Local Notes: New one-way traffic system to be trialled in Kiltimagh

Stallholders invited for Christmas Market; Clann Machua Drama Night; Halloween Fun
Local Notes: New one-way traffic system to be trialled in Kiltimagh

Minister of State Sean Canney TD, British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen, and Minister of State Alan Dillon TD turned the sod for the Pro Rail Academy in Kiltimagh.

One-way traffic trial to begin 

Mayo County Council has published a notice of its intention to introduce a trial one-way traffic system in Kiltimagh town for a three-week period during November. The proposed arrangement will affect James Street (Kilkelly Road) and Thomas Street (Knock Road), with traffic restricted to one direction on sections of both roads. The trial is scheduled to begin at 10am on Monday, November 9th, and continue until 10am on Monday, November 30th.

Under the proposal, traffic on James Street will be permitted to travel only away from Main Street towards Kilkelly, between its junction with Main Street and the junction with Station Road. Vehicles travelling in the opposite direction will be diverted via Station Road, Thomas Street and Main Street. On Thomas Street, traffic will be restricted to travelling towards Main Street from the Knock direction, between the Station Road junction and Main Street. Traffic wishing to travel in the opposite direction will use Main Street, James Street and Station Road, under the proposals.

The trial follows a public meeting held in Kiltimagh Town Hall on September 28th, when the traffic arrangements were discussed. The three-week trial will provide an opportunity to assess how the proposed one-way arrangements operate in practice, including their effect on traffic movement through the town.

Stallholders invited for Christmas Market 

Preparations are underway for the Kiltimagh Christmas Market, which will take place in the Market Square on Sunday, December 6th, from 2pm to 5.30pm. Organisers are now inviting applications from stallholders interested in selling their products at the event. The market is promoted by Kiltimagh Tourism with the support of Mayo County Council, and provide an opportunity for local makers, crafters, artists, bakers and small businesses to showcase their products in the run-up to Christmas.

A wide range of stalls is being encouraged, including handmade gifts and crafts, artwork, prints, jewellery, accessories, candles, beauty products, homewares, baked goods and festive treats. The organisers are particularly interested in attracting businesses and individuals offering distinctive products that would make suitable Christmas presents. 

The event will also give shoppers an opportunity to support local producers and small businesses while browsing for Christmas gifts. For those who make their own products or operate small enterprises, the market provides a chance to reach customers in a festive setting in the centre of Kiltimagh.

Stall spaces cost €30, and advance booking is required. Applications can be submitted through the Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals social media pages. Bookings will only be confirmed when the completed application form and payment have been received.

Clann Machua Drama Night

Clann Machua Drama Group will stage a special fundraising night in the Town Hall Theatre, Kiltimagh, at 8pm on Friday, October 30th, with all proceeds going to the Hope for Harry Appeal. 

The fundraiser has been organised in support of Harry, a six-year-old boy from Aiden Street who is currently undergoing treatment for leukaemia. The evening will provide an opportunity for the local community to come together, enjoy live theatre and contribute to a cause that has a very personal connection with the town.

The programme will include the hilarious one-act comedy ‘Babysitting Calvin’, with Clann Machua promising an entertaining night for audiences while raising funds for Harry and his family. 

Clann Machua has a long association with drama in Kiltimagh, and this special performance will put the talents of the local group to good use in supporting a young member of the community. Tickets will be available at the door, and all funds raised on the night will go directly to the Hope for Harry fundraiser.

IRD Kiltimagh AGM

The annual general meeting of IRD Kiltimagh CLG takes place in the Cairn International Trade Centre on Wednesday, October 28th, at 7.30pm.

All are welcome. If you would like to attend, please contact the IRD Office on 094-9381494 or email reception@ird-kiltimagh.ie.

Calling young performers 

Kiltimagh GAA is inviting young people under 17 to represent the club in the Mayo Scór na nÓg County Final at Ballyvary Central National School on Sunday, November 15th.

Scór na nÓg celebrates Irish music, song, dance, drama and culture, with competitions for individuals and groups. The programme includes solo singing, recitation, ballad groups, instrumental music, figure dancing, sean nós dancing, set dancing, novelty acts and Tráth na gCeist. 

The quiz competition begins at 2.30pm, followed by the stage competitions at approximately 4pm. A number of Gaeltacht scholarships will also be available. 

Young people interested in representing Kiltimagh GAA, or seeking information about the competitions and scholarships, should contact Aingeal Uí Mhaicín on 087-9885165.

Catrina Houlihan, RIP 

The death has occurred of Catrina Houlihan of 14 Sliabh Cairn, Kiltimagh. 

Predeceased by her beloved grandparents James P. and Bridie Durkin, Catrina will be forever loved and deeply missed by her adored daughter Samantha, loving partner Darren, devoted mother Christina, five sisters and four brothers, cherished nieces and nephews, the Houlihan and Clarke families, extended Murphy and Muldowney families, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Catrina will also be fondly remembered by the Kiltimagh community, her neighbours in Sliabh Cairn, loyal customers and her many friends in the Race to Glory and wider running community.

Catrina’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Kiltimagh, on Friday evening October 16th. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday  in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, followed by burial in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Midfield, Swinford. 

May she rest in peace.

John (J.P.) Healy, RIP 

The death has occurred of John (J.P.) Healy of The Bridge, Strandhill, Co. Sligo, and formerly of Kiltimagh. John died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Predeceased by his sisters Martina and Lorraine, John will be sadly missed by his loving wife Bridie, sons Shane and Anthony, daughter Sharon (Foley), daughter-in-law Karen, son-in-law Gavin, grandchildren Pearse, Áine and Dylan, brothers-in-law Charlie, Brian, Peter and Michael Hughes, sisters-in-law Margaret and Ann, cousins, relatives and friends.

John’s remains reposed at Foley and McGowan Funeral Home, Market Yard, Sligo, on Sunday afternoon, October 18th. Requiem Mass was held on Monday in St Patrick’s Church, Strandhill, followed by burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden. 

May he rest in peace.

€10,000 Holiday Raffle 

A €5,000 cruise or holiday voucher is the top prize in a major fundraising raffle organised by Victim Assistance, which has its national headquarters in Kiltimagh. The raffle offers €10,000 in holiday vouchers among its three main prizes, with tickets costing just €10 each or six for €50.

The first prize of a €5,000 cruise voucher is not restricted to cruises and can also be used towards other holidays or travel arrangements through Kilkelly Travel in Castlebar. Second prize is a €3,000 holiday voucher, while third prize is worth €2,000. 

There are also additional prizes, and the holiday vouchers remain valid for five years. The raffle will support the work of Victim Assistance, a voluntary, non-profit organisation providing free, confidential emotional and practical support to victims of crime, people affected by traumatic incidents and their families.

The organisation, which was founded in 2005, operates nationally from its headquarters at Enterprise House, Aiden Street, Kiltimagh. Its trained, Garda-vetted volunteers provide support including information, guidance, court accompaniment and assistance in accessing other services.

The draw will take place in Ryan's Bar, Kiltimagh, on Saturday, January 2nd, 2027. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on the promotional poster. Entrants must be aged 18 or over, and holiday vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash. Further information is available from Victim Assistance on Freephone 1800 277 477 or by emailing support@victimassistance.ie.

Halloween Fun in Kiltimagh 

Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals will host its annual Spooky Walk and Fireworks event in the Emigrant Park on Sunday, October 25th. 

The Tots’ ‘Less Spooky’ Stroll begins at 4.30pm, providing a gentler Halloween experience for younger children, while the main Spooky Walk gets underway at 7pm. This is aimed primarily at national school children, although older children and teenagers are also welcome.

Entry to the walks will be through the Sculpture Park, with the route finishing at the main entrance near the garage. Fancy dress is encouraged, and children should be accompanied by parents or guardians. Admission is by voluntary contribution, and everyone attending is asked to follow the directions of stewards. The evening concludes with a fireworks display at 9pm, bringing another Halloween celebration in Kiltimagh to a close.

Cillian wins GAA 50/50 

Cillian Murtagh was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, taking home a prize of €595.

The club congratulated Cillian on his win and thanked everyone who continues to support the weekly fundraiser. Tickets are available online and through local shops and pubs, with the proceeds providing valuable financial support for the club’s activities and development.

Women’s Group AGM 

Kiltimagh Women’s Group held its annual general meeting in the Parish Centre on Monday, October 5th, when the officers for the coming year were elected. Mary Corless was elected chairperson, Mary Whittington (secretary), Marian Glynn (treasurer) and Mary Glavey (PRO).

The group thanked Tríona Walsh for her interesting presentation on her recent volunteering trip to Uganda, during which she shared her experiences with members.

The next meeting will take place in the Parish Centre on Monday, November 2nd, at 7pm. All ladies in the area are welcome to attend.

Joe and Tom are cards winners 

Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy claimed first prize at the latest 25 Card Drive, with second place shared by Seamus Larkin and Joe Corry and the pairing of Jack Ryan and Ciaran McDonnell. 

The Last 10 prize was shared by Mary McGough and Miko Sheridan and Mary and Jimmy Doyle, while Patsy Flatley and Trish Hyland collected the spot prize. Raffle winners were Francis McNicholas, Ciaran McDonnell, Joe Boyle and Mary Doyle.

Rita (Margaret) Heavey, RIP 

The death has occurred of Rita (Margaret) Heavey (née McLoughlin) of Clongorey, Newbridge, Co Kildare, and formerly of Cuiltybo, Kiltimagh.

Rita died peacefully on October 17th surrounded by her loving family, in the care of Craddock House Nursing Home, Naas.

Predeceased by her loving husband Jimmy and daughter Nuala, Rita will be sadly missed by her loving children Joe, Brendan, Mary, Ann, Vincent, Clare, Jim and Dee, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 24 adored grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, brother Tony, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Rita’s remains reposed at Anderson and Leahy’s Funeral Home, Henry Street, Newbridge, on Monday evening, October 19th. Removal took place from her residence on Tuesday morning to the Church of Our Lady and St Joseph, Caragh, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Barrettstown Cemetery. 

May she rest in peace.

John Regan, RIP

The death has occurred of John Regan of No. 1 Bohola Road, Kiltimagh, who passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital on October 20th.

John was predeceased by his parents Matthew and Mary Ellen Regan, sister Maureen and brother Michael. He will be sadly missed by his brother Tommy, sister Katherina, sister-in-law Ann, brothers-in-law Hessam and Fred, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

John’s remains reposed at O’Hora’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Kiltimagh, on Friday evening, with removal afterwards to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh. Funeral Mass was held on Saturday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Kilkinure Cemetery, Kiltimagh. 

May he rest in peace.

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