Local Notes: 'Rob Turner Memorial Award' presented at Our Lady's Secondary School, Belmullet.
Congratulations to Danny Maloney from Glengad on being the first recipient of the Rob Turner Memorial Trophy at the recent Our Ladies Secondary School awards. Danny received the trophy from Rob’s immediate family recently.
Rob Turner worked in Our Ladies Secondary School as an SNA and made a tremendous contribution to the lives of so many students during his time there. He was famous for his kindness, warmth and generosity. Among his many kind gestures was his Happy Friday morning treats for students. Rob had an ability to make people feel valued and included, and he brought positivity and encouragement to those around him each day particularly with his common catchphrase of “Keep Smiling”.
While Rob worked closely supporting students in the special classes, the qualities he represented reached far beyond any one role or group within the school. He could recognise when someone was having a difficult day and he always sought to make them feel better through words of encouragement or simple acts of kindness. He recognised the potential in every young person and always sought to build their confidence.
The Rob Turner Memorial Award was established to recognise those same qualities in a student within the school community.
This award celebrates a student who demonstrates kindness, resilience, positivity, someone who contributes quietly and meaningfully to school life but whose presence has a positive impact on those around them.
‘It is a privilege for us to continue remembering Rob in this way, and today we are proud to present the Rob Turner Memorial Award to a very deserving student. The first recipient of the award is Danny Maloney from Glengad’, said a spokesperson for the school.
The official blessing and opening of the new school building at Glencastle NS by Archbishop Francis Neary is taking place on Friday, June 12, at 12 noon. Everyone is welcome to join them for this special event.
The draw was held on May 24, and the numbers drawn were; 08, 15, 28, 30 for a jackpot €9,600 with no winner of jackpot. The house prize of €100 was won by James Gallagher, Gorthmellia Strand and the 2 x €30 offline winners were Rebecca Moran, Glenamoy and Declan Healy, Derreens. The 2 x €30 online winners were Philomena Healy, London and Philomena Healy, London. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held in McGuire’s, Pullathomas on Sunday, May 31, was €9,700.
Well done to Erris AC athlete Michael James Walshe who ran his first half marathon in 1hr 39 at the River Moy Half Marathon. Well done also to Erris AC athletes who competed in the Connaught Schools athletics finals in Athlone recently. Ailbhe McHugh represented Our Lady’s Secondary School in the junior girls 1200m walk finishing 6th; Emma Naughton, Reyna and Niamh Walsh represented St Brendan’s College. Emma came second in the minor girls javelin. Reyna competed in the minor girls 800 and finished 7th in a very competitive race. Niamh Walsh came first in the intermediate girls javelin. Well done girls, fantastic athletes representing your schools and club.
History made recently for Erris AC when Lisa Walshe was the club’s first ever senior track medallist to bring home a gold medal.
Well done to the athletes who competed recently at the Mayo Championship. Super performances and personal bests were achieved by many with some athletes competing in events for the first time. Well done to Aisling Deane who competed in two very competitive races the 100m and 200m; Norah McGuire competed for the first time in the U13 javelin and the 60m hurdles; Padraig Barrett achieved a personal best in the U13 shot putt; Ailbhe McHugh U14 walk, Mary Kate Reilly 100m, Lisa Walshe 1500m, James Reilly 80m and 200m, Michael James Walshe 200m and 800m, Zoey Carey 75m hurdles, Padraic Edwards U14 shot putt, Nessa McHugh U13 walk, Rose McGuire U12 walk, Lily Barrett U14 walk and Emma Naughton U14 javelin.
Congratulations to Sonas Nursing Home at the Irish Healthcare Centre Awards 2026 recently. Sonas Nursing Home Belmullet was proud to win Nursing Home / Residential Care Home of the Year – Private. They were also delighted to see the wider Sonas team recognised with facilities Team of the Year. This is an incredible achievement and a reflection of the dedication, compassion and teamwork across Sonas every day.
Cruinniú na mBád 2026 will take place on Saturday, August 8, this year. This event is normally held the other end of Geesala Festival week on the Friday/Saturday before Doolough Races but this year’s tide on those days is totally unsuitable. The event has been run in unsuitable tides before but this year looks even more challenging. If the club had decided on any of the available days towards the end of the week they simply wouldn’t have water to race and running it on August 8, means they have much better conditions.
All at Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club want everyone to be able to attend all the events on in Erris during August and there doesn’t seem to be anything else on Saturday 8. The next Cruinniú na mBád meeting takes place on July 1, in Holmes.
Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club and Blacksod Bay Rowing Club are delighted to come together this year to host Rásaí Bhéal an Mhuirthead, which will take place on Sunday, June 7. The regatta, which forms part of the National Currach League, is expected to attract rowing clubs and competitors from all over Ireland, making it a fantastic occasion for the Erris area. The event will provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only the talent within the local rowing community, but also the outstanding beauty of the region.
All races will take place along Shore Road in Belmullet, providing an ideal viewing point for spectators throughout the day. Sign-in on the day will begin at 11am. Teams wishing to take part are asked to register before Friday, June 5, WhatsApp or text to 086 315 9485. Everyone is welcome to come along and support what promises to be a fantastic day of racing and community spirit in Erris.
