Local Notes: Packed house in Claremorris for pantomime
Some of the performers in the Claremorris Christmas pantomime, Treasure Island, which took place at the local Town Hall Theatre last weekend. Picture: Trish Forde
St Colman’s Credit Union in Claremorris will hold its 2025 annual general meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, December, in the McWilliam Park Hotel, at 7.30pm.
Members will hear that the Credit Union enjoyed a strong trading year, reporting a surplus of €3.22 million, which is slightly above the previous year, enabling a more generous distribution for members.
The board’s report recognises that despite persistent pressures on the cost of living, the wider economy remained relatively stable throughout the year, with near full employment and inflation easing from earlier highs. The European Central Bank’s rate cuts, bringing deposit rates down to 2%, also helped shape the financial backdrop for 2025.
The Credit Union saw solid growth in both savings and lending, with total assets rising by nearly €13 million - up by almost 7% of the previous figure. This growth reflects continuing member confidence, though trustees note that rising savings volumes create pressure on reserves and require careful oversight of financial ratios.
In April, the Credit Union launched a second series of three-year term deposit accounts, offering members an attractive alternative to standard savings in a low-interest environment. The offer proved popular among savers seeking returns better than those offered by traditional savings dividends.
However, the board has warned that uncertainty remains. Risks such as geopolitical instability, climate-related disruptions, ongoing conflicts around the world, inflationary pressures and the future course of interest rates all pose potential challenges.
Members attending the AGM will receive a full review of the year, including financial performance, growth expectations and the outlook for 2026. The board expressed hope that, with steady management and continued community support, the Credit Union will maintain stability and continue to reward its members in the year ahead.
Persistent rain made for a demanding course at Abbotstown in Dublin last week, but Claremorris Athletic Club’s young athletes delivered outstanding performances across the board at the National Cross Country Championships.
In the U13 Boys' 2,500m, Philip Griffith produced a superb run to claim individual silver. He was followed by Luke Duffy in 20th place, and the pair played a key role in securing Connacht’s team gold and Mayo’s team silver. Philip, Luke, Harry Mulkeen, Michael Kelly, Dean Kirrane and Seán Hession combined to place a strong sixth overall in the club team standings.
In the U13 Girls' 2,500m, Elena Crowley showed impressive resilience, fighting back after a difficult start to finish strongly despite the challenging conditions.
There was further success in the U15 Girls' 3,500m where Olivia Duffy delivered an excellent performance to finish fourth for both province and county, narrowly missing out on a medal in a highly competitive field.
Claremorris Athletic Club also celebrated another national podium finish as Ellen Trench claimed bronze with Mayo, capping off an excellent year for the talented athlete.
The club extended its thanks to all coaches, supporters and parents for their ongoing commitment, as well as to Mark for photography duties and Tommy for keeping everyone sheltered with tent support on the day.
With the championships bringing the 2025 season to a close, Claremorris AC is already looking forward to building on this momentum in 2026.
Approval has been issued to Mayo County Council for the construction of 16 new social housing units at Churchfield Park, Knock. The project will deliver six one-bedroom homes and ten two-bedroom homes in this initial phase of development.
This investment represents a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs and supporting the wider provision of social and affordable homes.
Bridie Hickey, from Ballindine, was the winner of Claremorris GAA’s 50/50 jackpot last week. Bridie won €1,422 on a ticket bought at Hillside Service Station.
The club congratulated Bridie on her win and extended thanks to everyone who continues to support the draw each week.
There were also three Christmas hamper winners. Tara Cusack won the Little Sam’s hamper with a ticket purchased in Gilligan’s Bar, while Ronan Keane took home the SuperValu hamper after buying his ticket in Hillside Service Station. The Hurling Club hamper went to Mick Mullee, whose winning ticket was bought in The Shamrock Bar.
The club has expressed its appreciation to all who entered, noting that regular support for the draw helps fund underage coaching, team development and ongoing improvements at the club. Tickets remain available online and from local shops and pubs throughout Claremorris.
St Colman’s College First Year soccer team lined out for their debut competitive fixture in the FAI Connacht U-14 Minor A competition recently, and marked the occasion with an excellent win.
Despite challenging weather conditions and the added pressure of representing the school in its first outing at this level, the team produced a strong, determined performance.
Their opponents, Coláiste na Coiribe from Knocknacarra, Galway, contributed to a well-contested and fair game, with both sides giving everything from start to finish. St Colman’s secured a deserved 2–1 victory, setting a positive tone for the rest of their campaign.
The team now turns its attention to their next fixture, a local derby against St Jarlath’s College, Tuam, which is scheduled to take place before the Christmas break.
The school extends its thanks to all First Year players for their continued commitment, particularly those who attend the Friday afternoon training sessions at Claremorris AFC.
Independent Cllr Richard Finn has said that funding awarded under the CLÁR programme for resurfacing the Claremorris playground will be put into use by next February.
Speaking at the December meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District, Cllr Finn said that having spoken to Mayo County Council personnel, he was pleased to report that the work will start between now and February, describing the news as "positive".
The death has occurred of Bridget Smyth (née Hennelly) of Swords, Dublin, and formerly of Kilrush, Hollymount.
Bridget died peacefully on December 8th at Bon Secours Hospital.
Predeceased by her sisters Áine, Máire and Evelyn, Bridget is sadly missed by her loving husband Alan, sister Josephine, brothers James and Hugh, sisters-in-law Carmel and Noreen, brothers-in-law Frank, Chris and Mark, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.
Bridget’s remains reposed at Rock’s Funeral Home, Swords on Friday last with removal on Saturday morning to St Cronan’s Church, Brackenstown for Requiem Mass, followed by cremation at Dardistown Crematorium.
May she rest in peace.
Davitts GAA Club’s 50-year story is celebrated in a commemorative book that is an ideal Christmas gift for supporters and people from the area.
With 260 pages compiled by Joe Reapy, the publication charts the club’s progress from its foundation in 1974, while also reflecting on earlier events that influenced its development.
Inside, readers will find accounts of around 380 matches played over the past half-century - a trove of memories for long-standing followers and a rich introduction to the club’s heritage for younger members. The book also features contributions from 28 writers connected to the club, each offering their own recollections and insights, adding colour and personality to the historical narrative.
Packed with photographs, stories and local lore, the anniversary edition has been warmly received and is regarded as essential reading for anyone with an interest in Davitts GAA or the wider Gaelic games community. The book costs €30 and is available online and in a range of local outlets. It can be purchased via links on davittsgaa.com and through the club’s social media channels.
Copies are also stocked in Spar and Centra in Ballindine, Claremorris Post Office, Daily’s Newsagent on Main Street, the Silverbridge Shopping Centre in Claremorris, and Castle Books in Castlebar.
Anyone seeking further details can contact the club at secretary.davitts.mayo@gaa.ie.
Claremorris LGFA is seeking expressions of interest for coaching roles at all age levels for the 2026 season. As the club continues to expand and strengthen its player and coaching pathways, it is inviting applications for managers, coaches and mentors to work with teams from underage grades up to adult level.
Building on strong development in recent years, the club is encouraging anyone with a passion for coaching or supporting young players to come forward. Those interested are asked to provide their name, contact number, and their first and second choice of age group. Applications can be submitted by email to Claremorris.mayo@lgfa.ie.
The club looks forward to welcoming new and returning volunteers as preparations begin for the season ahead.
Colton Penny was the winner of Claremorris AFC’s 50/50 draw last week, receiving a prize of €1,170. Colton bought the winning ticket in The Western Hotel and was warmly congratulated by the club.
Claremorris AFC expressed its appreciation to everyone who continues to support the draw each week, noting that all proceeds help fund player development and club facilities. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs throughout the town.
Claremorris AFC's Christmas hamper draw also took place recently, with Aki Kehoe claiming the prize.
Aki enjoyed an added celebration as the win coincided with his 18th birthday last weekend. The club congratulated Aki on both the win and the milestone, and thanked all who entered the draw.
The death has occurred of Sr Edna O’Connor, Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), of Marymount Convent, Tarrytown, New York, and formerly of Knockadoon, Irishtown, Co. Mayo.
Sr Edna was predeceased by her parents Michael and Julia, brothers Brendan, Jimmy, Noel, Jarlath and Tracey, and sisters Sr Benny, Sr Maeve and Anne.
Sr Edna is sadly missed by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and many friends.
Sr Edna’s remains reposed at Marymount Convent on Thursday last with Vigil Service that evening. Mass of the Christian Burial took place on Friday followed by burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery, White Plains, New York.
May she rest in peace.
Season's greetings are extended to all our readers and to all the people who submitted items for publication in 2025. Thank you all for your continued support.
Please note that the next issue of the will be in the shops on Tuesday, December 23rd. Items for inclusion in the Claremorris News section should be submitted by this Wednesday evening December 17th.
Items for inclusion in the issue of December 30th should be submitted by this Sunday, December 21st. As always, publication cannot be guaranteed due to space constraints, but we'll do our best.
The annual general meeting of Garrymore GAA Club took place recently with a strong turnout of members present for the election of club officers for the year ahead.
Fr Flynn and Fr Murphy were appointed as patrons, while Pat Dixon was elected president. Pat Hession takes on the role of chairperson, with Andrew Heaney elected as vice-chairperson. Mary Lydon was returned as secretary and will also serve as designated liaison person, while Laura Commins was appointed vice-secretary and club registrar.
Sarah Tierney is the club treasurer, supported by assistant treasurer Jimmy Walsh. Communications officer for the coming year is Sharon Corcoran, with Joanne Forde elected as Oifigeach na Gaeilge. The role of Alcohol and Substance, Health and Wellbeing Officer will be filled by Jamie Burke, while Colm Walsh has been appointed Children’s Officer.
Representing the club at county and divisional level will be County Board delegate John Farragher and South Board delegate Padraic Corcoran. Coaching officer for the year ahead is Fintan Jennings.
A special acknowledgement was extended to outgoing treasurer Elaine Heaney and outgoing assistant treasurer Jamie Burke. Their dedication, cooperation, and significant contribution to the smooth running of the club were warmly recognised and greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
The death has occurred of Tom Clarke of Upper Mace, Claremorris. Tom died suddenly at his residence. He was predeceased by his parents Eileen and Ned, and his loving grandchild, Baby Eve Clarke.
Tom is deeply missed by his loving wife Kathleen, son Declan, daughters Eimear, Linda and Imelda, daughter-in-law Patricia, sons-in-law Martin and Daniel, and his grandchildren Rachel, Cian, Sophie, Maeve and Aoife. He is also mourned by his brothers Paddy (Cork), Billy (Ballykinave), Eddie and David (Leface) and Gerard (New York); sisters Carol Murphy (Facefield) and Mary O’Carroll (Corcullen), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours, many friends and colleagues from the National Ambulance Service.
Tom’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Market Square, Claremorris on Tuesday last. His funeral cortege arrived at the Church of Our Lady, Barnacarroll on Wednesday for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Martin (Joe) Casserley of Cloondace, Knock. Joe died unexpectedly but peacefully on December 5th, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his son John.
Joe is deeply missed by his heartbroken wife Sarah, daughters Ann-Marie (Murphy) and Katrina (Haldane), sons Martin and Seamus, his beloved grandchildren Sarah and Christopher (Murphy), Liam, Amy, Seán and Niall (Haldane), and Ella and Saoirse (Casserley). He is also mourned by his daughter-in-law Mary, son-in-law Jeremy, cousins and his many friends.
Joe’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Tuesday last with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock. Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday at 10.30am, followed by cremation at Shannon Crematorium.
May he rest in peace.
