Local Notes: Official opening of refurbishment and new extension at Glencastle NS and special class.
Bishop Frances Duffy cutting the ribbon to officially open the new extension and renovations to Glencastle National School and special class with Fr Gerry Gillespie former Chairman of the Board of Management, Mary Gaughan former Principal, Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council Sean Carey, PJ Moran former principal, present school principal Catherine McIntyre, Tom McAndrew, present chairman Board of Management, Fr Micheál Reilly and public representatives.
Speaking at the recent official opening of refurbishment and new extension to Glencastle NS and special class, Willie Sullivan said, ‘in Erris, prior to 1991 there was no facilities for children with special educational needs. The nearest school was Ballina and the protocol at that time was that the children would be picked up by bus on the Monday, placed with host families for the school week and return home to their own families on a Friday evening. This was a hugely unsatisfactory and unsuitable arrangement for children as young as 5 years of age. A parent group was set up and led by Pat Reidy; they lobbied politicians, clergy, Western Care and the Department of Education. It was identified that there was a classroom vacant in Glencastle National School. The school was approached and in the then principal Mary Gaughan they found a great ally. At this time a special class in a mainstream primary school setting was very rare. So to Pat Reidy and that parent group, to Mary Gaughan, Fr Gerry Gillespie and the board of management of 1991, you are all instrumental in creating what I truly believe has been one of the greatest success stories ever in all of Erris’.
‘Here at Glencastle special class one of our great strengths has been that we have always been able to adjust and adopt to meet the needs of our children. I remember talking with Lisa one day back in 2004 about how our kitchen was no longer big enough for purpose. PJ walked in on the conversation and within days he had a man in the field taking measurements. Within a year our next new extension was complete and we had a wonderful big kitchen cum dining room. This was the setting for many fun cookery lessons and indeed for some staff cooking on the days of Christmas holidays and special occasions. That building would serve our special class very well for the next 20years.
However our special class over the years has not been defined by buildings although they are hugely important. Our class has been about people, the children have been paramount from the very first day, and we have developed a very special relationship with every child that has been in our care and with their families. That has been the corner stone of our class.
Led by Catherine McIntyre plans were put in place for a new special class which in turn led to a total new revamp of the entire school and yard. The community machine was pulled out again with quiz nights, raffles and card games. I think we got nearly every bicycle in Erris out on two massive fundraising cycles and most recently a tractor run from North Hampton to here.
It’s hugely encouraging to know that after all these years the community support is still with us and as a result our journey, the Glencastle journey has led us here today. And finally I will leave you with those lovely words from that young boy all those years ago, ‘wow we have a new home’, concluded Willie Sullivan.
Lá inotach i SN Dhumha Thuama.
What a truly momentous and emotional occasion for SN Dhumha Thuama recently as Minister Dara Calleary and Cathaoirleach Seán Carey officially turned the sod for the long-awaited MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area).
This project has only become a reality through the dedication, determination and hard work of the entire school and community. To finally stand together and witness the turning of the sod was incredibly heart-warming and a proud milestone for everyone involved.
A huge thank you to Minister Dara Calleary for joining everyone on this special day. Big thank you to Senator Mark Duffy, TD Rose Conway Walsh and Keira Keogh, Councillor Gerry Coyle and Seán Carey, and the representatives from Mayo County Council who came along to celebrate this exciting occasion with the school.
The school were especially proud of their pupils, who played such an important role in the ceremony. The children proudly raised the An Gaelbhratach Flag, while Lily delivered a beautiful speech as Gaeilge, showcasing the confidence, talent and pride that exists within the school community.
The day marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the school. The MUGA will provide generations of children with opportunities to play, learn, train and grow together.
Go raibh míle maith agaibh to everyone who has supported this project along the way. The occasion was a day to celebrate what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.
Recently Geesala Boxing Club welcomed a team from Italy to the “Land of the Salty Breeze”. The club were hosts together with the Mayo Boxing Board of a Bergamo Italy selection v a Mayo/Galway selection.
The show began with a curtain raiser of up and coming new talent from the club and featured newly crowned Irish champion Frankie Brogan. It also featured Frank Kirwan, who won the U19 Super Heavyweight title at the National Stadium and went on to claim a bronze medal for Ireland at the Four Nations tournament in Scotland.
Club coach Aaron Worth was a busy man on the day not only performing as a coach, but also putting on a fine performance in the ring against the Italian team, as did John Howard, despite being out of training for a number of weeks. The main event ended with a great display of skill from head coach Pat McDonagh’s grandson Daniel and son Mathew bringing down the curtain on a very entertaining show with Daniel winning fight of the night in a thrilling contest.
Overall the Italians came away 5 - 3 winners on the night, with the two McDonagh lads supplying 2 of the three wins for team Ireland.
At the end of the night Pat McDonagh presented David Arsuffi from the visiting team with a commemorative plaque on behalf of the club and the Mayo Boxing Board. Arsuffi expressed his gratitude to the hosts and to the Erris Coast Hotel on behalf of the Italian visitors and said he is looking forward to repeating the trip in the near future again.
In March, the staff at Sonas Nursing Home Belmullet took on the challenge of walking 2km a day for the month to raise funds for Breast Cancer Ireland. Yesterday they presented a cheque for €8610 to Lisa Convey, the education and outreach coordinator for Breast Cancer Ireland. The staff thank everyone who sponsored the event; they were overwhelmed with the amount of support they received from the community.
The Ballycroy Tractor, Truck and Car Run takes place on Saturday, July 11, with registration at Ballycroy National Park car park from 2pm and it closes at 4pm when the run begins. Entry is €20 per vehicle and all vehicles must be parked in the Ballycroy National Park car park. There will be a raffle on the day at Cafferkey’s Bar with tickets available to buy on the day. Enjoy live music from Clodagh Togher and Michael S. Togher from 6pm. This event is hosted by Ballycroy Mayor nominee Gerry Conway, and is a fundraiser for the Ballycroy Wild West Festival happening over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, packed with music, activities, and fun for all.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €5,200 with the two €50 winners being Edel Thompson, Mountjubilee and Michael J Deane, Glenamoy while Maretta Corrigan, Shragraddy and PJ Raftery both won €25s. The two online winners were Maureen Mangan €50 and Jessica Munnelly, Geesala €25.
The club extends congratulations to Ultan Corrigan and his wife Ciara on their recent marriage. Ultan is a key member and a prolific scorer of the Kiltane senior/intermediate team since his late teens and he and Ciara, a native of Ballyvary, are wished all the very best for the future.
CLG Cill Chomain are proud to mark the 30th Anniversary of the Anthony Deane/Brendan Maloney Memorial Cup with a very special fixture. Seamroga Iorrais representing Cill Chomain, Kiltane and Ballycroy will host the New York U15 boys team on Wednesday, June 24, at the Memorial Pitch in Cill Chomain with throw in at 7pm. With several New York players boasting deep Erris roots, this promises to be a meaningful evening for families and friends across both community’s. Join for an evening of football, connection and celebration. All are welcome.
The club is now selling tickets for the club development draw 2026. This draw continues to be one of the most important fundraising opportunities available to the club, helping support facilities, equipment, coaching and club development. Every ticket purchased supports the club. Tickets are €100 and are available online at https://mayogaa.com/clubdraw26. Make sure to select Cill Chomain GAA before purchasing online. Tickets can also be purchased from any committee member. As always thank you for your continued support.
Well done to the Erris AC athletes who competed in Sligo at the U14 to U19 Connaught Championship recently. Medal winners on the today were; Niamh Walsh U17 javelin; Emma Naughton U14 Javelin; Mary Kate Reilly U15 100m National qualifiers were; Padraic Edwards 4th in U14 shot-putt, and Ailbhe McHugh 4th in U15 race walk. There were excellent performances from Lily Barrett who finished 7th in a very competitive race walk; James Reilly in the U14 80m with a personal best; Aisling Deane ran in three events and put in super performances throughout the day; and Reyna Walsh ran fantastic finishing 2nd in her heat in the 200m.
Congratulations to Scoil Naomh Bhríde on receiving the Research Ireland Curious Minds Platinum Award for Excellence in STEM Education for the second year in a row. The school was the only school in Mayo to receive a Platinum Award this year. With just seven pupils, this is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the commitment and dedication of pupils, staff and parents.
