Local Notes: The Folk Cafe, Kiltimagh present cheque to Victims Assistance Charity.
Tom Brophy, Eilish Griffin, Mary McNicholas and Mick Griffin at the presentation of a donation cheque by Eilish and Mick, of The Folk Café, to Victims Assitance Charity, whose national headquarters is based in the town. Eilish and Mick generously donated their takings for one day to celebrate their two years in business, in the town. Image: John Corless.
The Federation of Victims Assistance is making a significant impact in the lives of those affected by crime. Established in 2005, this charity, whose national headquarters is based in Kiltimagh, is dedicated to supporting victims and individuals in vulnerable situations, ensuring they can reclaim their lives after experiencing trauma.
The organisation is a voluntary, non-profit charity, comprising of fully trained volunteers offering emotional and practical assistance to all victims of crime and those that have experienced a traumatic incident. The service is also available to family members of victims.
Chairperson, Tommy Brophy, told the Western People ‘We aim to help victims regain their sense of well-being and return to who they were before the crime’.
Victims Assistance provides a wide range of support, catering for victims of various forms of victimisation, including domestic violence, coercive control, elder abuse, burglary, assault, sexual assault (including historical abuse), scams, racism, bullying and financial scams.
The office in Kiltimagh has also been nominated by An Garda Síochána as a centre where people who are victims of a hate crime, who, for any reason, feel intimidated by going to a Garda station, can come to make a report of the crime to them. They then forward the complaint directly to the Garda National Diversity Unit who will deal with the matter further.
Victims Assistance aims to connect with individuals within 24 hours. ‘We act quickly to reassure victims, and we help them in whatever way we can. Sometimes it might just be to guide them to the appropriate resources,’ said John.
Despite the essential services they provide, funding remains a challenge. Victims Assistance relies heavily on donations and fundraising events. ‘We would welcome any corporate or private donations which will enable us to continue our service into 2025. Every contribution helps us continue our vital work,’ said Tommy Mary McNicholas is the co-ordinator and office administrator. Mary responds to emergency calls as well as managing the day to day affairs of the federation. Along with Tom Brophy, Geraldine Kennedy, Sligo (retired from AIB) is treasurer, and Mary O'Malley is secretary. Adina Stefan, from Dublin, is Youth Liaison Officer.
They can be contacted directly and in confidence at any time, on Freephone 1800 277 477 or during working hours at 094 900 0251, by email at support@victimassistance.ie or text number, (used mainly by deaf people to communicate with Victim Assistance) is 083 123 1028.
Donations are always welcome at Victims Assistance and, because they are a registered charity, they are subject to the strict code of conduct imposed by the Charities Regulator, and are subject to audit from that body.
Kiltimagh’s Folk Café has blossomed into a vibrant community hub since its opening two years ago. With its rich musical atmosphere and commitment to fostering connections among locals, the café stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and creativity. Last week, to celebrate two years in business, the café donated all of its Friday takings to Victims Assistance charity.
The café's founders, Mick and Eilish Griffin, presented a cheque to Tom Brophy and Mary McNicholas of Victims Assistance, in the café. Tom thanked the owners on behalf of the charity, and said that the donation would make a real difference to their ability to deliver services, and it helped raise awareness of Victim Assistance.
Initially starting with small music sessions on Friday mornings, the café quickly became a gathering place for musicians and music lovers alike. What sets the Folk Café apart is its dedication not just to music, but also to human connection. “We emphasize talking to customers rather than focusing solely on food and drink,” Mick said. “It’s more like a community café where people can come, relax, and chat.” Every first Wednesday of the month, the café opens its doors for an open mic night, encouraging both seasoned performers and newcomers to showcase their talents. As the café continues to grow, the owners are eager to cultivate an even deeper cultural vibe.
Tom Morley, of Magheramore, Bekan, who died on September 29, was a former groundsman at Kiltimagh/Knock United FC. Tom is remembered with great fondness at Kiltimagh Knock United. He spent seven years with the club and his great talent is evident all around the club, from the entrance walls and dugouts, as well as the bridge that leads to the community garden. Tom was laid to rest in Knock Cemetery on Friday last, after Mass in the Church of St. John The Baptist. The club extends its deepest sympathy to Tom’s family.
Kiltimagh GAA Club 50/50 draw was won by Miriam McNicholas last week. Miriam collected a jackpot of €623.
Kiltimagh Tourism Festivals are hosting a Spooky Walk and Fire Works Display on Sunday, October 27. Before all the witches, ghosts and goblins are out under the cover of darkness, tots are invited to stroll through the less spooky walk, in daylight from 4.30 to 5.30pm. The Spooky Walk will commence at 7pm. The venue is the Wetlands Park (beside Kiltimagh Park Hotel) and parking is at the Cairn Trade Centre, or the Bohola Road, with pedestrian access. The organisers appeal to attendees to cooperate with their stewards. There will be tricks and treats for all, and donations will be appreciated. The fireworks display will commence at 9pm approximately. This is an opportunity to get your scariest Halloween costume out and see if you can terrify the witches, zombies and ghosts, and have lots of fun in the process.
Kiltimagh were unlucky when they met Kilmaine last week, in the Intermediate championship relegation semi-final, losing out 0-13 to 0-10. Kiltimagh led for long periods in the game which was played in Claremorris. Kiltimagh were a point up, 0-07 to 0-06, after forty minutes, but Kilmaine got away from them then, scoring six points without reply. Cian Gallagher put over three late frees, but what Kiltimagh needed was a goal and unfortunately, it never came.
Well done to the Kiltimagh Knock United U10 boys who picked up silverware at the Melissa Patterson Cup blitz hosted by Castlebar Town last week. All teams put in a super morning's football, in very poor weather.
St Louis Community School are offering part-time evening courses. Some of the courses are QQI certified, some digitally certified and some are hobby courses without accreditation.
The hobby classes on offer are; English as an additional language (Wednesday 7-8pm – 6 weeks €70), conversational Irish (Tuesday 6.30-8.30 – 6 weeks €70), cooking with confidence (Tuesday 7.30-9pm - 6 weeks €70), public speaking and presentation skills workshop (Thursday, October 24, 6.30 - 8.30pm €20).
Courses offering digital certification are; Personal and Professional Development (online course, start anytime, €90), Record Keeping, Report Writing, and Observation (online course, start anytime, €90), Physical Disabilities (online course, start anytime, €90), and Challenging Behaviour (online course, start anytime,)€90.
Three Level 5 QQI courses are on offer: Palliative Care Support and Infection Prevention and Control (online course €350), Special Needs Assisting (online course €350) and Bookkeeping and Payroll Manual and Computerised (online course €350).
The Level 6 QQI course is Special Needs Assisting, (online course/classroom also available), €375.
Courses will run subject to demand. For further information or to book a place, phone 089 495 2090 or email: adulteducation@stlouiscs.com.
Defending champion Martin Regan, made it two wins in a row when taking first place in Round 3 of the Autumn Poker League in Teach O’Hora on Wednesday night last. The runner up was AN Other with Nicky Cunnane 3rd. The other finalists were, 4 Derry O’Sullivan, 5 Daniel Kennedy, 6 Paul Walsh, 7 Michael Sheridan, 8 Keith Lydon, 9 Mary McGlynn. Martin now goes top of the league table on 55 points followed by Derry O’Sullivan on 45 and AN Other 44. The rest of the top twelve is; AN Other 42, Nicky Cunnane 41, Michael Sheridan 39, Enda Ruane 38, Keith Lydon 37, Gerry Groarke 36, Paul Walsh 35, Pat Boyle 34 and Daniel Kennedy 29. The league will continue with tournaments in Teach O’Hora every Wednesday night at 8pm for fifteen weeks. Entry each night is €20 with an optional re-entry and late registration available for 90 minutes. €5 from every entry goes towards the league final prize pool with the rest paid out on the night.
One of the biggest events in the local poker calendar, the 2024 Culchie Poker Open will be held in the Cill Aodain Hotel on Saturday next, October 12, starting at 4pm. This is a fully dealered tournament and entry is €85 + €15 with one optional re-entry and late registration until approximately 8.30pm. Numbers are limited and pre booking is advisable to guarantee your seat. Open to members only. Contact 086 898 8306.
A charity Texas Hold Em poker tournament, in aid of the Irish Kidney Association, will be held in Teach O’Hora on Sunday afternoon, November 10. Entry is €20, rebuys are €10. Contact 086 898 8306.
The community was shocked to learn of the death of David Hunt of Cloonlee, Knock on October 1.. The Hunt family has a long association with Kiltimagh Knock United football Club. David’s grandsons Cormac and Tadhg Caulfield and Ethan Hosty, are senior players with the club.
David is survived by his wife Janet, daughters Ursula, Yvonne, Sinead and Maria, sons-in-law Michael, Robert, Jamie and Colm, grandsons Cormac, Tadhg, Ethan, Michael, David, Adam and Arthur, his brother Eamon, sisters-in-law Breda Kelly, Mary Regan and Anne Prendergast; brother-in-law John Regan, nieces, nephews and many friends.
David was laid to rest in Knock cemetery after Funeral Mass in the Church of St. John The Baptist. RIP.
