Local Notes: New York baseball player has Kiltimagh roots
Ronan Higgins (left) with his siblings in Manhattan, New York.
A young New Yorker with strong Kiltimagh roots will represent Ireland at the European Under-18 Baseball Championships in Bulgaria next month.
Sixteen-year-old Ronan Higgins, whose father James was born and raised in Kiltimagh, has been selected to pitch for the Irish national team in the tournament, which takes place in Blagoevgrad from July 6 to 13. Ireland will compete in a group with Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.
Ronan is a big lad - standing 6’3”. He plays as a pitcher and is known for throwing at speeds of up to 80mph. He currently attends Xavier High School in Manhattan, where he plays varsity baseball and has one year remaining. After graduation, he hopes to study aeronautical engineering, with Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and the Colorado School of Mines among his preferred destinations.
Ronan’s father James moved from Kiltimagh to New York in 1983 with his parents, Pauline and Jim, and three sisters. The family had run a shop across from the community centre on Main Street, next door to the family home where James and his siblings were raised. Today, Ronan’s great-uncle Michael is the last of that generation of the Higgins family still living in Kiltimagh.
Though now based in the US, the Higgins family maintains strong links to both Mayo and Dublin. Ronan’s mother Suzanne is originally from Howth, and his older brother Kaelan recently completed his second year of law studies at University College Dublin. Younger brother James has one year remaining in grammar school.
The Ireland Under-18 baseball team trains at a facility in Finglas and plays its home games in Ashbourne, County Meath. Ronan’s selection is a point of pride for the extended family, and for the wider Mayo community cheering him on from afar as he prepares to represent Ireland on the international stage.
Congrats to Niall Doyle who recently qualified for the upcoming All Ireland Minor Hurling Final.
Niall lined out at corner back for Clare in their two-point All Ireland semi-final win over tournament favourites Cork recently. Clare will contest the final against Waterford in Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday next, June 28th, at 5pm.
Niall’s parents, Thomas and Niamh Doyle (nee Carroll), hail from Main Street in Kiltimagh.
Best of luck to the Clare team and management in the final.
A number of community and voluntary groups in Kiltimagh have received welcome support through the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with a total allocation of more than €4,360 awarded to four local organisations. The funding comes as part of a broader county-wide initiative, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, to assist non-profit and voluntary sector groups with small-scale capital improvements and equipment needs.
The Kiltimagh recipients are Kiltimagh Community Employment Group, which received €1,760.55, and Mayo Archery Club, which was awarded €2,041.15. Two further grants of €280.60 each were allocated to Kiltimagh Amenity Park CLG and Kiltimagh Men’s Shed, supporting their ongoing work in the town.
The Local Enhancement Programme aims to bolster grassroots organisations and encourage continued development in rural communities. It supports the Government’s wider policy of Our Rural Future by targeting funds towards projects that improve local facilities and foster community engagement.
Speaking about the allocations, Minister of State Alan Dillon TD noted that while the grants may appear modest, they often have a meaningful impact.
“These awards allow groups to carry out essential works, invest in their spaces, and continue to provide valuable services. They are the backbone of our communities.”
The programme is delivered locally in partnership with Mayo County Council and the Local Community Development Committees, who oversee the application and distribution process.
A week of fun, sport, and creativity is planned for Barnacarroll Community Sports Centre as the annual Let’s Get Moving Summer Camp returns from Monday, July 28th to Friday, August 1st.
The camp runs daily from 9.30am to 2pm and is aimed at children aged between five and 12 years.
A wide range of activities is included in the programme, such as GAA, soccer, basketball, arts and crafts, yoga, and iPad sessions, with more entertainment promised throughout the week. Organisers say the camp is designed to encourage physical activity, social interaction and creative learning in a friendly and supportive environment.
The cost is €75 for one child, with discounts available for families - €140 for two children and €195 for three children from the same family.
Places are limited and early booking is advised. Anyone interested in registering their child can contact Ger on 087-6484334 or by emailing gercommins91@gmail.com.
Kiltimagh GAA Club and Kiltimagh Tidy Towns are joining forces for a special community clean-up initiative.
‘Team Up to Clean Up’ will take place on Saturday next, June 28th, with volunteers meeting at Gilmartin Park at 10am.
The event is part of the GAA Healthy Clubs programme and calls on players, parents, club members and members of the wider community to get involved. Everyone is invited to lend a hand. Volunteers are asked to wear hi-vis vests and gloves. Litter pickers and bags will be provided on the day.
This combined effort between Kiltimagh GAA and Tidy Towns aims to ensure the town is looking its best ahead of the summer festivities, while also promoting pride in place and a spirit of community collaboration. Organisers extended thanks to all who have helped so far and expressed hope for a strong turnout on the day.
There was great excitement at Kittie’s last week when Laura Fahey won the Kiltimagh GAA Club 50/50 draw, claiming a total prize of €744.
The club expressed its appreciation to all who entered and reminded supporters that each ticket sold helps fund youth development and club improvements. Weekly draws take place with tickets available in pubs, shops, and online.
Well done to Laura and thank you to the entire community for keeping the draw going strong.
Congratulations are in order for Liam Conboy of Aghamore, who was the lucky winner in last weekend’s Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draw.
Liam took home €264 after entering the draw, which is held every Sunday night in the KKU clubhouse. Tickets are sold for €2 each, or three for €5, and can be purchased in shops and pubs around Kiltimagh, or online at any time.
The club thanks all participants for their continued support. All proceeds from the draw help fund its facilities, coaching, and youth programmes.
There was a close contest at this week’s 25 Card Drive in Kiltimagh, with first place shared between two pairs: James Walsh and Paddy Ward, and John Feeney and Kevin Heffernan, who finished level after a night of closely fought games.
In third place were John Clancy and Pius Forde, who played steadily throughout the evening to secure their spot among the winners.
The ‘Last 10’ prize was also split, with Kieran McDonnell and Jack Ryan, along with Alo Langan and Aiden Lydon, taking a share of the honours.
Mary and Jimmy Doyle were the recipients of the spot prize on the night. Raffle prizes went to John Clancy, Philip Moore, Jack Ryan and Michael Costello.
There was no shortage of competition at Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last as 22 players sat down for Round 3 of the Summer Poker League, competing for a prize pool of €725.
Michael Higgins emerged as the night’s big winner, taking the top prize after a strong run at the final table. He was followed by AN Other 1 in second place, with Aiden Maughan Jnr finishing third and AN Other 2 coming home in fourth. The remaining finalists were Keith Lydon in fifth, Tiernan Burke in sixth, Nicky Cunnane in seventh, Michael Sheridan in eighth, and Paul Walsh in ninth.
Following his win, Michael now sits in third place on the league table with 59 points. Pat Boyle remains out in front on 63 points, just ahead of AN Other on 60. The chasing pack includes Michael Sheridan on 54 points, Aiden Maughan and Enda Ruane both on 52, AN Other 2 with 51, John Reynolds on 50, Gerry Groarke with 44, Ann Cribben on 42, Derry O’Sullivan with 40, and Paul Walsh rounding out the top twelve with 39.
The league continues every Wednesday at 8pm and will run for 15 weeks in total. Entry to each tournament is €20, with an optional rebuy or add-on also available at €20. A portion of each entry goes towards the Grand Final prize pool, which is expected to exceed €2,000. The top 12 players from the league standings, along with two qualifiers, will battle it out in that final showdown later this summer.
The Federation of Victim Assistance is appealing to the public to support its nomination for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. This national fund is designed to help community organisations like FVA to continue and expand their work.
The charity is urging people to take just a few minutes to nominate them online. Nominations are open until tomorrow, June 25th, and each nomination increases the chance that the Federation will receive a portion of the available funding.
To complete a nomination, supporters must visit the AIB website, select the Community Fund nomination form, and enter the Federation for Victim Assistance as their chosen charity. The registered charity number required for the nomination is 20062927. Under the category section, supporters are asked to choose the ‘Social’ theme and select ‘Other’ to complete the process.
Founded to support individuals and families affected by crime, abuse and trauma, the Federation for Victim Assistance provides a confidential and non-judgemental support service. It assists victims of a wide range of issues including domestic abuse, coercive control, elder abuse, sexual assault, bullying and crimes against marginalised communities. Although it operates nationally, the organisation is firmly rooted in East Mayo and remains dependent on fundraising and donations to keep its services going. It receives no core state funding.
The team at the Federation continues to highlight the importance of public support and stresses that every nomination and every raffle ticket purchase makes a real difference to their ability to respond to people in vulnerable situations.
For further information on how to support the Federation’s work, or to buy raffle tickets online, visit www.victimassistance.ie.
The death has occurred peacefully of Sandra Kelly of Ballinamore House, Kiltimagh and formerly of Tyrawley Terrace, Ballina.
Sandra was predeceased by her father Martin, mother Nancy, brothers Paul, Eamonn and Noel, and sisters Elizabeth and Helen.
She is sadly missed by her loving daughter Sarah, sisters Valerie and Jean, brother Gerard, her in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Sandra’s remains reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina last Monday evening. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday morning in St Muredach’s Cathedral, followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
