Local notes: Lions on hand to lend festive support
At the Taugheen Community Council Family Christmas Fun Day were pupils from Taugheen NS and Taugheen Playschool, who were helping Santa Claus to switch on the Christmas Lights. Picture: Trish Forde
The Claremorris & District Lions Club is gearing up for its annual food appeal, which will take place at SuperValu next Friday and Saturday, December 12/13. The club encourages the local community to support the appeal, which helps provide essential food and support to those in need during the Christmas season.
Speaking to the , James Preston, President of the Lions Club, said, “Our annual food appeal is a cornerstone of our work in the community. We rely on the generosity of local people to help make a real difference this Christmas.” James also reflected on the club’s recent senior citizens party, which was held in Cúram. “The party was very well attended despite the bad weather and other attractions in town. It was a really enjoyable afternoon and a great interaction with the people who were there,” he said.
“The highlight for many, was seeing so many attendees get up and dance, which is always wonderful to see,” James said. “The event was free of charge, with facilities kindly provided by Cúram and some refreshments from SuperValu. Music was provided by Liam Newman and three musicians from Westport, Tony, Mary and Larry who got the show well underway.” This was the second senior citizens party organised by the club, following the first event in May. Mr Preston said that the club is learning to avoid scheduling conflicts with other local events and hopes to continue both the party and the food appeal in the years ahead.
“We are very grateful to everyone who supports our events, and we look forward to seeing the community at the food appeal this weekend,” he said.
Taugheen is well and truly in the Christmas spirit following the launch of the Taugheen Community Council’s annual Christmas Raffle, which took place during Santa’s recent visit to Taugheen Hall. Accompanied by his elves, Kate and Shania, Santa officially kicked off this year’s festive fundraiser, which features a first prize that’s both practical and seasonal – a trailer of locally sourced, well-seasoned timber. Numerous other prizes are also on offer.
Santa was particularly pleased to meet some of his former little elves and workshop technicians at the launch. After the formalities, he mingled happily with the Yuletide crowd, while his hardworking elves took careful note of Christmas requests – with the good news that everyone is on the Good List.
The raffle draw will take place in Forde’s Country Club this Saturday, December 13, at 10pm local time. The night promises to be a lively community occasion with refreshments, treats, guests, music and plenty of festive fun.
Tickets for the raffle cost €5 each or three for €10 and are available from Taugheen Community Council members, local outlets and online.
The Claremorris Ladies darts team secured a superb victory last week in Tolster’s Bar, Castlebar, capturing the Mayo Cup with a 5-3 win over defending champions Hogs Heaven.
Claremorris held a 2-1 advantage at the halfway stage and built on their momentum after the break, extending their lead to 4-2 with strong performances from Rachel King and Lena Murphy. The decisive moment came when Tania McAreevy calmly hit the winning double, sealing the cup for her team.
The triumphant Claremorris panel consists of Rachel King, Lena Murphy, Liz O’Connor, Breda Jordan, Marina Reilly, Tania McAreevy and Nicola Glavey, under the management of Joe King.
The AGM of Garrymore GAA Club took place recently with a strong turnout of members present for the election of club officers for the year ahead.
Fr Flynn and Fr Murphy were appointed as Patrons, while Pat Dixon was elected president. Pat Hession takes on the role of chairperson, with Andrew Heaney elected as vice chairperson. Mary Lydon was returned as secretary and will also serve as designated liaison person, while Laura Commins was appointed vice secretary and club registrar.
Sarah Tierney is the club treasurer, supported by assistant treasurer Jimmy Walsh. Communications officer for the coming year is Sharon Corcoran, with Joanne Forde elected as Oifigeach na Gaeilge. The role of Alcohol & Substance, Health & Wellbeing Officer will be filled by Jamie Burke, while Colm Walsh has been appointed children’s officer.
Representing the club at county and divisional level will be delegates John Farragher and Padraic Corcoran respectively. Coaching officer for the year ahead is Fintan Jennings.
A special acknowledgement was extended to outgoing treasurer Elaine Heaney and assistant Jamie Burke. Their dedication, cooperation, and significant contribution to the smooth running of the club were warmly recognised and greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
Garrymore GAA Club has announced the return of its much-loved Kids’ Christmas Lights Tractor Run, taking place on this Sunday, December 14 at 6pm around the walkway at Garrymore pitch.
The event, always a festive highlight for local families, invites children to bring along anything on wheels, from tractors and go-karts to prams, scooters and more, decorated in bright, cheerful Christmas lights. Organisers say the more creative and colourful, the better, and everyone is warmly welcome to take part or simply come along to enjoy the atmosphere.
To register, participants are asked to text their name and the number of vehicles they will be bringing to 087-6763242.
Claremorris LGFA is inviting expressions of interest for coaching positions across all age groups for the 2026 season. As the club continues to strengthen and develop its structures, it is seeking managers, coaches and mentors to support teams from underage right through to adult level.
The club says it hopes to build on the strong progress made in recent years and is encouraging anyone with an interest in coaching to get involved. Applicants are asked to submit their name, contact number and their first and second preference age groups when applying. Expressions of interest can be emailed to Claremorris.mayo@lgfa.ie Claremorris LGFA is looking forward to welcoming both new and returning coaches as it prepares for the year ahead.
Conor Lavery was the winner of the latest Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw, taking home €440. Conor bought his winning ticket in PJ Byrne’s, and the club offered warm congratulations on his success. Claremorris AFC extended its thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw each week. Ticket sales, both online and through local shops and pubs, play an important part in funding player development and club facilities.
The death has occurred of Johnny Dolan of Corroughadooey, Crossboyne, Claremorris. Johnny died peacefully in the care of University Hospital Galway.
Johnny was predeceased by his parents Pat and Lil. Johnny will be sadly missed by his brother Michael (Baltimore, USA), sisters Sr. Carmel (England), Bridget Hession (Frenchgrove) and Greta Dolan (Corroughadooey), sister-in-law, niece and nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Johnny’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Tuesday, December 2 with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Crossboyne. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday afternoon, followed by burial in Crossboyne Cemetery. May he rest in peace.
The AGM of Claremorris Golf Club took place on Friday, November 28, at the Clubhouse, where a large attendance of members gathered for the election of Officers and Council Members for the coming year.
Officers elected for 2026 include President Anthony Hennelly, captain Peter Coen, lady captain Mary T. Coyne, junior boys captain Jack Noone and junior girls captain Annie Killeen. The Council for 2026 will be chaired by Sean Kenna, with John Oliver Gibbons serving as honorary secretary, Catherine Brennan as honorary treasurer, and Mary O’Brien-Killeen as PRO. Council members for the year ahead are Martina Hennelly, Niall McCarthy and Fintan Gilligan.
During the meeting, the Council expressed their sincere thanks to Billy Pierik, who has stepped down from both his Council role and his position as PRO. Members acknowledged his excellent work, commitment and support to the Club and its community from 2022 to 2025.
The death has occurred of Sarah (Sally) Canny (née Daly) of Boleyboy, Irishtown, and Castleview, Barnaderg, Tuam. Sally passed away peacefully on November 28, in her 100th year, surrounded by her loving family.
Sally was predeceased by her husband James, son Christy, daughter Marion, granddaughter Veronica and son-in-law Brendan. Sally will be sadly missed by her daughters Ronnie (O’Leary), Kathleen (Dolan) and Helena (Birmingham), son Martin, daughter-in-law Mary, sons-in-law Gerry, Seán and Tom, brother Tom, sister-in-law Eileen, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Sally’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Sunday, November 30 with removal to the Church of the Holy Family, Irishtown. Funeral Mass took place on Monday followed by burial in Irishtown Cemetery. May she rest in peace.
Siobhán Garry won €1,262 in Claremorris GAA’s 50-50 draw last week. Siobhán purchased her ticket in Warde’s and was delighted with the result.
The weekly winners of the 50/50 Hamper Draw were Martina Casey, who claimed a Foodstore Hamper after purchasing her ticket online. Ellen Dolan was another lucky winner, securing a Centra hamper with a ticket she bought in The Foodstore. The third prize went to Miley Cash, who claimed a Little Sam’s hamper, whose winning ticket was bought at Hillside.
The death has occurred of Paul Devlin of Quinaltagh, Garrafrauns, Dunmore, and formerly of Ballybrack, Co. Dublin. Paul was predeceased by his parents Gerry and Ann Devlin.
Paul is deeply mourned by his heartbroken family: his wife Caroline (née Lyons), daughters Samantha, Simone and Claudia, sons Paul, William and Michael, William’s partner Ciara, Paul’s partner Leanne, and his adored grandchildren Jake, Isabella, Riley, Hunter, Keegan, Mason, Joshua and Conner. He is also sadly missed by his brother Willie and sisters Sandra, Anne and Margaret, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Paul’s remains reposed at St Colman’s Funeral Home, Lower James Street, Claremorris on Wednesday, December 3 with removal to St Colman’s Church. Funeral Mass took place on Thursday, followed by burial in St Colman’s Cemetery, Claremorris. May he rest in peace.
