Local Notes: Sean na Sagart: 300th anniversary of the death of a Priest Hunter in Ballintubber.
An ancient sturdy Ash Tree, with a rainbow in the skyline marks the grave of the notorious Priest Hunter, Sean Na Sagart in Ballintubber Abbey Cemetery.
Ballintubber Abbey staff have organised an event marking the 300th anniversary of the death of Seán na Sagart, one of the most infamous priest hunters of the Penal Times in County Mayo.
The afternoon will explore this difficult period in Irish history and share stories of the priests, religious communities and ordinary people who worked to preserve their faith in the face of persecution.
Topics will include Rob Miller, official Priest Hunter for County Mayo, presented by author Michael O’Connor, The Augustinian Community in County Mayo during the Penal Times, The 24 Irish Catholic Martyrs, Sisters de Burgo and Magaean, the Newport Martyrs, The Shrule Massacre and Seán na Sagart, the infamous priest hunter. The event will take place on Sunday, September 20, at 3pm to 5pm approximately. Tickets are modestly priced at €5 per person.
Following the event, there will be an opportunity to visit the site in Partry where Seán na Sagart is believed to have died.
Please wear strong, suitable footwear, as the ground is uneven, and allow additional time for this optional part of the day.
The Abbey staff look forward to welcoming everyone to Ballintubber Abbey for this fascinating exploration of an important chapter in Mayo’s history.
Congratulations are extended to Cillian O’Connor, of Ballintubber GAA and Mayo football fame and his bride, Hannah Wallace, a native of Stillorgan, County Dublin who were wed on a recent weekend at the Mount Juliet Estate in County Kilkenny. A host of current and former Mayo players were among the guests at the gala event and needless to say a very special and most welcome, invitee Samuel Maguire was present in the Banquet Room. Cillian and Hannah are wished lifelong happiness and joy in their married lives.
Ballintubber bowed out of the senior club championship on Sunday week last following a second half rally by Aghamore which yielded the East Mayo men a deserved victory on the scoreline 2-13 to 1-12.
Ballintubber players and management, while they may regret their demise in 2026 can look back on the last score of years with immense pride since they won a County Intermediate title in 2007.
Ballintubber have made the top 8 teams in the county annually since 2008 and have won five County Senior titles in those years. While it may be the end of an era for some outstanding club players, the good news is that thanks to some very dedicated underage coaches and a naturally talented bunch of players in their teens, Ballintubber will have some fine talent to field in coming seasons. The tradition and standards have been set, and exciting days lie ahead for the Club.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €7,900 on Sunday night, September 6. 5, 16, 24 and 30 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mary Egan, Stephen Lohan, Claire McGreal, Beibhinn Jackson, Sarah Chambers, and Philip Conway.
The lotto jackpot stood at €8,000 for last Sunday night’s draw..
Congrats to Ballintubber U14 team and their management who enjoyed a comprehensive win over Belmullet in the Homeland Mayo GAA U14 F Championship Shield Final 2026.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, September 7, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 27 and 29. The consolation prize winners were Frank Quinn, Regina Flanagan, Clem McLoughlin, Audrey Burke, and John Flaherty. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €19,300 up for grabs.
The results from Monday, September 7: 1st Dave Gibbons and Mary Carney, 2nd Pat Griffith and Chris Turner sharing with Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. 3rd Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin. The best of last 10 prize went to Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan, and the raffle winners were Mary Carney and Dave Gibbons. Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all who support Ballyglass card games. The games continue every Monday night from 9pm in the community centre.
A large crowd attended the recent NPWS’s Marl Lake conference in Belcarra Community Centre and on a trip to the land at Rinaneel. Thanks, has been extended to NPWS for an informative and engaging event and to all the speakers and attendees who contributed to the day's discussions.
As a stakeholder and partner in the Lough Carra LIFE, NPWS continues to play an important role in supporting the conservation of Lough Carra and its surrounding catchment. It was fantastic to learn more about the ecology and status of Marl lakes around the country and to hear from experts on charophyte algae, marl krusts and emergent vegetation.
The workshop included updates on the Lough Carra LIFE programme from Project Manager, Cian Gibbons, and Surface Water Officer Ann Marie Meaney alongside talks from Cillian Roden (LCCA), Philip Doddy, Nick Stewart, Áine O'Connor (NPWS), Tim Roderick (NPWS), Caoimhe Hickey (GSI) and Chris Huxley (LCCA). The presentations and discussions encouraged the exchange of ideas and experiences while exploring the challenges and opportunities involved in conserving these important freshwater habitats for future generations.
Tickets for Ballintubber Abbey Concert Fauré and Stanford Concert which takes place on November 22, at 4.45pm, with Cór Mhaigh Eo and the ConTempo String Quartet are now available to book online. The direct link for booking is: https://rezgo.me/PGm3oKLsRe This concert forms part of the 2026 Cultural Programme in Mayo to mark Ireland's EU Presidency.
Hospice are looking for community groups, individuals, schools, or workplace etc to host a coffee morning/evening on National Coffee morning for Hospice Thursday, September 24, or any date that suits. Coffee and posters will be provided. Contact 094 9388666 or email info@hospice.ie. or register online at https://www.hospice.ie/ fundraising/coffee-morning/.
The Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) invites all members of the community to attend a public meeting on Tuesday, September 29, at 8pm in Belcarra Community Centre (F23 HY58). This meeting will feature a presentation from Caoimhe Hickey, Geological Survey Ireland (GSI), who will provide an update on the recently completed Lough Carra Groundwater Study, undertaken as part of the Lough Carra LIFE Project. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about ongoing work in the Lough Carra catchment, hear the latest findings, and engage with local projects that are helping to protect and enhance our unique environment.
***********
Well known author, and former Killawalla NS principal, Máirtín G. Ó Maicín, will launch his latest book at this year’s Wild Atlantic Words Festival in Castlebar. His latest publication, Clocha ar mo Phaidrín, published in conjunction with Coiste Dúiche Mhaigh Eo of Conradh na Gaeilge, will feature several of the articles which he has written over the years in various publications. Máirtín is a regular columnist, Beo Go Deo, with the Castlebar based publication, The Connaught Telegraph and this autumn celebrates 30 years in the business. The column is the longest running column as Gaeilge by the same author without any break in any local newspaper in the country.
The first article, in November 1996, discussed the newly launched TG4 or TnaG as it was known at the time. This is Máirtín’s fourth publication dating back to the beginning of the new millenium. His first work, Beo Go Deo An Leabhar, was published in conjunction with the hosting of Oireachtas na Gaeilge in Castlebar in the year 2000, the first time the language festival was hosted in Mayo. Lán Dóchais is Grá was published in 2014, the year that Castlebar first hosted Fleadh Chonnacht. His widely researched and well written, On This Day in Mayo, was published to wide acclaim in 2023. His latest publication, as Gaeilge arís, deals with a wide variety of topics from history to folklore, current affairs locally, nationally and internationally, nature and the arts and much more besides. Clocha ar mo Phaidrín will be launched by ex MEP and TD, Jim Higgins, at this year’s Wild Atlantic Words Festival on Tuesday, October 6, at 7pm and all are welcome to attend. It is being published by Mayo Books Press.
Beidh Oíche Oscailte ar siúl san Ionad Spóirt ar an Déardaoin 17ú Meán Fómhair. There will be an open night in Ionad Spóirt, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh on Thursday, September 17. All over 18's are welcome to come and learn all about Pickleball. This is the fastest growing sport in Ireland, and the session will commence at 6pm. It is guaranteed to be an enjoyable night.
On last Saturday, September 12, Brian Fallon took on the challenge of climbing Croagh Patrick as part of the Western Alzheimer’s “Peak of the Reek” Challenge. It was a fantastic event raising vital funds for Western Alzheimer’s, supporting the important work they do for people living with Alzheimer’s and their families throughout the community. Belated best wishes to Brian who would greatly appreciate any donation people could give to this worthy cause. Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, with all proceeds going directly to Western Alzheimer’s.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Social Club will be restarting again on Thursday, September 24. Beidh Club Sóisialta ag aththosú arís Déardain 24ú Meán Fómhair. Senior folk are invited to come along and enjoy light exercise, bingo, a chat and a cuppa.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, September 5, stood at €20,000. 1, 10, 12 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and a €40 Cairde prize each week.
Congratulations to Tuar Mhic Éadaigh U16 girls on a splendid victory in a county final victory over East Mayo side Kilmovee Shamrocks. The Gaeltacht girls won on a scoreline of 3-7 to 1-12.
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 your 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.
Killawalla Centre is the venue on Wednesday night, September 23 for a community meeting to explore the concerns of those who wish to oppose the Killawalla/Killadeer/Ballyheane proposed Wind Farm.
The meeting will explore the negatives associated with the proposal from a community standpoint and provide an opportunity to share details and formulate policy in opposition to the proposed development. The organisers are inviting local residents to attend the meeting and contribute their skills and knowing in in making an agreed and defined response in opposition to the project.
Congrats to Michael John and Anne Heneghan who were recent winners of Killawalla 50/50 lotto. 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.
Killawalla Community Council have resumed their activities after the summer break. Notices regarding local issues and relevant submissions should be made to Siobhan Jennings on 087 6713940 or Carmel Carter on 087 2879701.
Partry Athletic are delighted to announce the club lotto is now open for renewals with the new lotto season to commence in mid-September. The draw will be based on the bonus ball selected from the main National Lottery draw on Wednesday nights and winners will be notified. Weekly winners will receive €50 and the yearly subscription is €130. Monies raised go towards club running costs and the development of club facilities which benefits all users. Payment can be made instantly via PayPal with other payment methods available such as cheques or cash. Contact any committee member or call 087 9957761.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Recent winners were James Prendergast, Tourmakeady, Mattie Lally, Partry, Joe Grimes, Partry and Joanne Hynes, Ballinrobe. All draw winners received €100.
****************
The death occurred last week of Teresa Prendergast, Lightford, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. Teresa passed away peacefully, at the Mayo Hospice, Castlebar on September 4. She was predeceased by her parents Tony and Kathleen (née Irwin), and her brother Geoffrey. Teresa worked for over 30 years in St. Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar where she was held in high regard by her colleagues and all those, she met in the course of her work. She made many lifelong friends during her working life. She will be sadly missed and forever loved by her brothers James and Jarlath, her sisters Rita Morgan (Armagh), Kathleen O’Leary (Dublin) and Bridie Thornhill (Bray), her nephews, nieces, cousins, brothers-in-law, relatives, and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
Teresa’s remains reposed in her home in Lightford on Monday, September 7, from 5 to 7pm followed by removal to St Aloysius Church, Breaffy, arriving at 7.30pm for reception and prayers. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, September 8, at 11.30am. Teresa was then laid to rest in Breaffy cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Fresh from their final round 0-22 to 1-14 victory over Knockmore, Breaffy await the challenge of Westport in the county quarterfinal on Sunday next, September 20, at 1pm. Undoubtably Breaffy owe Westport from past encounters, and the game should have all GAA fans on tenterhooks in anticipation. Breaffy will be strong favourites considering their splendid three victories in preliminary rounds to date. But championship can be hugely unpredictable, and Westport have a talented side that should they strike form could be extremely dangerous. That said Breaffy are a strong physical evenly balanced side and with home advantage should clinch the deal. Good luck to all.
Belcarra’s annual sports day and townlands tug-a-war will now take place on September 20, at 2.30pm. There will be traditional games, fun for all the family, super prizes, a food truck, and ice cream. There are loads of new fun additions to this year. It will be a day not to be missed.
The numbers drawn in the Breaffy GAA lotto on Tuesday, September 8, were: 8, 17, 22 and bonus number 2. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners this week. The jackpot stands at £22,300 on this Tuesday night, September 15.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, September 6, was 8, 12, 15 and 21. There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Marie Reilly, Patricia Walsh, Noel Feeney and Brendan Costello. The weekend jackpot stood at €8,200 on last Sunday night, September 13.
Chair yoga has commenced in Belcarra Centre on Tuesdays. The classes are beginner friendly. Message Emma for more information and to book your place on 087 997335.7 Every Wednesday at 6.45am starting on September 16, participants can start the day early and strong at Belcarra Sports Centre. All fitness levels welcome. Contact Adrian to book your spot on 086 0581956.
Fun2Bfit, September to October term has arrived. Belcarra Centre was excited to welcome participants back to class on Thursdays from 6.30pm to 7.20pm. Along the way, children work on teamwork, co-ordination, timing, social skills, and self-confidence while having plenty of fun. The classes are suitable for boys and girls aged 3.5 to 12 years The fees are; 1 child €49, 2 children €95 and 3 children €140.
*************
Mayo has two communities on the long-list of Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026, and both are hoping to win a category award and possibly the overall title in Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026. The two Mayo nominees are Louisburgh and Clogher, both in the Greenest Town or Village category. There are five nominees in total in the Greenest Town or Village category so as well as competing against one another, Louisburgh and Clogher will be up against Cloughjordan Community Development Association in Tipperary, Kinsale in Cork and Ardmore in Waterford.
This is the second year of ‘Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026’, an initiative, which is being run by The Irish Times and Electric Ireland. Commencing in late May, members of the public were invited to nominate a special place, person or project which they believe contributes to a genuinely greener environment. There were ninety nominations received from members of the public all over the country. The main aim of the competition is to showcase what can be achieved when people work together to deliver more sustainable and greener communities.
In Clogher the construction of a sand martin nesting wall and the restoration of Clogher Bog are two stand-out projects which have become a source of great pride for the village. In his pitch Finian Bourke says Clogher is a place where sustainability, biodiversity and community participation are at the heart of community life.
“The construction of the nesting wall has provided a safe breeding habitat for one of Ireland’s declining bird species and provided educational opportunities for local schoolchildren and visitor to learn about the importance of biodiversity. The restoration of Clogher Bog is another key community initiative. With funding from the Aviva Insurance Community Fund, and in partnership with the Lough Carra EU LIFE Project, work is underway to raise the bog’s water table by blocking historic drainage channels.
“Restoring the bog will reduce carbon loss from peat soils, improve habitats for wildlife and protect the water quality of Lough Carra. As the bog lies within the lake’s catchment, its restoration plays an important role in safeguarding one of Ireland’s finest limestone lakes while contributing to national climate action goals.
“By combining habitat restoration, climate action, education and community spirit, Clogher is demonstrating that even a small rural village can make a significant contribution to Ireland’s environmental future while inspiring others to do the same.” The shortlist for Ireland’s Greenest Places 2026 will be announced shortly with the category winners and overall winner announced in early October.
Errew Ladies’ Group starts back on Wednesday, September 16, at 7pm with the return of ‘Chair Yoga with Ann’ in Errew Community Centre- Eircode F23 E291. The cost is €10 per class, pay as you go. Tea and chats afterwards to catch up after the summer and new members always welcome. Contact Eileen Conway on 0879227567.
Supporters of the Clogher 500 Club who bought their tickets for the past year, please note all draws have taken place. To be in with a chance for the current and upcoming draws supporters must sign up again @ https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/X45TU2GQCI or contact any member of the committee.
The results from the card game on September 4, were 1st Martin Moran and Thomas Fitzpatrick, 2nd Tom Lyons and Jimmy Connor, 3rd Joe Thomas and Tommy Fahey, Last 10 Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion.
