Local Notes: North Mayo Foroige Clubs get all dressed up for the Mayo Foroige Prom Ball 2025.
Members of Bonniconlon Foróige Club at the Mayo Foróige Prom Ball 2025 in the Castlecourt Hotel in Westport. Picture: Alison Laredo
Crossmolina.
Join in making Crossmolina cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. The Tidy Towns committee is organising a clean-up, and they need your help. Join them every Tuesday evening from 7-9pm as they work together to keep Crossmolina looking good. The meeting spot this evening Tuesday, May 20, is at Gortnorabbey Cross, Ballina Road; and at Centra car park for the following dates: Tuesday, May 27, Chapel Road; Tuesday, June 3, Erris Road; Tuesday, June 10, for Mullenmore Road; Tuesday, June 17, Ballycastle Road; and Tuesday, June 24 for Riverbank.
Bring shovels, sweeping brushes, gloves, bags, and most importantly a friend, everyone welcome. The more, the merrier. Let’s make a positive impact on the town, one clean-up at a time.
Maureen Gallagher extended a heartfelt thanks to the Crossmolina community who sent kind wishes, cards, gifts and who made her retirement so special. ‘I will be forever grateful to the parish for making my 44 years in the library so special. I cherish the many memories and friends I have made along the way’ concluded Maureen.
The Tuam and Killala Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes 2025, led by Archbishop Francis Duffy will take place from August 29 to September 4, costing €995 pps. Booking at 01 2410800. For the assisted section, call Eileen on 086 4013897.
Congratulations has been extended to all the children who received their First Holy Communion in Crossmolina and Keenagh last weekend.
Crossmolina Town Hall is now available for bookings such as meetings, children’s parties, classes etc. To book, contact Aileen on 083 4820473.
A rural social scheme for the Church of Our Lady, Kilmurry, and St. Mary's Church, Crossmolina is now now open for applications. Call Tom Timlin on 087 0506352 for details.
There was no winner of Crossmolina Deel-Rovers GAA Club lotto jackpot on Saturday night, May 10, in The Thatch Bar, when the numbers drawn were 13, 25, 26 and 27. Two punters matched three numbers; Mary Kelly, Kilkenny, and Michael Reilly, Ballina St., Crossmolina, and they each win €75. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Saturday, May 17, was €4,650.
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Knockmore.
It was with a great sense of sadness and loss that the parish community learnt of the passing of Rev Fr Des Smyth, SMA Society of Africa Missions, Blackrock Rd, Cork, and former curate of Knockmore parish. Fr Des spent many years on the missions in Nigeria prior to serving as curate in Rathfuff Church for over twelve years where he was always so highly thought of. During the past week parishioners recalled many special memories of Fr Des, they spoke of his great kindness, gentleness and approachable manner always and of his great repour with the children on his weekly visits to the schools. The wealth of experience from his work abroad was always evident in his inspiring words in his weekend sermons. Words that will remain with them always.
Fr Des passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the SMA House, Claregalway, Co Galway, on Friday, May 9, last. His remains reposed at the SMA House on Monday evening and following 10am Mass of Thanksgiving on Tuesday morning, the transfer of his remains took place to Blackrock Rd, Cork. His 12 noon Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday in St Joseph’s SMA Church with his interment taking place afterwards in the church grounds.
The people of Knockmore parish extend their deepest sympathy to his brother Kevin (the last remaining member of their family of seven), nephews, nieces, cousins and his concretes in the society of the African Missions. May his gentle soul now rest in the peace of the Lord.
Welcomed into God's Holy Family at their recent Baptism in Knockmore Church were Siomha Sweeney and Aoibhe Timlin. Congratulations to their proud parents and their families.
A Parish Reek Climb in aid of Knockmore Parochial House Restoration Fund takes place on Sunday, June 8, at 1pm. There will be an 'iDonate ' page set up shortly, for those who wish to support online, while sponsorship cards are also available. If you need further information, contact 086 8420674. This is a unique parish event and everyone is welcome to join in the climb and all support will be greatly appreciated. U18’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Congratulations to Seamus Moore and his band who were overall winners of the Knockmore GAA Lip Sync' event held on Easter Sunday night last. It was a most enjoyable but keenly competed event with very high standards from all involved. Members of the winning band were Anthony Howley, Conor Breslin, Declan Breslin, Daniel Breslin and Robert Hannick. Well done boys.
The numbers drawn last week were; 2, 4, 11 and 14. The €25 weekly winner was Sinead McHale. A free Summer Giveaway competition will be held on May 22, with great prizes for local participants.
The numbers drawn on May 5, were 5,18, 21 and 24. Weekly winners were; Alicia Campbell, Isabelle Hughes, Alicia Campbell, Freddie and Maria Jordan, Shirley Corcoran, and Padraig Lake. Lucky Dip winner was Fiona Mulherin. The jackpot in the draw held on May 12, was €8,250.
Congratulations to the following pupils from Lisaniska NS who received the sacrament of Confirmation from Archbishop Francis Duffy in a beautiful ceremony held in Christ the King Church, Knockmore, on Saturday, May 3, last: Grace Butler, Finn Barrett, Evie Barrett, Lorcan Ryder, Anna Holmes, Kayla Brogan, Katelyn Moore, Graft Gaughan, Belle Ryder, Faye Hastings, Éanna Coleman, Aoibhinn Hopkins, Aoife Rochford, and Jamie Clavin.
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Ardagh.
Many of the young footballers (girls and boys) deserve huge credit for their recent performances in various provincial championships held across the county and beyond. Last week Mayo U16 ladies put in a magnificent performance to see off the challenge of Roscommon in a keenly fought Connacht U16 A football decider at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan. Played in ideal conditions the team, captained by Ardagh's Amy Doherty of MacHale Rovers, put in a magnificent collective performance to seal the issue. Not to be outdone the county U14 squad defeated Kildare to reach a spot in the All-Ireland LGFA semi-final with local girls Ella Connell and Molly Gallagher flying the flag for MacHale Rovers. Not to be outdone Ardagh's Tony Carey put in a stellar performance against Roscommon in the Electric Ireland Connacht U17 football championship final at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park where he scored 1-4. One week earlier Ardagh's James Gough took home bronze from the Connacht Special Olympics Badminton championships in Sligo. The future certainly looks bright for all the young sports people from Ardagh who excel in their individual disciplines. Ardagh community is proud of you all.
Aileen Gough, Ardagh, wishes to thank all involved in the recent national collection day in aid of Special Olympics Ireland. Special thanks to the Transition Year students of St Muredach's College in Ballina and their teacher Niamh Allen who collected €1,710 and to Bernadette Gordon and her volunteers in Crossmolina, in conjunction with Ardagh GAA Club, who raised €1,175. The event proved hugely successful, and all involved express their sincere gratitude to all of the collectors and the general public who generously contributed to this very worthy cause.
The annual Kellogg's GAA Cul Camp run by Ardmoy GAA will take place this year from Monday, July 14, to Friday, July 18, inclusive. The camp is aimed at primary school girls and boys aged from 6-13. The camp provides an action packed and fun-filled week of activity centering around Gaelic games. Cul camp supervisor, Anthony Gallagher, will gladly furnish full details. Anthony can be contacted at 087 2431306.
Bingo takes place every Saturday night in Ardagh Community Centre at 8pm. Doors open 7pm. Children’s birthday parties and family functions can now be booked availing of the Hall and Astro Turf pitch. All bookings to 089 2337130. The astro Turf pitch is also available for hire at very competitive rates. Bookings to 089 2337130.
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Killala.
Wednesday 21st May, will see the final opening and closing of a Post Office door on Barrack St, Killala. After 9 decades, Killala P.O. will move from Barrack St to Georges St, and will transfer from the Donohue family to the McDonnell family. Marie, Donie and the lads would like to mark this significant day by welcoming customers, occasional or regular, to their P.O. for a visit, a cuppa, a chat and a chance to thank their customers over the last 27 years.
Feel free to drop in from 11am to 3pm on Wednesday, May 21, to join in marking this occasion with Marie..
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Ballycastle.
Registration is now open for the Cèide Coast Half Marathon and 10k coastal run. This event, hosted by Ballycastle Athletic club, will take place on Saturday, September 20. For more information or to register visit www.ceidecoasthalfmarathon.com.
Congratulations to Anne O'Boyle, Belderrig, last week's winner of €208, in the GAA 50/50 draw.
Ballycastle Community Games will take place on Monday, June 2, in Tom Langan Park, Ballycastle. If anyone would like to volunteer on the day to hand out medals, hold the finish line etc, contact any committee member.
News items for inclusion in Ballycastle Notes can be emailed to ballycastle4@hotmail.com by 8pm on Wednesday evenings.
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Moygownagh.
Well done to Carn NS girls team who won the Ballina area in Cumann na mBunscol. They went on to play Barnatra NS on Wednesday, May 14 and won. They will now play their countysemi-final today, Tuesday, May 20, in Castlebar.
Training takes place in Ardagh pitch on Tuesday evenings from 6-7pm for U6 and U8’s and U10 from 7-8pm; U12 training on Monday and Wednesday from 6-7pm. Make sure to register on Foireann to be insured, and familiarise yourself with the carpark rules in the interest of safety for everyone.
Moygownagh Community Games committee thank all those who supported their community sports day on Monday, May 1. Sincere thanks to those who volunteered their time both in preparation and on the day itself. Special mention to local businesses who very kindly supported - B Mc Andrew Plant Hire, Hollister, PTB Hire Ltd., Birrane Plant Hire Ltd., West Term Construction, Molloy Coach Hire, Mitchell Oil and O’Donnell’s Centra. A fantastic day was had by all. They look forward to having the local children represent Moygownagh at the Community Games county athletic finals in Claremorris on June 15. Best of luck to all participating.
The next meeting of the Rambling House is Thursday, May 22.
In association with Killala GAA and the Clarke Family, the Ronan Clarke 5k Run/Walk takes place on Sunday, June 8, at 12 noon from Killala Community Centre with registration starting at 10.30am. All proceeds will be donated to The Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Killala GAA Benevolent Fund. Support will be greatly appreciated.
Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps provide primary school boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13, with an action packed and fun filled week of activity during the summer holidays which revolves around maximising enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games.
Camp dates are Monday, July14, to Friday, July 18. Football supervisor will be Anthony Gallagher 087 2431306. The cost is €82.50 for 1st child, €75 for 2nd child, €65 for 3rd child and subsequent children. Each child will receive 1 Cul Camp Kit. The kit will be delivered before the camp starts provided the booking is made at least 10 days prior to the start of the camp. The kit consists of a backpack, jersey and quarter zip top. Booking online https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking.
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Lacken.
News items can be handed into the Failte Room by 10am on Thursday or phone 34130 or email tithecoistra@gmail.com.
This year's Mass will take place on Sunday, June 1, at 3pm in Lacken Hill Cemetery.
Sympathy is extended to Helen Nealon, Carrickanass, on the death of her brother JP Munnelly, Ballina. May he rest in peace.
Free training for anyone who wishes to learn how to operate an Automated External Defibrillator and how to perform CPR is being organised. If you are already trained and you need to update your certificate or if you are new to training, you are more than welcome to join. Contact Áine on 87 1238497 for details. The new defibrillator located at the Failte Room is now installed.
Hillary’s first cookery classes will commence on Monday evening, May 26, in The Enterprise Centre. This is a free event funded by the HSE. You can roll up your sleeves and cook alongside Hillary or just come and watch her demonstration. Contact Carol at 085 1166951 if you would like to book a place at the table.
Sharon Horkan at Mayo North East is organising a two-day workshop in basket weaving at Lacken Community Garden with the date to be confirmed. Using native willow, you will be guided through the process of making a shopping basket. This is a fantastic opportunity to kickstart the revival of a wonderful craft tradition that is just a generation removed from us. Contact Aine at 087 1238497 to book your place.
Thank you to everyone in the community who set your alarm, got up and joined neighbours and friends on the most special sunrise of the year. As people walked into the sunrise together with their own thoughts, we hope it offers support to those who have lost loved ones and reassurance to those around us that it is ok not to be ok and that there is help and support available. A bigthank you to Ann, Patrick and Padraig Breslin for organising refreshments and opening up your home at Kilcummin Pier. The community raised €490 for Pieta. Together we can make a difference.
The Gardening Club members extend thanks to their regular gardeners who show up each week planning, planting in this beautiful space. It is hoped that some of the veggies they are growing this year, will be used at the cookery classes with Hillary. The group meet on Tuesday mornings at 11am and Thursday evenings at 7pm. New gardeners are always welcome. No experience necessary. Just pop in, there is always a long list of things to do.
Brian, the walking guide will meet the group on Monday, May 26, at 10am at The Community Garden, Lacken. Poles are provided and this is a free event organised by Lacken Community Care. We welcome walkers from neighbouring parishes also and all levels of fitness are welcome. So come along and bring a friend.
Ronan Clarke 5 and 10K run/walk in association with Killala GAA and The Clarke Family takes place on Sunday, June 8, at 12 noon from Killala Community Centre, with registration starting from 10.30am. All proceeds will be donated to The Mayo Roscommon Hospice and Killala GAA Benevolent fund. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Enrolment is open for school year 2025/2026. Contact the school for more information on 096 34589 or email lackenns2018@gmail.com.
Aine on 087 1238497 is still taking names of parishioners who are interested in going to Knock Shrine this August. Please let her know if you wish to travel so they can start organising the date and booking the bus.
There was no winner last week. There are numbers available, if interested contact Leo on 087 9163851.
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