Local Notes: Shraigh NS celebrates opening of new playground.
Shraigh NS celebrated the official opening of their new playground which was performed by former pupil and Mayo senior footballer Ryan O'Donoghue.
There was a wonderful atmosphere of celebration at Shraigh National School on Tuesday, June 16, as pupils, parents, staff, past pupils, community members and invited guests gathered for the official opening and blessing of the school’s new playground facilities. The special occasion began with a school Mass celebrated by Fr Tommy Doherty, followed by the blessing of the playground and an official ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by former pupil and Mayo senior footballer Ryan O’Donoghue.
The new playground marks an important investment in the wellbeing, recreation and development of the children of Shraigh NS, providing a modern, safe and inclusive space where pupils can play, learn and thrive. The event not only marked the opening of a wonderful new playground but also highlighted the strong community spirit, pride and forward-thinking vision that continues to make Shraigh NS such a special place for children to learn and grow.
A highlight of the afternoon was the return of Ryan O’Donoghue to his former school. His achievements as a Mayo senior footballer, teacher and positive role model were celebrated by all present and proved a huge inspiration to the children. Finally all the Shraigh NS community wish Ryan and the Mayo team the very best of luck in their upcoming All-Ireland semi-final against Louth.
The draw was held on June 28, and the numbers drawn were; 3, 13, 18 and 20 with no winner of the €10,100 jackpot. The house prize winner of €100 was Breda and the Lacken girls, Goola and the 2 x €30 offline winners were Johnny Keenaghan, Gorthmellia and Tony and Patrick Deane, Glenamoy. The 2 x €30 online winners were Mary Deane, Belmullet and Bernice McNulty, Belmullet. The jackpot in the draw held on Sunday, July 5, in McGuire’s, Barnatra was €10,200.
Cill Chomain GAA Club is now selling tickets for the club development draw. This draw continues to be one of the most important fundraising opportunities available to the club, helping support facilities, equipment, coaching and club development. Every ticket purchased supports the club. Tickets are €100 and are available online at https://mayogaa.com/clubdraw26. Make sure to select Cill Chomain GAA before purchasing online. Tickets can also be purchased from any committee member. As always thank you for your continued support.
Erris Workability (Mayo North East) and the Erris Youth Disability Network were delighted to welcome Patricia and Michelle from Rejig for a two-day brainstorming workshop in Geesala recently. Thirty individuals and representatives from various community organisations around Erris came together to connect, collaborate and create ideas regarding a new social enterprise in Erris, particularly in relation to young people with disabilities. Míle buíochas to all who attended. If you wish to find out more, email Rosemarie rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com.
Congratulations to Emma Naughton on getting bronze at the national championships recently in Tullamore. Emma competed in the U14 javelin in challenging winds and a very competitive competition where there was very little between all the athletes. Ailbhe McHugh is the second of the three national finalists who competed in Tullamore. She competed in the 2k walk in a very competitive field. Ailbhe is no stranger to national championships and is an inspiration to all the younger race walkers in the club. Well done also to Padraic Edwards who competed in the shot putt. This was his first national competition and no doubt he’ll be back, as there was some fantastic throwing by Padraic. Well done also to Mary Kate Reilly who competed in the 100m in the national finals. This was Mary Kate’s first appearance at national level and no doubt it won’t be her last.
The FRC recently had the pleasure of attending the first National Family Resource Centre Conference in Mullingar. Being in attendance at this annual conference was a special occasion for everyone as one of the recent 10 projects admitted to the FRC Programme. The “Keeping Communities at the Heart of Change” theme was really inspiring, and all of the presentations and speakers highlighted why community development principles are so important in achieving lasting and impactful change.
The Family Resource Centre National Forum has done tremendous work in recent years to gain recognition and investment in the programme. The attendance and address of both the Minister for Children, Norma Foley and Uachtarán na hEireann, Catherine Connolly shows how much has been achieved in this regard, and the respect held for FRCs across the country.
The attendees were especially thrilled and proud to have been mentioned in the President’s speech in referring to the groups long campaign and determination as a community to get resources for the area.
Race day is getting closer and registrations are filling fast as it takes place on Sunday, August 9, at 9am. It’s time to lace up your runners, start your training, and be part of one of the most meaningful community events of the year.
The Great Erris Run returns this year in memory of Rob Turner a much-loved teacher, coach, mentor and friend whose impact on the community will never be forgotten. Rob dedicated decades of his life to helping others through education, sport and kindness. He also enjoyed an incredible football career, winning both the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Ipswich Town under the legendary Sir Bobby Robson. This event celebrates Rob’s legacy while raising vital funds for Erris Youth Disability Network (EYDN), the local charity chosen by Rob’s family. EYDN provides incredible opportunities for young people with additional needs across education, employment, training and community life. Race distances are 10km for ages 15+ on race day, 5km for ages 13+ on race day. The organisers extend thanks to Erris Athletics Club and Athletics Ireland for their support.
Madeline Healy who farms in Erris, where her days can include sheep, cows, goats and poultry, was featured in Making Farms Work for Women which is a project aimed at making farms an inclusive environment for women through innovation, training and community and which is funded by the European Innovation Partnership. But like so many women in farming, the real story is also in the practical challenges behind the work.
For Madeline, that includes physical jobs like turning sheep, dagging and hoof clipping goats. She also works full-time off the farm, which means during calving she can be away for up to ten hours a day. Something as simple as a camera in the shed could make a real difference, helping her keep an eye on cows when she cannot always be there in person.
It is stories like Madeline’s that remind us why this work matters. Behind every farm are practical challenges, and often it is small supports or better systems that can make the biggest difference.
Deepest sympathies are extended to the family of Philomena Healy (née McDonnell), London, England, and formerly of Bunalty, Glenamoy; Angela Padden, Tallagh Road, Belmullet and formerly of Shanahee; Michael Mullarkey (better known as Mike), Glencullen Upper, Bangor Erris; Joe Murphy, Toorglass, Belmullet; Michael Kilcoyne, London and formerly of Barnagh East, Clogher; Christy Cawley, Tallagh Hill, Belmullet; Eamon Barrett, Derrycorrib, Barnatra; Michael (Mickey) McGrath, Kilgalligan, Carratigue; May Shevlin nee Carey, Briska, Bangor Erris; Patrick (Paddy) Deane, Bryanstown, Ballinea, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and formerly Aughascavill; Christina (Chris) Maughan (née Shevlin), Cappagh, Ballycastle, and formerly of Briska, Bangor-Erris. May they all rest in peace.
Are you parenting a neurodivergent child or young person? They invite parents and caregivers to attend the newly established Parent Support Group. This is a supportive space to meet, chat, connect, encourage and be with others who get it. As a new group they are still exploring what would be most helpful for the group going forward and they encourage you to be part of this. The next meet up is Tuesday, July 21, from 7-8.30pm at the IWA Centre, F26VY42. For more information or to register your interest contact Leanne, Erris Family and Community Support Centre on 087 0670989.
There was no winner of this week’s Kiltane GAA Club lotto jackpot of €5,400 with the two €50 winners being Faye McNally, c/o Henry’s and Agnes Carey while Maretta Corrigan, Shragraddy and Martin Harrington, Geesala both won €25. The two online winners were Vincent Murphy, Doolough €50 and Bridie Healy, Naas, Kildare €25.
Bingo will take place in the GAA complex Bangor this Tuesday, July 7, at 8pm. The jackpot will be €800 in 51 calls or less.
The annual memorial Tommy Murphy Tractor Run in aid of Cara Iorrais will be held on August 2, with registration at 12 noon at Lennon’s Quarries and the run departing at 2pm to Blacksod. Your support will be appreciated and all tractors are welcome.
The annual Cara Iorrais bucket collection will take place on July 31, in and around Belmullet. The organisers are looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you can help in any way, contact Cara Iorrais on 087 0678630. All money collected is going to services provided by Cara Iorrais.
The Bangor Erris Women's Biodiversity Group extend their heartfelt thanks to every child, parent, guardian who helped make the recent fundraiser such a wonderful success. They are delighted to announce that after paying €50 for the rental of the parish hall, together they raised an amazing €527.30, which will go directly towards covering the group insurance for the year ahead.
It was fantastic to see children and families come together from schools across the community, including Aughleam, Inver, Ballycroy, Geesala, Aughalasheen, and Bangor Erris National School, to name just a few. The laughter, dancing, excitement, and community spirit on display made the event truly special. Continued support helps to protect nature, grow community connections and events, and provide biodiversity projects and events throughout the year.
A special thank you to Steafán Hegarty for keeping the children on the dance floor entertained and volunteering his time.
