Local Notes: Owen Breslin with his family after scoring two goals for Ballintubber in their Division 1B clash with Garrymore.

Owen Breslin, a dashing young forward from Killawalla pictured with his family and friends and the match ball after scoring two goals for Ballintubber in their Division 1B clash with Garrymore. Picture by Tom Quinn
The Ballintubber Abbey album ‘Dóchas ‘s Grá - Hope and Love’ is now complete and the CD production has recently commenced.
The album is a collection of songs and music frequently heard in Ballintubber Abbey throughout the liturgical year. Each track represents a special date or month during the Christian calendar. Fr Frank Fahey introduces the collection with a special ‘Message of Hope’ for all.
A beautiful information booklet is included with descriptions of each song and traditional Irish music tune and their connection to the Abbey. It also contains iconic images of the Abbey and the surrounding grounds.
Special thanks have been extended to Fr Joe McGuinness for his expertise, direction, musical compositions and arrangements and the generosity of his time devoted to the project. This undertaking could not have happened without him. Thanks also to Stephen Doherty for recording and production and also to Declan Durcan from the Mayo Male Voice Choir for the album artwork and graphic design.
‘Dóchas ‘s Grá-Hope and Love’ will be available at the 'Light the Fire' outdoor Mass at the Abbey on Sunday, August 4, hosted by Dana, Archbishop Francis Duffy and Deacon John Taaffe.
Purchases can then be made at the Abbey shop and at the Knock Shrine Bookshop and Museum Shop. Pre-orders from choir members is also a possibility. The album will cost €20 and 100% of proceeds will go towards the Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre East Wing Restoration and the ongoing upkeep of the wonderful, historic abbey. Thanks to all in anticipation of your kind support. Ballintubber Abbey Choir
The next Tóchar Phádraig Group Walks will take place on Saturday, July 27, and bookings are now open on the Abbey website. The two Tóchar Phádraig Group Walks remaining are on Saturday, July 27, (Full Tóchar) and also on Saturday, August 31 (Full Tóchar). The experienced Tóchar guides are well-versed in the history, folklore, and cultural significance of the Tóchar Phádraig trail so why not immerse yourself in the rich stories and traditions that have shaped this sacred route over centuries. Visit the website www.ballintubberabbey.ie to secure your spot on the Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk that best suits your schedule. Spaces are limited, so don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore Ireland's ancient pilgrimage trail in the company of like-minded individuals.
Let the Tóchar Phádraig Group Walks be your gateway to adventure, connection, and discovery. Telephone 094 9030934, email: info@ballintubberabbey.ie or www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Sunday week last. 3, 17, 21 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes were Marcella O’Connor, Mary Hallinan, John and Catherine Murray, Eoghan Joyce, Joe Kelly and Tom McHugh.
On last Sunday, June 30, the jackpot stood at €5,600 for the weekly draw. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Ballintubber U14 squad enjoyed a 3-8 to 2-7 victory over Westport on Monday evening last week. Congrats to the U14s, who are now through to a West Mayo final – a fine achievement for a rural club completing with strong urban teams.
The scorers on the evening for Ballintubber were Cillian Reilly 1-03 (3 frees), Cillian Donnelly 1-1, Ryan Summerville 1-0, James Carter 0-2, Oscar Diffilly 0-1, Ross Malone 0-1.
Salute this fine young squad: Noah Murphy, Teegan Heneghan, Jack Loftus, Conor Molloy, Oscar Diffilly, Ciaran Earley, Matthew Corbett, Cillian Reilly, Ross Malone, David Keane, James Staunton, Conor Fahy, Jamie Carter, Cillian Donnelly, Johnny Feeney, Ryan Summerville, Daithi Feerick, Dillon Corcoran, Devon Bourke, Brendan McCarty, Cathal Staunton, Sean Prendergast.
In the Mayo Senior League Division 1B Ballintubber enjoyed a comprehensive 3-12 to 0-7 win over Garrymore at Clogher on Sunday week last. After some mediocre displays in previous rounds, due mainly to the absence of some senior players, Ballintubber were quite impressive on the day. While it was an all-around good display by all the team perhaps the return of Michael Plunkett (who saw minimal action against Derry the previous evening) Brian Walsh, Jason Gibbons, Conor Finnerty, Stephen O’Malley and young Owen Breslin who scored two goals on his club debut are worthy of special mention. The remaining league games and the upcoming club championship are eagerly awaited.
Céilí in Carnacon There will be a Céilí in Carnacon Community Centre on Saturday night, July 13, running from 9pm till late.
Ros na Réaltóg Forest School, Carnacon F12 YD72 is holding an Open Day. Free ECCE preschool places, September 2024. Please come along and explore our forest setting. Contact Ròisìn Geddes at 089 2032196.
Ballyglass FC lotto draw was held on June 24, and the numbers drawn from the drum were: 3, 12, 15 and 30. There was no winner of the €7,700 jackpot. Match 3 numbers: Ann Moran and the consolation prizewinners were Cathal O'Malley, Niall Sheridan, Oliver Connolly, Vicky Corbett and Declan Donovan. The jackpot stood at €7,800 on July 1, and supporters and punters can play now to be in with a chance to win jackpot.
The death has taken place of Elizabeth Anne Kilcourse nee Brennan, Station Rise, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo and formerly of Weatherforth, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Anne passed away on June 24, peacefully in hospital surrounded by her loving and caring family.
Predeceased by her parents Nora and Patrick Brennan, brother Seamus, sisters Phyllis and Margaret, infant siblings Mary and Paddy, Anne is deeply regretted by her loving children Michael, Valerie, Padraic, Brian, Paul, David, Eddie, Edel, Brenda and Claire, sisters Geraldine, Teresa, Carmel and Angela, brothers Joe and Paddy, son-in-law’s Conor, Michal and Chris, daughters-in-law Sinead (nee Cunnane), Geraldine, Sinead (nee Tierney), Sherin and Tara, adored grandchildren Shane, Niamh, Eva, Oisin, Fionn, Cara, Anna, Thomas, Killian, Shay, Tiarnan and Imogen, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Her remains reposed at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis on last Thursday evening from 5 until 7pm. Her funeral arrived to St. Patricks Church, Ballyhaunis, on last Friday morning for Funeral Mass at 11am with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The monthly markets in Ballyglass Centre are a great success. Supporters please note the next Ballyglass market will be on Sunday, July 14.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Breda McDonnell, Burrin, on the recent passing of her sister Maureen Booth, New York, USA. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The church gate collection at next weekend’s July 6 and 7 Mass in the parish is in aid of the Youth Pilgrimage to Medjugorje for the Youth Festival in July/August 2024. Young people from Donegal to Mayo will benefit hugely from this experience.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest members Thomas Joseph Larkin, who was baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon and Sean Peter Cannon, baptised in St Patrick’s Church, Killawalla and also Páidí Michael Corcoran, who was baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, June 29. Congratulations to their parents and families.
A part time employee is required to join the team at Ballintubber Abbey. The position is mainly Saturday work only. There may be additional hours/days during busy periods. Flexibility to cover holidays and days off is desirable. The job includes: giving guided tours of the 800 year old abbey to visitors and groups, looking after the gift shop, setting up for weddings, Masses and events and cleaning and maintaining the abbey and public areas. Apply in writing with CV and Cover letter to manager@ballintubberabbey.ie.
Ballintubber Abbey Visitor Centre and Gift Shop is open daily. Guided tours are available 7 days a week including Sundays after Mass. Monday - Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093 9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie. A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the gift shop. A ‘Light the Fire’ Open Air Mass will be held on Sunday, August 4, on the grounds of the Abbey.
Volunteers are required to assist with the Light the Fire Mass on Sunday, August 4. This will take place between 12 noon and 4pm. Contact the Abbey office if you can help out in anyway. Local Cemetery Masses will be celebrated on July 6 and 7.
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There was a great turnout on Sunday week last for the JCWL Geopark Communities Forum at Cong Crossroads Community Centre. Inspiring presentations were heard from Richard Watson on the great achievements/benefits of Marble Arch Caves (now Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark - Fermanagh/Cavan) UNESCO Global Geopark. John Galloway's related the fascinating story of the Copper Coast Geopark UNESCO Global Geopark in Co Waterford - one of the pioneer Geoparks. Trish Walsh Chairperson of the JCWL GeoEnterprise, the Geopark voluntary group, led the closing session on ideas/planning for community actions and benefits. Míle buíochas has been extended to the many local communities that attended. UNESCO Global Geopark status is edging closer for this wonderful scenic region with its multiple geographical variations.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on June 22, for a jackpot of €12,500. 15, 26, 27 and 32 were the numbers drawn. There was no jackpot winner. Online consolation prizes went to Conor Gibbons. The jackpot stood at €12,600 on last Saturday night June 29. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated.
The Kellogg’s Cúl Camp, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will take place from the July 22 to 26. The website for booking children into Cúl Camp is now open: https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/.
A new summer season of Irish classes is about to commence in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. On Wednesday, July 4, at 10m there will be a session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday) and another evening session running from 7 to 8pm. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Congratulations are extended to Máire Heneghan, daughter of Ann and Padraig Ó hÉanacháin who recently celebrated her 21st birthday. She is wished many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
The annual Ceol na Locha traditional music festival will take place in Tuar Mhic Eadaigh this year from August 12 to 16. Bookings are available at ceolnalocha@gmail.com and ceolnalocha.com.
Congrats to Carmel and Ger Lydon, Carheen, who were recent winners of Tuar Mhic Eadaigh NS weekly fundraising draw. The couple collected €100 on number 9. The latest draw took place on June 29.
The Knitting Circle Group meets in the Halla every Monday evening from 7.30-9.30pm. Further details are available from 087 7657191.
The Parent and Toddler Group meet in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Tuesdays from 10.30-12.30pm. There are plenty of toys for the children, and parents can have chat and a cuppa. Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club meet on Thursday in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh from 2-4pm. Come along for social get together, light exercise, bingo, make new friends and enjoy the company.
The dates for the cemetery Masses in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh this year are as follows: Churchfield – Friday, August 2, at 8pm; Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, August 4, at 11.30am. Grateful thanks has been extended to the rural social participants for the great upkeep and maintenance of both graveyards. Your efforts are greatly appreciated by all who visit and pay respect to their loved ones.
The details of the Killawalla Community Day 2024 on July 7 are as follows; Gates open from 12.30 with races at 1.30pm. The usual fun and games are on the programme plus more additions including fun races for parents. Claremorris Bouncing Castles will be in attendance with something for the kids and kids at heart and also a food truck and treats will be provided by Corbett Catering. Other activities include children and adult races, wellington throwing, penalty shoot- out, horse shoe throwing, guess the weight and fun and games for all. The entrance fee is modest at €5 / adult and kids free. There will be a small charge as usual on novelty events and to cover costs on the bouncy castles. There will be a raffle on the day and music after from 8pm in McEvilly’s with Conor Duffy. So rain or shine there's something for all the family. Please support the event and thanks to all who committed sponsorship and prizes so far.
Sympathy is tendered to Tom Sheeran, Derrendafderg, on the recent death of his brother, Anthony Sheeran, R.I.P, Nottingham. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
On Sunday, July 7, Mass will be celebrated at 10am in Killawalla Cemetery. This will be followed by a blessing and dedication of the new extension to the cemetery. All are welcome to this special spiritual morning in Killawalla.
Congratulations to Partry AFC U13 boys who were crowned Division 2A league winners after defeating Ballyvary Blue Bombers in a league playoff last week. In a thrilling encounter Partry lads prevailed with a 3-1 victory with the goals coming from James Dolan and Conor Walsh (2). Partry U11 boys also recorded a 5-3 win against Swinford in the recent cup semi-final. Belated best wishes to all for the final.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to John and Paul McGuire, Furnace, Partry, on the recent passing of their sister, Daphne Froggatt, RIP who passed away recently in England. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Congratulations Jo Jo Byrne, Portroyal, who was a recent winner of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draw. Congrats to Damien Heneghan and G and F Racoillet, Partry who were recent €100 winners of Partry Residents Association Saturday night bonus number draws.
Partry FAI Football Camps starts on Monday, August 5. Bookings for the 2024 Intersport Elverys FAI Football Camps are now open. You can book now via the link; https://bookings.faifootballcamps.ie/s/camp-list.
Partry Bingo takes place on Mondays at the usual time. The committee love meeting followers of the numbers game and please bring a friend. A great night is assured. There is a cosy atmosphere and generous prizes.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €22,200 for tonight’s draw on July 2. The numbers drawn last week on June 25, were 4, 12, 30 and Bonus number 7. There was no jackpot winner and also there was no match 3 winners. Congratulations to the lucky dip winners and Sharon Coleman who won a €100 ticket for the 2024 Mayo GAA Club Development Draw.
All players at the weekend were included in a draw to win a €100 ticket for the 2024 Mayo GAA Club Development Draw with €97,000 to be shared in prizes across six draws. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws.
Mass will be celebrated in Drum Cemetery on next Friday, July 5, at 7.30pm and on Sunday, July 7, at 11am in Balla Cemetery. Guesdian Cemetery Mass will be celebrated on July 12, at 7.30pm and in Elmhall on Friday, July 19, at 7.30pm.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €7,100 on June 23. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 8 and 22. There was no jackpot winner. Congrats to the lucky dip winners of €30 each; Josephine Canavan, Geraldine Gormley, Lisa and Kevin Brett, and Ann McAuliffe. The weekend prize was €7,200 on June 30. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies. Thanks as always for the support of patrons.
There will be a referee beginners course on Sunday, July 14, at Umbro Park, Milebush, Castlebar, running from 10am to 4pm https://www.fai.ie/play-and.../referees/become-referee/.
The Football Association of Ireland has announced the launch of ‘Referee Month’, set to take place throughout this month July 2024. In celebration of the essential role referees play in sports, the FAI is offering free in-person referee beginner courses in every region across the country. This initiative follows on from last year’s inaugural ‘Referee Week’ which saw over 250 new referees trained.
‘Referee Month’ will provide aspiring referees with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to referee grassroots football matches safely and effectively.
Mayo Recovery College will facilitate a suite of mental health and wellbeing modules taking place on the following dates throughout July in Castlebar (online option also); Tuesday, July 2, at 10am ‘Self Esteem’, Thursday, July 11, at 5pm ‘Self Compassion’, Tuesday, July 16, at 10am ‘Hope’ and Thursday, July 25, at 5pm ‘Happiness and Contentment’. Call or text Karen McHale 086 0294901 or email recovery.educatormrc@hse.ie to register. www.recoverycollegewest.ie. New and existing participants are warmly invited to attend.
Accord Castlebar have marriage preparation programmes available on the following dates, September 13 and 14 and October 18 and 19. The programmes are being held in the Ellison Hotel in Castlebar. Interested persons can book places on www.accord.ie.
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Errew and Clogher News

Errew Old Girls’ School has successfully been restored and newly refurbished into a much needed community centre for the Errew area. Joe Mongan Building Contractors Ltd has done a fantastic job restoring and refurbishing this historic old school into a much needed community centre. The final finishing touches were only completed very recently. Thanks have been extended to Minister Alan Dillon and all the Castlebar County Councillors for their support with this local project. Huge thanks are also due to all those involved in all stages of the building works which started last June.
An official opening will follow in due course. Contact Errew Community Committee for interested use in this new facility.
Errew Centre has been fully completed just in time to welcome Errew NS pupils, their parents and grandparents for an end of school term celebratory gathering. Errew NS Parents’ Association and Errew Community CLG would like to congratulate the outgoing sixth class students on their graduation from Errew NS. They will all no doubt thrive in secondary school and we wish them good luck on the next part of their educational journey. You will all be greatly missed and please come back to visit. Errew community will also be celebrating the Cumann na mBunscol winning girls’ team on their exceptional determined effort to bring the prestigious trophy back to Errew after 24 years. Well done, the whole community are very proud of you.
Errew Monastery Cemetery service will be held on this Tuesday, July 2, at 7.30pm. The service is to remember the recently deceased members of the local community and the late Franciscan Brothers. Those attending are asked to please park at Errew NS and walk up to the Monastery.
Congratulations to the pupils of Holy Angels Primary School, Clogher, who are entering a new phase in their lives as they commence Secondary School in August. They marked the end of their primary school education on Monday 24, with a graduation ceremony in the community centre attended by their teachers, Fr Kilcoyne, family and friends. We wish them every success in their new schools.
The Clogher card results for Friday, June 21, were as follows; 1st Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Joe Thomas and Gus Sweeney, 3rd Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran, last 10 Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick. Game continues all through the summer at 9pm. Everyone is welcome to attend the weekly progressive 25 card game.
Sincere condolences are extended to Aoife Coleman, Newtown, on the recent passing of her uncle, Ray Armstrong, Manulla. May he rest in peace.
A Cemetery Mass will take place in Drum Graveyard on next Friday evening, July 7, at 7.30pm. All households are requested to attend.
Clogher Environmental Group has been chosen by Tesco to be a recipient of the Blue Token for the next 10 weeks or so. Anybody shopping in Tesco is encouraged to support Clogher by placing their tokens in the Clogher Environmental Group slot. Many thanks for your continued support.
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