed at reducing the club’s development debt, strengthening its future, and supporting its day-to-day operations.
With the completion of the ambitious redevelopment of Gilmartin Park on the horizon, the club is calling on all members of the community to lend their support to three vital efforts: a Scrap Metal Collection, the 2025 Mayo GAA Club Development Draw, and the innovative Sponsor a Seat campaign.
The club will host a Scrap Metal Collection on Sunday, August 17th, at Gilmartin Park, where a skip will be on-site from 9am to 5pm. Locals are encouraged to make the most of the opportunity to declutter their homes, farms, businesses, and workshops, all while helping to fund grassroots Gaelic games in the town.
All kinds of scrap metal are welcome - everything from household items to machinery parts - and no donation is too small. Every piece collected helps raise vital funds to support Kiltimagh GAA’s teams, coaches and volunteers.
For those unable to deliver their scrap to the grounds, a collection service is available on the day. Anyone wishing to avail of this can contact Karen on 087-0612079, Joe on 086-8077209 or Paddy on 085-1744117 to arrange pick-up.
Proceeds from the collection will help cover the costs associated with running multiple teams, investing in equipment, and maintaining the club’s growing facilities.
One of the centrepieces of the ongoing redevelopment at Gilmartin Park is a brand-new 242-seat cantilever stand. As the project nears completion, Kiltimagh GAA has launched its Sponsor a Seat campaign, giving individuals and families a chance to be part of the club’s legacy.
For €350, a seat can be named in the donor’s name, a family name, or in memory of a loved one. Seats will be randomly allocated through an open draw, and sponsorship is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This initiative offers a personal way to support the club while also securing a permanent presence within the new facility.
The broader redevelopment, which also includes a realigned main pitch and two floodlit training areas, is expected to cost over €500,000. Funding to date has come from a mix of past fundraising campaigns, sports capital grants totalling €182,000, and €39,000 from the Connacht GAA Council.
Despite being surrounded by clubs from larger catchment areas, Kiltimagh GAA continues to punch above its weight, fielding teams from under-4s through to senior level, across both male and female divisions. The club has also embraced a broader community focus through its 'Healthy Club' policy, championing mental health, wellbeing and healthy living under the guidance of health and wellbeing officer Karen Forkan.
Throughout the redevelopment period, the club worked closely with St Louis Community School and the local National School, whose pitches were made available for training. The club extended sincere thanks to the principals and boards of management for their continued generosity and support.
To sponsor a seat, contact the club at kiltimaghgaaseats@gmail.com or reach out to any executive committee member.
The club is also taking part in the 2025 Mayo GAA Club Development Draw, a major countywide fundraiser that provides substantial local benefits. Once a club reaches its ticket target, 90% of all additional sales stay with the club, making this a key income source for Kiltimagh GAA.
Tickets are priced at €100, with six weekly draws taking place from August 9th to September 13th. Top prizes include €10,000 in the first and final draws, with €5,000 for the weekly middle draws and many additional cash prizes each week. All draws will be broadcast live on the Mayo GAA Facebook page, ensuring that supporters near and far can tune in.
Funds raised help offset the considerable expenses of fielding multiple teams across a packed GAA calendar, and go directly into improving facilities, coaching provision and club infrastructure.
These three campaigns are more than just fundraisers - they are expressions of the club’s unity, ambition and community spirit.
Kiltimagh GAA extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported these initiatives so far and encourages all members of the wider community to take part in whatever way they can. Every euro raised contributes to building a stronger, more sustainable future for the club and all those who are part of it.
Peter Flatley, from Knock, was the lucky winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €550. Peter’s entry added his name to a growing list of recent winners, with draws continuing every Sunday night.
Tickets are available online, through club members, and in pubs and shops around Kiltimagh and Knock. The club extended thanks to all who support the draw, noting that the proceeds are vital to the ongoing development of their facilities and youth squads.
The death has occurred of Vincent Forde, formerly of Cordarragh, Kiltimagh, and Burham, Kent. Vincent died peacefully in the care of medical staff at Tunbridge Wells Hospital on Saturday, June 21st.
Vincent was predeceased by his parents John and Annie, siblings Imelda, Raymond, Dermot, Brendan, Cyril, Kieran, Enda, and his niece Audrey and nephew Éanna. He will be deeply missed by his children Geraldine, Louise and Gregory; grandchildren Peter, Robert, James, Zac, Blake, Rory and Ella; sisters Ethel, Agnes and Dympna; daughter-in-law Kerri; son-in-law Andy; Geraldine’s partner Michael; Peter’s fiancé Sophie; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Vincent’s remains were received into the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh on Friday, July 18th, for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
