Local Notes: Stunning new mural completed in Kiltimagh
A section of the magnificent new mural at the former ball alley in Kiltimagh. Picture: John Corless
A striking new mural has now been completed at the Old Ball Alley on Thomas Street in Kiltimagh, adding another colourful public artwork to the town and enhancing one of its historic landmarks.
The mural was created by artists Yuri Bohatyrov and Klim Bohatyrov, whose work has already become familiar to many local residents following the completion of the large-scale mural on Main Street earlier this year. The latest project continues their growing contribution to the visual appearance of Kiltimagh and further strengthens the town’s reputation for community-led artistic initiatives.
The Old Ball Alley occupies an important place in Kiltimagh’s history. Originally opened in 1937 by the Town Improvements Committee, the facility later underwent further development in 1966 through the efforts of Kiltimagh GAA Club. The completion of the mural gives the historic site a fresh new identity while helping to preserve its visibility and significance within the community.]]
The project has transformed a previously plain wall into a vibrant piece of public art, creating an attractive focal point on Thomas Street and adding to the growing collection of murals and outdoor artworks around the town.
Artist Klim Bohatyrov, a former student of St Louis Community School, is currently studying Level 6 Art at Mayo College of Further Education in Westport. He has previously completed mural projects, both within the school and in community settings, earning recognition for his creative talent and commitment to public art.
The mural project has also benefited from local support, with appreciation expressed to Chris Glynn for his assistance throughout the development of the artwork.
The completed mural is already attracting positive comment and is expected to become another popular feature for both residents and visitors as Kiltimagh continues to invest in community enhancement, heritage and the arts.
Congratulations are extended to Áine Lavin of St Louis Community School, Kiltimagh, who achieved outstanding success at the All-Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships held in Tullamore last weekend.
Competing in the Minor Girls Shot Put event, Áine produced an excellent performance to secure the silver medal and claim the title of All-Ireland runner-up. Reaching the podium at national level is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, hard work and commitment she has shown throughout the athletics season.
The All-Ireland Schools Championships bring together the best young athletes from across the country, making Áine’s achievement all the more impressive. Competing against the strongest performers from every province, she rose to the occasion and delivered when it mattered most.
The success is a source of great pride for Áine, her family, coaches and the entire St Louis Community School community. It also highlights the strong tradition of athletics within the school and the continued success of its students on the national stage.
Everyone at St Louis Community School has congratulated Áine on her remarkable achievement and wished her continued success in her future sporting endeavours. Winning an All-Ireland silver medal is a wonderful accomplishment and one that will be remembered as a proud milestone in her athletics career.
Members of Kiltimagh Women’s Group enjoyed a memorable day out on Wednesday, May 27th, when 27 ladies travelled to Connemara for a summer excursion.
Blessed with fine weather, the group spent the day exploring some of the west's most scenic locations. A visit to the renowned Kylemore Abbey and its beautiful Victorian walled gardens was a highlight of the trip, with members enjoying the opportunity to tour the historic abbey and its picturesque surroundings.
The group then travelled to Clifden where there was time for a walk, sightseeing and a chance to take in the atmosphere of the Connemara town.
The day concluded with a meal at Burke's of Clonbur, providing an opportunity for members to relax and socialise before making the journey back to Kiltimagh.
The group expressed its appreciation to all who helped organise the successful outing, with special thanks extended to Mary Whittington and Bridie Wimsey for their work in coordinating the trip.
Following a busy programme of activities, Kiltimagh Women’s Group will now take a break for the summer months and will resume meetings on September 7th. Members are already looking forward to another season of activities, outings and social events when the group reconvenes in the autumn.
There was another enjoyable night of cards at the weekly 25 Card Drive, with a strong turnout and plenty of competitive play throughout the evening.
First prize went to Mary and Liam Moran, who finished top of the standings after a fine performance on the night. Second place was claimed by Martin Regan and Danny Doherty, while Michael Carney and Michael Costello secured third.
The Last 10 prize went to Mary and Richard Carney, while Jack Ryan and Pius Forde took home the spot prize. Raffle winners on the night were Seamus Larkin, Paddy Carney, Tom Conroy and Danny Doherty.
Breda Johnston from Knock was the winner of the Kiltimagh Knock United Soccer Club 50/50 draw last week, taking home €350 with an online ticket. The club congratulated Breda on the win. The club also thanked all supporters who continue to take part in the weekly fundraiser. Proceeds from the draw help support teams, coaching programmes and the ongoing development of club facilities. Tickets are available online and from local retail outlets each week.
Amy Shannon was the winner of Kiltimagh GAA Club’s weekly 50/50 draw last week, collecting €659. The club congratulated Amy on her success.
The club also expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who supports the draw. Funds raised each week contribute towards underage coaching, facilities and ongoing club development. Tickets remain available online and through local shops and pubs.
Twenty players took to the tables for Round 1 of the Summer Poker League at Teach O’Hora last week, with Keith Lydon continuing his recent good form to claim the opening victory of the new season.
Keith dominated the field while John Borza, making a welcome return to the game, finished runner-up, and Gerry Groarke took third with Pat Boyle finishing fourth. The remaining finalists were Michael Higgins (5th), Majella Gilmartin (6th), Paul Walsh (7th), Derry O’Sullivan (8th) and Andy Quinn (9th).
The Summer League runs over fifteen weeks, with a €50 entry each round that includes a rebuy or add-on. €5 from every entry and rebuy contributes to the league final prize fund, with the remainder paid out on the night. At the conclusion of the league, the top twelve players in the standings, along with two qualifiers, will compete in a Grand Final for a prize pool expected to exceed €3,000.
The league continues this week with Round 2. However, there will be no league game the following Wednesday as attention turns to the Grand Final of the Spring Poker League, where fourteen players will battle for the title of Kiltimagh Poker Champion and a share of the €3,310 prize pool.
Enda Ruane takes the chip lead into the final with 40,500, followed by Brian Quinn on 36,900 and Keith Lydon on 34,700. The remainder of the finalists and their starting stacks are Paul Walsh (29,300), John Reynolds (27,500), Gerry Groarke (25,600), Conor O’Hanlon (25,000), Kieran McGee (24,400), Majella Gilmartin (23,100), Michael Sheridan (22,800), Michael Higgins (21,500), Nicky Cunnane (20,700), Adam Earley (17,100) and Conor Byrne (5,700).
With a substantial prize fund and the championship title at stake, an exciting finale is in prospect when the players return to Teach O’Hora for the season-ending showdown.
The death has occurred of Ambrose Martin Walsh, formerly of Cullen House, Gortgarve, Kiltimagh, and Stockton-on-Tees, England.
Ambrose passed away peacefully on May 27th, 2026, surrounded by his family at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. He was predeceased by his father Brian, mother Annie B., brothers Bernie, Tommy and Jim, and sisters Cora and Assumpta.
Ambrose will be greatly missed by his loving wife Mary, daughters Margaret and Anna-Marie, sons-in-law Justin and Paul, grandchildren Thomas and Annie, sister Kate, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
The death has occurred of Anthony Kirby of Kiltimagh, and Montreal, Canada. Anthony died unexpectedly in his apartment in Montreal on May 30th, 2026.
Anthony was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Patricia Kirby, sisters Philippa McPhillips, Helen Cleary and Patricia Clohosey. He will be sadly missed by his brothers John and Denis, sister-in-law Anne, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends in Canada and Ireland.
Anthony’s Funeral Mass will be held in St Patrick’s Basilica, Montreal in the coming weeks, followed by cremation.
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Bohola
Durkan Bohola Community Park (DBCP) has provided an exciting update to the community on the major progress being made throughout the park across several projects.
Project 1 involves the development of a new full-sized GAA field and park improvements, with works having officially commenced on the new full-sized GAA field, including food lighting and ptch perimeter fencing, as well as the completion of the footpath around the park.
Contractor Padraic McTigue is now on-site, with works progressing well. Weather permitting, the committee hope to have the new field seeded by August/September with Prunty Field Specialists, the main contractor for laying the pitch.
Padraic McTigue will also begin preparation works on the second field, which will be allowed to settle for 12 months before Prunty Field Specialists complete the surface installation.
A sincere thank you to Bill Durkan for his unwavering support towards this project, which simply would not have happened without his continued commitment.
DBCP also received €445,000 in Sports Capital Funding towards this project, and they would like to thank Minister Dara Calleary and his team for their assistance in securing this vital funding.
A second project involves the lighting of Micksey’s Way, with funding of €27,000 obtained from First Choice Credit Union while €8,000 has been provided by Cllr Neil Cruise from his General Municipal Allocation. The committee would like to sincerely thank Cllr Cruise for his allocation and ongoing support for this important community project.
Works will commence later this month and will be carried out by Electric Skyline Contractors.
Congratulations to John Gilmore Jnr. who won a jackpot of €1,390 in the Moy Davitts 50/50 draw on Saturday, May 30th.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the draw, it is greatly appreciated. Tickets are available in the usual retail outlets and by playing on the club app (Moy Davitts GAA).
A very successful and enjoyable Moy Davitts Golf Classic took place in Ballina Golf Club on Saturday, May 30th. Thanks are extended by the club to the many individuals and businesses who kindly supported this important club fundraiser, particularly the main event sponsors RBC Brewin Dolphin and Michael Conlon (Bohola/New York).
The death occurred of Tom Nyland, Killorglin, on Friday, May 22nd and whose funeral took place in Cromane, Killorglin. He was the uncle of Marie O'Hora, Carrowkeel.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved.
