Local Notes: Rose wins GAA jackpot in Belmullet

Mayo's Forgotten Conflicts book launch; wonderful boxing performance from Rachel in Dubai; Ballycroy/London Reunion.
Local Notes: Rose wins GAA jackpot in Belmullet

Congratulations to Rose Doherty who recently won the Belmullet GAA club lotto jackpot of €15,800. Rose is pictured with her family receiving her cheque from club chairman Willie Sullivan and club officers.

Erris Exiles Reunion

The Erris Exiles 14th Reunion was held on Saturday, November 8th, at the Claddagh Ring in London. 

The event began as the Erris Reunion some 35 years ago and it has been a remarkable success. Since 2012, over £160,000 has been raised for various Erris charities, including the Erris Wheelchair Association, Glencastle Special Needs Class, Tullaghan Ban Bay Rowing Club, Erris Community Support Group, and St Luke's Hospice in Kenton, London. 

The committee extended their heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and their generous sponsors for their support, which made this event such a success. Special thanks to Finbar and Geraldine Holian and their hardworking staff for the scrumptious meal and warm hospitality.

An auction and raffle was held helping to raise much needed funds to support the worthy charities. Additionally, a massive thank you to Martin Ruddy and his Band for the fantastic music.

Book launch

A book launch will be held in the Erris Coast Hotel in Geesala on December 4, at 7.30pm. The book is called Land War (Mayo’s Forgotten Conflicts) by Dr Maura Irwin, a native of Attycunnane. The book will be launched by Minister Dara Calleary TD with refreshments and music on the evening.

Shraigh Sports AGM

The Shraigh Sports annual general meeting will take place on this Wednesday, November 19, at 7pm in The Castle Inn.

CLGG Cill Chomáin

Cill Chomáin Club thank the team of 2005 for giving so generously in providing the prizes for the raffle which raised €3,175 for the Bord na nÓg and for their presentation of a framed match-worn jersey from 2005.

Disability awareness training

There will be Disability awareness training for employers and staff in the Erris and North Mayo region at the end of November. The workshop is highly recommended and it is free of charge. 

Starting at 10.30am and finishing at lunchtime, light refreshments will be provided. Places are limited – please book your space ASAP. 

You have the choice of attending on Monday, November 24, in Eachléim (Solas Visitor Centre) or on Thursday, November 27, in Ballycastle (Ballinglen Arts Foundation). Contact Erris Workability now to book your place. Call or text Siobhán at 087-499 6605, or email siobhanscanlon@mayonortheastldc.com.

Kilcommon lotto

The draw in the Kilcommon Community Development Lotto was held on November 9, and the numbers drawn were 13, 15, 18 and 19.

The jackpot of €6,800 was not won. The house prize of €100 was won by Mickey Mills, Gorthmelia Upper and the two €30 offline winners were Fionnuala Walker, Kilgalligan and Nancy Ruddy, Gorthbrack. The two €30 online winners were Philomena Healy, London and Bernice McNulty, Belmullet. The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held in McGuire’s of Pullathomas on November 16, was €6,900.

Ballycroy London Reunion

The Ballycroy/London Reunion, which was held recently, is now in its 52nd year and still going strong. The organisers thank everyone for their support over the years. It was a fantastic night which was very much enjoyed. 

Many thanks to everyone for attending and those who travelled from Ireland - your support means so much, playing a big part in keeping the reunion going from year to year. A special thanks to all the businesses who support the raffle and auction; to those who bought tickets and gave donations, which was very much appreciated. 

The night was a real celebration of Ballycroy, a reflection of a strong spirit, kindness, and community that connect us all no matter where we are.

25 Card Game

A 25 card game will be held on November 20 in support of Scoil Naomh Bhríde in Ballycroy. It will be held in the school beginning at 8.30pm and admission is €10. Your support will be appreciated.

The Pete Lavelle Memorial Darts Tournament was held recently and pictured are Mrs Lee Lavelle and her sons Jimmy and Gerry and members of the volunteer fundraisers from Ballyglass RNLI. Ballyglass RNLI were co-recipients of the proceeds along with Pullathomas Graveyard Committee.
The Pete Lavelle Memorial Darts Tournament was held recently and pictured are Mrs Lee Lavelle and her sons Jimmy and Gerry and members of the volunteer fundraisers from Ballyglass RNLI. Ballyglass RNLI were co-recipients of the proceeds along with Pullathomas Graveyard Committee.

Pete Lavelle Memorial Darts Tournament

After another hugely successful Pete Lavelle Memorial Darts tournament was held recently.

Ballyglass RNLI were co-recipients of the proceeds along with Pullathomas Graveyard Committee. The event was held in McGuire’s Valley Inn in Pullathomas, the home of darts in Erris.

Ballyglass RNLI thank all involved, organisers, hosts, contestants, sponsors, and all who donated to the event. Events like the Pete Lavelle Darts Tournament are much more than an event. They are a tribute to the life and passion of a dearly departed member of the community, organised by the grieving family in honour of their loved one. They are a community event bringing young and old together to celebrate in the local pub with family and friends. They also make a huge difference to local charities. Thanks to the volunteers who give so generously of their time.

Wonderful performance from Rachel

Congratulations to the Rachel Lally from Belmullet on an incredible boxing performance in Dubai recently. 

It was great to see Rachel Lally bringing home the Universal Boxing Organisation (UBO) International Super Middleweight Title after a dominant display against fellow undefeated challenger Leila Yusuph Macho. Rachel showed discipline, skill, and composure from the first bell, a great performance. 

Congratulations, Rachel Lally. Another step closer to that world title. 

Kiltane GAA Club news

There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €5,700 with the two €50 winners being Monica Henry, Bangor and Seamus Henry, Bangor, while Bryan Scanlon, Castlebar and John Mangan (Jnr), Geesala both won €25. The two online winners were Mark McGuire, Navan (€50) and Angeline Turner, Roy (€25).

Bingo will take place in the GAA complex in Bangor this Tuesday, November 18, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €750 in 50 calls or less.

Award for Erris Coast Hotel

Congratulations to the Erris Coast Hotel in Geesala on winning the Digital Excellence and Experience Award at the recent Mayo Business Awards 2025. 

Congratulations to the team for showcasing innovation, creativity and the welcoming spirit that defines Erris. Your success shines a light on what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

Recent deaths

Deepest sympathies are extended to the family of Patrick James Mangan, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England and Meadoran, Geesala; Michael Gaughan, Monaghrory, Clogher; Eamon Ginnelly, Cornboy, Carrowteige; Matthew Sullivan, Foxpoint, Barnatra; Theresa King (nee Healy), Aughoose, Pullathomas; Michael McIntyre, Cornhill, Pullathomas; Cáit Cosgrove (nee Corcoran) Chapel Road, Bangor Erris and formerly of Killala Road, Ballina; Ann Clake (née Davis) Pine Valley, Rathfarnham, Dublin/Bangor Erris; and Michael Stephen (Steve) Tighe, Carrowteige. 

May they all rest in peace.

Quiz night

A quiz night in support of Corclough Community Centre redevelopment project will be held in Lavelle’s Eagle Bar in Corclough on Friday night, November 21, starting at 8.30pm. 

The cost is €10 per person and there are teams of four. Your support will be appreciated.

Irish Language award

Congratulations to Laoise Ní Dhúda and Gaeilge Iorrais on receiving the Irish Language Award as part of the Mayo Person of the Year 2025. 

A total of 22 awards will be presented at a gala banquet in Breaffy House Hotel on next Friday night, November 21. This is a special recognition for all who work for the Irish language in this area.

In 2017, Laoise was instrumental in drawing up a Plan Teanga, under the auspices of Roinn Na Gaeltacht, for the Erris Gaeltacht. Her work involves promoting the use the Irish language in the Erris region, facilitating and increasing use of the language and strengthening it. After five years at the helm, it is abundantly clear that Laoise and Gaeilge Iorrais are making great progress.

Platinum by Destination

Congratulations to Carne Golf Links on receiving the Platinum by Destination Golf Ireland, recognising the facility among the very best courses in the country. This recognition celebrates not only the world-class links but also the community, visitors, and players who make Carne such a special place.

Christmas Market

Belmullet Christmas Market will be taking place on Saturday, December 6, and will be located outside on the grounds of Belmullet Civic Centre. If interested in taking part in the Christmas Market, email info@arasinisgluaire.ie or contact reception on 097-81079.

Note: Vendors spaces are limited so please get in contact as soon as possible.

Christmas House

Linda Talbot in Aughleam will be hosting a Christmas House on Friday, December 5, from 9am to 9pm all in aid of Inis Aoibhinn and North West Stop, two very worthy causes. There will be plenty of tea, coffee and pies for everyone, and there will also be a raffle for a load of logs. Please support.

Teach Greannaí

Teach Greannaí is holding computer classes for beginners every Tuesday evening from 7pm. Woodturning classes are now at maximum capacity.

The community defibrillator is on wall in front of the Teach Greannaí Centre. This has been recently serviced and is there in case of emergency.

Sensory Smart Parenting

Erris Family and Community Support Centre, in conjunction with Mayo County Library, are hosting two Sensory Smart Parenting Workshops. Participants should attend both dates - Tuesday, November 18 and November 25, from 10am-1pm, in Aras Inis Gluaire. 

The workshops are for parents of children with sensory processing differences. They will be practical and empowering giving parents a better understanding of their child’s sensory behaviours.

If you are a parent of a child with sensory needs, and unsure how to help, these workshops are for you. They are supported by the Parent Support Fund and Healthy Ireland. Places are limited so  registration is essential. Contact Leanne on 087-0670989 or email coordinator@errisfcsc.ie.

Gaeltacht Iorras Lotto 

There was no winner of the jackpot on Thursday, November 6, in the Gaeltacht Iorras Lotto. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 14 and 29. 

Lavelle's Pharmacy voucher for €75 was won Sarah Barrett, Gaoth Sáile; John Gaughan, Tearmon (€50) and Edel Shields, Gaoth Sáile (€25) were the Lucky Dip winners. 

The jackpot is now €22,300 with the draw every Thursday night and a Match 3 prize of €500. The club are delighted that the Corner House in Beal an Mhuirthead has recently come on board with the club and you can now buy your weekly ticket there.

The club is also preparing for 2026 and any new hurler or camóg (young or old) who would like to play hurling or camogie (underage or social) in 2026 should contact club officers Ciaran O'Hara (Dú Locha), Sean O Coisdealbha (Beal an Mhuirthead), Nicky Carolan (Bangor), Kevin Ryan (Beal an Mhuirthead) or Anne Frances Lavelle (Gaoth Sáile).

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