Local Notes: Veteran and Vintage Motor Club stop in Carnacon
Tomas Nally pictured admiring a 1925 Ford Model T with Mayo registration plates. It was part of the Veteran & Vintage Motor Club that stopped for lunch in Carnacon Community Centre. Picture by Tom Quinn.
Minister Dara Calleary will launch the renewed Community Futures Action Plan for Ballyglass on Sunday, July 19, at 2pm in the community centre. This plan contains the views and wishes of the community members who took part in the recent survey and provides a roadmap for the projects to be carried out in the community in next five years. Invitations will be delivered to all homes in the area by volunteers in the coming weeks.
Ballyglass Active Age group enjoyed a lovely day trip on June 15. The first stop was the Coleman Music Centre in Gurteen, where refreshments were provided, followed by musical entertainment by a group of talented musicians. Many took to the dance floor for some popular Irish dances. Afterwards, the group continued on to Sligo where they took in some retail therapy in the town, followed by an evening meal on the way home in the Great National Hotel in Ballina. Thanks to Sally, Mena and Mary and all who helped organise a lovely day out together.
Last Tuesday, the group had a picnic in glorious sunshine in the tranquil surroundings of Moorehall. Thanks to Sarah Keane for facilitating the weekly exercise class outdoors, followed by delightful home baked treats brought along by members of the group. Days like this are very special and make for great memories.
Ballyglass Active Age Group look forward to many more fun times together. Exercise classes continue every Tuesday morning from 11am to 12 noon. Chair yoga classes continue every Wednesday from 10 to 11am. As ever, anyone wishing to join in the fun is always very welcome.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €6,900 on Monday night, June 29. 8, 17 27 and 31 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Aaron Kelly, Seamus Duffy, Ella Donovan, Brian O’Malley, Adrian Prendergast and Michael Fox. The lotto jackpot stood at €7,000 last Sunday night, July 5. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers.
Mi-Wadi FAI Football Camps 2026 are coming to Ballyglass FC for an action-packed week of football, fun, and friendship. The important dates are; Monday, July 27, to Friday, July 31, running from 10am – 1pm. Boys and girls aged 6 to 14 of all skill levels are most welcome to attend. This is the perfect opportunity for young players to develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the game in a fun, safe environment. Book online here: https://share.google/AlhhJKJLnExjciPmt.
There was no winner of the jackpot in the Ballyglass lotto draw held on Monday, June 29, in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 8, 20, 23 and 26. Una Maughan Prendergast, Tony Corbett and Niall, Niamh, Stephanie Gilligan matched 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Colm Connor and Ronan Joyce. The weekend draw will had a jackpot of €18,300 up for grabs.
Ballyglass clean up group meet on Tuesdays at 6.30pm at the community centre. Volunteers are always very welcome. Bring gloves, litter pickers, shovels, brushes and other tools.
Happy Birthday wishes are extended to Deirdre Conroy, Ballinaglea, who turned 40 recently and to Bridie Boyle, Ballyglass, who is celebrating her 90th birthday. Both ladies are wished many more such joyous occasions in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Naoise Ramsey, daughter of Neal and Carmel Ramsey, Curlisduane, who was presented with the O’Brien trophy for excellence in swimming at Claremorris Swimming pool recently..
Carnacon Childcare ECCE preschool will be providing childcare for children from 2 years and 8 months up to 5 years of age. Opening this September it is an ECCE preschool service, children obtain skills that will last a lifetime using a play based approach and emergent curriculum, with small class sizes and lots of fun and learning. To express interest contact Siofra at 087 2051545 or email reiltini.childcare@gmail.com.
Volunteers with strimmer’s are needed to help prepare Burriscarra Cemetery for the upcoming cemetery Mass. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. For more information or to volunteer contact Peter on 086 333 9190.
The family of the late Gerry Biggins are raising funds for the Dublin Neurological Institute and the Mater Hospital in memory of a wonderful husband and father. The Gerry Biggins Memorial walk will take place on Saturday, July 18, departing from the Abbey at 9am. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences are extended to Kevin Hall, Banogues on the recent passing of his grandfather, Paddy Hall, Castlebar. Sincere sympathy is also accorded to Peggy Hayes, Drumminroe West on the passing of her brother Larry Gill, Kiltimagh. May they rest in peace.
The Christian community welcomes its newest members, Ayla Bridget Deely who was baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on Tuesday, June 23, and Mia Diskin, who was baptised in the Holy Trinity Abbey on last Saturday, June 27. Congratulations to their parents and families.
Ballyheane/Ballintubber Community First Responders (CFRs) are holding their annual flag day in the Ballintubber and Castlebar areas on next Friday, July 10, and they would be very grateful for anyone that would give 1 or 2 hours of their time to shake a bucket for this very worthy cause. Contact Karen on 086 845 7419. CFRs in the community respond voluntarily day and night to 999 calls in Ballyheane/ Partry/Ballintubber/Carnacon/Clogher/Errew/ Killawalla.
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The 18th Annual Joyce Country Challenge takes place on Saturday July 18. There are four grades of walks to challenge all levels of fitness. The adults fee is €10 and children are free.
The Joyce Country Challenge has grown over the years and is renowned for the quality of the 4 different walks - from the challenge to the 5k family walk. As well as the walks, the hospitality is famed far and wide. From the early morning tea and toast to the refreshments at the halfway point, to the soup and craic back at Finny Hall, the hospitality is as renowned as the walking and scenery. A high participation rate is anticipated.
Host families are required to welcome an international student into their homes. Are you interested in making a difference and sharing Irish culture? EIL Intercultural Learning is seeking warm and welcoming host families for international students. By hosting, you’ll help a young person experience authentic Irish life, build lifelong friendships, and contribute to global citizenship. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a host family, contact eolas@colaistemuire.eu or call 094 9544107.
The weekend lotto jackpot on Saturday, June 27, stood at €20,000. 4, 6, 7 and 9 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Jacqueline Shannon was the online consolation winner. 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.
The Knitting Circle is on summer break until September. The social club is also on a summer break until September. Both organisations have enjoyed a strong membership and an active calendar of activity for many months.
Tourmakeady NS lotto ball draws take place on Saturdays. A prize of €100 is awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto on Saturday night. Recent winners were Micheal and Michelle Uí Mhaolalla, Ciara Ni Thuathail and Michael and Sally Mhic Giobuin. Thanks to everyone for their continued support. If you wish to take part in the weekly draw the cost is €100 for six months. Persons who are willing to support, contact the school via phone on 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.
Stephen Donaghue will have an honesty box at his home in Gortmore in lieu of honey, vegetables, flowering plants, and fruit from time to time. All proceeds from the sale of the above items will be donated to Mary’s Meals Charity.
Your assistance is required for a Masters Research Project University College London (UCL) - Ireland’s Holy Wells as sites of human nature connections by Laura May Galvin. Her research aims to examine the role of holy wells in contemporary Ireland, and to explore how visiting and engaging with holy wells shapes people’s relationship with the natural environment. For further information contact laura.galvin.25@ucl.ac.uk.
Tourmakeady Parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at 9.30 at Tourmakeady woods. All are welcome to participate in this hugely enjoyable weekly event.
The June 28 Killawalla Community Council lotto winner was Caroline McGing who netted €391. Online and annual tickets for Killawalla Community Council fortnightly draws are available. One annual ticket is modestly priced at €50 while three entries cost €120.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Mary Munroe, Kilkeeran on the passing of her sister Breda Carney Kelly, Ballaghamuck, Crossmolina. May she rest in peace.
Congratulations to Partry AFC U13 boys’ team who won the league in a playoff against Straide and Foxford in Ballyheane winning the match 3-1. Well done lads and commiserations on the U13 cup final draw with Conn Rangers 2-2 Partry. Conn Rangers won 5-4 on penalties.
The Dementia cafe continues on the 2nd Thursday of every month, in the Ballinrobe Parish Centre, and runs from 11.30am to 1pm. The next one is on Thursday, July 9. All are welcome and refreshments will be supplied. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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Belcarra Annual Sports Day will take place on August 9. There will also be a townlands tug of war competition. All areas are requested to start training and get your teams ready. As always a fun filled programme is being devised and the sports day will have something for everyone.
Belcarra Tidy Towns are delighted to announce that they are starting a Belcarra Junior Tidy Towns - clean and green. This brand-new summer programme is all about giving young people the chance to get involved, make friends, learn new skills and take pride in the village they call home. Over July and August, the group will meet for just one hour every Monday evening, taking part in fun, hands-on activities including - village clean-ups, biodiversity walks, eco art, nature challenges, planting projects, environmental awareness campaigns and plenty of fun along the way. Every child who joins will receive their own Junior Tidy Towns pack and passport, collecting stamps each week as they complete activities.
The launch of the project was held yesterday evening Monday, July 6. The get-together will run every Monday throughout July and August.
This is a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy the outdoors, build confidence, learn about nature and help make Belcarra an even better place to live. It is desired that lots of young faces will be getting involved!
It was another amazing day at the annual Belcarra 8k Fun Run. The sun shone and so did the abundant community spirit. Thank you to all the organisers, volunteers and everyone who worked together behind the scenes to make it a very successful day. Thanks to all runners, walkers, strollers and all who came out to support the event. The results are as follows: Men’s 1st Eamonn Joyce, 2nd Michael Rock and 3rd Padraig Mc Vann.
Women’s: 1st Lisa Lally, 2nd Michelle McAlpine and 3rd Roisin Gavin. The U18s winners were Donnachadh Heverin and Alice Cuffe. Lots of amazing young people came out to race. They all showed grit and determination to get to that finish line. All the young people received a medal. A special credit goes to 1st boy Chris Lally and 1st girl Kate Lally; 2nd boy Kyle Surdival and 2nd girl Hannah Fadden and also 3rd boy James Cuffe and 3rd girl Miya Staunton.
In the Belcarra Community Council lotto draw the numbers drawn on Sunday, June 28 were 17, 30, 31 and 32. The €30 consolation prizewinners were Ronan Prendergast, Tony Hetherington, Bridie Thomas and J Neyret. The weekend jackpot stood at €7,200 on last Sunday, July 5.
Breaffy GAA lotto results for June 30, had the numbers 7, 13, 16 and bonus number 9 drawn. The jackpot stands at £21,300 on July 7 this Tuesday night. Best of luck to Jack Livingstone, Aidan O’Shea and Matthew Ruane as Mayo take on Louth in the All-Ireland semi-final next weekend. Everyone in Breaffy and Mayo GAA is behind you and they wish you all the very best on the big occasion.
Age Action runs free digital skills classes in Castlebar Library on Wednesdays from 1.30 to 3.30pm.To register call 091 527831.
Beginners Irish Dancing classes in Ballyheane Community Centre will be continuing throughout the summer months. They are now taking bookings for the sessions. All welcome - ages 4+ every Tuesday from 6.30 to 7.30pm with a fee of €10 per class. Classes for competition, grade exams, displays shows, fitness and fun. Call Molly Hughes TCRG on 087 6562094 for details.
Ballyheane FC was very saddened to hear of the death of Carmel Behan nee Wheeler, mother of the clubs current treasurer Joe Behan and grandmother to the men's senior player Donal Behan. Heartfelt sympathies are extended to Joe and the extended Behan and Wheeler families on their great loss. May Carmel's gentle soul rest in peace.
Boycey Sports Bubble soccer camp will be at Ballyheane Community Centre from Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17. Details are available from 086 8478118. The camp caters for children aged from 4 to 13 years and runs from 10am to 3pm.
The Alzheimer's Activity Club in Lough Lannagh Holiday Village Main Hall runs on a monthly basis on the first Thursday of the month from 10am to 12 noon for activities, games, chat, refreshments and day trips. The July activity club featured a chair yoga session. Contact Marie on 087 170 8706 for further details.
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The death occurred last week of Nathaniel Somers, better known as Natie, Station Road, Balla, Co. Mayo. Natie passed away peacefully at Mayo Hospice. His passing is an occasion of great sorrow to his loving family and many neighbours and friends who held him in high regard. Predeceased by his parents Edward and Jane, and his sister Mary Jo, he is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary of 60 years, sons Sean, Gary, and Nathan; daughters-in-law Luisa, Caoimhe and Joanna; grandchildren Nora, Dana, Livia, Cúnla, Siún, Éile, Luca, and Evie; sisters Patricia, Jean, and Gabrielle; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, neighbours, and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Nathaniel’s remains reposed at the Balla Funeral Home on last Wednesday, July 1, from 6pm, with removal at 7.30pm to St Cronan’s Church Balla. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, July 2, at 12 noon, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Calling all local makers, growers, bakers, creators and small businesses. Balla Summer Market is back on Saturday, August 15, running from 11am–3pm. Whether you create handmade crafts, grow seasonal produce, bake delicious treats, make pantry favourites, grow flowers and plants, or create goodies for our furry friends, the organisers would love to welcome you.
Last year's market was a wonderful celebration of community and supporting local crafts and business. To book a stall, contact Balla Community Resources Development on 087 185 0860.
Balla GAA lotto draw was held on Thursday, May June 25, in Flukies for a jackpot of €9,900. 4, 19, 29 and 36 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The €30 consolation prize winners were Derek Duffy (online), Rylee Flatley (cash sale) and Mary Jo Dempsey (cash sale). The latest draw was held on last Thursday, July 2, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €10,000.
Congrats to the Balla U16D team who won the recent West Mayo Championship.
Sincere thanks have been extended to all who supported the Trócaire Lenten Campaign and contributed to the generous total of €6, 324.24 in the parish of Balla/ Belcarra.
The parish cemetery Masses schedule is as follows: Drum on Monday, August 10; Guesdian, Tuesday, August 11; Elm Hall, Wednesday, August 12 and Balla, Thursday, August 13. Masses will be at 7.30 on each evening weather permitting.
The Christian Community have welcomed Jude Patrick Power who was baptised recently in St Cronan's Church, Balla. Congratulations are tendered to his parents and family.
Manulla FC lotto stood at €6,900 on July 5 for the weekly draw. Manulla FC are delighted to announce that the FA Ireland Mi-Wadi Summer Camp is coming to Manulla FC again this year. The camp will run from Monday, July 13, to Friday 17, between the hours of 10am-1pm at the club grounds in Carramore.
A sincere “thank you” has been extended to Ger Deere - Mayo County Councillor and Castlebar Municipal Council. Ger was recently in Manulla FC for the official opening of the Mayo Autism Camp Creative Hub, and the Variety - the Children's Charity of Ireland Cycling Program. These exciting developments, together with the excellent facilities already established, are making a real difference to the lives of children with disabilities and additional needs, as well as their families. Congratulations to everyone involved in Mayo Autism Camp, Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland, and Manulla Soccer Club for their continued commitment to inclusion and community development.
Congratulations to Aisling Boyle and Nick Gallwey who recently celebrated their wedding ceremony in St. Cronan’s Church, Balla. They are wished good health and great happiness in their married lives.
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Clogher Community has been chosen by Mayo Co Council to go forward for the Pride of Place competition in the population category 300 - 1000. The judging for the competition takes place on Wednesday, July 22, between 2-5pm at the Clogher Community Centre, and the judges will also be taken on a tour of the whole Clogher area. The competition encompasses all the geographical areas and organisations in the community. The Community Employment Scheme, the Environmental group and volunteers are busy with preparations for the judging in the green areas, the roads and in the hall. The competition encompasses all the geographical areas and organisations in the community. A meeting of the committee, volunteers and scheme members takes place in the community centre each Monday at 8pm in the run up to July 22, in preparation for the judges. Everyone is invited to participate and to help to showcase the area in the best possible light.
The Clogher card results for Friday, June 26, were 1st Breege Blake and Mary McDonagh, 2nd Majella Corbett and Margaret Mannion, 3rd Gay Conway and Joe Thomas. The last 10 winners were Gus Sweeney and Michael Giblin. The game continues every Friday at 9pm.
A beginners course in Irish Sign Language will run in Clogher Community Centre commencing on Tuesday, July 28. The six week course will run from 7.30 to 8.30pm weekly and is partly funded by MSELTB. Call Fiona on 087 9440899 for details.
The Tuesday evening walks are proving to be a great success and will continue for July and August at 7pm at the Clogher Heritage Complex (F12 PF99). There are three different lengths of walk to enjoy along the quiet bog roads. Everybody in Clogher and its environs is invited to come along on Tuesday evenings and enjoy the peace and quiet and flora and fauna of the Clogher Bog, followed by a cup of tea and a chat. For health and safety sturdy walking shoes and hi viz jackets are recommended.
ALONE are seeking volunteers to provide companionship to an older person in your area. Full training and support is provided. If interested, apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information make contact on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer call 0818 222 024. If you would like to chat things through a little more, feel free to make contact on 086 0135043.
