Local Notes: The Magnificent Seven from Ballintubber GAA Club
The Magnificent Seven - Tom Murray, Tom Duffy, Adam Burton, Conor Hoban, Jack Diffley, William Hoban, and Tiernan Brady in a happy mood after winning the Connacht A Football Final with St Gerald’s. A proud day for Ballintubber GAA. Picture by Tom Quinn
Carra County.
Congrats to St. Gerald's College and all the Ballintubber GAA players involved in the massive success. Tom Murray, Tom Duffy, Adam Burton, Conor Hoban, Jack Diffily, William Hoban and Tiernan Brady. The captain of the St Gerald’s team Evan Walsh, a Parke clubman also has strong Ballintubber connections. Evan is the grandson of Sally Keane and the late Vincent Keane, Parks, Clogher. Well done to all.
The death has taken place of Patsy Hynes, Curlisduane, Ballyglass, Co. Mayo peacefully on February 19. Patsy was a quiet genuine gentleman who enjoyed the respect and affection of his neighbours and many friends. He lived his life tending to his livestock and his farm holding in the peace and contentment of his native Curlisduane. Highly supportive of all community initiatives, he enjoyed the profound respect of his neighbours and the extended family. Predeceased by his parents Pete and May, brother Joe, sister Eily, Patsy is deeply regretted by his sister Ethel, sister-in-law Phil, nephews and nieces Patsy (London), Geraldine (Summerhill), Ann (Leicester), Michael (Summerhill), Vera, Caroline, Deirdre (London), grandnephews and grandnieces, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere condolences are tendered.
His remains reposed at Ballyglass Community Centre on Sunday evening from 5pm with removal at 6.30 to St. Mary’s Church, Carnacon. Patsy’s Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Farragher, on Monday at 12 noon with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Burriscarra Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €5,100 on February 22 in Pakie Mack’s. 3, 7, 30 and 33 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Nicholas O’Malley, Shane Naughton, Thomas O’Malley, Bernie Thomas, Padraic Hughes and Chloe Lally. The lotto jackpot stood at €5,200 last Sunday night, March 1.
The death has taken place of Pat Varley, Wembley, London and formerly a native of Ballyglass, Claremorris, Co Mayo. Pat passed away peacefully on February 9, surrounded by his loving family and in the wonderful care of Northwick Park Hospital. He is fondly remembered in his home community of Ballyglass.
Predeceased by his son James and sister Nano, Pat is deeply regretted by his wife Anne (nee Cassidy, formerly Leitra, Corlough), his family Patrick and Murtagh and daughter-in-law Tracy, his siblings Madie, John, Carmel and Della, the extended family, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
A funeral service before repatriation was held on Monday, February 23, at 4pm in St. Mary Magdalen Church, Willesden, London. Pat’s remains reposed at Smith's Funeral Home, High St., Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, on last Thursday evening, February 26, from 6 until 8pm. The removal of his remains took place on Friday morning from The Funeral Home in Ballinamore to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church, Corlough, Co. Cavan for Funeral Mass at 12 noon.
Burial ceremonies took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass Lotto draw held on Monday, February 23, in the clubhouse.The numbers drawn from the drum were 14, 25, 31 and 33. Breege Jennings matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Lisa Noonan, Emma Staunton, Cosgrave’s (Newtown) and Bob Feeney. The weekend draw had a jackpot of €16,500 up for grabs.
Results from Monday, February 23, were 1st Kitty Rumley and Judy Clarke, 2nd Richard and Mary Carney shared with Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings; Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin, and 3rd Martin Ford and Seamus Nevin. The best of last 10 prizes went to Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly and the raffle prizes went to Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley. The card games continue every Monday night in Ballyglass Community Centre from 9pm.
Community Futures surveys will be collected by volunteers on March 7. The results of the survey will lead to a public vote for priority projects that will help improve the area over the next five years. Business owners will be emailed the survey on March 9, to be completed and returned by March 13. The survey is the same, the business one is to be filled from a business point of view. For information contact Leona on 087 9936663.
Conor Finnerty is now running a variety of strength and fitness classes throughout the week at Ballintubber Centre Gym facilities. There are specialist women’s and men’s classes and also mixed classes available. There is also a personal training, nutritional and lifestyle feature. Details can be had from Conor at 089 4340905 or email conorfinnerty2010@gmail.com.
Music lovers are invited to experience the powerful 8-part harmonies of Mayo’s acclaimed vocal group Coda, blending Irish trad, folk, and contemporary music in the breath-taking setting of Ballintubber Abbey. The event will take place on Thursday, March 26.
The doors will open at 7.30pm with the concert commencing at 8pm. It will be an unforgettable evening of harmony and heritage.
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Partry/Tourmakeady/Killawalla.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is providing Irish language courses online at various levels to employees and professionals in the Gaeltacht who wish to undertake fully funded places on the Certificate in Professional Irish as a result of a partnership between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB). These courses, which are recognised by QQI and available from Levels 2-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications, will be provided by Gaelchultúr.
The courses are designed to help learn Irish or to improve their language competence and will have an emphasis on practical language skills and communicating with confidence. These are part-time 12-week courses with classes delivered live online once a week. The courses will begin in March. Further support will be provided to participants on these courses to obtain a Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) qualification with an additional scheme provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta to participants on completion of the course. Contact pleanailteanga@udaras.ie if you have any queries.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, February 21, stood at €20,000. 1, 20 22 and 32 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner.
Huge congratulations are extended to St Gerald’s College on a fantastic win in the Connacht colleges final. Well done to all the players and management, especially the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh duo, Luke Lydon and Tomas Ó Neachtain (trainer and teacher).
An indoor market in Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will continue on the 1st Saturday of every month from 11am to 3pm in Halla Pobail, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Co. Mayo. The market features a diverse mix of handcrafted, homemade, home-grown and locally produced wares. The market reflects the creativity, skills, and traditions of the area, with everything from artisan foods, natural skincare, artworks and crafts to unique fresh designs and locally made gifts. For further details contact; makersmarket.tme@gmail.com.
Killawalla lotto will shortly enjoy a “makeover” to a 50/50 format. All current annual tickets are still valid until the changeover is complete. The latest community council lotto draw took place on Sunday, February 23.
Killawalla Pioneers will hold a meeting in Killawalla Community Centre on tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4, at 8pm.
Sincere sympathy is accorded to Kathleen and Owen Hallinan, Killawalla on the recent passing of Kathleen’s sister Mary Geraghty, May she rest in peace.
St. Mary's NS Partry are now taking enrolments for the new school year 2026-27. For information contact the school on 094 9543060 or email: stmarysns2017@gmail.com.
Partry AFC numbers draw is held on Wednesday nights weekly. Congrats to Thomas and Sharon Staunton, Derrew, Partry who were recent draw winners.
Partry Residents draws take place on Saturday nights at 8pm. Congrats to Gabriel Burke, Partry who was a recent winner. Memberships of the draw are available from 087 2860565.
Are you looking for guidance on how to manage your farm/land in a more nature friendly manner? Maybe this is the programme for you. 50 spots available will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. More info and application at https://f.mtr.cool/rghinndgfu Farming for Nature is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra.
The death has taken place of Caroline Gordon (nee Ryder), Breaffy, Castlebar and formerly of Ballycastle and Swinford. Caroline passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s Private Hospital, Dublin. Well known and highly popular across the region, Caroline played a major role in many developmental and business organisations in County Mayo including Network Mayo, Castlebar Chamber of Commerce and Western Care among others. She is warmly remembered for her warmth, expertise and the dedication she showed to many enterprises. Her passing is indeed a great loss and she is fondly remembered by her family and many friends.
Pre-deceased by her parents Joe and Peggy, brothers John and Thomas, she is deeply regretted by her loving husband Sean, her daughter Niamh, her sisters and brother Margaret Given (James), Strandhill; Stephanie Heneghan (Michael), Breaffy; Declan Ryder (Laura), Clogher; her nieces and nephews Ellen, Niall, Sarah, Catherine, Jane, James and David, brother-in-law’s, sister-in-law’s, aunt and her uncle, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Caroline’s remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on the Sunday from 4 until 6pm. Her remains were taken to St Aloysius Church, Breaffy on Monday at 11.30 for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards to Breaffy cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
Breaffy GAA lotto on February 24 had the numbers 20, 23, 28 and bonus number 5 drawn. There was no jackpot winner and no match 3 winners. The jackpot stands at £19,500 on this Tuesday night, March 3.
Breaffy GAA is incredibly proud of the club lads who played their part in this fantastic achievement for their school - Eoghan Murray, Shay Golden, Riley Cowen, Darragh Connor, Rhys Neary, Oisin Costello, Ross Connolly, Conor Coghill and Cillian Curley. A special word of congratulations and thanks is extended to the school coaches and management team for their dedication and commitment throughout the campaign.
Breaffy Rounders is holding adult open days and everyone is most welcome to attend. This next open day will take place in Castlebar Celtic Astroturf pitch from 4 to 5pm on next Sunday, March 8. You’ll learn about the game and most importantly, have fun. Contact the club for more details email Secretary.Breaffy.Mayo.Rounders@gaa.ie or message 086 1679596.
The death has taken place recently of Della Bourke née Kilcoyne, Glengall Road, Kilburn, London and formerly of Knockaraha, Clogher, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. Della passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London. A former member of the nursing staff of St Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar, he is fondly remembered by her colleagues and in her home community as a warm witty and wonderful caring person. Her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her family and many friends on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Tom and her parents Barney and Mai Kilcoyne, Della is deeply regretted by her sons Tom and Ray, her sisters Imelda (Kilmeena), Eileen (Ballyheane), brothers Jimmy (Knockaraha), Sean (Ballyheane), Tom (Hemel Hempstead), her brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and good friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathies is tendered. Her remains reposed at Ballyheane Community Centre on last Thursday from 6pm with removal at 7.30pm to Ballintubber Abbey. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday at 11am with burial ceremonies taking place afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on February 22, were 16, 20, 24 and 29. Consolation prizewinners were Marion Barnicle, Marie and Geraldine, Julie Tolster and Angela O’ Boyle. The weekend jackpot stood at €5,400 on Sunday last, March 1.
Congratulations to Aaron Surdival on capturing silver in the Cumann na mBunscoil Connacht Handball Championship recently. Representing Belcarra NS it was an unbelievable achievement on one of the biggest school competitions in the province. Aaron showed heart, skill and composure beyond his years. Well done.
Belcarra National School are now taking enrolments for the next academic year. Contact the school to get your form. Details are available from 094 9032210 or email office@belcarra.ie.
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Balla / Manulla.
The death occurred recently of Thomas (Tom) Donohue, Ardcorkey, Mayo Abbey, Claremorris Co. Mayo. Tom was formerly of Cooloo, Moylough, Co. Galway. He passed away in the exceptional care of the staff of the Coronary Unit in Galway University Hospital. Tom’s passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his grieving family and many friends who held him in the highest regard. Predeceased by his parents John and Bina, brothers Bob, Chris and John, sister May and nephew Michéal, Tom is deeply regretted by his wife Anne, his family Josephine, Caroline and Bernie and Josephine’s partner Jimmy Giblin, his brother Fr Eamon Donohue MSc, his sister Sr Anne Donohue (Galway), his sisters-in-law Gertie, Margaret (England), Breda and Anne, brother-in-law Brian (England), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
His remains reposed at Balla Funeral Home on Monday, February 23, from 5 with removal at 7pm to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St. Gerald, Mayo Abbey. Tom’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday at 11.30 with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
On Tuesday mornings why not visit Balla Centre and try line dancing with Christopher at 11am? Join the group at Balla Community Centre and learn all your favourite steps while having a blast, keeping fit, and meeting new people. Line dancing also takes place on Saturday evenings from 7–8pm. Christopher’s music choices and infectious enthusiasm has all dancers smiling, moving, and loving every minute. The classes are dependent on numbers and ensure the floor is filled. Call 087 1850860, 094 9365846 or email info@balla.ie to book your spot.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, February 19, in The Shebeen for a jackpot of €8,100. 8, 10, 17 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Colm Connor (online), Marian Heneghan (standing order) and Johnny Duffy (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, February 26, in The Rendezvous when the jackpot stood at €8,200.
The next women’s circle will be on Friday, March 10, from 7.15 to 8.45pm. Join the group for an evening of meditation, reflective journal prompts, and connection. Sip on herbal tea, explore insights with oracle cards, and enjoy optional sharing in a warm, supportive circle. Contact Linda on 086 3936174 for full details.
A second 4-week term of Messy Tots commenced yesterday, Monday, March 2, at 10.15am in Balla Centre. This class books out extremely quickly, so be sure to secure your little one’s place as soon as possible. To book phone Magda on 089 220 0234.
The first steps in establishing Balla Community First Responders. Join up for an information night on March 19, at 7,30pm in the Inclusive Hub (above Balla Credit Union). If you have any questions, please feel free to call 087 1850860.
It is proposed to hold the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Balla again this year but it is necessary to have floats and community participation to proceed. The special event belongs to the whole community and it will happen if the community gives wholehearted support. Clubs, businesses, schools, and community groups are urged to participate. Persons who can organise a float are requested to get in touch and keep up this wonderful tradition. Call Balla CRD 094 936 65846 or 087 1850860.
The Christian Community in the parish has welcomed its newest members: Ciara Cox, Curryeallaun, Manulla and Hallie McIntyre, Lisnolan, Manulla who were Baptised recently in St Anne’s Church, Belcarra and St Cronan’s Church, Balla. Congratulations to their parents and families.
A few spots have opened up on the second Spring Gardening Course. If you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s your chance – make contact and secure your place. Contact 087 1850860 or 094 93 65846.
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Errew & Clogher.
It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Frank Walsh, Frenchill, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Frank passed away peacefully at his residence, surrounded by his loving family on February 23. An outstanding tradesman and plasterer in his younger days he worked for some years in London. Frank was one of life’s gentlemen, kind and caring and always available to help others. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow for his family and many neighbours and friends. Predeceased by his parents Mary and James and his brother Fr Joe, he is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Noreen, son Francis, daughter Laura, brothers Gerry, Tom and Fintan, sisters Maureen (Walsh) and Bridie (Prendergast), daughter-in-law Niamh, Laura’s partner David, granddaughter Éada, sisters-in-law Ann, Patricia, Kathleen and Bernadette (Mc Loughlin), brothers-in-law Padraic and Patsy, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a large attendance present as Frank’s remains reposed in Ballyheane Community Centre on last Wednesday, February 25, from 6pm with removal at 8pm to his residence. The removal of his remains took place on Thursday morning at 10.15am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballyheane. Frank was then laid to rest in Ballyheane cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The death has taken place of Marie O’Flynn née McGarry, Raheny, Dublin. Marie was formerly a native of Thomastown, Clogher, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and she passed away on February 21, peacefully, in the loving care of the staff at St Francis Hospice, Raheny. Marie was previously cared for by the lovely staff at Beaumont Hospital where she spent most of her working life. She is deeply regretted by her husband Thomas, her family Caitriona, Cormac, Fiachra, and Sean, brothers Michael, Seamus, Sean and Paul, sisters Harriet, Caterina and Sarah, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, neighbours and her former colleagues in the Medical Laboratory in Beaumont Hospital to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Marie’s remains reposed on last Wednesday evening from 4pm–6pm at Frank Jennings Funeral Home, Greendale Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5. The removal of her remains took place on Thursday from Frank Jennings Funeral Home at 10.55am to St. John the Evangelist Church, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5 for 11am funeral Mass, followed by burial ceremonies in Balgriffin New Extension Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Card results for Friday, February 20, were 1st Kathy O'Toole and Mary Jo Cannon, Derek Quinn and Tom Fahey, 2nd Joe and Ruby Thomas, 3rd Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, Last 10 Pat Griffith and Gay Conway. The progressive 25 game continues every Friday night.
Clogher Active Age Group is planning their outings, projects and classes for the coming year. New members are always welcome. The group meet every Wednesday morning at 11am at the Clogher Community Hall. A bus service is also available for people who might like to avail of it.
Congratulations to Teresa Ryan of Ballyheane who was the February winner of the Clogher 500 draw. The next draw will take place on Sunday, March 29.
In 2025 Errew Re-turn bin raised nearly €700. Thanks have been extended all who supported the appeal to donate. All funds go towards the running costs of Errew Community Centre and are much needed and appreciated. The bin is empty again now so please bring your Re-turn cans and bottles to the orange bin outside the centre. Huge thanks as always to Marian Deasy for leading this worthy community fundraiser.
Errew National School has a unique caring learning environment where children are encouraged to develop their full potential in a nurturing environment and become part of a whole school family. Located only 7km and 10 minutes from Castlebar the school has recently been upgraded with safe, off road access and easy parent parking. School bus pending. The breakfast club and after school facility is located directly opposite the school in Errew Community Centre only a few steps away. Contact the secretary on office@errewns.com or 094 9030615 for all enquiries or to request a visit to come and see the school, including outside of school hours. All welcome. Eircode - F23 P903.
