Local Notes: Preparations continue for 106th Claremorris Show
Enjoying the sunshine at the recent race meeting in Ballinrobe were, from left: Marie Sloyan, Caitriona McCormack, Áine Grogan and Laura Sloyan, Newbrook and Claremorris. Picture: Trish Forde
Preparations for this year's Claremorris Show will continue this week with the annual general meeting of Claremorris Agricultural Show Society taking place on this Thursday, June 11th.
The meeting will be held in the Western Hotel, Claremorris, at 9pm and will provide an opportunity to review the past year and begin planning for the 106th Claremorris Show, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 2nd, over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
All officers and committee members are invited to attend the meeting. Organisers are also extending an open invitation to anyone interested in becoming involved with the show and its activities. New volunteers and committee members are always welcome as preparations gather pace for one of the longest-running and most important agricultural and community events in the region.
The Claremorris Show has been a central part of community life for more than a century, attracting exhibitors, competitors and visitors from across Mayo and beyond. The annual event showcases agriculture, livestock, equestrian competitions, home industries, crafts and a wide range of family attractions.
With this year's show now less than two months away, organisers are encouraging anyone interested in supporting the event to attend the AGM and learn more about the work involved in staging the popular annual gathering.
Tea and refreshments will be served following the meeting.
Claremorris Golf Club recently hosted its annual Am-Am Scramble Fundraiser, attracting a large field of golfers and teams for one of the club’s most popular events of the year.
The week-long competition saw teams from across the region compete for a wide range of prizes, with strong scoring throughout the event. Many golfers entered the competition more than once.
The overall winners were Rossa Higgins, Tom Fanning, Ger Noone and Derek Reilly with a score of 53.9. Damien Connolly, Michael Connolly, Paul Biggins and Derek Reilly finished in second place on 55.3, while Gary O’Sullivan, Michelle O’Sullivan, Brian Burke and Phelim Munnelly claimed third place with 55.9.
Fourth place went to John Dillon, Brian Burke, Phelim Munnelly and Kieran Dowd on 56.0, while Ciaran McDermott, Conor O’Brien, Robert Connolly and David Grant finished fifth on 56.1. John Tuohy, Fergal Tuohy, Thomas J. Hynes and Sean Burns took sixth place with 56.4.
Seventh place went to Derek Reilly, Marina Reilly, Ger Noone and Rossa Higgins on 56.7, followed by Johnny Monaghan, Eamon Monaghan, John McDonnell and Cathal Hession in eighth on 57.0. Martin Murphy, Declan King, John Bodkin and Pat Gleeson were ninth on 57.2, while Cathal Jordan, James Cooney, Mark Kerrisk and Declan Mulligan completed the top ten with 57.4.
In the special categories, the veterans prize was won by Ger Conroy, Martin O’Brien, Tom Gallagher and Brendan Mellett with 65.6.
The All Ladies 18-Hole competition was won by Deirdre McDermott, Claire Naughton, Christina Rush and Marina Reilly on 59.7, while the All Ladies 9-Hole section was claimed by Florrie Campbell, Marian Gildea, Nuala Moran and Eva Brogan with 35.7.
The 9-Hole competition was won by Cathal Fitzpatrick, Kevin Bacchus, Paul Fitzpatrick and Padraig Mannion on 29.3, with Kevin Bacchus, Paul Fitzpatrick and Padraig Mannion taking second place on 36.3.
The individual prize winners were Donal Cunningham, who won the Longest Drive for Gents, and Sarah Gallagher, who claimed the Ladies’ Longest Drive prize. Nearest the Pin awards went to Matt O’Donovan on the 2nd, Brian Cavanagh on the 7th and Deirdre McDermott on the 10th.
The annual Am-Am continues to be one of the highlights of the golfing calendar at Claremorris Golf Club, attracting strong support from members, visitors and sponsors while raising valuable funds for the club.
There were scenes of celebration across Claremorris last week as both Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca and Claremorris National School claimed county honours in the 2026 Cumann na mBunscol competitions.
Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca captured the Cumann na mBunscol Division Two Boys County Championship title following a memorable victory in McHale Park, Castlebar. The gaelscoil produced an impressive display of football to overcome Brackloon National School in an excellent and sporting contest between two talented teams.
The victory marks a significant achievement for the school and reflects the dedication shown by the players throughout the year. Gaelscoil Uileog de Búrca also paid tribute to Brackloon National School for their contribution to a highly entertaining final.
Special recognition was given to coaches John Comer and Múinteoir Ciarán, whose guidance and encouragement played a key role in helping the team reach county final day and secure championship success.
Claremorris National School also enjoyed a proud day when the girls' team won the 2026 Cumann na mBunscol Division 1B Final. The CNS girls delivered a determined and skilful performance to defeat Behy National School and claim the title.
The team was guided throughout the campaign by Mr Macken, Ms Murphy and Shelly, whose support and expertise on the sidelines were widely acknowledged following the final.
A large crowd of parents, family members, friends and supporters attended the match and helped create a wonderful atmosphere.
Together, the two victories provided a memorable week for schools in Claremorris and highlighted the strength of Gaelic football among young players in the area. Congratulations have been extended to both schools, their coaches, players and supporters as well as the representatives of Brackloon and Behy National schools who gave a good, sporting account of themselves.
Aiden Butler was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home the guaranteed €2,000 jackpot with an online ticket. The club congratulated Aiden on the win.
The club thanked all who continue to support the fundraiser each week. Proceeds from the draw help fund coaching, facilities and youth development projects throughout the club. Tickets can be purchased online and through local retailers and pubs.
Seamus Owens was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, collecting €579. Seamus purchased the winning ticket in Warde’s. The club extended congratulations to Seamus on the win and expressed its gratitude to all who support the weekly draw.
Funds raised help support teams at all levels and contribute to the continued development of the club. Tickets remain available online and from local shops and pubs.
Claremorris Tidy Towns has launched its 2026 Residents’ Estates Competition, with entries now being accepted from estates and neighbourhoods across the town.
The competition, supported by SuperValu Claremorris, encourages residents to take pride in their local areas through good presentation, community involvement and environmental initiatives.
Judging will take place in July, with winners to be announced in August. The closing date for entries is June 26th.
Areas will be assessed on cleanliness, landscaping, floral displays and biodiversity measures such as pollinator-friendly planting, bird boxes and insect habitats.
Claremorris Tidy Towns thanked manager Damien Hall and SuperValu Claremorris for their continued support of the popular community initiative and wished all entrants the very best of luck.
A special community event focusing on men’s health and wellbeing will take place in The Square, Claremorris, on Friday, June 19th at 12.30pm as part of Men’s Health Awareness Week.
Organised in partnership with Claremorris Men’s Shed, the 'One Step at a Time' event will feature blood pressure and heart health checks, free haircuts, a spinning competition, health information stands and musical entertainment.
Claremorris Community Radio will also broadcast live from the event.
Organisers say the afternoon aims to promote positive health habits, wellbeing and community connection in a welcoming and informal setting.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the range of free services and activities on offer.
The Western Hotel, Claremorris, will host the Micheál Hanley Memorial Darts Cup on Saturday, June 13th, with competition getting underway at 5pm.
The tournament will feature both Ladies’ and Gents’ events and is open to players of all abilities. An entry fee of €10 applies, with the draw taking place at 5pm sharp.
The annual competition has become a popular fixture on the local darts calendar and serves as a tribute to the late Micheál Hanley.
Organisers are looking forward to another enjoyable evening of darts, community spirit and remembrance, with a strong turnout expected from across the region.
There was national recognition recently for a dedicated member of the Claremorris AFC community when Lars Allworthy was honoured as part of the inaugural Football Association of Ireland (FAI) Volunteer Recognition Programme.
Lars was one of just 20 volunteers from across the country to receive the special recognition during an awards event held at the iconic Aviva Stadium as part of National Volunteer Week.
A longstanding and committed committee member with Claremorris AFC, Lars has played an important role in supporting the club both on and off the pitch. His contribution reflects the countless hours given by volunteers who help ensure grassroots football continues to thrive within local communities.
The FAI Volunteer Recognition Programme was established to acknowledge the dedication, commitment and passion shown by volunteers who are the backbone of football clubs throughout Ireland. Being selected as one of the first recipients of the award is a significant honour and highlights the impact of Lars’ work within Claremorris AFC and the wider football community.
The recognition has been warmly welcomed by the club, who praised Lars for his tireless efforts, commitment and willingness to contribute to the continued development of football in Claremorris.
Congratulations are extended to Lars on this well-deserved achievement and on representing both Claremorris AFC and the local sporting community on a national stage. His award serves as a reminder of the vital role volunteers play in sustaining and growing sport at grassroots level.
The death has occurred of Ann Heneghan of Cloondace, Knock. Ann died peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Sonas Nursing Home, Knock on May 31st, 2026.
Ann will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her nephews Seamus (Damhnait), Micheál (Gráinne) and Páraic, nieces Nóirín (Charlie) and Ann (Tom) Breathnach, grandnieces Sinéad, Gráinne, Julia and Caitlín, grandnephews Macdara, Feidhlim and Páraic, great-grandniece Réidín, her neighbours in Cloondace and Sallyhernane, relatives and friends.
Ann’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Tuesday evening, June 2nd, with removal to the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock.
Ann’s Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Michael (Chick) Jennings of Rookfield, Knock.
Michael died suddenly on May 30th, 2026. He was predeceased by his father Tom and sister Patricia.
Michael will be remembered with love by his mother Margaret, brothers Pat (Deirdre), Noel (Sandra), Kieran (Catherina), Seamus (Spike) and Enda (Eimear), sisters Mary (Seamus), Kathleen (Timmy) and Marcella (Tommy), partner Maura, aunt, uncles, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Michael’s remains reposed at the Marian Funeral Home, Knock on Wednesday evening, June 3rd. His Funeral Mass was held in the Church of St John the Baptist, Knock on Thursday morning, followed by burial afterwards in Knock Cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
