Local Notes: Kiltimagh's Coillte Cup event was a huge success
The Swinford/Bohola Road team who were crowned winners of the 2025 Charity Coillte Cup on St Stephen's Day.
Kiltimagh GAA Club hosted a very successful St Stephen’s Day charity event with the Swinford/Bohola Road team crowned winners of the 2025 Charity Coillte Cup. The annual occasion once again brought the club and wider community together in support of two worthy causes, the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation and the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
A large number of players togged out on the day, contributing to a spirited and enjoyable series of games, while generous donations were also made in aid of both charities. The club expressed sincere thanks to everyone who took part, supported the event, or contributed financially, noting that the success of the day was down to the collective effort of players, supporters and volunteers.
Special appreciation was extended to Donovan Cosgrove, Mattie Cummins and the wider group of volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the event. Paul Lydon was also thanked for refereeing the games, which were played on the club’s new pitch at Gilmartin Park, marking another milestone for Kiltimagh GAA.
Following the on-field action, the post-match presentation was hosted by Tommy and Bernie Ryan at Ryan’s Bar, with the club acknowledging their continued hospitality and support. Club president John Mallee presented the Coillte Cup to winning captain Tiernan Burke, with club chairperson Gerry King also in attendance for the presentation.
The event was widely regarded as a fitting way to mark St Stephen’s Day, combining sport, community spirit and fundraising for two organisations that continue to make a meaningful difference to families across the region.
Another enjoyable evening of cards was held at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a large turnout and a festive spirit throughout the night.
First place went to Mary and Richard Carney, who finished ahead of a closely packed field. Joint second place was shared by three pairs, with James Walsh and Paddy Carney tying with Mary and John Ward, and John Feeney and Kevin Heffernan after a series of competitive games.
The Last Ten prize was claimed by Seamus Nevin and Tom Walsh, while Francis McNicholas and Martin Regan took home the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Jack Ryan, Patricia Hyland, Tom Walsh and Paul O'Shea.
Special Christmas hampers, kindly provided by Fr Michael, were won by John Feeney, Tom Walsh and Patricia Hyland. The organisers would like to wish all supporters the very best for a happy New Year 2026, with games recommencing on Thursday, January 8.
The Muldowney family from Tooreen were the winners of Kiltimagh Knock United’s 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €423. The club congratulated the family on their win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw.
Proceeds from ticket sales help fund youth teams and maintain club facilities. Tickets remain available online and from local shops, pubs and club sellers in the area.
The Ryan family were the winners of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s Christmas 50/50 draw, claiming a prize of €1,630. The club congratulated the family on their win and expressed thanks to everyone who continues to support the weekly draw. Funds raised through ticket sales go towards team development and ongoing improvements at Gilmartin Park. Tickets remain available online, in local shops and pubs, and from club sellers throughout Kiltimagh.
Cill Aodáin Choral Society enjoyed a record-breaking and hugely successful Car Treasure Hunt, with an unprecedented 37 cars taking part - the largest turnout the event has ever seen.
Top honours on the day went to Granny Annie’s, represented by the O’Hora family, who claimed first place after a closely contested and entertaining hunt. Second place was secured by Glass Half Full, with Anne Moran and her team, while third place went to Baltic in Ballyhaunis, represented by Julie Higgins and company. Warm congratulations were extended to all the winners for their efforts.
The event was marked by a fantastic atmosphere throughout, with a notable increase in younger participants this year. It was heartening to see people of all ages filling the cars, with families and friends - young and old - heading off together to enjoy a fun-filled day. The fine weather added to the enjoyment, while the thoughtfully prepared clues ensured plenty of challenge and good humour along the route.
The society expressed its sincere gratitude to everyone who took part and to those who supported the raffle on returning to Langan’s Pub for the results. Particular thanks were paid to Gerry King and Francis McNicholas, whose dedication and hard work in planning and organising the clues each year continue to be central to the success of the event.
Special appreciation was also extended to Áine Campbell and her daughter Juliette for their tremendous assistance on the day, as well as to Seán Langan and his staff at Langan’s Pub for their ongoing support and for providing much-appreciated refreshments for participants.
Cill Aodáin Choral Society thanked the wider community for its continued backing and enthusiasm, noting that the Treasure Hunt remains one of the highlights of the year. With another memorable event now complete, members are already looking forward to doing it all over again next year.
The Kiltimagh Women’s Group will mark Nollaig na mBan on Tuesday, January 6th, at 2pm in the Park Hotel. All local women are warmly invited to attend, and the group extends festive greetings to all members and their families.
The death has occurred of Darragh McDonagh of Cois Abhainn, Kiltimagh, and formerly of Knock.
Darragh died peacefully, after an illness borne with courage and dignity, in the wonderful care of the staff of St Joseph’s Ward, University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his loving family. Darragh was predeceased by his grandparents Liam and Eileen McDonagh of Kiltimagh, and Tommie Joe Byrne of Cloonterrif, Knock.
Darragh is survived by his heartbroken parents John and Marie McDonagh, brothers Cathal and Ronan, and his grandmother Mary Byrne of Cloonterriff, Knock. He will also be sadly missed by his aunts Deirdre Kearns, Geraldine Donnellan, Nuala Wilker, Breda Hickey and Louise Byrne, uncles Ronan McDonagh, Dominick Byrne and Liam Byrne, aunts-in-law, uncles-in-law, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Darragh’s remains reposed at the family home on Saturday evening. The funeral cortège left the family home on Sunday afternoon for Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
