Local Notes: Prestigious awards for former students of Claremorris school
Former St Colman’s College, Claremorris, students Thomas Morley (Health and Performance Science) received the UCD Ad Astra Elite Sports Scholarship and Dara Morley (Medicine) received the Ad Astra Academic Scholarship. They are pictured with principal of St Colman’s College, Roy Hession.
Over the years, St Colman’s College in Claremorris has had many students receive various awards and scholarships to universities, both at home and abroad, and the school is immensely proud of them all.
The University College Dublin (UCD) Ad Astra Scholarship Programme, one of the most sought-after scholarships in Ireland, has three strands – the Academic Scholarship, the Elite Sports Scholarship and the Performing Arts Scholarship. Last week at a very enjoyable ceremony in O’Reilly Hall in UCD not one, but two, past pupils from St Colman’s College Leaving Cert Class of 2025 received Ad Astra Scholarships from the University.
Dara Morley, from Cloonfaughna, Knock, received the Ad Astra Academic Scholarship as he begins his studies in Medicine. The UCD Ad Astra Academic Scholarship programme recruits exceptional, high-achieving students and provides them with additional support and unique scholarship opportunities as they study at UCD. To be the recipient of the Ad Astra Academic Scholarship, students must have a proven record of academic excellence, a desire to continue to achieve at the highest level and are keen to develop their leadership potential.
Thomas Morley from Bekan, Claremorris, received the Ad Astra Sports Scholarship as he begins his degree in Health and Performance Science.
Thomas is an elite athlete, already having eight caps for Ireland U-19 soccer team, and is currently contracted with UCD, having transferred earlier this year from Sligo Rovers Academy.
A comprehensive battery of support is available to the Elite Sports College Scholarships scholars, including guaranteed on-campus accommodation, academic mentoring, physiotherapy and medical assistance, nutritional and fitness monitoring, sports psychology and strength and conditioning, the latter taking place in UCD's high-performance gym, under professional supervision.
Both Dara and Thomas Morley (not related!) have always been fantastic students during their time in St Colman’s College, have been wonderful role models for younger students and have shown that hard work and dedication will always be recognised and rewarded. The school community wishes both young men the very best of luck in their studies in UCD and are very proud to call them past pupils of St Colman’s College.
The completion of six new homes at Mount Street in Claremorris was described as “a momentous day for Mayo” by Tom Gilligan, the outgoing Director of Services for Housing with Mayo County Council.
Standing on the site of what he said had once been an old derelict property, Mr Gilligan told the the transformation was significant for the town.
“It’s fantastic to see these six units completed, fully tenanted. An old derelict site, not just providing much needed housing but also helping to rejuvenate life into this street, into this part of Claremorris,” he said. “We want to see more of this happening and it is happening.”
While acknowledging that six houses might appear modest given the level of demand in Claremorris, he insisted the development would have a strong local impact. Mr Gilligan placed the project in the context of wider housing activity across the county. The Mount Street opening formed part of a much larger programme of delivery, he said, noting that 142 units were being delivered that day between openings and sod turnings from Ballina, Ballinrobe, Cross, Claremorris, and Ballyhaunis as well."
Asked about the recent closure of Creative Cosmetics and the loss of 53 jobs, Mr Gilligan said the news was “very disappointing”. He said the council would be working with the local community and confirmed that elected members were already engaged on the issue.
Mr Gilligan wouldn’t be drawn on the future of the council-owned lands to the rear of the McWilliam Park Hotel, comprising more than 30 acres.
“Discussions are ongoing in relation to that,” he said. “It’s probably too early to say yet for definite as to what we’ll be doing, but we’re certainly looking at all options in relation to this site.”
Responding to a suggestion that the council no longer builds large housing estates as it once did, Mr Gilligan rejected the claim.
“That’s not true,” he said, pointing to an 83-unit development in Ballina announced earlier in the day. “That’s a big one, I’d say."
He also referenced 36 units in Castlebar and 31 units at the former Duffy’s Bakery site in Ballina, along with 50 homes delivered in Westport and in Ballina.
“There’s been a huge amount of units being delivered,” he said. “It’s not just about big estates. It’s also about rural communities as well and building probably smaller units but having a significant impact as well.”
For Claremorris, he said, the Mount Street development demonstrated how even a small number of homes could make a meaningful difference, both in meeting housing need and in restoring life to a previously vacant site.
Cllr Seán Carey, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said the Mount Street scheme may have been the smallest of the day’s stops but described it as one of the most innovative and thoughtfully designed. He said the blend of traditional character and modern design was striking and that while the project was compact, it was “mighty in its impact”, delivering six homes in the heart of Claremorris town centre. He said town centre living brought vitality back to streets that had fallen quiet and stressed that homes represented stability, dignity and opportunity for families. He thanked all involved in bringing the development to completion and acknowledged Minister Dara Calleary, who performed the official opening.
Kevin Kelly, the council's chief executive, said housing delivery remained the council’s most important responsibility and described the Mount Street project as a particularly special example of how new homes could also drive urban renewal. He said the scheme demonstrated how infill town-centre developments, though smaller in scale, could have a major impact, replacing long-standing dereliction with attractive and viable living spaces. He paid tribute to the council’s housing and architectural teams, elected members, consultants and contractors, describing the occasion as a proud moment for both Claremorris and Mayo County Council.
Minister Dara Calleary said the development represented a significant investment of €1.7 million in the town centre and described it as an endorsement of what could be achieved through imagination and careful design. He said the project showed how families could once again make their homes in town centres, bringing life back to them.
Referring to the wider programme of 142 homes being launched or commenced across Mayo, representing almost €48 million in investment, he said strong momentum was now building in housing delivery. He added that while progress was being made, more work was required in areas such as affordable housing and rural planning, before officially opening the Mount Street development.
Photographer Marek Petrovic will open the Claremorris Camera Club Exhibition of Photographs in Claremorris Townhall tomorrow, Wednesday, March 11th, at 7.30pm. The exhibition is entitled Magic Moments 2026 and will run until April 3rd. All are welcome.
The Claremorris and District Lions Club asks for your support for its annual tree appeal on this Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14, in the lobby of SuperValu.
The club holds its Annual Tree Appeal every March to coincide with National Tree Week. Silver birch saplings can be brought home and planted, or a donation can be made, and the trees planted by students from the two secondary schools, in public spaces around the town.
After 46 years of dedicated service, Pat Watchorn of Killeen, Ballindine has retired from his role as an Inspector of Ultrasonics with Irish Rail.
Originally from Athy, Co Kildare, Pat moved to Claremorris in the early 1980s. Just three weeks after arriving, he met his future wife, Mary Waldron. The couple settled in Killeen, where they raised their three children - Lisa, Christopher and Louise - and became part of the local community.
Pat’s long career reflects a strong family tradition of working with CIE and Irish Rail that stretches back generations. That connection continues today, with his son Christopher carrying on the family’s involvement in the railway service.
Colleagues and friends have extended their best wishes to Pat as he begins a new chapter following nearly half a century of loyal service.
The South Mayo Darts League will host its annual doubles and singles competitions at the Western Hotel on Saturday, April 4th.
Proceedings will begin with an open draw doubles tournament, followed by the prestigious Mick Mellett and Michael Mooney Memorial Singles competitions. All events are confined to current and former league players.
Among the former and defending champions are Evan O’Brien and Johnny Griffin, along with David Crishel and Bob Flatley in the doubles competition. Previous winners of the Mick Mellett Memorial include Pat Griffin and Conor Heneghan, while Evan Donnellan and Tony Melvin are among the past champions of the Michael Mooney Memorial.
Organisers say it promises to be a memorable day of darts as players gather to compete and to honour the memory of valued friends. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre is hosting a series of upcoming events and programmes aimed at supporting parents, learners and the wider community over the coming weeks.
An online workshop series titled 'AI for Parents' will take place on this Thursday, March 12th and on March 19th at 6.30pm. Delivered via Zoom, the sessions are designed to provide parents with a better understanding of how artificial intelligence works and to offer practical guidance on helping children stay safe online.
The centre’s popular English classes continue every Tuesday, with beginners’ level running from 6 to 7pm and intermediate level from 7 to 8pm. Classes cost €2 per session. New participants are welcome, and further details are available through the centre office.
Further information and booking details for all the courses are available by emailing admin@claremorrisfrc.ie or calling 094-9377838.
James Glynn was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50/50 draw last week, taking home €470. James bought the lucky ticket in Warde’s.
The club congratulated James on the win and thanked all who continue to support the weekly fundraiser, with tickets available online and in local shops and pubs. Proceeds from the draw assist with the running of teams at all levels and ongoing club development.
Brian and Cathy Harte were the winners of the Claremorris GAA Club 50/50 draw last week, collecting €1,138 with their online ticket.
The club, which guarantees a minimum jackpot of €1,000 every week, expressed its appreciation to everyone who entered the draw. Funds raised continue to support underage coaching, facilities and future projects. Tickets remain on sale online as well as through local retailers and pubs throughout the town.
The death has occurred at Mayo University Hospital of Billy Vize of Luí na Greine, Claremorris. Billy was predeceased by his parents Joe and Mary Vize and is survived by his brother Padráig, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Billy’s remains reposed at Gilligan’s Funeral Home, Claremorris on Monday evening with removal to St Colman’s Church, Claremorris. His Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday followed by private cremation.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred of John Francis 'Frank' Daly, formerly of Woodquay, Tuam, Co Galway and Claremorris, Co.
Frank died peacefully in the excellent care of the staff of the D’Alton Community Nursing Home, Claremorris. He was predeceased by his parents Maura and Denis, brother Jarlath, sisters Joan and Mary, brother-in-law Michael and nephews Darren and Philip.
Frank will be sadly missed by his loving children Louise, Katie, Oisín, Seán and Áine, sons-in-law Daniel and Cathal, grandchildren Aoibhe, Reece and Cillian, sisters Angela, Kathy, Evelyn and Sheila, brother P.J., nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Frank’s remains reposed at Glynn’s Funeral Home, High Street, Tuam on Tuesday evening with removal to St Benin’s Church, Kilbannon. His Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
The death has occurred at Mayo Hospice in Castlebar of Mary (Baby) Walsh (née Murphy) of Annfield, Hollymount.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Gerald, brothers Paddy-Joe, Michael, Martin and Gerry, parents Martin and Mary-Delia Murphy, Farmhill, and son-in-law Joe McDonagh.
She is deeply mourned by her sons and daughters Bernie Chinnock (Somerset), Trish O’Brien (Newtownforbes), Denise McDonagh, Pat Walsh (Claremorris), Martin Walsh, Elaine Lenihan (Claremorris) and John Walsh (Ballinrobe), brothers Johnny and Peter Murphy, sons-in-law Finian, Glenn and Brian, daughters-in-law Pauline, Olive and Fiona, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cherished grandchildren, neighbours and friends.
Mary’s remains reposed at Roundfort Community Funeral Home on Thursday evening with removal to her home.
Mary’s Requiem Mass was held on Friday in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Roundfort, with burial afterwards in Roundfort Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
