Local Notes: Pat is crowned Kiltimagh Poker champion 

GAA President to open new-look Gilmartin Park; Philip to launch new book
Local Notes: Pat is crowned Kiltimagh Poker champion 

Pat Boyle is pictured with the Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup after winning the Summer Poker League Final in Kiltimagh.

Pat Boyle is the new Kiltimagh Poker champion and holder of the Jeremy Dee Memorial Cup after winning the Summer Poker League Final at Teach O’Hora last week. Fourteen players contested the final, where a prize pool of €2,440 was shared among the top finishers.

Pat secured the title after a long heads-up battle with John Reynolds, who had led the field for much of the night and finished in second place. Third prize went to Keith Lydon, while AN Other and Derry O’Sullivan took the remaining places at the final table.

Attention now turns to the annual Culchie Poker Open, which will be played in the Cill Aodain Hotel on Saturday, October 18.. The fully dealered tournament begins at 4pm with a €100 buy-in and re-entry. Seats are limited and booking is advised. Entry is open to Mayo Poker Tour members only.

Card drive 

There was another enjoyable evening at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with plenty of close contests and a strong turnout.

First prize went to Mary and Liam Moran, who finished ahead of Mary and Jimmy Doyle in second place. Joint third was shared by Mary and Richard Carney alongside Michael Costello and Michael Carney.

The prize for the Last 10 was split between James Walsh and Paddy Carney and the pairing of Seamus Larkin and Tom Begley. Patricia Hyland and Patsy Flatley claimed the spot prize.

In the raffle, prizes went to Patricia Hyland, Martin Regan, Francis McNicholas and Chris Flatley.

Official opening of Gilmartin Park 

The newly redeveloped Gilmartin Park, home of Kiltimagh GAA Club, will be officially opened on Saturday next, October 11, at 10.30am. 

GAA President Jarlath Burns will perform the ceremony on a landmark occasion for the club and wider community.

Parking at the grounds will be limited, and visitors are asked to park in town or at the graveyard and walk to the pitch if possible. Following the opening ceremony, a family fun day with activities for all ages is planned, weather permitting.

The redevelopment project, recently completed, has transformed Gilmartin Park with the addition of a 242-seat cantilever stand, two floodlit training areas, and a realigned main pitch. To help fund the development, the club has launched a Sponsor a Seat campaign, offering supporters the chance to have a seat named in their own name, their family’s name, or in memory of a loved one for €350.

This ambitious project has been years in the making and reflects the vision and commitment of players, coaches, volunteers, and the local community.

Kiltimagh GAA has worked hard to provide opportunities for players of all ages, from U4s to senior level, and now boasts facilities to match that ambition. The club has also embraced the GAA’s Healthy Club initiative, with wellbeing officer Karen Forkan leading efforts to promote mental health, wellbeing, and healthy living, including the introduction of a smoke and vape-free policy.

Those interested in supporting the Sponsor a Seat campaign are asked to contact the club at kiltimaghgaaseats@gmail.com or speak with any member of the executive.

Philip launches new book

Kiltimagh Museum will welcome acclaimed journalist and author Philip Stephens for the Mayo launch of his latest book, These Divided Isles, on Saturday, October 18, at 7pm. The evening, free and open to all, promises a memorable blend of history, memory and music.

The launch will feature live performances from Folk Café, Kiltimagh, with celebrated folk artist Mike Absalom adding his trademark mix of song and storytelling.

Philip Stephens, a leading political commentator with the Financial Times, has spent decades interpreting Europe and Britain’s great political shifts. In These Divided Isles, he explores the tangled relationship between Britain and Ireland - weaving politics, history and his own family story. 

Born in London to an Irish mother and Welsh father, Philip spent his childhood summers in Kiltimagh during the 1950s and '60s. His book draws deeply on those memories, from roaming the fields and swimming in rivers to reflecting on identity, migration and reconciliation in the shadow of Brexit.

Mike Absalom, now based in Swinford, is widely recognised as one of the most original voices in British folk music, with a career spanning albums, TV appearances, painting and illustration. His humorous, offbeat and heartfelt performances continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

The event promises a unique cultural evening in Kiltimagh - one that celebrates literature, music, and the enduring links between Ireland and Britain.

All are warmly invited to attend.

Kiltimagh duo to abseil from Croke Park

Kiltimagh men Mike Ryan and Mark Jennings will take on a 150-foot abseil from the roof of Croke Park this Friday, October 10, in aid of Mayo Cancer Support. 

The men will join 100 others from across the county for the adrenaline-filled challenge, raising funds to support those affected by cancer and their families. Both men have launched online fundraising pages and are appealing for donations through their social media. Every euro raised will go directly to Mayo Cancer Support’s essential services across the county.

Emigrant Park seeks support

The Kiltimagh Amenity Park Committee has expressed thanks to Noel McManamon, who recently donated two oak trees in honour of his son and daughter, Conor and Lou.

The committee also issued an appeal to the community for old planting pots and trays that are no longer needed. These will be used in the park’s native tree nursery for locally-sourced seedlings. Items can be left at the Stormie polytunnel near the entrance to the Emigrant Park on the Knock Road.

The Kiltimagh Amenity Park Committee continues to work on its long-standing vision of creating a safe, bright and educational outdoor environment for the people of Kiltimagh and the surrounding areas.

‘Dads & Lads’ GAA Football 

Kiltimagh GAA has launched an exciting new weekly initiative, Dads & Lads, offering a relaxed and fun way to enjoy Gaelic football. Sessions take place every Monday evening at 8pm in Gilmartin Park.

The programme is open to men of all ages and abilities - from seasoned players to complete beginners - with the emphasis firmly on enjoyment, fitness and community spirit.

Organisers say the aim is to create an inclusive, social environment where participants can get active, meet new people, and share the love of Gaelic games.

Whether you’re dusting off your boots after years away or simply curious to give it a try, Dads & Lads is a chance to join in, have fun, and get involved in the local GAA community.

Scarlett wins GAA 50/50

Kiltimagh GAA Club’s most recent 50/50 draw brought great joy to Scarlett Killeen, who collected a jackpot of €750.

The club congratulated Scarlett on her win and expressed its appreciation to everyone who purchased tickets, either online or in local outlets. Each weekly draw plays an important role in helping the club to fund its sporting activities and future plans.

The club also thanked its sellers and local businesses for their ongoing commitment to the draw, which remains a vital source of support.

Bohola winners of KKU 50/50 

Congratulations to John McNicholas and Gillian Byrne, both from Bohola, who took home €277 and €278 respectively in the recent Kiltimagh Knock United 50/50 draws. 

The club extended its gratitude to all weekly participants. Each entry helps to strengthen the club. 

Tickets are sold online and through outlets and sellers in the town and in Knock, ensuring there are plenty of opportunities to get involved each week.

Youth Theatre Programme 

An exciting opportunity for young people in Kiltimagh will launch next week. The Youth Theatre programme will begin on October 15. 

The eight-week programme is open to 12–18 year olds and will include weekly workshops, theatre visits and specialist masterclasses. 

The project is a collaboration between Clann Machua Drama Group and Mayo Arts Council, with a subsidised fee of €40 for the full term. Numbers are limited, and early booking is recommended by contacting Adrian Lavan on 086-8676737.

Drama Group

Clann Machua Drama Group continues to prepare for a busy season. The group will perform ‘Greta Garbo Came to Donegal’ by Frank McGuinness in the 2026 All-Ireland three-act festival. Plans are underway for two one-act comedies to be staged in November.

Anne Cunnane, RIP

The death occurred last Tuesday of Anne Cunnane (née O’Shea), Knock Road, Kiltimagh, and retired principal of St Aidan’s National School, Kiltimagh. Anne passed away at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, after a short illness bravely borne with courage and dignity.

Anne was predeceased by her parents Jim and Carmel O’Shea, parents-in-law Martin and Nora Cunnane, brother-in-law Sean, and sister-in-law Mary Devine. She is deeply mourned by her devoted husband Anthony (Tony), children Catriona, Louise and Padraig, much-adored grandchildren Daire, Molly Mai and Emily; sons-in-law Hugh and James, daughter-in-law Allison, sister Deirdre, brothers Kieran, Seamus, Barry, Paul, Brendan and Sean, brothers-in-law Declan Sheridan, Aiden and Michael Cunnane, and Martin Devine, sisters-in-law Evelyn, Elaine, Barbara, Breda, Eileen and Carmel, nieces, nephews, cherished goddaughters Olivia and Rebecca, aunt Margaret (Scotland), extended family and her wide circle of friends.

Anne’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock, on Thursday evening last with removal from her family home on Friday morning for Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery. 

May she rest in peace.

Michael Walsh, RIP 

The death has occurred of Michael Walsh of Pulronaghane, Kiltimagh, who passed away peacefully at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Tooreen, in his 97th year.

Michael was predeceased by his beloved wife Maisie, parents John and Celia, sisters Mary, Eva and Sadie, brother-in-law Jimmy, and son-in-law Mick. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his daughters Mary (Dublin), Helen (Dublin), Geraldine (Kiltimagh) and Katherine (Dublin), sons-in-law Joe and Darach, grandchildren Barry, Sara, Ian, Rory and Ciara, and great-grandchildren Lily and Ollie. He will also be remembered by his neighbours and many friends.

Michael’s remains reposed at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Geraldine and Joe Corry, Main Street, Kiltimagh, on Saturday evening last with removal on Sunday morning to the Church of the Holy Family, Kiltimagh, for Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Kilkinure Cemetery. 

May he rest in peace.

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