Local Notes: Kiltimagh rail academy project makes progress
Pictured at Balla Golf Club were the winners of Roche's Centra and club-sponsored Stableford competitions, and the drive-in scramble sponsored by Albany, Castlebar. Front row, from left: Julie Loftus; Club President Maureen McDonnell; Club Captain Danny Lyons; Darragh, Chole and Alan McHugh, who achieved a hole-in-one, Lady Captain Nora Heraty, Mary B Prendergast. Back row: Gus Heraty, Billy O'Donnell, Carmel Kilgallon, Caroline Bourke, Danny Higgins, Carmel Henry, Ronan Mahon (Albany, Castlebar), Kitty O'Connor, Mary Conlon, Matt Leonard, John Cannon. Picture: Trish Forde
Plans have been lodged with Mayo County Council for the development of a specialist rail skills academy in Kiltimagh, in what is seen as a positive development for the town and the wider east Mayo area.
The application has been submitted by Pro Rail Services Ireland Ltd, and relates to a site on Thomas Street, on the grounds of a disused garage located south of the access road to Cordarragh Drive. The lands are currently owned by Paul Feerick.
The proposed development centres on the construction of a two-storey training facility along with another specialist training building. Plans include training rooms, meeting rooms, a canteen, offices, reception and toilet facilities, along with a range of specialist infrastructure. These include an overhead line electrification unit, an industrial rope access training area and a confined space training facility, as well as storage and ancillary site works.
The academy is intended to provide industry-focused training across a range of railway and construction-related disciplines. Proposed courses at the new facility are set to include overhead line electrification, rail surveying, rope access certification, confined space training, track safety and a number of technical and supervisory qualifications linked to rail infrastructure and site management.
The project builds on earlier proposals for the facility, which outlined its potential to deliver practical, skills-based training in a specialised sector. Pro Rail Services Ireland Ltd, which operates in rail engineering, labour supply and consultancy, has established a presence in Kiltimagh in recent years and is part of the local business network.
If approved, the development is expected to introduce a level of training infrastructure not currently available in the area. The facility would represent a form of third-level style provision, focused on practical and technical skills, and is regarded as a distinctive addition to the town’s offering.
The proposal also reflects Kiltimagh’s long-standing association with the railway, while pointing towards a modern role in training and industry. The introduction of a specialist academy of this type would support skills development and has the potential to contribute to local economic activity.
A decision on the application is due by May 27th next.
Clann Machua Drama Group will hold its annual general meeting on this Friday, April 24th, at 6.30pm in the Parish Centre, Kiltimagh.
The meeting will focus on plans for the coming year, including productions. The group is inviting expressions of interest from potential directors, and new members are welcome to attend.
The group’s most recent production was ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ by Frank McGuinness. Previous productions include ‘The Snapper’ by Roddy Doyle, ‘Conversations on a Homecoming’ and ‘A Crucial Week in the Life of a Grocer’s Assistant’ by Tom Murphy, ‘Sive’ by John B Keane, and ‘Stolen Child’ by Bairbre Ní Chaoimh and Yvonne Quinn.
Clann Machua has a busy schedule. The group stages one-act comedies each November and hosts a popular One Act Festival which is part of the All-Ireland One-Act competition. The group also participates in both one-act and three-act All-Ireland festival circuits. The group has introduced many new people to acting and production and also works with students in the locality. It also runs an annual Taste of Theatre event aimed at encouraging participation in acting, directing and performance.
The Folk Cafe marked the first anniversary of its monthly concert series with a return performance by Meself, Himself and Herself, who travelled from California for the occasion.
The group, whose members are also part of The Fenians, performed at the café’s first concert and returned as part of a wider visit to the area. The group travelled with a party of 22 visitors, who spent three nights in Kiltimagh. During their stay, they attended the Friday morning session at the café and visited Kiltimagh Museum along with other local attractions.
Their visit concluded with a concert at the café before departing for Galway to continue their tour.
The next concert in the series is scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, at 8pm and will feature an album launch by David Munnelly and Les Muller. Admission is €15, with tickets available from the café or by contacting Elish on 085-1058597.
There was success on both the sporting and cultural stage recently for Mark Conroy, grandson of Mary Whittington (Fallon) of Kiltimagh.
Competing at the Irish Open Championships and Commonwealth Games Trials, Conroy secured a bronze junior medal in the 100m breaststroke. He also recorded a personal best time, improving by two seconds in the event.
The performance marks another step forward for the young swimmer, who has been building a strong reputation at national level in recent seasons.
Mark has previously achieved a series of results at national and provincial competitions, including medal-winning performances at Irish championships and Connacht events, where he has competed across a range of strokes. His progress has placed him among the leading swimmers in his age group in the country.
Away from the pool, Mark recently performed as Ponyboy Curtis in the St Muredach's College (Ballina) production, , adding to his involvement in stage performances.
Richard Conlon was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, collecting €502.
The draw continues to enjoy steady support from the community, with tickets available online as well as through local retailers and pubs. The club congratulated Richard on the win and thanked all who take part each week, highlighting that proceeds support the ongoing development of teams, coaching and club facilities.
Brendan Walsh (a former player), originally from Kiltimagh but now residing in Melbourne, was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €310.
The club continues to see support from near and far, with tickets available online as well as through local shops and pubs.
In the previous week’s draw, Josephine Conboy won €361. The club congratulated both winners and expressed sincere thanks to all who support the weekly fundraiser, noting that proceeds go towards teams, coaching and the ongoing development of club facilities.
There was a great evening of cards at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a strong turnout and plenty of competitive play throughout the night.
Top honours were shared by three pairings, with Mary and Liam Moran, Philip Moore and Jack Pidgeon, and Michael Carney and Michael Costello all finishing joint first after a closely contested series of games.
The Last 10 prize went to Mary and Jimmy Doyle, while Mary and Richard Carney claimed the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Chris Flatley, Geraldine Turbitt, Joe Boyle and Danny Doherty.
Douglas Wicks took top honours in Round 10 of the Spring Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, as Brian Quinn’s run of three consecutive wins came to an end.
Quinn, who had been seeking a fourth straight victory, finished third in a 19-player field. Michael Higgins secured second place, while Keith Lydon came fourth. The remainder of the final table comprised John Reynolds (5th), Alan Sheridan (6th), Conor O’Hanlon (7th), Derry O’Sullivan (8th) and Michael Sheridan (9th).
Enda Ruane continues to lead the league standings on 198 points, with Quinn in second place on 183. The rest of the top twelve are Keith Lydon (164), Conor O’Hanlon (160), Michael Higgins (138), Paul Walsh (133), John Reynolds (128), Alan Sheridan (118), Gerry Groarke (118), and Adam Earley, Nicky Cunnane, Marcella Gilmartin and Michael Sheridan, all tied on 104 points.
The league runs for fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry each round, which includes a rebuy or add-on. From each entry and rebuy/add-on, €5 goes towards the league final prize pool, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the end of the series, the top twelve players plus two qualifiers will contest a Grand Final for a prize pool of over €3,000.
An event to mark Mayo Day will take place at Kiltimagh Museum on Saturday, May 2nd, from 3pm to 5pm.
The programme will feature the Kiltimagh Writers Group, with performances of poetry, stories, songs and music based on this year’s theme, 'The Connected County'.
Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
The Kiltimagh Writers Group was established in autumn 2024 and is led by local poet Terry McDonagh. The group has 16 members and meets on a bi-weekly basis. It was formed to bring together writers working in poetry, prose, short stories and songwriting, and to provide opportunities to share work and develop skills.
The Mayo Day event will be the group’s first public performance. Plans are also in place for the publication of a first edition magazine later this year.
Enquiries can be made by email to kiltimaghwritersreview25@gmail.com.
A Youth 2000 Day Retreat will take place at Knock Shrine on Saturday next, April 25th. The event is open to those aged between 16 and 35.
The programme will include talks, personal testimonies and group activities, along with opportunities for discussion and reflection on aspects of the Catholic faith. The retreat is organised by Youth 2000 Ireland and operates on a donation basis.
Registration is available online, with further information also available by email at connaught@youth2000.ie.
Sympathy is extended to Josephine (Jo) Kelly, Aiden Street, on the passing of her brother, Liam Tuffy of Enniscrone, who was laid to rest in the seaside town last week.
