Local Notes: Lough Carra is making a comeback
When Moorehall is restored, demand for the planned George Moore Penthouse Suite will surely exceed supply with the beautiful vista over Lough Carra and Moore’s Island in the foreground. Picture: Tom Quinn
For the first time in about 20 years, a Mayfly hatch has occurred on Lough Carra. This is a welcome sign that efforts to restore the unique Mayo lake’s water quality are beginning to deliver results.
The splendid news was announced by Cllr Al McDonnell at the May meeting of the Castlebar Municipal District. The councillor pleaded for future investment in the Lough Carra LIFE Project.
The EU-funded project began in 2021 and is due to finish at the end of the current year. The aims of the scheme were to improve water quality, restore the Marl lake habitat and raise the conservation status of local habitats and species including the locality’s Orchid-Rich shoreline and grassland displays, limestone pavement, cladium fen, many species of birds, otters, and Lesser Horseshoe Bats.
Cllr McDonnell said: “There has been an extraordinary amount of support and cooperation amongst all the stakeholders. The Lough Carra LIFE Project brought together farmers, landowners, anglers, ecologists, and local community groups in an effort to improve water quality in the lake.”
The Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) was founded in 2018 by local concerned people and it has played a key role in the campaign to restore and protect the ecological integrity of the lake and its surrounding habitats, while ensuring the desired quality of drinking water for the huge local water scheme that caters for many communities.
Supported by Mayo County Council, the project received €5m in funding from the European Commission, along with backing from partners including Coillte and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It is vitally important that finance is available for the ongoing conservation works, good farming practice, education modules and scientific research into the future to ensure the lake's long-term survival and welfare.
Ballintubber GAA Lotto jackpot stood at €6,500 on Sunday night, May 31st, when the numbers drawn were 1, 11, 14 and 15.
There was no jackpot winner and consolation prizes went to Mary Hallinan, Dermot McCormack, Justin Feerick, Sinead Niamh Conway, Lisa McGreal and Harry Derrig.
The jackpot stood at €6,600 last Sunday night, June 7th.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, June 1st, in the Drum Inn, Clogher. The numbers drawn were 4, 22, 26 and 27. Nobody matched three numbers.
Consolation prize winners were Jimmy Hession, Charlie O’Malley, Pat Igoe, Breege Jennings and Agnes Coakley. House prizes went to Enda Keane and Padraig Burke.
The weekend draw will have a jackpot of €17,900 up for grabs. You can play online or by a ticket from any committee member.
The card game winners on Monday, June 1st, in Ballyglass were: 1st, Pat Griffith and Mary Morrin; 2nd, Tom Fitzpatrick and Kevin Bourke; 3rd, Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings.
The best of last 9 went to Mary Brennan and Philip White and the raffle was won by Richard and Mary Carney.
The 25 progressive card games continue every Monday from 9pm in Ballyglass Community Centre. Well done to all the players and winners.
Ballyglass Clean-up Group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the Community Centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes and other tools.
Reiltini Little Stars childcare will open in Carnacon this coming September. An ECCE preschool service, children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning. For further details, please call Siofra on 087-2051545.
The annual Cemetery Masses rota is as follows: Burriscarra - Saturday, July 4th, at 7.30pm; Killawalla - Sunday, July 5th, at 10am and Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery Abbey on Sunday, July 5th, at 11am.
Ballyheane/Ballintubber First Responders annual Flag Day will take place on Friday, July 10th. Volunteers are required to assist on the day. For further details, please contact Karen McGuiness on 086-8457419.
The Tochar Phádraig is returning for the 2026 season.
This ancient pilgrim path has been walked for centuries, linking Ballintubber Abbey with Croagh Patrick and weaving faith, landscape, and tradition into one shared journey.
With guided walks taking place throughout June, July, and August, 2026 offers the chance to step into a living piece of Mayo’s heritage and experience the Tochar. Tickets are available on www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
********************
Partry/Tourmakeady/Killawalla
The death occurred last week of Mick Meeneghan, Srah, Tourmakeady.
Mick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 31st.
His passing is a great loss to his loving family and many friends made down the decades as a caring and affable bus driver. He was a quiet, sincere well regarded gentleman and widely known and respected across the region.
Predeceased by his son Raymond, he is deeply regretted by his wife, Bride, family, Alan, Brenda and Michael, grandchildren, Charlie, Clíodhna, Robyn and Liam, son-in-law Cathal, daughter-in-law Eleanor, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
His remains reposed at Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh on last Tuesday evening. Requiem Mass for Mick took place on Wednesday afternoon in St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady with burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Sincere congratulations are extended to Fr Jarlath Heraty on his upcoming 40th anniversary as a priest. He has served God and His people with kindness, wisdom and devotion throughout the years.
Fr Hearty’s ministry has been a blessing to so many people, in times of joy and sorrow alike. The communities of Partry and Tourmakeady delight in having Fr Jarlath as parish priest.
Please join in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Fr Jarlath on Friday, June 19th, when Fr Jarlath will celebrate Mass in St Mary's Church, Tourmakeady, at 7.30 pm, and all are invited to Tourmakeady Hall afterwards to help him celebrate his special anniversary.
Commiserations to the CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh men’s and women’s teams who completed in the recent Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta Competitions.
Tourmakeady LGFA did quite well losing out at the semi-final stage by 4-10 to 3-7 to the 2025 Junior Champions Clann na nGael who were beaten in the final by the host team Kilcar on a scoreline 2-5 to 1-6.
The Thuar Mhic Éadaigh men’s team did magnificently well by reaching the Junior men’s final against Gaeil Fhanada played at Kilcar on Monday week.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh enjoyed a great first half of action leading by 2-8 to 0-4. However, Gaeil Fhanada gained the edge in the second half eventually winning on the scoreline 2-18 to 3-9.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh LGFA and men's teams can remember the Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta 2026 competitions with pride. The Junior Final was very enjoyable and shown live on TG4.
There are new Mass times from the first week in July as follows:
Finney: Fridays, starting July 3rd, at 7pm; Partry, starting on Saturday, July 4, at 7.30pm; Tourmakeady, starting on Sunday, July 5th, at 10am.
Congratulations are extended to Cathy Duffy, Dereendafderg, Srah, Tourmakeady and Alan Duffy, Knappagh, Westport who recently announced their engagement.
The popular couple are wished splendid success with their future plans.
Tour Mhic Éadaigh CLG lotto jackpot stood at €20,000 for the draw on Saturday, May 27th when the numbers drawn were 6, 11, 18 and 25, and there was no jackpot winner.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play online at www.smartlotto.ie or you can purchase tickets in local outlets.
Congrats to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh minor team and their coaches who won the Division 3 League Final by beating Parke 3-20 to 4-12.
Belated best wishes to Mark Heneghan who represented Mayo against Galway in Williamstown on Friday evening in the Connacht Softball handball Finals.
The annual 2026 GAA Summer Cúl camps will be held in Páirc Naoimh Muire, running from July 20th to 24th. All young people who wish to participate should register as soon as possible.
There is a busy programme of events In the Halla, Tourmakeady, with the Knitting Circle meeting up on Mondays from 7.30 to 9.30pm. Yoga classes take place on Tuesdays at 6.30pm for five weeks. The Social Club meet on Thursdays at 2pm.
Ballinrobe Musical Society has added another legend to their roll of Honorary Life Members – Tommie Heneghan.
Tommie has been the life and soul of the party in Ballinrobe Musical Society since he joined us as a gasúir back in 1992. Since then, he has sung and danced – brilliantly – in every single show. In 34 years, Tommie has sailed the Atlantic on board pirate ships, danced the tango in a fairy-tale castle, been electrocuted by geriatric inventors, and performed in dozens of choruses and dances.
The prestigious honour is indeed well and truly merited.
SN Thuarmhicéadaigh Lotto Bonus Number fundraiser has re-commenced. A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night (without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2).
If you wish to take part, the cost is €100 for six months and please contact the school via phone 094-95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
All support appreciated.
Congratulations to Eileen O'Malley who was the third 50/50 fortnightly draw jackpot winner of €306.50 in the Killawalla 50/50 draw.
The next draw is on June 14th and online and annual tickets are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s and from Community Council members.
There are still a few places left on a garden viewing trip to Meath which will take place on July 25th, leaving Westport at 7am. The group will be visiting two beautiful gardens - the Poppy Garden and the insomniac Gardener.
Ealma and Rosie were speakers at Bloom in Dublin and are busy with visitors to their gardens for the summer. Check these gardens out on Facebook. For more details, please contact 087-2945279.
An information meeting for those interested in becoming involved in Funeral Ministry will take place on this Tuesday evening, June 9th, at 7.30pm in the Westport Plaza Hotel. Priests and undertakers are especially welcome to attend.
Anyone interested is asked to contact Fr Michael on 094-9030934 to register their name.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Peter Jordan and Mickey Murphy who were recent €100 draw winners.
The Community Centre in Partry has plenty of events in the coming weeks. Bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30pm. Guitar Classes are on every Tuesday at 5pm and Irish Dancing Classes on Thursday evening and the Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday.
The Community Centre is available for meetings and activities. Bookings can be made through any member of the Community Council. Event organisers and providers are required to have their own insurance.
There is defibrillator at the back of the Community Centre.
Partry Residents' Draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm.
Congrats to Fr Jarlath Heraty and Tommie Lally, Church View who were recent winners of €100 in the popular flutter.
Membership of the draw are available from 087-2860565. All funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
******************
BREAFFY/BALLYHEANE/ BELCARRA
Early risers and lovers of nature enjoyed a special experience in Belcarra last week. They started the day with an early walk along the Riverside, guided by the expert Michael Kingdon.
As they made their way through the biodiversity trail, Michael helped participants identify the many birds that call Belcarra home, sharing their songs and highlighting the rich biodiversity that surrounds Belcarra. He informed the group of a great app called ‘Merlin bird ID’ which records the songs and identifies the birds.
The walk was a wonderful reminder of the beauty and value of the natural world locally. Michael also reinforced with an important message: nature is something that must be protected, nurtured and cherished. By caring for the environment today, we can ensure it continues to thrive for future generations to enjoy.
“If you want to get rid of birds, bees, butterflies and insects then cut it down, and if you want to keep them then don’t cut it” is pretty simple instruction to heed.
A special thank you has been extended to the Tidy Towns committee for organising the splendid event.
Why not get ready to kick-start your mornings with a six-week early morning boot camp!
Join at Belcarra Sports Centre, starting Wednesday, June 17, at 6.45am. Spaces are limited, so call or message Adrian at 086-0581956 to book your spot.
There will be a great day in Belcarra village on Sunday, June 28. Whether you want to crawl, walk, jog or run, everyone is welcome to take part in the 8K Fun Run. There will also be a Kids Run at 11am. Registration will be available online and on the day from 9:30am at Belcarra Community Centre.
Keep an eye on the social pages - the online registration link will be live soon.
All proceeds will go towards the upgrade of the path and lighting at Belcarra Pitch.
Mayo Taekwon-do takes place in Belcarra Sports Centre every Friday from 4 to 5pm. Email gmooney@taekwondo.ie or call in for a free trial. Ages 6 to 12 years are catered for.
The numbers drawn in the Belcarra Community Council Lotto draw on Sunday, May 31st, were 2, 3, 10 and 18. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot.
The €30 consolation prizewinners were Maureen Burke, Erin and Kian Walsh, Lorraine Connor and Mandy Morrin.
The weekend jackpot stood at €6,800 on last Sunday night, June 7th, 2026. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and also online at Clubforce.
A sincere thank you has been extended to all the volunteers who have been working tirelessly over the last few weeks preparing Belcarra village for the Tidy Towns Awards.
From cleaning signs and weeding along the footpaths to freshening up flower pots and tidying every corner, there has been a fantastic community effort throughout the village. If you would like to get involved, the group meet every Monday evening at 7pm - new volunteers are always very welcome.
Congratulations to Aidan O’Shea on making 100 championship appearances for Mayo. Aidan the first Mayo player ever to reach this incredible milestone and is also the first outfield player in the history of Gaelic football to make 100 championship appearances.
For over a decade and a half, Aidan has been at the heart of Mayo football leading from the front, inspiring teammates, and giving everything for the jersey every time he stepped onto the field.
It is a truly historic achievement and a legacy that will stand the test of time.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA Lotto on May 26th were 7, 27, 30 and bonus number 6.
There was no jackpot winner and no match three winners. The jackpot stands at €20,800. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA.
**************
Balla/Manulla
Balla GAA Lotto draw was held on Thursday, May 28th in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €9,500. The numbers drawn were 10, 15, 24 and 32 and there was no jackpot winner.
The €30 consolation prize winners were John McLoughlin (online), Paul Jennings (standing order) and Eoin Walsh (cash sale).
The latest draw was held on last Thursday, June 4th, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €9,600.
Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto.
Balla Sensory Room is for everyone. Some people think sensory rooms are only for children with additional sensory needs, but sensory spaces can benefit people of all ages and abilities.
Balla Sensory Room is designed to provide a calm, relaxing, and engaging environment that can support relaxation and stress relief, emotional regulation, anxiety reduction, dementia care and memory support, a quiet family time and wellness and mindfulness.
Sensory rooms are now being widely used to support people living with dementia, helping to create comfort, reduce agitation, and encourage meaningful engagement through lights, sounds, textures, and calming experiences.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful space to unwind, sensory stimulation, or therapeutic support, Balla Sensory Room welcomes everyone. Bookings are available now at the Inclusive Hub, Balla on 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Balla Community Centre would love your feedback. They are inviting members of the local community to take part in a short survey that will only take a few minutes to complete. Your views and experiences are important and will help shape future plans and improvements within Balla community. Please take a moment to share your thoughts by completing the survey on the group's Facebook page.
Manulla Centre activities include Pickleball, Badminton, and Darts for Juniors, Soccer Training and 25 Card Games (Partners) every Sunday night at 9pm. For bookings, please contact Judy on 087-6707922.
Manulla FC Lotto stood at €6,500 on last Sunday, June 7th, for the weekly draw.
Congrats to Mark Duffy, Daire O'Connor, David Cawley, Dylan McKee, Martin Delaney and Jamie Cawley on making Mayo Soccer Podcast Super League 'Teams of the Week ' for rounds 6 and 7.
Manulla FC are delighted to announce that the FA Ireland Mi-Wadi Summer Camp is coming to Manulla FC again this year. The camp will run from Monday to Friday, July 13 to 17, between 10am and 1pm at the club grounds in Carramore. Details are on the club's social media pages.
The Women’s Only DIY Academy Day will take place on Saturday, June 27th, at 9.30am at Balla Community Centre. Ladies should attend for a fun and inspiring day of creativity, learning, connection and empowerment.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or love getting hands-on with DIY projects, this day is all about creating together in a welcoming women-only space.
Spaces are limited, so book your spot today!
Line dancing takes place on Saturdays at 7pm in Balla centre. Get line dancing for great music, high energy, plenty of laughs, and a brilliant night out whether you're a complete beginner or ready to jive the night away.
The classes are dependent on numbers and ensure the floor is filled.
Please call 087-1850860 or 094-9365846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team.
They are seeking a volunteer to assist with bingo sessions for approximately two hours once every six weeks. It’s a great way to meet new people and have a bit of fun.
No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today on 094-9365846 or 087-1850860.
Sean nós dancing classes for adults takes place on Wednesday evenings at 8.30pm. All interested in perfecting this wonderful traditional dance are asked to please make contact with Patricia on 087-7696170 or email patricia.nifhatharta@hotmail.com.
Balla Centre's schedule is filling up fast. It’s fantastic to see so much activity happening. The weekly schedule is full with classes, groups, events and community activities. From morning activities to evening classes, the centre is buzzing every single day with community spirit, learning, laughter and connection.
Balla Active Age Group meets on Fridays at 3pm in Balla Community Centre.
**********************
ERREW/CLOGHER
The 8th Annual Swift Conference took place recently at the ATU's Mayo campus in Castlebar.
It attracted an amazing 185 delegates from 16 countries and the event provided an opportunity to share knowledge, research and ideas on Swift conservation efforts worldwide.
The event took place against the backdrop of the distinctive calls of the local swifts in residence on the Mayo campus. Special guest speakers included Eoin Warner, naturalist and wildlife documentary maker. There was opening words from ATU President and other contributors were Dr Orla Flynn, Head of Department of Environmental Humanities Dr Deirdre Garvey, the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Seán Carey and Christopher O'Sullivan, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with special responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity.
The monthly May winner of the Clogher 500 draw was Martin Kelly of Killawalla.
The committee would like to thank all their patrons for their continued support during the past year. There are still two more draws left in this year's draw cycle, June and July, after which there will be the opportunity to renew for the following year.
The following are the results of the Clogher Cards from Friday, May 29th: 1st, Breege Blake and Pat Griffith shared with Joe and Shane Thomas and Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn; 2nd, Majella Corbett and Gus Sweeney; 3rd, Mary McDonagh and Tom Fitzpatrick.
The last 10 winners were Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons. Thanks to all the card players for their continued support.
The 25 progressive games continue every Friday night at 9pm.
The annual Tuesday evening walks at the Clogher Heritage Centre (F12 PF99) recommenced on last Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7pm.
Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat.
There are three different walk lengths and people can go at their own pace. The evening is rounded off with tea, biscuits and chat.
Thanks to all who came along for the first evening. For health and safety, sturdy walking shoes and hi-viz jackets are recommended. Everybody is welcome for the months of June, July and August.
Errew Ladies Group meets up for a chat, a cuppa and different organised activities on Wednesdays in Errew Community Centre at 7pm.
