Local Notes: Oireachtas Certificates were awarded to students of Scoil Bhreandain na hEachleime.

Oireachtas Certificates were awarded recently to Saoirse Nic Oireachtaigh, Cáit Ní Cheanainn, Éabha Ní Chionnaith and Molly Nic an Lia, students from Scoil Bhreandáin na hEachléime who took part in the 2024 Oireachtas Literary Competition. Congratulations everyone.
Ní raibh aon buaiteoir ar lotto na seachtaine seo November 28. There was no winner of the €500 Match 3 prize but the lucky dip winners were €50 Tommy Joe Murphy (Derrycorrib) and €25 Oisín Hegarty (Online). Buíochas lenár urraitheoirí SolarWest agus Rendmaster. All proceeds from the lotto funds the development of hurling and camoige in Iorras. The jackpot in the latest draw held on December 5 was €17,400.
Coaiste Poball Chuan Oilí, a newly formed community group comprised of dedicated members from the Ellybay community, is delighted to announce its official registration with the Mayo County Council as a Public Participation Network (PPN) organisation. Since coming together just six months ago, the group has made significant strides in establishing its mission to enhance the social, environmental, and recreational aspects of the Ellybay district.
Driven by a shared passion for the community, Coaiste Poball Chuan Oilí aims to develop projects, organise events, and hold fundraisers that will positively impact the Ellybay area and bring people together. With the PPN registration now confirmed, the group is thrilled to continue building on its vision with the backing and resources that the PPN status provides.
“This registration is a huge step forward for us,” said Sean Ruane, PRO and spokesperson for Coaiste Poball Chuan Oilí. “It strengthens our ability to work collaboratively and access resources that will help us make a meaningful impact for everyone in Ellybay. We are excited to continue our journey towards creating a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable community.” Upcoming plans include a series of fundraising events, community gatherings, and environmental projects, each designed to enrich the lives of those in Ellybay and foster a greater sense of belonging and pride in the area.
For more information or to get involved, contact coistepobailchuanoili@gmail.com.
The draw was held on December 1, and the numbers drawn were; 5, 7, 14 and 34 with no winner of the €8,500 jackpot. The house prize of €100 was won by Jack O’Grady, Belmullet and the €30 offline winners were Jarlath and Michael McAndrew, Goola and Evan Lynch, Muinginaune. The €30 online winners were Chloe Keane, Belmullet and Shona Coultry, Belderrig. The latest jackpot was €8,600 and the draw took place in Denny’s Ferry Bar on December 8.
€500 worth of prizes to be won, to coincide with the upcoming Village League Finals night on this Saturday night, December 14, in The Eagle Bar, Corclough. Raffle tickets will be on sale in various pubs and shops in the area. All proceeds will go to ‘Help Mags Find Relief’. Lines can be bought €5 for one or three for €10. A massive thank you to the prize sponsors for making this possible - Anyone wishing to get a card to sell can contact Pat Wilson/Shane McHale directly. Winners will be drawn at the finals night prior to presentations.
Congratulations to Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and SN Cholmcille, in Cheathrú Thaidhg Comhar Dún Chaocháin Teo and SN Cholmcille in Cheathrú Thaidhg who won a national 'Ocean Hero's' award at an awards ceremony in Dublin recently. Comhar Dún Chaocháin organises regular clean-ups on two local beaches – Rinn Rua and Port a’ Clóidh, both of which have Green Coast flags and they also work closely with the local primary school, S.N Cholmcille (Ceachrú Thaidhg). Hearty congratulations to all of you on achieving this fantastic achievement.
A carol service will be held in St. Paul’s Church, Glenamoy on December 22, at 6pm with all donations in aid of Help Mags Find Relief. The evening will feature performances from the Glenamoy Church Choir, Cór Cheathrú Thaidhg, The Duets, and the Kilcommon National Schools. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Glenamoy Community Centre. All are welcome to come and show your support and to get into the Christmas spirit.
Ballyglass RNLI extend a huge thank you to Aldi Belmullet for their hospitality and generosity recently; to all their volunteer fundraisers for giving so generously of your time once again; to all the fantastic people who stopped in for a chat, the craic and to donate; and to all the young people who made donations to the service. It was their pleasure to meet you all.