Local Notes: Shave Ivers, Belmullet winner of CLG Cill Chomain 10k run.
Congratulations to Shane Ivers, Belmullet, winner of the CLG Cill Chomáin 10k run being presented with his trophy by the event organisers.
A social will take place in Lavelle’s Eagle Bar, Corclough, on Saturday, August 16, at 9.30pm in aid of the Corclough Community Centre Redevelopment. Planning permission for the project has been granted, and music on the night will be by Eamon Wilson. All support will be greatly appreciated.
CLG Cill Chomáin hosted the annual 5k/10k walk, run, jog on Sunday, July 20. A great crowd turned out for this event and the organisers would like to thank everyone especially those who donated on the day and to the Anglers Rest for refreshments after the event. Congratulations to the winner of the 10k Shane Ivers, Belmullet and thank you also and well done to Marie Deane, Glenamoy (2nd place). The total amount raised for The Ruddy/Mangan Family was €1051.
The draw was held on August 3, and the numbers drawn were 5, 7, 26 and 32 with no winner. The 1 x €100 house prize winner was the Fireside ladies, c/o Doocey’s and the 2 €30 online winners were Sarah Doherty, Ballycastle and Nicola Loftus, Rossport. The 2 x €30 offline winners were Sean and Eileen Murphy, Glenamoy and Fireside ladies (c/o Doocey). The latest draw was held on August 10, in McGuire’s Pullathomas, for a jackpot of €5500.
Sunset4Stop 5k walk in aid of North West STOP-suicide prevention took place recently in Belmullet and it was a great success and so enjoyable. The team at Erris Family and Community Support Centre organised the event so well and they are such a welcoming and fun group of ladies who are truly passionate about what they do. Adding to the experience was a table full of painted stones with messages of hope that people could take and leave at various parts of the town for people to stumble upon. Clodagh Togher provided the entertainment, creating a great energy at the event. It was wonderful to see so many people come out to support the event.
The team were so grateful to the Tallott family, who made a generous donation to the cause in honour of the late Chris Tallott, from the profits of the book he wrote.
And the generosity did not stop there, a gentleman donated his fully restored 1975 Ford 3000 vintage tractor for the raffle. The draw for this will take place January 1st 2026 so you have plenty of time to buy a raffle ticket which is €20 for one or 3 for €50. You can contact the team at the centre.
North West Stop provides hundreds of hours of free counselling for the people of Erris so if you are doing a fundraising event, consider them. Well done to the team for a fun and heart-warming community event.
Ballyglass Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) was requested by Malin Head Coast Guard on Monday, August 4, at 7.18pm to assist 2 swimmers in Elly Bay. They immediately headed south ready to come to the assistance of the swimmers.
The ILB had just arrived on scene when Malin Head radio relayed that both swimmers had made it safely to shore and so the volunteer crew were stood down. Ballyglass Coast Guard Unit was also on scene to assist the swimmers. The lifeboat was returned to base and was ready again for service at 10pm. Thanks has been extended to all involved.
If you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water do not hesitate to call 112/999 and ask for the Coast Guard.
As part of a Department of the Gaeltacht initiative, based on Acht na Gaeltachta (2012), Béal an Mhuirthead is endeavouring to become a Gaeltacht Service Town (Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta). A plan is being prepared for the years 2026 to 2032 and as part of the consultation process they are carrying out research, and they invite all to complete a short questionnaire. Even if you don't speak Irish, your opinion is important. The quickest way to fill out the survey is to use the QR code - which you will see on posters around the town. Alternatively, you can get a hard copy in Áras Inis Gluaire and you can return it there when completed. The information collected is confidential and your identity will remain anonymous. We appreciate your assistance with this research - míle buíochas. Teagmháil: bailegaelach.banmh@gmail.com.
Ballyglass RNLI Coxswain James Mangan is hanging up his yellow wellies after 36 years of service. James began his RNLI journey as a volunteer in 1989 when he had his first training session on the first ever all-weather lifeboat to come to Ballyglass. He was also one of two helms to train up for the first inshore lifeboat years later.
Commenting on his time with the RNLI, James said: ‘I have been very fortunate to crew with unbelievable volunteers from 1989 to the present day, where the station is manned by an exceptional, committed crew. There were some tough days and nights at sea but we got on with it thanks to the many training sessions which prepared us for every scenario we faced. I would like to thank everyone who helped and supported me over the years.'
In a touching tribute, Malin Head Coast Guard relayed their gratitude to James over the radio on his final exercise on the lifeboat. They acknowledged and praised his bravery, commitment and calm leadership over the years in what they described as often, rough seas and tight situations. They commended his steady hand and calm voice, be it on rough nights off Erris Head or on long, slow tows across Donegal Bay, always working selflessly to bring so many safely home.
Meanwhile, Pádraig Sheeran, Ballyglass RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, extended his heartfelt thanks to James on behalf of all the team: ‘We thank James for his service and wish him and the family all the best. James’ leadership, patience and kindness over three decades ensured that Ballyglass RNLI continued to thrive and that new generations of volunteer crew are now in good stead to continue to save lives at sea. Fair winds and following sea on your future voyage.'
Another successful week recently of swimming from the small pool splashers to the big pool beginners and deep end improvers in the mornings to Safety/ challenge, survival and rescue lifesaving in the afternoons. There was so much progress made and goals achieved along the way. The organisers are extremely proud of all the children.
They extend a huge thank you to Annette and Aileen from Brogans Eurospar Belmullet for sponsoring the end of week sweets/treats for all the children, they were all delighted. Thank you to examiner James McLaughlin from Mayo Water Safety for coming early on the Bank Holiday Saturday to put candidates through their paces, bringing the good weather with him as usual. A special mention to the team of instructors and lifeguards without them the lessons would not run so smoothly.
In Shore Road they are so lucky to have such a wonderful team of instructors and trainee instructors who have a passion for teaching swimming and water safety.
Tullaghan Bay Rowing Club are looking forward to welcoming all on Friday, August 15, to Cruinniú na mBád 2025. This year they celebrate 70 years of rowing at the ferry and rowers will row the old route for the Patrick Goonan Memorial Cup. Entries via WhatsApp to 086 3159485 / 086 0764647.
Congratulations to John Ginnelly who recently won the Frank Brogan Memorial Erris Cup recently in a closely contested final against Kevin Padden. The match went all the way down to the 18th and it was John who prevailed after a tight match.
Belmullet Golf Club Centenary dinner dance will be held on Sunday, October 26, at the Broadhaven Bay Hotel. Join them as they celebrate 100 years of golf, friendship, and community in what promises to be a memorable evening of dinner, music, and reflection on a century of history at our beloved club.
Further details, including ticket information and entertainment, will be shared in the coming weeks. The organisers look forward to welcoming members past and present, guests, and friends of the club to mark this special milestone together.
What a delightful morning recently at the Erris Parkrun, where they had visitors from Trim, Ballina, Cork, Limerick, New York, London, Kildare, Australia, Kerry, Sligo, Dubai, and Donegal. On the morning 54 people ran, jogged and walked the course, of which 18 were first timers. Welcome to Graham, Conor, Mark, Ruth, Conor, Damien, Meabh, Yvonne, Amanda, Ruby, Megan, Martha, Mathew, Sarah, Pippa, Liam, Róisin and Gary. Hope you all enjoyed your time at Erris Parkrun.
Well done to Pippa Barrett who completed her first parkrun. Well done to the 6 people who recorded new personal bests on the morning despite the wind. Sean Monaghan, Shauna Higgins, Hilary Mangan, Orla Mulroney, Neil Mulroney, and Maureen Doocey. Representatives of 2 different clubs took part.
Congratulations to Orla Mulroney and Francis O’Hara who completed their 50th Parkrun. Thank you both for choosing Erris Parkrun.
Shout out to actor Stephen Mangan who joined everyone at Erris Parkrun, who was so kind and gracious and stood for a million photos with everyone.
The event was made possible by 9 hi viz heroes thank you to Marie Brogan, Vera Togher, Roseleen Reilly, Harry Reilly, Cillían Reilly, Róisín Reilly, Cormac Reilly, Oisín Reilly and Margaret Corduff.
