Local Notes: Tree planted in honour of retirement of Canon James Quinn after 26 years administering to Taugheen community.

Ger McHugh, Fr Sean Flynn, Maureen Quinn, Mary Warde and Timmy Quinn pictured at the planting of a tree in honour of the retirement of Canon James Quinn after 26 years administering to the Taugheen community. Picture by Tom Quinn
The death occurred last week of Michael Dempsey, Abbey View, Skehanagh Upper, Ballintubber, Claremorris, Co. Mayo and formerly of Boradruma, Snugboro, Castlebar. Michael passed away peacefully at his home following a short illness, surrounded by his loving family last Wednesday, December 11. Widely known across the agricultural community his passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his family and many friends who held him in the highest regard. Michael was predeceased by his parents Tony and Roseanne Dempsey, Boradruma, Castlebar, his sisters Margaret Rose Stidd (Dallas), Mary Dempsey Brayton (Kansas) and his brother Pat (Boradruma) and he is deeply regretted by his wife Margaret and his family, Orlaigh (Carracastle), Aisling (Ballintubber), Darrina (Clogher), Nikki (Carracastle), Michael Jnr. (Ballintubber) and Jason (Ballintubber), his grandchildren Ryan and Rachel, Hollie and Ethan, Jack and Dylan, Ben and Amelia, Sophia and Isabelle, Noah and baby Theo, his sisters Breda (Kells), Juie (Cavan), Ann (Drumshaughlin), Agnes (Breaffy), brothers Tony (London), Neil (Foxford) and Thomas (Boradruma), daughters-in-law Mary and Louise and sons-in-law Billy, Stephen, Adrian and Gary, nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours and wide circle of friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. There was a large attendance present while Michael’s remains reposed at his residence on last Friday evening, December 13, from 4 until 7pm. His funeral Mass took place on Saturday morning at 11am in Ballintubber Abbey followed by burial ceremonies in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Ballintubber GAA jackpot stood at €7,900 on Sunday night, December 8. The numbers drawn were 1, 10, 14, and 18. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Audrey Chalke, Maria Burke, Laura Igoe, Margaret McGing, Niamh and Grainne Nestor and Enda Keane.
The jackpot stood at €8,000 on last Sunday night, December 15. Play Ballintubber lotto at https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
The recent run by Michael Corcoran in the Dublin Marathon run for Epilepsy Ireland raised the generous total of €3,300 for the worthy cause. Michael, who deserves immense credit wishes to thank all who supported him in the splendid effort.
The numbers drawn in the Ballyglass FC lotto on Monday, December 9, were 2, 21, 25 and 28. There was no winner of the €10,100 jackpot. The Match 3 winner was Agnes Coakley. Consolation prizes went to Katie Loftus, Mary Burke, Brid Heverin, Francis Boyle and Seamus Burke. Play now to be in with a chance of winning the giant jackpot of €10,200. Go to smartlotto.ie. Thanks to all loyal club supporters.
The winners on Monday, December 9, were 1st Mary McGuinness and Breege Jennings, 2nd Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion; Peter Glynn and Tomas Solan and 3rd Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin; Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford; Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes. The last 10 winners were Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley. The raffle prizes went to Sean Reilly and Seamus Hughes.
The progressive 25 games continue every Monday night at 9pm.
Joe Kelly, who sells fresh vegetables at the monthly Ballyglass Markets, has organised a weekly vegetable box delivery service to Ballyglass Community Centre. He delivers boxes of fresh seasonal organic vegetables, to be picked up on Tuesday evenings between 5 and 5.30pm at the community centre. The boxes cost €20 each. If you would like to order a box of Joe’s vegetables, call him on 089 4519198.
Irish Dancing classes for children aged 4 and upwards are held in the community centre every Wednesday from 4.30 to 5.30, and cost €5 per class, pay as you go. Beginners are very welcome.
The Mass schedule for the parish is as follows, Christmas Eve, 6pm Killawalla, 7.30pm Carnacon and 9pm Ballintubber. Christmas Day 10am Killawalla, 11am Ballintubber and 12 noon Carnacon. Confessions for Christmas will be held after Masses in all churches from December 16 to 23. Christmas Communion calls will take place on Friday, December 20, at the usual times. If anyone wishes to be included in the calls, let Fr Michael know at 094 9030934 or 094 9360205. There will be no calls in January.
Due to a local bereavement, the Tractor Run has been rescheduled to next Sunday, December 22. Registration is at 2pm. In order to make this year's tractor run as successful as previous years, a few stewards are needed to help with safety and traffic management along the route. Contact any member of the committee if you can help out. The run will be starting at 4pm and will be complete by 5.30pm There is plenty of time to join in the fun and craic, and help make this another memorable occasion for the whole community. There are some amazing prizes and vouchers up for grabs this Sunday at the tractor run. Tickets are €5 each or 3 for €10.
A new single about the late Br Joseph McNally has been released from singer songwriter Barney McCabe, from his new album "Between the Corrib and the Mask’ and was inspired by a recent visit and a tour by the Abbey guide Muriel Barry. Barney is from the beautiful village of Cong in Co. Mayo. There will be copies of this new album available in the Abbey Gift shop in the coming days.
A Nollaig na mBan function will take place in Corley’s Abbey Lounge on Saturday, January 4, with arrival at 5pm for dinner at 6pm. Tickets cost €45 per person and there will be a raffle on the evening. Places are limited and pre-booking is required.
A new episode in the LCCA's podcast series is now available. In this episode, long-serving Mayo County councillor, businessman, and farmer Al McDonnell—an early founder and steadfast supporter of the Lough Carra Catchment Association—reflects on the dramatic changes the lake has undergone in recent years and shares his insights on the best ways to halt its decline.
This podcast series is funded by the Local Authority Water Program (LawPro) and is produced and presented by Jarek Majuksiak.
You can find this and all previous podcasts on the Spotify link below or at the Lough Carra Catchment Association's website under the podcast tab. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wH7UHLqxOEWNqRr53qpyG...
https://loughcarra.org/lcca-podcasts/.
A new mother and baby/toddler group has been formed in the Childcare Centre, Carnacon. A large number of mothers and toddlers are enjoying the superb facilities. The group usually meet on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm but if attendees want to change to any other day they will be able to do so. All mothers from the parish and beyond are welcome to avail of this wonderful facility. For further details contact 087 6752668.
A 25 Drive (singles hands with 16 games) started in Carnacon Community Centre on Thursday night, October 17, at 8.30pm.
There is a raffle and refreshments served after the game. There is a special prize for the person with the greatest number of games, and the least number of games at Christmas. All card players are welcome.
Christmas Cards are available at Ballintubber Abbey. A 4pk of assorted cards costs €5. Greetings from Ballintubber Assorted Cards 6pk - €6.50.
All proceeds go towards Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Fund and are available at Ballintubber Abbey Giftshop and online.
On December 21, at 6pm in The Scioból, (behind Crave at the Cottage), an evening of music, poetry and song with guest speaker Amanie Issa PHD native of Bethlehem will take place. A Nollaig na mBan celebration Amanie will speak about life in Bethlehem under occupation. This will be a fundraiser for families in Bethlehem and Palestine who have lost their livelihoods. Donations gratefully received on the night. Please support this worthy cause.
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The death took place last week of Thomas (Tom) McGing, Newtown, Partry, Co. Mayo, and formerly of Derrendafderg, Srah, Co. Mayo and Pennsylvania, USA. Tom passed away surrounded by his family in the care of Mayo Hospice on December 7. Predeceased by his parents Michael and Annie, sisters Mary Mitchell (Birmingham) and Bridgie McGing (Dereendafderg) he is deeply regretted by his wife Mary Kate (nee O'Malley), brother Mick (Kilmaine), brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on last Tuesday evening (December 10) from 6pm until 8pm. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at 2.30pm at St. Mary’s Church, Partry. Funeral ceremonies took place in St Mary's Cemetery, Tourmakeady. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
Bhí án gCruinniú Cinn Bhliana ar siúl i Halla Pobail Thuar Mhic Éadaigh ar an Déardaoin, 5 Nollag, 2024. Oifigigh CLG Thuar Mhic Éadaigh 2025 - Toghadh na daoine seo a leanas ag an gcruinniú bliantúil. The following persons and assistants were appointed at the recent club AGM.
Uachtarán Onórach - Seán Ó Seaghdha; Cathaoirleach (Chairperson) - Seosamh Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA Cathaoirleach - Declan - Deaglán Ó Grádaigh; Leas-Cathaoirleach (Vice Chairperson) - Brendan de Priondargás; Rúnaí (Secretary) - Mícheál Coyne; Leas-Rúnaí (Vice Secretary) - Damien Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA Rúnaí - Michelle Uí Mhaolalla; Cisteoir (Treasurer) - Daithí Ó Maolalla Leas Cisteoir (Assistant Treasurer) - Madeline Uí Dhearmada; Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí (PRO) - Maeve Standún; Claraitheoir (Registrar) - Cathy Breathnach; Oifigeach Club Sláintiúla / Healthy Club Officer - Siobhán Mhic an Mháistir; Oifigeach na bPáistí (Child Officer / Youth Officer) -Síle Uí Bhaircéir; Oifigeach Cóitseála (Coaching Officer) - Tomás Ó Neachtain; Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish / Culture Officer) - follamh faoi láthair; County Board Delegate - Damien Ó hÉanacháin; LGFA County Board Delegates- Deaglán Ó Grádaigh/ Una Uí Dhonnchadha; Pitch and Hall Booking Coordinator - Nina Uí Luideáin; Fixtures Coordinator - Laura de Priondargás Focal speisialta buíochais d’oifigigh atá ag dul as oifig – Seán Ó Cualáin (Leas - Cathaoirleach), Niamh Uí Neachtain (Oifigeach Caidrimh Phoiblí/PRO), Pattie Stundún Uí Aodhagáin ( Oifigeach na Gaeilge) agus Jennifer Uí Luideáin (Oifigeach Idirchaidrimh LGFA) as a dtiomantas agus a dtiomantas do dhualgais an chlub le roinnt blianta anuas. Ba mhaith linn ar mbuíochas a ghabáil do gach duine a thugann tacaíocht duinn i gcónaí agus tá súil againn go mbeidh Nollag slán sábháilte agus sásta oraibh uilig.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €14,900 on December 7.
The draws take place on Saturday nights weekly and there are two online prizes of €40 and also a €40 Cairde prize each week. All funds raised support club development and the support of patrons is deeply appreciated. You can play on line / Ticéadaí le fáil ar líne Ag: https://smartlotto.ie/clg-thuar-mhic-eadaigh/.
The 37th annual edition of ‘Waterfall’ that eagerly awaited community magazine was scheduled to be in local retail outlets this week. The long serving editorial committee are deserving of the highest plaudits for their dedication and commitment to this highly praiseworthy annual initiative.
Coláiste Muire Leaving Cert students are hosting a debs fundraiser the monster Christmas Pub Quiz which will take place in The Lough Mask Inn on Saturday, December 21, at 7.30pm. The fees are €10 per person and tables of four, €40 per table, The prize for the winning table is €200 One4all Voucher ( 4 x €50 voucher).
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Peatlands and Natura Community Engagement Scheme - Applications are being invited across a diverse range of initiatives with a community benefit including: events, education programmes, promotions, publications, exhibitions, development of conservation management plans, public amenity and recreational measures, maintenance measures that support conservation measures, monitoring or surveying work to inform of restoration/conservation projects, invasive species and fire control measures, anti-littering initiatives to local environmental improvements in the area of the designated sites and other peatland areas.
Successful applicants for this year’s assistance will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 80% of the project's eligible costs, with a maximum grant of €40,000 for Natura 2000 designated sites and up to €20,000 for Non-Natura 2000 peatland sites.
Further details of the scheme are available on the NPWS Website: https://www.npws.ie/.../peatlands-and-natura-community...
The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, January 24, 2025.
The annual Christmas tree is erected once again at Tourmakeady Church Grounds again this year. A limited number of cards are also available once again this year at €5 each, with three Mass’s celebrated on each card. All proceeds will be in aid of Tourmakeady Church.
St Mary’s Church, Tourmakeady is currently closed for renovation and some repair and decorating works due to flooding. The work is expected to be complete shortly. Mass’s at the usual times, and will be celebrated in Tourmakeady Parish Hall.
The winter season of Irish classes take place in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh on Wednesdays each week - at 10am there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday). Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
The death has taken place of Frances Heneghan, Millbrook Road, Bedford, UK, and formerly of Kinuary, Killawalla, Westport. Francis passed away on September 19, 2024 and she is deeply regretted by the Heneghan family, Kinuary, relatives and friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Her funeral service took place on Friday, December 13, 2024 in the Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Goldington Road, Bedford, UK followed by burial in Norse Road Cemetery, Norse Road, Bedford, UK at 2pm. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Killawalla Community Council is holding an AGM on February 15. They are looking to elect new members and a positive response is anticipated to continue the great work to date.
St Mary’s National School, Partry, would welcome consignments of returnable bottles and cans. Donations of the returnable bottles and cans can be made during school hours and outside of that time people can phone 087 3141868 to arrange access. Strong support for both ventures would be highly appreciated.
Congrats to Amy Cryan, daughter of Barry and Susan Cryan, who recently celebrated her 21st birthday. She is wished every success and many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
Monday nights - Bingo runs from 8.30. All welcome; Wednesday evenings - Ukulele and Guitar lessons for Partry Music Group (groups are all full at the moment); Wednesday nights - Yoga with Candice, 7.30pm to 9pm; Thursday mornings Yoga with Candice 9.30am -10.30am; Thursday evenings Junior Irish Dancing with Catherine Coleman School of Irish Dancing. Additionally, the new remote working hub is up and running. Bookings can be made through connected hubs. Visit https:// www.connectedhubs.ie/hubs/profile/5001 for more information and to reserve a place. Contact a member of Partry Community Council for further information on any of these events.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Clodagh Doyle, Clonee and Mary Feerick who were recent winners in the popular club numbers lotto. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Congrats to Jimmy Morley, Ballinrobe and Mary Heneghan, Partry who were recent winners of €100 in the Partry Residents Association Saturday night draws. The numbers lotto draw takes place on Saturday nights and all funds raised go towards local projects and village enhancement.
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Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has reached a massive €9,600. The jackpot stood at €9,500 on Sunday, December 8. The numbers drawn were 1, 21, 23 and 32. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Noreen Keane, Karyn O'Malley, Frank McNamara and Tom and Sam Hughes. The weekend jackpot stood at €9,600. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, Mass will be 8pm in St Anne's Church, Belcarra. On Christmas Day, Mass, will be celebrated at 11am.
Decorating of St Anne’s Church, Belcarra will take place this Tuesday evening, December 17, at 7pm. All volunteers most welcome.
All monies placed in the candelabra while the crib is in place in St Anne’s will be donated to Sr Mary O’Malley to support her missionary work in Kenya. The annual generous contribution enables Sr Mary to help many needy people.
The next card game in Belcarra Centre will be on January 6, 2025. All the card players are wished a happy Christmas and best wishes for 2025.
Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €26,800 for the December 10 draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 8 and Bonus No 7. There was no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the weekly prize winners and congrats to Jimmy Burke who was the winner of the luxurious getaway at The Lodge at Ashford. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play online: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/.http://www.breaffygaa.ie/breaffy-gaa-lotto/. The jackpot stood at €27,000 for tonight’s draw on December 17.
A “Battle of the villages” in memory of David Gavin will take place on St Stephen’s Day, December 26 with a Christmas Jumper Walk Bar and refreshments afterwards. Strong community support would be greatly appreciated.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre is the venue for enjoyable Bingo sessions on Wednesday nights each week at 9pm. There are generous prizes and refreshments are served.
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A Nollaig na mBan celebration will take place on Saturday, January 4, in Errew Centre from 10am-1pm. Ladies, gather and enjoy a morning off and come together for a few hours of guided well-being, conversation, and nice food we haven’t had to prepare ourselves and a celebration of this lovely Irish tradition. Book your place with Carmel on 087 6972726. Only €35pp - remember the venue Errew Community Centre.
The annual end of year walk on the Clogher Bog Loop will take place on Friday, December 27, commencing at 11am. This is an opportunity to get back to normal after the few days of festivities. The Bog walks have been busy in 2024 and continue to attract walkers all year round. An added attraction this year has been the launch of the Sandmartin nesting wall which is a feature unique to this area. The wall has been selected as county winner in the National Heritage Week Awards which is great news for the community and for all who were involved in bringing this great project to fruition. The end of year walk will be an opportunity to get back to normal after the few days of festivities. The walk will be followed by refreshments around the open fire in the cottage. Everybody is welcome.
There are no card results for Friday, December 6, due to the arrival of Storm Darragh. The games will continue on December 20 and will resume again in 2025 on January 3.
Errew Centre has hosted successful well-being and breath work sessions in past weeks. A 6 week course will begin on Monday nights in January - more details to follow. Contact Carmel Hughes 087 6972726, Sage Wellbeing if you are interested in reserving a place.
The result of the Errew 25 drive doubles card game was;1st Pat Kilcoyne and John Richardson, 2nd Mary O’Boyle and Padraig Thomas. The prize winner in the raffle was Kevin Jennings. Errew Parents’ Association have extended thanks to everyone who supported this fundraiser for Errew National School. It was a most enjoyable evening in the community centre.
Errew Community Centre has been chosen for the current round of the blue token Castlebar Tesco Ireland Community Fund. All local folks and supporters of the new Errew Centre Project are requested to use the store to vote for the centre with their tokens. The slot will be available to Errew until the end of January.
A Re-turn Bin is now located at Errew Community Centre for all cans and plastic bottles with the Re-turn Logo only. Please support the community centre by using this recycling facility.