Local notes: Santa and his taxi arrives at Clogher Heritage Centre
Santa and his taxi arriving at Clogher Heritage Centre to meet all the local boys and girls.
“The Troubled Times in Ballyglass, Claremorris during Ireland’s War of Independence 1918 – 1923” is the title of a new book launched in the County Library, Castlebar on a recent Thursday night. The book contains the recollections of ‘C’ Company Ballyglass Old IRA veterans and activists recorded between 1965 and 1975. The book also features the recollections of the late Dr John Langan of life in the greater community. Dr Langan was a hugely respected and legendary figure around the region and also a noted historian and a person who had a great love of his native place and the local people. The book is available in local book shops and retail outlets. It is highly recommended as a valuable source of local history from a bygone era.
The Ballintubber GAA weekly lotto draw took place on Sunday night, December 17, in Hughes of Carnacon. There was no winner of the jackpot. 3, 7, 15 and 28 were the numbers drawn and the consolation prize winners were Marion Barnicle, Amelia Brown Kilbane, Martin Brady, Seamus Walsh, Kitty Dillon and Pat Barrett. The draw last weekend’s jackpot on December 26, was for a jackpot of €7,900.
Ballintubber GAA Club is offering a lucky winner the chance to earn €1,000 a week for a year in their recent ‘Win €52K’ fundraiser. The attractive fundraiser will see the lucky winner claim a cash prize of €52,000 paid out at €1,000 per week into their account. The club intends to use the proceeds raised to install flood lighting at Ray Prendergast Memorial Park in Clogher and for the development of their underage structures. Tickets are reasonably priced at €20 each or three for €50 and can be purchased through the club fundraiser website www.win€52k.ie or from any of the club’s executive, whose contact details can be found on the club website www.ballintubbergaa.com.The winner will be drawn in the club’s Clogher clubhouse on Sunday, June 2, and will be broadcast live on the club Facebook page.
Ballyglass author Martin Keaveney's fifth book was published pre-Christmas. At the top of a hill, a schoolboy awaits the battered yellow school bus that will bring him to his first day of secondary school. He is full of hopes, dreams and excitement, sporting a beret and pony-tail, along with a fresh blue uniform. He tries to ignore his tearful mother looking on from the window. He does not know the bus carries a diverse cast of villains, with a catalogue of tactics to relieve the tedium of teenage angst far removed from today’s sanitised contemporary world. Schoolboy was published by Penniless Press Publications on November 15. This novel follows the novels Delia Meade and The Mackon Country, the novella Caravan published last year and Keaveney's collection of short stories around rural life, The Rainy Day back, in 2018. Martin teaches hundreds of creative writers annually. His current film Superhurl is in development with The Film Fountain. See more at https://martinkeaveney.com/. Schoolboy is published by Penniless Press, available worldwide and at https://martinkeaveney.com/shop/.
Ballyglass FC lotto draw was held on December 16. The numbers drawn from the drum were 1, 18, 23 and 26. There was no winner of the €5,000 jackpot. The match 3 numbers winner was Mena Mahon. The consolation prize winners were; Katie Loftus, Helena Duggan, Jimmy Killeen, Tom Malone and Laura Igoe. The weekend jackpot was €5,100. The 2023 Christmas Draw for matching 3 numbers were €300 Mena Mahon, €200 Sally Keane, €100 Alan Jennings, €100 Mary Burke (Carrowhall), €100 William Jackson, €100 Niall Sheridan and €100 Cathal Cooke.
The winners at the Christmas card game on Monday evening, December 18; 1st Philip White and Christy Flatley; 2nd Pat Griffith and Jimmy Sheridan, Cathal Hennelly and Noel Costello; 3rd Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley, Seamus Nevin and Martin Forde; Last nine Tomás Solan and Dave Gibbons, Kevin and Johnny Burke.
There was a monster raffle on the night with the top prize of a large hamper from Super Value, Claremorris. The lucky winner was Dave Gibbons. Mary Brennan, Breege Jennings and Patsy Flatley each won a bottle of brandy and Mary Morrin won a box of biscuits. Spot prizes went to the following: Cathal Hennelly (biscuits), Patsy Flatley (biscuits), Tom Flatley (wine), Pat Griffith (Western Farming voucher), Patricia Jennings (biscuits), Margaret Mannion (Baileys), Breege Jennings (chocolates), Dave Gibbons (potatoes), Noah Burke (sweets), Philip White (potatoes), Mary Boyle (wine), Tomás Solan (Hillside Mace voucher), Mary Morrin (wine), Richard Carney (Dalton Inn voucher), Martin Forde (voucher for Moran’s butchers), Seamus Nevin (tool set), Judy Clarke (biscuits), Kevin Burke (sweets), Jimmy Sheridan (sweets), Johnny Burke (set of dishes), Kitty Rumley (Galway crystal vase), Noel Costello (set of mugs), Christy Flatley (Baileys), Mary Carney (candle).
Best wishes for a very Happy Christmas is extended to all the loyal players who support the games every week.
‘The Transitional: George Moore at the Fin de Siecle’ conference hosted by the Department of English, University of Liverpool, with the George Moore Association will take place from May 8 to 10, 2024. The conference will focus on the multiple transitions which coincided with, and characterised, Moore’s life and career. These include transitions between the nineteenth and the twentieth centuries; naturalism, realism and modernism; poetry, prose and drama; Catholicism and Protestantism, English and Irish identities; public and private morality. Transitions and related rivalries involved vigorous and often fruitful exchanges with numerous luminaries including Thomas Hardy, Arthur Symons, Max Beerbohm, Michael Field, Arnold Dolmetsch, the National Vigilance Association, Virginia Woolf, James McNeill Whistler, W. H. Smith and Mudie’s, George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, and many other contemporaries in the artistic, journalistic, political and social scenes. For George Moore, Liverpool was a place of transition. It was a point of arrival and departure for friends, acquaintances and publishers travelling between America and Europe. Most notably, this important location recalls a milestone in Moore family history: it was their landing point on a momentous 1846 journey that culminated in a victory for a horse called Coranna.
The final day of the conference will offer an opportunity to visit Chester racecourse where in 1846 George Moore’s father’s horse won the Chester Cup. This brought GH Moore £17,000, enabling him to offer relief to his tenants during the first year of the Famine, and settle his gambling debts. The visit will coincide with the 2024 running of this famous race. Register for Boodles May Festival Chester Cup Day 2024. Enquiries to gm2024@liverpool.ac.uk.
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The 36th annual Edition of Waterfall magazine is currently on sale. This is a high quality and brilliantly produced magazine covering in depth the communities of Tour Mhic Eadaigh and Partry in 2023. There is a host of interesting articles and numerous magnificent photographs that truly capture the essence of community life. Retailing at a modest €10 the publication is available at O’Toole’s shop in Tourmakeady, Máire Luke’s bar, The Lough Inn, the Mask Inn, Martin Murphy’s and Cummins Ballinrobe and Corrigan’s of Ballintubber. This magazine is the ideal seasonal letter from home from the multitude of Tourmakeady people overseas and around the country.
Bhí ár gCruinniú Cinn Bhliana ar siúl i Halla Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ar an Déardaoin, 23 Samhain, 2023. Oifigigh CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh 2024: Toghadh na daoine seo a leanas ag an gcruinniú bliantúil.
The following persons and assistants were appointed at a recent Thursday night club AGM. Uachtarán Onórach Seán Ó Seaghdha; Cathaoirleach (chairperson) Seosamh Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA Cathaoirleach folamh faoi láthair; Leas-Cathaoirleach (vice chairperson) Seán Ó Cualáin; LGFA Leas-Cathaoirleach Jennifer Uí Luideáin; Rúnaí (secretary) folamh faoi láthair; Leas-Rúnaí (vice secretary) Damien Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA Rúnaí Michelle Uí Mhaolalla’ LGFA Leas-Rúnaí Deaglán Ó Grádaigh; Cisteoir (treasurer) Daithí Ó Maolalla; Leas Cisteoir (assistant treasurer) Madeline Uí Dhearmada; Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí (PRO) Niamh Uí Neachtain; Claraitheoir (registrar) Cathy Breathnach; Oifigeach Club Sláintiúla / healthy club officer Siobhán Mhic an Mháistir; Oifigeach na bPáistí (child officer / youth officer) Síle Uí Bhaircéir; Oifigeach Cóitseála (coaching officer) Tomás Ó Neachtain; Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish / culture officer) Pattie Stundún; County Board delegate Damien Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA County Board Delegates Deaglán Ó Grádaigh/ Una Uí Dhonnchadha; pitch and hall booking coordinator Nina Uí Luideáin; fixtures coordinator Laura de Priondargás; focal speisialta buíochais d’oifigigh atá ag dul as oifig Daithí de Priondargás (cathaoirleach LGFA) agus Colm Ó Conghaile (Oifigeach na Gaeilge) as a dtiomantas agus a dtiomantas do dhualgais an chlub le roinnt blianta anuas.
Ba mhaith linn ar mbuíochas a ghabáil do gach duine a thugann tacaíocht duinn i gcónaí agus tá súil againn go mbeidh Nollag slán sábháilte agus sásta oraibh uilig.
A special word of thanks was extended to outgoing officers David Prendergast (LGFA chairperson) and Colm Ó Conghaile (Irish/culture officer) for their dedication and commitment to club duties over the past number of years.
On behalf of the committee, Tuar Mhic Eadaigh CLG would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish supporters a safe and happy Christmas.
The Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on December 16, for a jackpot of €9,800 and 2, 16, 29 and 31 were the numbers drawn. There was no jackpot winner. The online prize winners were John Gibbons and Ber Durcan. The jackpot draw was held again on last Saturday night, December 23, with a highly attractive jackpot of €9,900. There are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week.
An Irish Life GAA Healthy Club Silver Award has been received by CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh. The club were delighted to receive the award in recognition of the wonderful contribution made to the health and wellbeing of their members and the local community.
Tá áthas agus bród ar ár gclub an duais seo a fháil. Go raibh míle maith agat do gach duine a bhí páirteach as an gclub a dhéanamh ina áit shláintiúil le bheith ann.
Receiving this award on behalf of the club was the healthy club officer, Siobhán Masterson and the LGFA club secretary, Michelle Lally. Congrats to all.
Congrats to Yvonne Mulqueen, Churchfield, who was a winner of the Tourmakeady NS lotto bonus ball draw. If you have not paid for the new round of the bonus ball and wish to continue, please send in the €100 to the school ASAP.
Congratulations to Ballinrobe Racecourse for its outstanding achievement in winning 'Racecourse of the Year' at the recent Horse Racing Ireland Awards. Winning this prestigious Award is a deserved recognition of the exceptional standard of Ballinrobe course with its superb layout, punters facilities and beautiful scenic surrounds.
Huge credit is to John Flannelly, the racecourse manager, his dedicated staff, chairperson Ken Murphy, his committee members and the trustees past and present. There are few better ways of spending an afternoon than at Ballinrobe races to experience its unique atmosphere and splendid easily viewed race track excitement. Great too that it is keeping up Mayo’s splendid tradition in horseracing and it is undoubtedly one of the Counties great ongoing success stories.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Pat and Mary Gavin and family and Johnny and Catriona Gavin and family Killawullaune on the recent death of Mary Russ, R.I.P, Chicago. Mary was laid to rest in All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines following requiem Mass at St. Lamberts Church, of Saints Peter & Lambert Parish Karlov Ave., Skokie Illinois. May she rest in peace.
Congrats to Thomas Kelly, Kilkeeran and Michael and Thomas Lang, Carheen who were recent winners of Partry AFC weekly Wednesday bonus number draw.
Recent winners of the Partry Resident’s weekly draw were Fergal Murphy and Tommy Joe Hennelly. All winners received €100. The prize money on next Saturday, December 30, will be €200 per winner. Best wishes for a prosperous New Year are extended to all supporters who contributed so generously.
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Breaffy GAA Club jackpot draw took place on Tuesday, December 19. The numbers drawn were 8, 17, and 19 and bonus: 10. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. Congrats to the lucky dip winners. Valerie Callaghan, Ballaghadereen. The jackpot will stand at €17,000 on January 2.
Sincere thanks have been extended to Breaffy National Schools parents association who raised €700 divided equally to the men’s and women’s club. They had great fun in the school on ‘Breaffy Day’ and everyone in the club thank the parents, teachers and parent’s association for their efforts and splendid support.
Belcarra Community Council’s latest lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €4,300 on December 17. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 25 and 30. The lucky dip winners of €30 was Stacey Kay, Belcarra, John Reilly c/o Flukies, Geraldine Burke, online and Joan Reilly c/o Flukies. The Christmas Hamper Draw was won by Mary Garvey. The latest jackpot was €4,500. Tickets are currently on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors, Corley's and Flukies and online.
Belcarra Christian Community has welcomed its newest member Casey Hudson Rogers, who was baptised recently in St Anne’s Church. Congrats to his parents and family.
Weekend Masses in local churches from January 2024 will see some adjustments. Ballyheane Mass will change from 8 to 7.30pm on Saturdays and St Aloysius Church in Breaffy will host just one Mass on Sundays at 10am.
Bingo takes place in the local centre on Wednesdays each week at 9pm with festive holiday sessions on December 27 and January 3. There are always good prizes and an entertaining session to the weekly patrons.
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The death occurred last week of Twinkle (Mary Maeve) Golding (nee Daly) Main Street, Balla, Co. Mayo. Aged 86 years of age Twinkle passed away peacefully on December 18. Her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family, and many relatives and friends who mourn her passing. Predeceased by her son Jarlath (Kilcolgan), her parents and brothers Joey, John and Brian, she is deeply regretted by her loving husband Jimmy, daughter Tonya Melody (Ennis), sons Conrad (Balla), Gareth (Boston, U.S.A.) and Ronan (Connecticut, U.S.A.), her sisters Ann, Pauline, Valerie, Nuala and brother Denis, grandchildren Rylee, Cillian, Iarlaith, Aisling, Méabh, Nolan, Leo, Hugh, Eamonn and Marcus and daughters and son in-law to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Her remains were taken to her son Conrad's home on Wednesday, December 20, at 5pm for family and friends and reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Thursday, December 21, from 5.30pm until 7pm. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Cronan's Church, Balla on Friday, December 22, at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Balla GAA Club lotto jackpot prize stood at €4,200 for the draw on Thursday, December 14, in The Railway Tavern 3, 17, 20 and 28 were the numbers drawn. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 winners were Ruth McGee (online), Padraig and Catherine Hughes (annual) and Frances Lohan (cash sale). The most recent draw was held on Thursday, December 21, when the jackpot stood at €4,300.
The Balla Annual GAA Club St. Stephen’s Day run/walk/crawl was back for its 3rd year running this year. It was as usual the ideal way to burn off the Christmas calories. The club decided to give all proceeds for this year’s fundraiser to the very worthy cause Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
Manulla FC lotto jackpot draw took place on December 17, and there was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 5, 13, 17 and 30. The 3 winners of the €25 consolation prizes were Louise Mulready, Castlebar, Richard McDonnell, Manulla and Brian Ralph, Claremorris. The next draw will be on January 2, when the jackpot will be a highly attractive sum of €12,400.
On a recent Friday night the curtains came down on the FAI Future Stars Programme. It was a great success with 44 girls in total signing up to the program. A big thanks is extended to all the girls for their attendance over the last 8 Friday evenings, to all the parents for the bringing the girls and of course to the 12 Manulla FC coaches who came on board to make sure everything ran so smoothly.
Special thanks must go to the U17 girls Sarah, Muireann, Amy and Emily who gave up their time to help out with the coaching. It is a great initiative by the FAI and it was great to see so many new girls trying out soccer for the first time, hopefully all the girls will be back again in 2024.
All monies placed in the candelabra while the crib is in place will be donated to Sr Mary O'Malley to support hr Missionary work in Kenya. The annual contribution enables Sr Mary to help many more people.
Living Well is a free HSC programme which helps people with long term health conditions to manage and improve their overall wellbeing. The next online programme will commence on January 30. For further information contact Liam Gildea on 086 0142675 or lgildea@southmayo.com.
Sympathy is extended to Mary Holian, Rathduff, on the death of her father Michael Donohue, Tuam. May he rest in peace.
Balla Bingo is on New Year’s Day this year at 8pm. The cut-off point to purchase books for New Year’s Day is Saturday, December 30, at 12 noon.
Mayo County Council has launched the new Community Climate Action Programme in early December 2023. Mayo County Council has been allocated a total of €609,000 for community /not-for-profit groups within the county, who are interested in developing projects and initiatives which relate to the challenge of addressing climate change. Also a total of €3 million is available to support cross-border and all-island community climate action partnerships between community organisations in County Mayo and in Northern Ireland under the Shared Island Community Climate Action. The €609,000 fund is an opportunity for communities to implement climate action in their local area and build low carbon, sustainable, thriving communities. Groups across Mayo should link in with the Lorna Dennehy, Mayo County Councils Community Climate Action Officer and to apply for this fund”. The funding will support community groups to provide leadership within their communities in addressing climate related challenges at a local level. Projects are eligible for 100% funding, up to a maximum of €100,000. Applications for the Community Climate Action Programme can be made by completing the online application form on https://consult.mayo.ie/. Applications will remain open until Friday, February 23, at 4pm. The funding is for capital investment in small, medium, and large-scale community climate action projects under five themes: Community Energy, Travel, Food and Waste, Shopping and recycling and Local Climate and Environmental Action. Interested Groups should email the Community Climate Action Officer, Lorna Dennehy, at climateaction@mayococo.ie or visit https://www.mayo.ie/environment/climate-action. Additional in-person information sessions will take place in early January 2024.
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The wet weather on Sunday 17, did nothing to dampen the spirits of the boys and girls and their parents who came to see Santa Claus at the Clogher Heritage Cottage. Santa arrived in style in an old fashioned horse and gig and immediately made his way beside the open fire in the cottage. Each child /family had their photograph taken and received a present. There was also face painting and cookie decorating. Sincere thanks to all the organisers and to the volunteers who helped out on the day. The proceeds of the day have been donated to Mayo Autism Camp.
The Clogher Card Results for December 15 are as follows: Bridie McDermott and Michael Giblin, 3rd Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, The last 10 winners were Bernie Heneghan and Eileen Donnelly and John and Mary Martina Hallinan.
The committee thank all their players for their continued support throughout the year and wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and Health and Happiness for 2024. The card game will resume on Friday, January 5.
The walking group are organising a walk for this Wednesday, December 27, at 1am. This walk will help to shake off any extra pounds associated with Christmas excesses and will round off the walking year nicely. There will be a fire in the Heritage Cottage afterwards and a welcome cup of tea. Everybody is welcome to participate.
