Local Notes: Sam Maguire came to Ballintubber.
The most welcome visitor, Sam Maguire, goes hither and thither through the large crows assembled to welcome the Mayo team at Ballintubber Centre. Picture by Tom Quinn
There were scenes of unbridled celebration at Ballintubber Centre by a huge crowd as the Mayo team, open topped bus stopped by with the Sam Maguire Cup last week. The O’Connor brothers, Cillian and Diarmuid mingled with their home community and brought a wealth of elation and joy to young children, teenagers, those in the prime of life and those elderly folk who had virtually abandoned any hope of seeing the prestigious Sam Maguire Cup ever returning to Mayo.
The late Paddy Prendergast, that wonderful Mayo full back of ’50 and ‘51 fame, and hundreds of great Mayo supporters now deceased from Abbeyside and all corners of the parish, down the decades including the late Fr Frank Fahey would have tremendously enjoyed the special long-awaited occasion. We live in special times and 2026 will last in the memory until the end of our days.
The late Gerry Bigins’s family are raising funds for the Dublin Neurological Institute and the Mater Hospital in memory of a wonderful husband and father. The Gerry Biggins Memorial Walk will take place on next Saturday, August 15, departing from The Abbey at 9am. Your support would be greatly appreciated. https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/ bigginsfamily1.
Mass will be celebrated on next Friday, August 14, at 7.30pm (weather permitting) on Church Island, on the shores of Lough Carra. The Mass will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. All are warmly welcome to attend.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, August 3, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 2, 18, 25 and 35. Nobody matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Michael O’Gara, Colm Connor, John Byrne, Jim Lennon, Brian, Naimh and Peter Killeen. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €18,800 up for grabs. You can play online by logging into this link https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr, from any committee member or where tickets are on display.
The results from Monday, August 3: 1st Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin, 2nd Kevin Burke and Danny O’Hagan sharing with Pat Griffith and Chris Turner, 3rd Mattie Sweeney and Michael Sweeney sharing with Mary Brennan and Noel Costello. The best of last 10 winners was Peter Glynn and Tomás Solan sharing with Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings. The raffle winners were Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. Thanks to all who support Ballyglass card games. They continue every Monday night from 9pm in the community centre.
Ballyglass Clean Up group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Please bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes, and other tools.
The next Ballyglass Market will take place on August 22 from 11am to 2pm in the community centre. As the market falls during Heritage Week, there will be a display of old photos in the centre for people to browse through. Stalls will include Joe Kelly Vegetables, Bernie Reilly’s beautiful hand knitted items, and handmade soaps. They will have a new coffee truck and of course the ice cream van. There will also be a community shop selling sausage rolls, greetings cards, honey, eggs, sourdough loaves, and sweets. Join them for a fun community day for all ages. All are very welcome.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,400 on Sunday night, August 2. 1, 2, 12 and 19 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Helen Horan, Delia O’ Boyle, Michael Fox, Michael and Ann Kerrigan, Joe Cawley and Patrick Boyle. The lotto jackpot stood at €7,500 for last Sunday night’s draw. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool will be providing childcare for children from 2 years and 8 months up to 5 years of age. Opening this September it is an ECCE preschool service, children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play-based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning.
To express interest contact Siofra on 087 2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Karen McGuinness, Castlecarra, on the death last week of her father, Sean Burke, Prizon Rd, Balla. May he rest in peace.
The Christian Community in the parish welcomes its newest members Conn Mike Loftus, baptised in St Mary’s Church, Carnacon, on Sunday, August 2, and Fiadh Mary O’Connor, baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, August 8. Congratulations to their parents and family.
Lough Carra Bioblitz will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 10am-4pm at Moore Hall Co. Mayo. To celebrate National HeritageWeek 2026 they are hosting a free fun-filled nature discovery and species recording day.
Sign up via Eventbrite or email info@loughcarra.org or just come along on the day.https://www.eventbrite.ie/.../lough-carra-bioblitz-at...
This event is funded by the @theheritagecouncil as part of National Heritage Week 2026.
The final Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk for this year takes place on Saturday, August 29. Full and Half Tóchar walk options are available. Pre-booking is essential. Reserve your place and find full details at www.ballintubberabbey.ie.
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The death has taken place of Sean Costello, Churchfield, Tourmakeady, Co Mayo. Sean passed away peacefully at home, in his 96th year, on July 31, 2026. Pre-deceased by his parents Kate and Martin, sisters Philomena and Nora (McTigue) and his brother-in-law Joe, Sean will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by his nephews Hugh, Christy, John and Pat, his nieces Mary, Ita, Catherine and Martha, grand nieces, grand nephews, great grandnieces and great grand nephews, and he will be especially missed by his many great neighbours, friends and Roisin to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
Sean remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady on the Sunday evening, August 1, from 6pm with removal at 7.30 pm to St. Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday at 12 noon, followed by burial ceremonies in Churchfield cemetery. Suaimhneas na síoraíochta ar a anam uasal.
Tour Mhic Éadaigh recorded a 3-18 to 2-14 victory over Eastern Gaels in the first round of the Treenlaur 2026 Junior Championship in a home fixture on Friday, July 31.
In Round 2 on Sunday last Swinford provided the opposition. Best wishes to the team and management for the remaining rounds.
Tourmakeady Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30am at Tourmakeady woods. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
Mass at Glenmask Grotto will take place on Sunday, August 16, at 6.30pm.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, August 1, stood at €20,000. 2, 11, 17 and 25 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Noeleen Dolan was the online consolation prize-winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development, and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/ Nó sa siopa O’Tooles/Oifig an Phoist/Máire Luke’s/Lough Mask Inn.
This year’s Ceol na Locha Festival is currently taking place up to the August 14. Each year this event goes from strength to strength attracting many students, participants and visitors to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. There is a wonderful atmosphere around the village and trad sessions galore. Details are available from 094 9544295.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws take place on Saturdays. A prize of €100 is awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night, (without lotto plus 1 or lotto plus 2). Recent winners were Martin and Hazel Bhreathnach, John and Niamh Ui Mhaoineachain, Noel and Sophie Ui Choileain. Congratulations and many thanks for everyone's continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, contact the school via phone on 094 95 44088 or email snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com. All support appreciated.
Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail Dhúiche Sheoigheach has a vacancy for a cleaner. Dáta Dúnta: 14ú Lúnasa 2026. Contact. Maire Theresa Ni Niadh ag 087 2973623 A vacancy is available for a cleaner on the CE Scheme. Contact Maire Theresa Ni Niadh on 087 2973623 for further details.
The Global school feeding charity Mary’s Meals will hold their annual Step By Step to Feed the Next Child - Walk to Knock from August 7 t0 15. Walkers will be arriving in Partry (St. Mary’s Church) around 4.30pm on Tuesday, August 11, and they will leave at 8.30am on Wednesday, August 12, going on to Shrule. Come out and encourage the walkers, and if you can do so, donate in the buckets or visit marysmeals.ie to donate online. It costs just €22 to feed a child for a whole school year, and 11c provides one school meal. All donations, big or small, are very welcome.
All walkers are invited to explore the wonderful Tourmakeady-Srah Loop Walk on the slopes of the Partry Mountains for Heritage Week on Wednesday, August 19. The event is free, but registration is essential. https://www.heritageweek.ie/.../explore-the-landscape-and...
Ballinrobe Musical Society will stage the popular fairytale 'The Clockmaker's Daughter' in Ballinrobe Community School from Sunday, March 28 to Saturday, April 3, 2027. Auditions for principal roles in the show will take place on Sunday, November 29.
Western Care Home Share is looking for individuals, couples, and families across County Mayo to provide short respite breaks for children and adults with disabilities in their own home. Training, ongoing support, and a non-taxable allowance are provided. For more information, contact Ruth Kneafsey, Home Share Coordinator, on 094 9029148 / 087 6811261.
Mass will be celebrated in Ballyburke Graveyard on August 15, at 7pm.
Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council fortnightly draws are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120. Envelopes are on sale at Pakie McEvilly’s, Corrigan’s in Ballintubber and from community council members. Play online at https://www.lottoraiser.ie/KillawallaCC. The latest draw was on August 9.
In Partry Community Centre, bingo takes place every Monday at 8.30pm. The Women’s Group meet once a month – generally on a Thursday. The community centre is available for meetings and/or activities. Bookings can be made through any member of the community council. Event organisers and providers are required to have their own insurance. There is defibrillator at the back of the Community Centre.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Recent winners were Donal Burke, Kevin Dolan and Thomas Kelly. The draws finance the ongoing activities of Partry AFC such an energetic part of the sporting community. The club are deeply appreciative of the ongoing support of the community.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565. Recent winners were Candice and Paul Tootell with number 37. Funds raised go towards village enhancement and worthy local infrastructure improvements.
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Management are extending the call for expressions of interest for a comprehensive training programme to support new business development in the Geopark's communities. The training (still subject to funding approval – it’s very close to confirmation) is planned for 10 two-hour sessions, starting September, continuing through autumn 2026.
It can include new ideas for start-ups that are broadly related to tourism, and expansion/broadening of existing tourism businesses and will operate in the Geopark area. The deadline for new submissions is Friday, August 21. Note: submissions already received earlier this year are still valid unless the proposer is no longer available for the training.
Applicants should email the completed form to info@jcwlgeopark.ie by 5pm on Friday, August 21. Requests for clarification prior to the deadline can be to this same email address. The Geopark Management are looking forward to positive responses to this fabulous, fully funded opportunity.
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The death has taken place of Richard James Cunningham, Welshpool, Belcarra, Castlebar, Co. Mayo and formerly of Manchester, England. Richard passed away peacefully at Mayo University Hospital, Castlebar on July 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with illness. Predeceased by his father Pat and nephew Oliver, also grandparents from the Cunningham and Evans families, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken mum Julie, his sister Sinead and brother-in-law Michael, his adored nephews Harry and Jake, his cousins, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Richard’s remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre, Belcarra, Castlebar on Sunday, August 2, from 6pm followed by private removal to his home. His funeral arrived at St Anne’s Church, Belcarra on Monday, August 3, at 12.45pm for Funeral Mass at 1pm. Richard was then laid to rest beside his beloved dad Pat in Guesdian Cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Belcarra has been selected to host one of just six flagship events in County Mayo as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency Cultural Programme 2026. The Belcarra European Cultural Celebration – a festival of shared heritage will take place on Saturday, August 22, from 3pm to 5pm at Belcarra Community Centre, the Eviction Cottage and Recreational Park. This free family event will celebrate the rich cultural connections between Belcarra and Europe through music, storytelling, heritage and community activities. Everyone is warmly invited to come along and be part of this special occasion.
We look forward to welcoming the community for an afternoon celebrating our shared heritage.
Congratulations to Chris and Lynda Huxley on the launch of their superb new book, "Living with Swallows". Beautifully illustrated with Lynda's stunning photography, artwork by Deirdre Walsh, and a cover featuring a painting by Lynda's late mother, Freda, this is a book to treasure.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, August 2, was 6, 11, 12 and 21. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prize-winners were Mary McHale, Marian Barnicle, Louise Ryan and Mary B Prendergast. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,700 on last Sunday night, August 9, 2026. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies and online at https://play.clubforce.com/play_newa.asp?ll_id=2628#Anchor.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for Tuesday, August 4, had the numbers 4, 18, 26 and bonus number 7 drawn.
There were no jackpot winner and no Match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £21,800 on this Tuesday, August 11. Thank you for your ongoing support of Breaffy GAA. http://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/.
Calling all the ladies of Ballyheane and surrounding areas, Ballyheane AFC are now recruiting for the upcoming Women's Master's League which will commence in the Autumn. Contact Catherine on 087 6195025 or Julie on 087 9846401 if interested in participating.
Beginners Irish Dancing classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be continuing throughout the summer months. They are now taking bookings for the sessions. All are welcome and they are suitable for children ages 4+ every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm with a fee of €10 per class. Classes for competition, grade exams, displays shows, fitness and fun. Call Molly Hughes TCRG at 087 6562094 for details.
Ballyheane bingo session takes place every Wednesday at 8.30pm in the community centre. All are welcome. There will be a raffle on the night and refreshments will be served.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village main hall runs monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a chair yoga session. All will be made welcome. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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Manulla FC lotto stood at €7,300 on last Sunday, August 9, for the weekly draw. The club are deeply grateful for the ongoing support of the community.
Those people over 65 wishing to have Seniors Alert Alarms should contact Balla Centre to plan and obtain same.
Balla Centre is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to join the fantastic bingo team. They are seeking a volunteer to assist with bingo sessions for approximately 2 hours once every 6 weeks. It’s a great way to meet new people, have a bit of fun. No experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a smile. Send a message or get in touch today on 094 93 65846 or 087 1850860.
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The modular unit is in place for the childcare facility and will be available for parents at the start of the new school term. Thanks to all the people who worked together to make this project come to fruition. On Saturday, September 5, members of the committee and school community are holding a flag day in Castlebar. All funds raised will be used to support the further development of the facility. All support is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to former Errew NS pupil Irene Wallace (Hoban) on winning gold at the FBIA MaxiBasketball World Championships with the Irish F40 team in Athens last month.
Irene now plays with Tullamore Basketball Club. The team won bronze last year in Switzerland. Congratulations also to all the Mayo players on the 6 competing Irish teams with 4 teams bringing home medals.
Card results for Friday, July 31, were 1st Mary McDonagh and Gay Conway and Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons, 2nd Tom Fitzpatrick and Gus Sweeney, 3rd Tom Fahey and Derek Quinn, Last 10 Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Moran. The game continues every Friday night at 9pm.
Supporters of the Clogher 500 Club who bought their tickets in July the 12th draw took place on Saturday, July 26. To be in with a chance for the August draw supporters must sign up again at https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/X45TU2GQCI or contact any member of the committee. Thanks to all who supported the Clogher 500 draw for the past year.
The Clogher community offers sincere sympathy to Julie Cunningham and her daughter Sinead and the extended family on the sad and untimely passing of their son and brother Richard. Richard was a participant of the Clogher Community Employment Scheme for a few years. May he rest in peace.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for August at 7pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99). There are three different lengths of walk to enjoy along the quiet bog roads. Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For health and safety sturdy walking shoes and hi viz jackets are recommended. The Heritage Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 10 to 4pm.
ALONE are seeking volunteers to provide companionship to an older person in your area. Full training and support are provided. If interested, apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information make contact on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, call 0818 222 024. If you would like to chat things through a little more, feel free to make contact on 086 0135043.
