Local Notes: New short film by Claremorris Filmaker.
Claremorris filmmaker, Thomas Murphy, on his way to the Inishkea Islands for his latest film.
‘Blacksod Sea Safari Trip - Inishkea Islands Wildlife and Nature, Ireland,’ is a new short film by Claremorris based, filmmaker, Thomas Murphy. Thomas set up Teemlens Media, just over three years ago and works as a freelance videographer.
The film was captured off Blacksod and the coastline of Mayo, and a visit to Inishkea, and was edited at Thomas’ editing studio in Claremorris. The film was captured over many trips with Blacksod Sea Safari and most of the footage used in the film was captured in September last.
Thomas visited this area through work and other video projects, including ‘The Mayo Island Documentary’ which he directed with Henry McGlade for TV Ireland. It also showcases Thomas’s exceptional talent. The film can be viewed on the YouTube Channel TeemLens Media.
There was mixed reaction initially, to the introduction of the Re-Turn Scheme, on February 1. People were sceptical – feeling that it was just another form of taxation. Under the scheme, when you buy a drink in a plastic bottle, or an aluminium or steel can that features the Re-Turn logo, you pay a small deposit in addition to the price of the drink. When you return your empty and undamaged drink container to participating shops and supermarket, you get your deposit back in full A Claremorris woman, Lorraine Dolan, manager of Gilligan’s Bar in The Square, saw a unique opportunity for the bar, to not only meet the legislative requirement, but to do something really worthwhile for the community in the process.
“We saved up all cans from Bulmers, Red Bull, West Coast Cooler and bottles such as 7Up and MiWadi, and every week we take our haul to Supervalu,” Lorraine said. “The money raised from the Re-Turn Scheme went towards buying a defibrillator for outside the pub which can be used to save someone's life.” Last week, Lorraine achieved her first target, when the defibrillator was purchased and will be displayed outside the Gilligan’s Bar, for anyone in the community that requires it.
“From now until September 2025, all bottles and cans recycled will go towards the local Claremorris 1st Responders group,” Lorraine said. “They work in conjunction with the National Ambulance Service who are very often the first on the scene, at an accident or emergency, giving life-saving first aid to people involved, or those that need medical attention, in our local area.” Gilligan’s neighbours, Warde’s Pub and The Lighthouse Diner, as well as other members of the community, have been returning their cans or cash vouchers, and are all contributing to the cause. The Re-Turn Scheme has produced an unexpected benefit for the local community, thanks to the vision and leadership, provided by Lorraine.
The community was saddened to hear of the passing of Breda McCallig (née Jennings), Dromineen, and formerly of Ballinagran, Balla. Breda died peacefully, at Galway University Hospital, surrounded by her family. Breda was a twin sister of Sheila Duggan of Convert Road, and her sister, Bernie (Commins) lives in Cloonmore, Ballyfarnagh. Breda, like all of the Jennings family, was an active and popular member of the Balla Pipe Band. Breda will be deeply missed by her husband Paddy, daughter Clodagh and sons Daniel and Alan, son-in-law Oisin, daughter-in-law Claire and Alan's partner Evelina, and her three grandchildren, her sisters Shelia, Bernie and Nuala Gibbons (Belcarra) and her brother Gerard Jennings (Balla). Breda will be missed by her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Breda was laid to rest in Colman’s Cemetery after Requiem Mass in Claremorris church.
Knockmore and Claremorris battled near the banks of Lough Conn last week with Claremorris knowing a win would book their place in the quarter-finals of the Mayo SFC Group 3. Knockmore needed a win after losing to Ballaghaderreen in the first round.
The game took a while to ignite. Claremorris played with the wind in the first half and Niall Hurley pointed nine minutes in, to open the scoring. This was followed by a Conor McGuinness free. After Knockmore equalised, Rio Mortimer and a long-range point from Cathal Joyce, put Claremorris back on top. Knockmore added three more to go in, a point to the good, at the interval.
Knockmore quickly extended their lead when the contest resumed, going seven to four in front, before Claremorris replied with two points from Darragh Beirne and one from James Shaughnessy. James added his second, after a fine high fetch from Beirne, but Knockmore pulled away and won by five points. Final score Knockmore 0-13 Claremorris 0-08.
Claremorris now face Ballaghaderreen in Round 3 on Sunday next, September 15 at 3.30pm in Ballyhaunis.
The President’s Day is one of the most prestigious competitions in golf clubs, around the country, and in Claremorris it’s no different. Claremorris Golf Club President, Ina Hennelly, held her competition over the weekend of August 30 and September 1.
Damien Cubbard (65 nett) won the men’s section with Michael McNamara (67 nett) second. Eoin Prendergast won the men’s gross. Third was Brian Farragher (69 nett,) fourth Joe Diskin (70 nett - back nine,) fifth John Brady (70 nett,) sixth Alan Gurren (73 nett - back nine,) seventh Derek Reilly (73 nett - back three.) The Past President’s category was won by Willie Feeley (77 nett - back nine.) Seán Higgins (44 points) won the beginners section, with Calum Waldron taking first in the junior boys (back six) The ladies section was won by Martina Hennelly, who scored 71 nett. Deirdre McDermott was second (75 – back nine.) Sarah Gallagher won the ladies’ hross. Angela Prenty came third (75 nett) fourth was Noreen McHugh (76 nett - back 6) The Ladies’ Past President’s category was won by Cora Judge (76 nett.) Michelle O'Sullivan, with 20 points, won the ladies 9 hole category A section, while the ladies 9 hole category B was won by Mary Coleman with 24 points. The ladies 9 Hole category C section was won by Finola Mellett with 13 points, and Pauline Higgins came first in the beginners ladies’ section.
There was shock in the community to learn of the passing of Gerry Healy of Gortnara and formerly of Mayo Abbey on September 2. Gerry died peacefully at Galway University Hospital after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Gerry was a popular and hard-working member of staff of Baxter Healthcare in Castlebar for many years. Gerry will be deeply missed by his wife Mary, sons Barry and Alan, his sister Mary and brother John, daughters-in-law Jennifer and Jessica, his grandson Cian and nieces and nephews and by his close friends, family and neighbours. Gerry was laid to rest in Mayo Abbey Cemetery following Requiem Mass at St. Colman’s Church, Claremorris.
Claremorris soccer team has been relegated from the Mayo Super League. Their 2-0 defeat to Manulla, last week, confirmed the drop. It was the final match of the league campaign, and one they had to win, to stay up. They were very unfortunate in the match to see several shots and headers, go over the bar, and one rebound from the upright. Despite a gallant effort and most of the possession, they just couldn’t score. It has been a difficult season for Claremorris. They will be joined in the Premier League by Crossmolina.
Sympathy is extended to Ann Connolly, on the passing of her mother, Veronica Hynes of Davros, Hollymount, Co. Mayo and formerly of Killernan, Kilmaine. She died peacefully at Hollymount Nursing Home, surrounded by her family. Veronica is predeceased by her husband Patrick, her parents Martin and Sarah, siblings and sons-in-law Martin and Henry. She will be missed by her daughters Marian Treacy (Milltown), Sarah Quinn (Cloonfad), Ann Connolly (Claremorris), son John (Birmingham), sons-in-law Alan and Padraig, daughter-in-law Carol, sister Martina, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and friends. Veronica was laid to rest in Roundfort cemetery after Requiem Mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
Widespread tributes were paid to Padraic Monaghan, who passed away on September 2, at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, Dublin. Padraic, who was from Scardaune, played wing back on the St. Colman's College team that captured the Hogan Cup in 1977. He then captained UCG, to a Sigerson Cup in 1980. Padraic also won three county titles with Garrymore in 1979, 1981 and 1982. He was also part of the 1982 All-Ireland final team. In total, Padraic played 28 championship games for Garrymore, between 1978, and 1989.
When Padraic moved to Dublin, he became involved in the fledgling St Judes GAA club and he and his wife Mary, held many coaching and executive committee roles in the club, over the last forty years. He coached Jude’s teams at every level. He was especially proud of Kevin McManamon whom he nurtured become an eight-time All-Ireland winner.
Padraic is survived by his wife Mary, and his children, Brian and Fiona. Padraic will be sadly missed by his loving family, his mother Dymphna, daughter-in-law Lauren, his three grandchildren, his brothers Tommy, Johnny, Liam and Paul, his sisters Eileen, Anne and Dymphna, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. There was a large attendance at Padraic’s Funeral Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Templeogue, which was followed by Cremation in Mount Jerome Crematorium.
Claremorris Gallery’s next exhibition is Iceland, by Kaye Maahs. Iceland, is a body of work borne out of diaries made by Maahs during her time in Iceland in 2019; time that was supported by The Thomas Dammann Junior Memorial Trust Award. In these paintings Maahs’ intuitive and tactical handling of paint revels in the majestic and ethereal settings of the Icelandic landscape. Maahs paintings don’t scream for attention, instead the unpretentious use of paint beckons silently to the viewer; to explore, and to consider our relationship with the natural world, while at the same time calling attention to the physicality of their medium. The exhibition launch will take place at 7.30pm next Saturday, September 14.
Sympathy is extended to Agnes Mellett, Hollymount, on the passing of her brother, Jim Jeffers. Jim of Kilnagower, and formerly of Townalough, passed away peacefully at the Claremount Nursing Home. Jim is predeceased by his wife Mary Kathleen, his parents, James and Kate Jeffers (Townalough), brother Bill Jeffers (Chicago), sisters Mae Henry (Townalough), Sr. Eilish (St. Louis Convent, Ballymena) and Anne Duggan (Mayo Abbey). Jim will be sadly missed by his sisters Kathleen Hennessy (Thurles) and Agnes, his nieces, nephews, extended family, his wide circle of friends and neighbours. Jim was laid to rest in the local cemetery, after Funeral Mass at St. Colman’s Church.
