Local notes: Relief in Claremorris at route reversal
Daiva Budziuvienne pictured with Jimmy and Pauline Flynn (sponsors) at the opening night of the Claremorris Drama and Fringe Festival which was staged in the Town Hall Theatre, Claremorris. Picture: Michael Donnelly
The retention of the Expressway Route 52 service has been confirmed following public concern, securing a key transport link for communities across the west, including Claremorris. The route, operated by Bus Éireann, connects Ballina and Galway, serving a number of towns along the way, with Claremorris remaining a central stop on the line.
The decision follows the introduction of a Public Service Obligation by the Department of Transport, allowing the State to support services that are not commercially viable but are considered essential. The move ensures that Claremorris continues to benefit from direct access to both Mayo and Galway, maintaining a link relied upon by commuters, students and those attending medical appointments.
For Claremorris, the continuation of the service represents the preservation of an important connection to surrounding towns including Balla, Ballindine and Tuam, as well as onward access to Galway city. The route has long provided a practical option for those without access to private transport and has supported daily travel for work, education and services.
The service had been due to cease following an announcement by Bus Éireann citing ongoing financial losses. The proposed withdrawal prompted concern across the region, with strong reaction from public representatives and local communities. Independent councillors Richard Finn and Patsy O’Brien were among those who raised concerns about the potential impact on towns such as Claremorris, highlighting the role of the route in maintaining regional connectivity.
They said that removing the service would have reduced transport options for many residents and risked isolating communities, particularly affecting students, older people and those commuting between towns. The route also contributes to reducing reliance on private cars, supporting broader transport and environmental objectives.
The confirmation that Route 52 will continue has been widely welcomed, with recognition of its importance to towns like Claremorris where public transport links remain a key part of daily life. The decision ensures that the town retains a direct and consistent connection to the wider region, supporting both local activity and access to essential services.
Claremorris Golf Club reported a high level of participation across recent competitions, with events taking place over two weekends in March.
The competition held from March 20 to 22, sponsored by Paul Keane Butchers, saw Florrie Campbell return 44 points to lead the ladies 18-hole stableford competition, while Bernie Divilly recorded 38 points to top category two. In the ladies 9-hole event, Mary O’Brien Killeen placed first with 22 points.
In the men’s 18-hole competition, Damien Cubbard recorded the leading score of 46 points. Ger Noone secured category one with 43 points, while Alan Gurren matched that score to head category three. John McDonnell recorded 44 points to lead category four, with Gabriel Farragher returning 43 points to top category five.
A further competition took place from March 27 to 29, sponsored by Hillside Service Station. Steve Walsh placed first with 42 points on a back nine countback. Rossa Higgins recorded 39 points to win category two, while Martin Devaney also returned 39 points to lead category three. Peter Totten secured category four with 40 points.
Earlier in the month, the club marked the start of the season with its Captain’s Drive-In on Sunday, March 15. Those present included Annie Killeen, Junior Girls Captain; Peter Coen, Captain; Mary T Coyne, Lady Captain; Anthony Hennelly, President; and Jack Noone, Junior Boys Captain. The occasion also reflected a family link within the club, as Peter Coen and Mary T Coyne are siblings.
A table quiz in support of Taugheen Playgroup Development will take place on April 11 at 9pm at The Country Club. Teams of four can enter at a cost of €40 per team. A raffle will also be held on the night, with lots of prizes available.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre continues to provide a range of programmes and services for the local community in the coming weeks.
A series of online workshops for parents titled ‘AI for Parents’ will take place on this Thursday, April 9, and again on April 16 at 6:30pm. The sessions examine how artificial intelligence operates and outline practical steps to support children’s online safety. The workshops will be delivered via Zoom. Registration and further information are available by contacting the centre on 094-93-77838 or by email at info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Weekly English language classes are held each Tuesday at Claremorris Family Resource Centre, with a beginners’ class from 6pm to 7pm followed by an intermediate session from 7pm to 8pm. Classes are open to participants at a cost of €2, with registration through the centre. Contact 094-93-77838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
A four-week Smartphone Essentials course for beginners is scheduled to commence on April 13 at Claremorris Family Resource Centre, running from 10:30am to 12:30pm. The course focuses on building confidence in everyday smartphone use. The fee for the full course is €20 and it will take place at the centre. Further details and registration are available by contacting the centre directly at 094-93-77838 or email info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Claremorris Family Resource Centre has introduced a service providing sanitary products for women and girls in the community, supported by funding from Healthy Mayo and the Department of Health. Individuals or organisations requiring access to these products can contact the centre at 094-93-77838 or by email at info@claremorrisfrc.ie.
Planning permission has been granted to Garry Catering Limited for alterations to the existing mixed-use building on Dalton Street, which houses La Casa restaurant on the ground floor.
The approved works include the removal of the current roof and the addition of a second-floor level to create two two-bedroom apartments. Alterations at the existing first-floor level will facilitate internal circulation, accompanied by a new roof arrangement and necessary structural changes. Adjustments to the building elevations, connections to existing utilities, and all associated ancillary site works are included in the approval.
The development has been granted subject to eleven conditions.
Claremorris AFC is set to welcome back one of the highlights of the summer calendar, as the MiWadi FAI Football Camps return for their 30th year, promising weeks of fun, learning and football for young players across the community.
Open to boys and girls aged between 6 and 14, the camps are designed with inclusivity in mind, catering for all genders and placing a particular emphasis on encouraging new players to get involved in the game. The initiative continues to grow in popularity each year, offering children of all abilities the chance to develop their skills in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
A wide range of camp options will be available, ensuring there is something for everyone. These include mainstream camps, girls-only camps, specialised goalkeeper training, and the Football For All programme, which is tailored for children with additional needs who share a passion for football.
Participants can look forward to a packed schedule of activities aimed at building both skills and confidence. Sessions will focus on key elements of the game such as ball mastery, dribbling, passing and shooting, while also incorporating fun challenges like keep-ups, small-sided matches and team bonding exercises.
With a strong emphasis on enjoyment as well as development, the camps aim to create a positive first experience for newcomers, while also helping more experienced players refine their abilities.
Parents and guardians interested in securing a place are encouraged to register their interest through the FAI website or by visiting Claremorris AFC’s social media pages.
As anticipation builds for the summer programme, organisers are confident that this year’s camps will continue the long-standing tradition of fostering a love of football among young people in the area.
Cúram Family Centre will host an eight-week mindfulness course titled ‘Mindfulness Based Living’ beginning today, Tuesday, April 7 from 11am to 1.30pm. The course is designed to support participants in developing a practical understanding of mindfulness and establishing a consistent personal practice for everyday use. The full course fee is €30, and booking is required by contacting 094-93-62096.
A weekly Dementia Dance Memory Group for those caring for someone with dementia continues to be held at Cúram Family Centre. The group meets each Wednesday from 11.30am to 1pm and provides an opportunity to spend time in a shared setting with music and conversation. Further information is available from Irene on 087-1080650.
There were smiles all round at Hollymount-Carramore GAA Club last week as club members gathered to celebrate a recent lotto success.
The club was delighted to present Kevin Connelly with his winning cheque of €12,200, marking a memorable occasion for both the winner and the wider community.
The weekly lotto remains a key part of club activity, continuing every Monday evening with a current jackpot of €5,600. Tickets are available online, through local businesses, or directly from club officers.
Club representatives expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support from the community. Contributions from the Lotto play an important role in helping to fund the club.
Marian Merrick was the winner of the Claremorris GAA Club 50-50 draw last week, taking home €1,130. Marian bought the winning ticket in Gilligan’s. The club congratulated Marian on the win and expressed its appreciation to all who continue to support the weekly draw, noting that funds raised go towards coaching, facilities and the development of players at all levels. Tickets remain available online and in local shops and pubs.
Fergus Fallon was the winner of the Claremorris AFC 50-50 draw last week, collecting €371. The club extended congratulations to Fergus and thanked all who took part in the draw, highlighting the importance of the weekly fundraiser in supporting teams and club activities. Tickets continue to be sold online as well as through local outlets and pubs in the town.
The death has occurred of Bernie Stephens (née McNabb) of Newpark, Ballindine, and formerly of Drumkeen, Claremorris. Bernie died peacefully at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar on March 28.
Bernie was predeceased by her parents Margaret and John Joe, and her beloved sister Mairead.
Bernie will be deeply regretted by her loving family, son Tommie, daughters Anita and Jacqueline, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, her six grandchildren and great-granddaughter, brothers Frank (Clarinbridge), James (Moycullen) and Robert (Sneem), sister Chris Oates, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
Bernie’s remains reposed at Carey’s Funeral Home, Ballindine on Wednesday evening, April 1 with removal to St. Joseph’s Church, Ballindine. Bernie’s Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday evening, followed by private cremation. May she rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Phil Burke (née Kirrane) of St Manntan’s Court, Wicklow Town, and formerly of Blainroe, Wicklow and Irishtown, Co. Mayo. Phil died unexpectedly but peacefully on March 26, 2026 in the tender care of the ICU staff at Beaumont Hospital.
Phil was predeceased by her beloved husband Jack.
Phil will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her loving family, daughters Karen, Gráinne and Ashling, son John, sons-in-law Sam, Hugh and Gerry, daughter-in-law Anne Marie, her cherished grandchildren Josh, Nathan, Dahlia and Rose, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Phil reposed at Flannery’s Funeral Home, Bachelors Walk, Wicklow Town on Sunday afternoon. Removal took place from her home on Monday morning to St Patrick’s Church for Funeral Mass, followed by burial afterwards in Three Mile Water Cemetery.
May she rest in peace.
