Local Notes: Official Opening of Emigrant Park, Kiltimagh.
A section of the large attendance at the official opening of Emigrant Park, Kiltimagh
It was with a deep sense of sorrow and loss that the Kiltimagh community learned of the death of one of its best known personalties, Larry McEllin of Greyfield, whose death took place at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, on May 2 after a short illness. Larry was a well-known business man in the region and a great supporter of the GAA all his life.
He was synonymous with Kiltimagh GAA and Mayo GAA, as a player, Club President, selector and sponsor. Not only did his company Genfitt sponsor Kiltimagh and Mayo GAA he also helped Tooreen Hurling Club, Carnacon Ladies GAA and many underage teams. Larry was a proud member of his club, winning 3 county titles;1967 Junior and Intermediate in both 1978 and 1991. Larry represented Mayo, on the minor team of 1962 and again in the 1990s playing on the All Ireland winning Masters team.
Like many young men at the time Larry spent some time in England and it was on one of those trips home to play for Kiltimagh in the 1967 county final (delayed until March 1968 due to the Foot and Mouth disease) that he met his wife to be, Mary, on the train journey from Dublin.
But apart from his GAA interests his company Genfitt, which he set up with Mary back in 1973, was a welcome addition to the business life of Kiltimagh with people from the community and surrounding areas working there over the years when otherwise they would have had to emigrate. Genfitt grew rapidly from small beginnings over the years to become the largest independent wholesale supplier of components to the agriculture industry in Ireland. The staff had great respect for Larry saying he was always a fair and honest employer. Having sold the business in recent years he had more time to spend with his family and he and Mary enjoyed their daily walks and their regular trips to the south of Spain.
Larry was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who was very proud of his family. He was a good friend to many and a helpful and kind neighbour, always ready to help in whatever way he could. He had great devotion to Our Lady visiting the Shrines at Lourdes, Medjugorje as well as Knock; he was also involved in the life of his parish community and was a regular Minister of the Word at the weekend Masses. In 2003 Larry set out with a Mayo group and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, to raise funds for three Mayo charities.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those who had the pleasure of knowing and interacting with him over the years. Predeceased by his parents Michael and Delia (née Sheridan) and brothers John and Frank, he will be sadly missed by his devoted wife Mary (née McNicholas) of 52 years, loving children Laurence, Mark and Valerie, cherished granddaughters Madeleine, Ailish and Aoibhín, son-in-law Eoin, daughters-in-law Hazel and Katy, sister-in-law Kathleen, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and his dear neighbours and friends.
Reposing was at O'Hora's Funeral Home on Saturday evening, May 4, and afterwards the GAA club formed a guard of honour from the funeral home as Larry was brought back to his home in Greyfield for the last time before removal to the Church of the Holy Family on Sunday for the Funeral Mass. Afterwards he was laid to rest in Kilkinure cemetery.
As a mark of respect to Larry, who gave so much to the GAA Association during his lifetime, he was remembered at the Mayo v Galway Connacht final in Pearse Stadium (the day of his funeral) when a minute’s silence was observed before the start of the match. Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Kiltimagh GAA Club will hold its annual Family Fun Day in Gilmartin Park next Sunday, May 19, to which everyone is invited. The event will include launching the Healthy Club Plan 2024 as well as the Charlton Cup, Mulhern Cup and Flannery Cup competitions being played. This is always a lovely occasion for the whole community with BBQ, music and fun all taking place from 2.30pm to 5pm approx. Don’t miss it.
The line up for the Grand Final of the Winter Poker League was finalised on Wednesday night when Julian Keane and Michael Higgins came through the play off tournament in Teach O’Hora to claim the last two seats for the final which will see fourteen players battle it out for title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion and a share of a prizepool of just under €2,500. The final will be played on a date suitable for all players, so in the meantime the new fifteen round league kicks off this Wednesday night, May 15, in Teach O’Hora at 8pm. The league will run for fifteen weeks after which fourteen players will qualify for the grand final. Entry each night is €20 with an optional re-entry, also €20. €5 from each entry and re entry goes towards the league final prize pool and the rest is paid out to prizewinners each night. In a separate tournament, played alongside the play off, first prize was won by AN Other, Keith Lydon was second, Isaac Boyle third and Mossie O’Connell fourth.
In the Mayo Minor League Div 1 Kiltimagh were 4-13 winners to Castlebar who scored 0-12. Castlebar were short a few of their regulars but no doubt they will be at full strength when the two teams meet again in the county semi-final this evening Tuesday, May 14, in Gilmartin Park at 7pm.
Due to the success of last year, JC Coaching Football Academy is now taking bookings for Summer 2024 at Kiltimagh Knock United. Saturday morning/afternoon, June 1 to July 20. U10 from 10am-11am, U12 from 11.15am -12.15pm, U14 from 12.30pm-1.30pm Week 1: Skills assessment; Week 2: Building up from the back; Week 3: Attacking in Central Areas; Week 4: Attacking in Wide Areas; Week 5: Defending from the Front; Week 6: Defending in Central Areas; Week 7: Defending in Wide Areas; Week 8: Skills reassessment.
This year they will be incorporating GPS data such as a player's top speed. They have also got a top graphics designer on board that is currently working for LOI team. He will take the players' photos (if agreed), doing celebrations and serious poses, and make up graphics that players and parents can keep as a reminder of the academy. To book your place, visit https://jccoachingfootballacademy.class4kids.ie.
The first and second prizes at the 25 Drive held in Kiltimagh Parish Centre on Thursday, May 2, were shared by Jack Ryan and Ciarán McDonnell and Joe Boyle and Tom Conroy, third prize winners were Ann Rowley and Margaret Waters. Last 10 prize Liam and Mary Moran, spot prize John Feeney and Kevin Heffernan and winners in the raffle were Seamus Larkin, Tom Durkin, Ciarán McDonnell and James Walsh.
Tuesday May 14, Co Minor League semi final, Kiltimagh v Castlebar in Kiltimagh at 7pm. Thursday, May 16, U16 County League, Kiltimagh v Tourmakeady in Kiltimagh at 7pm. Friday, May 17, Mayo Senior League Div 4b, Kiltimagh v Aghamore in Aghamore at 8pm. Sunday, May 19, Mayo Senior League Div 2a, Kiltimagh v Kilmaine in Kiltimagh at 2pm.
The most recent Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 jackpot winner was Jamie Hunt from Glann, winning a prize of €310.
The Achonry Diocesan pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday next, May 19, and will be joined by the Diocesan pilgrimages of Clonfert and Galway. Ceremonies will commence with rosary at 2pm. Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm and concelebrated Mass at 3pm in the Basilica, followed by Benediction and Rosary Procession.
The FAI summer camp at Kiltimagh Knock United runs from July 29 to August 2. Booking is now open via the FAI.
Congrats to Kieran McNicholas from Kiltimagh who won the GAA Club’s 50/50 jackpot of €565 at the draw held in Langan’s Bar on Saturday night, May 4.
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Congratulations to Mary Moylett, Foxford, who won the jackpot of €516 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, May 4. A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
Join Focus Ireland’s iconic climbs and help them to raise vital funds to support those experiencing homelessness in our communities. The Carrauntoohil hike takes place on June 15 or Croagh Patrick on June 16. Alternatively, organise your own hiking challenge with your family or friends. Contact Niamh 087 489 1974 or email events@focusireland.ie.
Pray for the happy repose of the soul of Michael Gallagher, formerly of Ardacarra, whose funeral took place recently in England. Michael was brother of Eileen Gallagher and first cousin of the late Tom O'Neill of Ardacarra;
Martin Brett, formerly of Listrisnane, who died on April 3, in England and whose funeral took place there recently. Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
Advance notification for those away and at home who may be making plans for the summer - Mass will be celebrated in St Joseph’s Cemetery, Bohola on Saturday, August 3, at 6pm and in Straide Cemetery on Sunday, August 4, at 11am.
