Local Notes: Magical evening in Moorehall in search of bats
The Lawless family at pictured at the 60th anniversary celebration of Belcarra's participation in the National Tidy Towns Competition. Picture: Trish Forde
All the brave souls who ventured out during Heritage Week in search of bats around Moorehall and Lough Carra have been highly lauded!
The Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) were delighted to have such a great turn out, and luckily the bats graced the occasion with their presence, despite the teeming rain.
Thanks have been extended to LawPro for supporting the event with equipment and refreshments funding. Gracious thanks was also tendered to Brian and Grace from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, who guided the participants on the bat walk, from their roost at Moore Hall, through the woodlands and tunnels, and right down to the lakeshore. Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm were very much appreciated. All agreed it was a magical evening.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA Lotto draw on Sunday week last when the numbers drawn were 1, 25, 27 and 32.
The winners of the consolation prizes were Helen Horan, Margaret Burke, Tom Mulroe, Colm Burke, Paul and Sheila Feeney and Carnacon Ladies.
On last Sunday evening, September 1st, the Jackpot stood at €6,500 for the weekly draw.
You can play Ballintubber lotto online, see the club's social media pages.
Meanwhile, congrats to Chloe Kelly who won €200 in the third round of the Mayo GAA Club Development Draw.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys recently announced funding for forest parks.
This funding will assist in the upgrade of forest trails and walkways by improving toilet facilities, car parks, and walking trails.
Minister of Alan Dillon has stated that the investment is part of a strategic partnership between the Department of Rural and Community Development and Coillte to maintain and manage existing trails in Coillte forests, as well as developing new recreation opportunities.
A total of €224,441 will be used to deliver a range of projects in Coillte parks across County Mayo, including local forests at Moore Hall/ Towerhill, Tourmakeady and Breaffy.
Ballintubber 5k or 10k Fun Run will take place on Sunday, September 22nd. Registration will take place at 9am at Ballintubber Community Centre.
The adult entry fee is €10 for 5k and €15 for 10k and there are prizes for the first male and female in both races. The event is open to runners, joggers and walkers and strong support is anticipated.
Congratulations are extended to Ballintubber GAA club secretary Elizabeth (Liz) Conway and her husband Pat on the recent celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary.
The couple are wished many more joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
The new album from the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, which is entitled ‘Dóchas‘s Grá - Hope and Love’, is available to buy at Ballintubber Abbey Giftshop for €20.
This beautifully presented CD features songs and traditional Irish music often heard in the Abbey. It also includes a commemorative booklet. All proceeds from this album go towards the Abbey restoration project.
The numbers drawn in Ballyglass FC Lotto on August 26th were 8, 19, 28 and 32, and there was no winner of the €8,600 jackpot.
The match three winner was Danny Killeen while consolation prizes went to Tony Corbett, Peter Philbin, Aoife and Alanah Maloney and Sean and Niall Malone, Colin Mannion.
Play now to be in with a chance to win next week’s jackpot by going to www.smartlotto.ie. Thanks to everyone for their support!
Winners at Ballyglass Cards on Monday, August 26th, were: 1st, Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly; 2nd, Patricia Jennings and Tom Fitzpatrick; 3rd, Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin.
The last 10 winners were Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford and the raffle prizes went to Kevin Burke and Breege Jennings.
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the Community Centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30pm for a clean-up. Sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. are the duties required.
If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087-6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools, gloves and high-vis jacket is asked to bring them along. Thank you!
The exercise group for Ballyglass Active Age group will resume after a short summer break on this Tuesday, September 3rd, in the Community Centre from 11am to 12 noon.
New members are very welcome to come along and join this busy group, where the movement and feel-good factor are only a small part of what makes it so popular.
If a cuppa and a chat is more what you’re looking for, join us for tea (and often some home-baked treats) after the class finishes at 12.
There is a meeting after the class once a month, during which plans are made for classes, activities, outings and overnight trips.
Yoga classes will resume for the group in September on Wednesday mornings. The group will head to beautiful Donegal in a few weeks’ time for the annual tour, which is now fully booked.
Ballyglass Active Age is all about coming together for activity, wellbeing and social interaction in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Feel free to come and join us, where there is a warm welcome for all.
Congratulations to Gerard and Vanessa Murphy, Moorehall, on the birth of their beautiful baby son, Rian Sean Murphy recently.
Rian is adored by his Moorehall Granny and Grandad, Christina and Richard Murphy, and his Newport grandparents, John and Maria Moran.
Welcome to the world baby Rian and best wishes to all the family at this happy time!
Carmel and Mick Summerville are leading a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from October 23rd to 30th, accompanied by Fr Brendan Kilcoyne as spiritual director. For any enquiries, please contact Carmel on 087-1339668 or Mick on 087-2072194.
Ballintubber Abbey Choir Practice returns tomorrow (Wednesday) at 8pm. New members welcome.
Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre and Gift Shop is open daily. Guided tours are available seven days a week including Sundays after Mass, Monday to Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093-9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the Gift Shop.
****
PARTRY/TOURMAKEADY/KILLAWALLA
Minister of State Alan Dillon recently announced that Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Tourmakeady) is set to receive €50,000 to explore the repurposing of the former Coláiste Connacht into a Smart Village and Cultural Innovation Hub.
The project will include training resource rooms, digital hot-desk capabilities, and office spaces. The funding will enable the procurement of a multi-disciplinary design team to develop a comprehensive business case and create a project ready for construction.
It is welcome news indeed for the active go-ahead Gaeltacht village.
Congratulations to Tuar Mhic Eadaigh handballers Mark Heneghan and Michael Laing on a very successful campaign in the World Wallball Championships 2024, which took place at the University of Limerick recently.
Michael Lang and his partner, Michael Corley, from Belcarra, finished second in the Golden Masters Doubles Plate World Championship. Michael also reached the semi-final of the plate in the singles competition.
Mark Heneghan showed really well against international opposition, with a comprehensive win against his Welsh opponent in the middle game but was marginally edged out by opponents from Japan and Puerto Rico in the later stages.
Congrats to both men, a great achievement and experience no doubt - two fantastic ambassadors for Cumann Liathróid Láimhe Thuar Mhic Éadaigh.
Lá Mór na Gaeilge 2024 - with spórt agus spraoí, craic agus ceol - takes place at Páirc Naomh Muire, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Saturday, September 9th.
Bhí go leor ar siúl do na gasúir, na cailíní agus do na dhaoine go léir! Fáilte roimh chách - Bígí Linn.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on August 24th for a jackpot of €13,400.
The numbers drawn were 10, 11, 22 and 27, and there was no jackpot winner.
The online consolation prizewinners were Brendan Prendergast and Cristin Ní Éanacháin.
The jackpot stood at €13,500 on last Saturday night, August 31st.
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.
Meanwhile, congrats to Sean Heneghan, Goirtín Mór, who was a €200 winner in the recent Mayo GAA Club Development Draw.
The death has taken place of Patrick James (PJ) Riordan, Malahide, Dublin.
PJ passed away peacefully on August 22nd in the care of the wonderful staff of the Hamilton Ward at the Beaumont Hospital in Dublin.
Predeceased by his wife Maura and sister Mary, he is deeply regretted by his daughters Grainne and Delia, son Donal, son-in-law Dave, daughter-in-law Fiona, grandchildren Daniel, Ciaran, Joy, Cian, Matthew and Jessica, great-grandchildren Oliver, Charlie, Sam, Norie and Jacob, sisters Ann and Colette, brother Noel, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are extended.
His remains reposed at the residence of his son Donal, Malahide, on August 23rd before removal to St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on Saturday, August 24th. His funeral Mass was celebrated on Sunday morning in St Mary’s Church, Gorteenmore, Tourmakeady at 11.30am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a nAinm.
Congratulations are extended to Stephen Lally, son of John and Teresa Lally, Shangorth, and Sarah Lyons, Westport, who were recently married.
Following a colourful wedding ceremony, the newly-wed couple hosted a gala reception for their families and friends in the Castlecourt Hotel. Westport. They are wished great joy and fulfilment in their married lives.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes personnel have extended a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the roadshow and placename recording events during Heritage Week.
The turnout was great and there were amazing opportunities to connect with the communities in the three geopark towns - Oughterard, Ballinrobe and Headford. The event in Tourmakeady also helped to record over 50 local place names not yet on any map and more will surely become available.
The summer season of Irish classes continues in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh.
On Wednesday, September 4th, at 10am, there will be a morning session for complete beginners.
For more experienced speakers, there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11am to 12 noon and another evening session running from 7 to 8pm.
Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie or contact Stiofán at 087-23970227 or email opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Killawalla Fair takes place at McEvilly’s pub on Saturday next, September 7th.
There will be music all day, a jiving competition, a food trailer, cattle, sheep, horses, poultry and a dog show.
There is also a monster raffle with a first prize of 10 lambs or €1,000 in cash, a second prize of €200 and a third prize of €100. The draw will take place at Sheep Show on October 27th.
Trade stands welcome at the Fair. Just call Joe at 086-1520460 for details.
Killawalla Community Council and many members of the community are going racing again for the last Ballinrobe Races meeting of the year on Friday, September 13th.
The coach will be leaving Killawalla at 3pm sharp and it promises to be a great evening's fun and entertainment.
Partry Remote Working Hub in the Monsignor Horan Community Centre is now ready for volunteers to try out.
Anyone interested in using this excellent resource with ultra-fast broadband should contact Brendan Duignan on 087-2835082 for more information and to book slots.
Congratulations to Johnny and Nonie Horan, Partry and Neil Donnelly, Ballintubber who were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
Congrats to Kathleen Wickam, Tooreen, and Mary O’Malley, Kilfaul, who were recent winners in the Partry Residents' numbers lotto.
Each winner received €100 on number 16 in the Partry Residents' Association Saturday night bonus number draws.
*****
BREAFFY/BALLYHEANE/BELCARRA
Warm congratulations are extended to Cuileann Bourke, of Belcarra Handball Club, and her partner Cailiosa Ni Dhuill (Armagh), who recently captured the Ladies' Doubles title at the World Wallball Games at the University of Limerick.
Cuileann also battled her way to the Ladies A World Championship Final following a hard-fought win over American opponent Myohwa Hwee in the semi-final and won silver as the runner-up in the ladies singles event.
A sister of teak-tough Ballintubber GAA Club defender Finian Burke, Cuileann is a credit to her family and community. What a great achievement and due reward for a dedicated and talented handballer.
Breaffy rounders teams have dominated the senior categories of national rounders competition, securing spots in all three senior finals with victories over Cúchulainn Rounders, Erne Eagles, and Limekiln.
The Breaffy ladies team will be going for a historic three-in-a-row.
These are major milestones for the Breaffy club, with all three teams having achieved their place in the GAA Rounders All-Ireland Finals.
The 2024 Senior Rounders Finals matchups are as follows - Men’s Senior Rounders: Breaffy (Mayo) vs. Erne Eagles (Cavan); Mixed Senior Rounders: Breaffy (Mayo) vs. Limekiln (Dublin); Ladies Senior Rounders: Breaffy (Mayo) vs. Glynn-Barntown (Wexford).
In the semi-finals, the men’s team has made their first final in nearly 30 years after a momentous victory. The mixed game had to be restarted at the top of the 5th due to a technicality.
Breaffy pushed on in the restarted game and took a hard-fought win 14 -6.
The ladies booked their place in the final, with a finishing run in the dying light of the evening. It was an absolutely superb effort by all the Breaffy teams and the community couldn't be more proud of their massive achievement.
Best wishes to all in the All-Ireland Finals.
The jackpot in the Breaffy GAA Lotto now stands at €24,000 for tonight’s draw after there was no winner of the jackpot last week when the numbers drawn were 9, 10, 27 and bonus number 6. There were no match three winners either.
Congrats to the Lucky Dip winners.
The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. You can play online at www.lottoraiser.ie or www.breaffygaa.ie.
Congrats to Breaffy native Michael Hall who has captained Cormac McAnallens to the New South Wales Senior Football Championship in Sydney on a recent Sunday.
Congrats to Breaffy LGFA senior ladies and management on winning the Division 3 Shield.
Captain Meadbh O'Shea accepted the shield on behalf of the team and Aisling Flanagan was awarded Player of the Match.
Thanks have also been extended to all the supporters and to The Neale for a very good and sporting game which Breaffy won by 5-14 -to 0-14.
Belcarra Community Council’s Lotto Draw featured an attractive jackpot of €8,000 on August 25th. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 24 and 31, and there was no jackpot winner.
The Lucky Dip winners of €30 each were Geraldine Lester, Barry Cuffe, Adrian Ward and Karen Serantes.
The weekend prize was €8,100 for the draw on Sunday evening. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestor's and Flukies.
The Christian community have welcomed Amber Mari McNamara, Ballinalassa, who was baptised recently in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. Congratulations to her parents and family.
Yoga and Aromatherapy returns to Belcarra Community Centre on Thursdays after 10am Mass, commencing on September 12th. Please contact Virginia at 087-2831400 or Kathy at 087-6712225.
There will be a Coffee Morning in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Belcarra Community Centre after 8pm Mass on Saturday, September 7th. Thanks to everyone for their continued support each year.
*****
BALLA/MANULLA
The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA Lotto draw on Thursday, August 22nd, in The Shebeen were 6, 27, 32 and 33. There was no winner of the €7,800 jackpot.
The €30 winners were Pearce Gibbons (standing order), Liam Flanagan (online) and Oisín McGovern (cash sale).
Thanks to all those who support Balla GAA lotto.
The death has occurred of Kevin Ruane, Ballybrit, Galway and Perth, Australia.
Kevin was predeceased by his brother Adrian, grandad Gerald Ruane (Balla) and grandmother Catherine O'Donnell (Achill).
Kevin was the beloved son of John and Kathleen, sister, Aisling, and grandson to Maura Ruane (Balla) and John O'Donnell (Achill). He is deeply regretted and lovingly remembered by his parents, sister, girlfriend Lauren, grandparents and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed at the Holy Family Funeral Parlour, Mervue, Galway, on last Friday with removal to the Balla Funeral Home later that evening and then to St Cronan's Church, Balla.
Kevin’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday at 12 noon, with burial taking place afterwards in the New Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
Free Tai Chi classes will take place in Balla Community Centre commencing on September 11th at 10:30am, with the first class from 11am to 12.15pm.
For details on the rest of the classes, please email chealy@southmayo.com or phone 087-6151675 to book your place.
Balla Active Age Group activities return after the summer break on next Friday, September 6th.
The group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the Community Centre. New members will be made most welcome.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Manulla FC Lotto draw on August 25th last when the numbers drawn were 5, 12, 15 and 18.
Consolation prizes went to Joshua Walsh, Manulla (online), Caroline Flannery, Derrywash (online) and Lorna Baek Monard (online).
The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons.
Tickets are available on the website www.lottoraiser.ie, just search for 'Manulla FC'.
Manulla FC has extended sincere thanks to Breaffy House Hotel & Spa Resort for the generous sponsorship received.
Mindspace Mayo offers a free support service to young people (12 to 25 years ) in Co Mayo who are presenting with anything from common concerns (e.g. dealing with a relationship break-up, exam stress, bullying) to emerging mental health difficulties like mild depression and anxiety.
Mindspace is located at Market Square, Castlebar and anyone can make a referral. Visit www.mindspacemayo.ie or call 094-9067001.
Balla Bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, commencing at 8pm sharp.
Balla Bingo usually features a generous €12,000 prize fund with 50/50 winners in-house and online and a free book giveaway on the night. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Mary Timmis, Moat, on the passing of her father Pat Campbell, Yorkshire, England.
May he rest in peace.
Balla Community Centre have the following classes coming on stream in early September:
Sewing at 10am every Monday; Women's Healing Group, 7pm every Monday; Tai Chi (free) provided by South-West Mayo Development Company; Art for Children every Monday at 4pm; Drama for Children every Thursday at 3.30pm.
Please contact info@balla.ie or phone 087-1850860 or 094-9365846 for further information.
Hot Desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Please contact infoballa.ie or 087-1850860 for further details.
Balla Community Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night. Call the Centre at 094-9365843 for more information.
Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.
******
ERREW/CLOGHER
Saturday, August 24th, 2024, was a special day in the community of Clogher and particularly in the village of Newtown and the surrounding villages.
The weather did nothing to dampen the spirits as a large gathering encompassing three generations of families met to welcome Rev. Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and Killala, who celebrated Mass at the Marian Grotto in Newtown on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Marian Year.
The Mass was concelebrated by Fr Michael Farragher, PP Carnacon, Fr Ulick Bourke, SMA, a native of Newtown, Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, PP Balla and Fr Frank Fahey, Ballintubber. The altar servers were Alannah Mc Donagh and Ruth Hallinan.
In the opening address, Breege Blake, on behalf of the community, welcomed and thanked Archbishop Duffy and the concelebrating priests and all the people who attended. She spoke briefly about the Marian Year and the resilience and faith of the people of 1954, who through the Meitheal system designed and created the Grotto that is here today as a reminder of the past.
She thanked the Grotto Commemorative Committee for all their hard work in the past months, the Clogher Environmental Group, Tom McLoughlin and the staff of the Community Employment Scheme for their outstanding work in the lead-up to the event and on the day itself, the community and especially the neighbours of the Grotto and all the people who loaned or donated items to help the day run smoothly. She expressed gratitude to the local elected representatives, councillors, TDs and Senators, Mayo County Council, South West Mayo Development Company, Coillte, and the National Heritage Council for their continued support for all the projects in the area.
In the Mass, the epistle was read by Paddy McDonagh and the Gospel acclamation by his grandson Rory. The Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Leanne Kennedy, Damien Coleman, Eileen Moran, Alan Larkin, Liz Cosgrave and John Concannon. Hymns for the Mass were sung by a combination of choir members from Carnacon, Ballintubber and Belcarra Churches.
In his homily, Archbishop Duffy spoke about the many Marian Shrines that are in the country and particularly in Co Mayo and how they are a constant reminder of God’s presence in our midst and his love for all of us. They also remind us of Mary’s role in the life of Jesus.
The Archbishop mentioned that the Grottos are a reminder of our faith, culture, identity and heritage. He praised the people of 70 years ago who had provided the Grotto for the village and community. To close, he prayed to keep safe all who travel the roads around the Grotto. He then blessed and rededicated the Grotto.
To commemorate this day a new stone has been placed at the Grotto with the words 'Rededicated by Archbishop Francis Duffy on 24th August 2024'. The new stone was from McDermott’s of Partry who provided the original stone in 1954.
After the Mass, the clergy enjoyed tea and refreshments in the traditional cottage which had the table laid out similar to the Stations table of old. The whole congregation also had tea, sandwiches and cakes in the grounds of the cottage. The day was fine and the buzz of conversation as people met old school friends and caught up with neighbours of their youth was evidence that a good time was had by all. Again we thank the Archbishop and priests, all the people who helped out or were associated in any way with the day. Hopefully, it was a day to remember for years to come.
On Wednesday, August 21st, Clogher community hosted the official opening of a Sand Martin Bird Wall as part of the Clogher Bog Walks.
This wall is the first of its kind in Connacht and will help to conserve and increase the number of nesting sand martins in the bog, as it provides nesting holes which are predator-proof, thus ensuring the safety of the nesting birds.
At the Community Hall, Tom McLoughlin, Supervisor of the Community Employment Scheme, welcomed and thanked the assembled guests, which included Mayo Co Council's Heritage Officer Deirdre Cunningham and Biodiversity Officer Sheila Murphy, as well as David and Mary McDonagh, who donated the site for the wall; Chris and Lynda Huxley who designed the blueprint for the wall, representatives of Coillte, South West Mayo Development Company, Councillors Al Mc Donnell and Michael Kilcoyne among others.
Local men Martin Heneghan and Jimmy Connor were hands-on in building the wall and providing the feeding pool which is adjacent to it.
Project worker Michael Kingdon gave a very interesting presentation on the life cycle of the sand martin and the difficulties it faces on its journey across or around the Sahara Desert. Following the presentations in the Community Centre, the group went to see the actual wall.
Many thanks again to all involved in the creation of this initiative.
The results of the Clogher Cards on Friday, August 23rd, were as follows: 1st, Pat Griffith and Majella Corbett; 2nd, Bridie McDermott and Michael Giblin; 3rd, Martin Moran and Tom Fitzpatrick.
The last 10 winners were Sean Hopkins and Peter O'Malley and Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons.
The game continues every Friday night and with the evenings drawing in it’s a lovely way to pass a night. Everyone is welcome to attend.
A six-week series of Beginners' Yoga classes is set to commence in Errew Community Centre.
Persons who are interested should contact lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com to book a place.
There are vacancies on the course commencing on Monday, September 16th. The classes will be a chance to release stress, become more flexible and meet up with others.
Errew Breakfast Club and after school facility is now available for use by pupils from this September. The newly restored and refurbished Errew Community Centre, located directly opposite Errew NS, is ready to welcome children from Errew NS and the surrounding area.
Breakfast Club and After School Details: Morning Opening Hours: 7.30am until 9.10am (just in time for school); Afterschool Opening Hours: 2pm to 3pm (Junior and Senior Infants) and 3pm to 5.30pm (1st to 6th Class).
For enquiries, please contact 087-9005099.
The Errew Old Girls’ School restoration project began in March 2021. The main driving force behind this project was to provide this much-needed facility for the school and the community. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
