Local Notes: New housing scheme opens in Carnacon.
Some of the large attendance pictured at the official opening on March 6, of the award winning - 9 Unit Housing Project 'Coranna Court' in Carnacon village. Picture by Tom Quinn.
On Friday, March 6, Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail and Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD opened three new 9 house housing development in Carnacon village. Alan cut the tape on a beautiful development which is aptly named “Coranna Court” and which won the Irish Council for Social Housing Award 2025. The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey also spoke and stated “This is another fantastic day for housing delivery across the county “I want to pay tribute to the housing and architects’ departments of Mayo County Council for driving these projects from inception, and to the excellent contractors, engineers and consultants whose skill delivered on the vision” The Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly, outlined “Housing delivery is one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to us as a local authority. It is not simply a policy priority; it is a commitment we take seriously, and one we are determined to deliver on. “The mix of housing solutions opened today includes the delivery of nine homes on a greenfield site in Carnacon, a project that was initiated by the local community who approached the council about the possibility. This exemplary development has already been recognised for its quality winning the Irish Council for Social Housing Award 2025. Other Councillors among the large attendance were, Cllr. Al McDonnell, Patsy O Brien and Blackie Gavin. The attractive housing units are of the highest standard and the new residence of the village is wished years of health and happiness in their new homes.
The death has occurred of Mary Finnerty (née Walsh), Charles Street, Castlebar and formally of Ballintubber. Mary passed away in her 98th year. Predeceased by her parents Margaret and Martin, brother Martin, her husband Philip, cherished grandson Robert and much loved daughter-in-law Joan, she is deeply regretted by her heartbroken family Mary (Denis) Castlebar, Oliver (Noreen) Ballintubber, Pauline (Gerry) Bofeenaun, Martin (Ballintubber) and Christina (Colin) London and also sadly missed by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sister-in-law Mary, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Mary’s remains reposed at Ballintubber Resource Centre on last Friday evening from 5.30 until 7.30. Her funeral Mass was celebrated on last Saturday in Ballintubber Abbey at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,300 on Sunday night, March 8. 10, 22, 32 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to John O’Malley, Kate Mealiff, Hugh Geraghty, Jimmy and Breda Kelly, Margaret McHugh and Michael Canavan. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,400 last Sunday night, March 15.
The 2026 Ballintubber registration is now open on Foireann.ie. Each member of Ballintubber GAA must login to foireann.ie and update their membership even if they are a gold patron. All players must be fully registered before taking part in training or matches. To register: Log in to - Update your details - Select your 2026 membership option and complete payment and confirm.
Gold Patrons can choose the Pay in club option if paying by standing order or pay annual to the Club directly. New members wishing to have full gold patron membership for 2026 cannot opt for the instalment method as they will not be fully paid before end of March and those who want to use this option will not get additional benefits until 2027. Gold patron membership covers one adult full membership, one adult social member and 2 children 12 years and under. Additional children under 12 are extra and children over 12 have separate membership. If you have any issues, contact the club registrar Aisling 087 6569696.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, March 9, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn from the drum were 28, 31, 32 and 33. The consolation prize winners were Nuala Heneghan, Richard Carney, Mike Hargreaves, Mary Plunkett and Zoe and Lucy Burke. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €16,700 up for grabs.
Results from Monday, March 9: 1st (after an intense play-off) Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes; Pat Griffith and Chris Turner; Seamus Nevin and Kevin Burke, 2nd Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings, 3rd Noel Costello and Dave Gibbons. The best of last 10 prizes went to Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley and the raffle was won by Kevin Burke and Seamus Nevin. The card games continue every Monday night in Ballyglass Community Centre from 9pm.
Thanks to all who took part in the recent Ballyglass Community Futures household survey. The results of the survey will lead to a public vote for priority projects that will help improve our area over the next five years. The organisers are extremely grateful to everyone for their cooperation on this project. Thanks to the team of volunteers who helped with the distribution and collection of the surveys. Details of the next steps in the renewal process will follow in the coming weeks.
Yoga class takes place on Tuesdays from 7.30 to 8.30pm at Ballyglass Community Centre. Beginners welcome, no experience required. Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Contact Emma on 087 997 3357.
Congratulations to the 5th and 6th class pupils from Mountpleasant NS, Ballintubber NS and Killawalla NS who were confirmed on Thursday, March 12, by Fr Tod Nolan. Thanks have been extended to their parents and teacher for preparing them for the sacrament.
A passion play practice will take place on next Sunday, March 22, at 3pm. All members of the cast (including Angels and new Angels) are requested to attend.
The Multiple Sclerosis Ireland South Mayo Branch thank everyone who donated to and organised the recent church gate collection at Killawalla, Ballintubber and Carnacon Churches.
Ballintubber Cycling Club are welcoming new members of all abilities. If you are interested in joining a local club and would like to find out more come along to the open night on March 26, from 7.30 to 8.30pm in Ballintubber Resource Centre. The club has group cycles on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings with everyone meeting for coffee afterwards. It’s a great way of improving your fitness and meeting new people from your community. For further information contact Stephanie on 087 2902491 or Deirdre 087 6305577.
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Tuar Mhic Éadaigh CLG recently enjoyed a very successful presentation night in the club. It was fantastic to see the teams being honoured come together. A huge thank you has been extended to David Lally of Lally Chartered Engineers for sponsoring the football jerseys for the minor boys’ team. Special thanks have also been extended to Mayo Captain Jack Coyne for attending, sharing great words of wisdom with the young players and presenting medals to the teams. Jack is wished the very best for the year ahead as Mayo captain. Thanks also to everyone who helped organise the night and assisted with registration for the new season, your time and commitment are greatly appreciated by all in the club.
The weekend lotto Jackpot on Saturday, March 14, stood at €20,000. 3, 11, 15 and 31 were the numbers drawn 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.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is providing to employees and professionals in the Gaeltacht who wish to undertake Irish language courses online at various levels. Fully funded places on the Certificate in Professional Irish are being offered as a result of a partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). The courses are available to employees in each of the 7 Gaeltacht counties. These courses, which are recognised by QQI and available from Levels 2-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, will be provided by Gaelchultúr. These are part-time 12-week courses with classes delivered live online once a week. The courses will begin this month. For more information or to express your interest follow the appropriate link below.
Further support will be provided to participants on these courses to obtain a Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) qualification with an additional scheme provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta to participants on completion of the course.
Please don’t hesitate to contact pleanailteanga@udaras.ie if you have any queries.
Anuar air sin, cuirfear tacaíocht bhreise ar fáil do rannpháirtithe a thugann faoi na cúrsaí seo cáilíocht Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) a bhaint amach trí scéim faoi leith a chuirfidh Údarás na Gaeltachta ar fáil dóibh i ndiaidh an chúrsa.
Déan teagmhail le pleanailteanga@udaras.ie má tá aon cheisteanna agat.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Evelyn Donoghue, Gortmore, Tourmakeady on the recent passing of her brother, Jimmy Coyne, formerly of Cornamona. May he rest in peace.
Irish classes for beginners run from 11 to 12 noon on Wednesdays. The Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Circle) then runs from 12 to 1am in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. The next sessions will be on next Wednesday, March 25, also on Thursdays, Ranganna do thosaitheoirí (class for beginners), runs from 6 to 7pm, and the Ciorcal Comhrá (Conversation Circle) from 7 to 8pm. Ar fad in aisce - free course.
Congratulations are extended to Josie and Eamon Duffy, Killawalla East who recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with a gala function for their family and friends in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. The popular couple are wished many more years of good health and happiness.
There will be a meeting of Tourmakeady Sustainable Energy Community in the Halla on March 26, at 7pm. There will be contributions from Dr Orla Nic Suibhne, SEAI SEC mentor, Daire Doyle DC Heat Pump Services, Heat Pumps and Servicing and Oliver Killeen of Westquay Energy on Solar PV and Storage. A large attendance is anticipated.
Partry Ladies are hosting a felting workshop in the Mons Horan Centre in Partry on this Thursday, March 19, at 8pm. The crafts person is Sue Stanley and she will provide all the materials required. All interested ladies 9over 18s) from the region who are interested are invited along. A modest fee of €5 for participants applies.
Sincere sympathy is extended to John Farragher, Carrawinna on the recent passing of his brother, Tom Farragher, Tullyglass Court Lower, Shannon, Co Clare and formerly of Creevagh, Cong, Co Mayo. Go raibh leaba I measc na naomh aige.
A LCCA public meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 31, at 8pm in Partry Community Centre. The guest speaker will be Kate McAney of The Vincent Wildlife Trust on the topic “The Secret Life of the Lesser Horseshoe Bats and why they matter to Lough Carra and the Catchment”. Are you curious about wildlife, interested in conservation and want to stay updated on local projects? There will also be updates on LCCA recent activities and news from the Lough Carra LIFE Project. Enquiries: info@loughcarra.org.
Multiple Sclerosis Ireland South Mayo Branch has extended thanks to everyone who donated to and organised the recent church gate collection. €258.31 was raised at Partry Church and €350.19 was raised at Tourmakeady Church.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Johnny and Nonie Horan, Partry and Neil Donnelly, Ballintubber who were recent draw winners.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Helen O’Mahony and Sean and Cathal Horan who were recent winners. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565.
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Breaffy GAA senior team presentation night took place recently in Breaffy House Hotel. It was a fantastic evening celebrating the achievements and efforts of the team over the past year, with players, coaches and supporters all coming together to mark the occasion. On the night there were presentation awards for the club senior, U21 and junior ‘Players of the Year’. Senior Player of the Year went to Robbie Fadden; joint U21 Players of the Year were Pierce Deane and Aidan Cunningham; Junior Player of the Year was Tom Mannion. Congratulations to all the award winners on their well-deserved recognition, and the club have extended thanks to everyone who helped make the evening such a special occasion for the club.
Breaffy GAA lotto on March 10 had the numbers 4, 14, 30 and bonus number 10 drawn. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £19,700 on March 17.
Breaffy Health and Wellbeing will hold a Daffodil Day coffee morning in Breaffy Clubhouse on Friday, March 20, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. All are welcome to join and support the worthy cause.
Belcarra Community Council has begun the process of formulating a Belcarra Area Community Action Plan 2027 to 2032. The first step in this process is hearing from you, the community. From April 10, volunteers will be calling to homes to deliver the community survey and they will return to collect it on the 17th. Your feedback is very important, so take the time to complete the survey and have your say in shaping the future of Belcarra.
Belcarra Community Council are currently looking to gather a collection of photos of the Belcarra area that will be included in the ‘Belcarra Area Community Action Plan’. Photos should be high quality with the focus on places rather than faces. You must also own the photos and be happy to have those used in the publication. Please make contact or email photos to: belcarracommunitycouncil@gmail.com.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on March 8, were 1, 2, 11 and 23. Consolation prizewinners were Karyn O'Malley, Margaret Gavin, Kenneth Jordan and Mary Brennan. The weekend jackpot stood at €5,600 on Sunday last, March 15. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
The winners of the March card game in Belcarra Centre were:1st Francis Lohan and Conor Heaney, 2nd Tommy Lyons and Tommy Fahy, 3rd John McCormack and Mary Jo Cannon. The last 9 winners were Mary McGough and Tom Walsh and the raffle prizes were won by Mary Jo Cannon, Conor Heaney and Kevin Curry. The next 25 drive in Belcarra Centre will be on Monday, April 6.
The first farmers’ workshop of 2026 for the Lough Carra LIFE Agri-Environmental Scheme was successfully held in Belcarra Community Centre. The meeting brought together participating farmers from The Lough Carra LIFE Agri-Environmental Scheme for an informative and engaging session focused on current agricultural developments. The title of the talk was: “Nitrate Action Programme (NAP) Changes and Livestock Farming in the West of Ireland.” The discussion covered important updates to the NAP and what these changes mean for livestock farming in the West of Ireland, with practical insights for farmers involved in the scheme.
A big thank you was extended to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. Continued engagement is vital to protecting and improving water quality in the Lough Carra catchment area while supporting sustainable farming in our community.
Mayo Stoma Support Group will be having their next meeting on the March 19, at 7pm in Ellison Hotel, Castlebar. It is open to all who either have a stoma or care for them. If you would like to book a place, text 087 6275766.
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Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, March 5, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €8,300. 1, 15, 30 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Michelle McCormack (online), Pauline Dunne (online) and David Brennan (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, March 12, in Flukies when the jackpot stood at €8,400.
Balla GAA and LGFA have a fantastic night organised for the Rendezvous on Friday, March 27, at 8pm. Brush up on your general knowledge for a table quiz and raffle. Dance the night away afterwards at an 80s disco.
Congratulations are extended to Tom Howley, formerly of Kiltimagh Road, Balla who recently won a Lifetime Achievement Award in Kitchen Design at the KBB Awards in Birmingham. Tom who lives in Manchester is the founder and creative design director of his namesake luxury kitchen brand which was established in 2004.
Line dancing instructor Christopher Beirne kicked things off on Saturday, March 14, at 7pm. 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. Call 087 1850860 or 094 9365846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
The first steps in establishing Balla Community First Responders, will be held with an information night on March 19 at 7.30pm in the Inclusive Hub (above Balla Credit Union). This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more, get involved, and become part of something truly vital for the community. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend. If you have any questions, call 087 1850860.
Neuro-Affirming Community Board Gaming Nights are free, welcoming, and inclusive! Join up every Tuesday from 7 to 10pm. With over 80 games to choose from, there’s something for everyone. No booking required — just come along and join in the fun! Please note: Games are suitable for ages 8+. Children U16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Manulla FC was thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the final race of the Mayo AC 5K series this year as part of the club 50th year celebrations. The series begins in Castlebar on Tuesday the 12th of May and will run for five weeks, with the final race in Manulla on Tuesday June the 9th. A huge thank you has been extended to Mayo AC for giving Manulla FC this privilege.
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The death occurred last week of Tommy Joe Nally (TJ), Lisrobert, Clogher, Claremorris. In his early eighties Tommy Joe passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of The Mayo Hospice. In the late 60s and early 70s Tommy Joe played for Ballintubber Club. He was widely known in farming circles having represented the ICMSA at an administrative level for some years.
His passing is a great loss to his grieving family and many friends made down the decades. Pre deceased by his parents Dan and Bridget, sister Kathleen Mc Kenna, grandson baby Fin and nephew Sean, he is deeply regretted by his loving family, wife Mary (nee Mc Hale, Caurane, Parke) sons Kieran (Orla, Clogher), Tomas (Tara, Clogher), daughters Marie Reilly (John ,Derrywash), Paula Mc Hale (Enda, Derrywash) and Breda Prendergast (Kenneth, Mountpleasant) brother Willie (Holland) sister Sr Annie Mary (Sisters of Mercy, Cork) grandchildren Ethan, Kayla, Ría, William, Katelyn, Sean, Kayden, Keefe, Kalum and Eabha, nephews, nieces, brother-in-law, sister-in- law, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Tommie Joe’s remains reposed at Carnacon Community Centre on Friday from 5 until 7pm. His funeral cortege arrived at St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, on Saturday for Requiem Mass at 2pm. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards to Drum Cemetery. Go raibh leaba I measc na naomh aige.
Clogher National School and the Clogher Environmental Group are working together to raise €40,000 for a modular facility that will provide a Breakfast Club, Pre-School and After-School service for local families. The project aims to create much-needed childcare and sessional places for children aged 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. It is hoped the facility will be in place for the 2026/2027 school year. Any support from local businesses or the wider community would be greatly appreciated, with all funds going directly towards the modular building.
The results of the card game held on Friday, March 6, were; 1st Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith, Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahey, 3rd Eileen Moran and Michael Giblin, Last 10 Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
