Traditional music night in Carnacon

Balla Tractor Light and fireworks Display 2023
Traditional music night in Carnacon

Pat Friel, Emma Hughes, Mary Hughes, Brian Sharkey, Niamh Hughes and Michael Tiernan enjoying a trad music night in Hughes pub in Carnacon. Pic by Tom Quinn

Carra Country

The late Tom Burke

The death took place last week of Tom Burke, Pine Grove, Mountbellew, Co. Galway. Tom passed peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff in the Galway Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his loving parents Marie and Patrick Burke (Gradogue, Ballyglass, Claremorris, he is deeply regretted by his wife Dorothy and stepchildren Deirdre, Michael, Éilis, Derry, Siobhán and Patrick, sons-in-law Gerard and Brian, daughters-in-law Linda and Sarah, his adored grandchildren Leah, Mollie, Anna, Mya, Derry, Ella, Samuel, Lana and Stephen, his beloved sister Majella (Pat) and brothers Senator Paddy (Dolores), Seamus (Patsy), Michael (Susan), Noel (Bridie) and Cyril MCC (Ann), nieces and nephews together with relatives, neighbours and many friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. His remains reposed at the Franciscan College Oratory, Mountbellew on Sunday, November 19, from 2pm until 8pm. The removal of his remains took place on Monday, November 20, arriving for Funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, Mountbellew at 12.30pm with burial afterwards in New Cemetery, Mountbellew. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.

Kate and Friends in concert

Kate Heneghan and Friends will host an evening concert on Thursday, December 2, at 8pm in Ballintubber Abbey. Donations on night will go to Ballintubber Abbey New Development in honour of Jo and Des Thornton; R.I.P. Tickets are priced at a modest €20 each.

Parish Pastoral Council

A Parish Pastoral Council meeting will take place at 8pm this evening, Tuesday, November 28, in the Dorter.

'Imagine That'

Tom Heneghan, author and a native of Doonamona, Clogher, will read from his book ‘Life’s A Mystery’ and ‘Imagine That’ in the Chapter House at Ballintubber Abbey at 8pm, on Tuesday, December 5. The event is free.

Support Fiona’s cause

Fiona McHale of Carnacon LGFA travelled to Kenya on November 17, with Self Help Africa and the GPA with 40 other players from around the country for a project to plant 1 million trees for Kenyan communities. For this Fiona, Lisa Cafferkey and Danielle Caldwell had a target of €30,000 to raise and so far have raised €20,000. There are two final initiatives left that hopefully will help raise the remaining amount: 1. Sale of Warriors for Humanity Jerseys, 2. €10 Squares for the United v Liverpool game on December 17. To contribute please go to https://portaleur.myshopify.com/.../warriors-for-humanity.

Bereaved

Sincere sympathy is extended to Vera Staunton and Micky Donnelly on the recent passing of their sister Dymphna Hayes, Manchester, England. May she rest in peace.

Abbey Christmas Concert

Ballintubber Abbey Choir and Mayo Male Voice Choir invite you to their 3rd Christmas concert in Ballintubber Abbey on Thursday, December 14, at 8pm. This event began in 2019 as a memorial concert to a dear friend Marcus RIP who was a member of both choirs and following its success the Christmas Concert has become a much enjoyed annual event.

Ballintubber GAA 

In the Under-21 B Championship Ballintubber beat Burrishoole 4-6 to 0-11. Kilmeena have conceded the last round to Ballintubber in a match which was scheduled for last weekend.

Ballyglass cards

Congratulations to Tomas Solan and Peter Glynn, winners of Monday’s card game. 2nd prize was divided between Philip White and Chris Flatley, Mary and Richard Carney and Seamus Nevin and Martin Ford. 3rd prize went to Jimmy Sheridan and Davy Gibbons. The best of the last 10 were Patsy and Tom Flatley. Kevin Burke and Mary Morrin were the raffle winners. The card game continues every Monday night at 9pm in Ballyglass Community Centre.

Final storytelling night

The final storytelling night in the very successful series in Ballyglass Community Centre, supported by funding from Mayo County Council, will be on December 2, from 7.30 to 10pm with special guest Senem Donatan. The cost is €5. Contact Fiona 087 6562042 or Nora 087 9729672 for details.

Ballyglass Market

Save the date for some festive fun at the Christmas market on December 9, from 10am to 2pm.

Wreath making class

Ballyglass Community Centre will host a Christmas Wreath Workshop on Wednesday, December 6, at 7pm. The workshop will once again be presented by Judy Fallon, aka the award- winning Balla Florist. For further information and bookings, call or text Nora on 087 9729672.

Ballintubber Active Retirement

Ballintubber active retirement meetings are held on Monday mornings at 10.30am in the Ballintubber Resource Centre. The group are seeking new members - please come and see what’s on offer, a warm welcome awaits.

‘Tubber Tractor Run

Ballintubber Tractor Run is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 16.

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Along the Partries

The late Regina Mulrooney

The death occurred last week of Regina Mulrooney, Partry, Co. Mayo. Regina passed away unexpectedly at Mayo University Hospital on November 16. Widely known and respected over a wide area her passing is an occasion of great sorrow to her loving family and many friends. Predeceased by her parents Joe and Kathleen, she is deeply regretted by her siblings Gearóid, Eugene, Cathy and John, her nieces and nephews Ódhrán, Éanna, Caolan (RIP), Muiréad, Seosaimhín, Dara, Aoife, Eoghan, Ciara, Cáit, grand aunt to Fionn and godmother to Sarah, sisters-in-law Margaret, Eithne and Marie, brother-in-law Ciaran, special cousin Michael, the extended family and wide circle of wonderful friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed at Partry Community Centre on Sunday, November 19, from 4-6pm and were conveyed from her home for Requiem Mass on Monday, November 20, at 11am in St. Mary’s Church, Partry followed by farewell in Shannon Crematorium at 3pm. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Parish social

The Christmas Parish Social will be held on Saturday, December 2, in Tí Phaddy at 4pm. The cost is €30 and includes main course, dessert, 1 complementary drink and raffle. Call Katie at 087 9650911 or Noreen at 087 7657191 to book places before Tuesday, November 28.

Tourmakeady CLG lotto

The Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto draw took place on November 18, for a jackpot of €9,400 and 4, 5, 14 and 26 were the numbers drawn. The online prize winners were Ger Lydon and Caroline Heneghan. The jackpot draw was held again on last Saturday night, November 25 with a highly attractive jackpot of €9,500.

The late Mary Teresa Donoghue

The death has occurred of Mary Teresa (Tessie) Donoghue, R.I.P (nee Staunton), Treenlaur, Maree, Oranmore and formerly of Gloucester, England and Drimcoggy, Srah, Tourmakeady. Mary Teresa passed away peacefully at the Friars Lodge Nursing Home, Ballinrobe, on November 18. Predeceased by her husband Sean Donoghue and her brother Mattie Staunton, she is deeply regretted by her nieces Mary (Staunton) Mulvihill (Treenlaur, Maree Oranmore), Kate Uí Nuallain (Inishbofin), nephew Pat Staunton (Cappaduff, Tourmakeady), sister-in-law Kathleen Staunton (Drimcoggy, Tourmakeady), grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences is extended.

Her remains reposed at St Mary’s Funeral Home, Tourmakeady, on Tuesday evening from 7pm with removal at 8pm to Tourmakeady Church. Her Funeral Mass took place on last Wednesday at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.

Coláiste Notes The annual general meeting of Coláiste Muire will be held on Thursday, December 14, in Coláiste Mhuire, Tourmakeady.

Máire Luke’s 40th Anniversary

What a great achievement it was to recently celebrate 40 years in business. Congrats to the Philbin family from many friends and patrons from Tourmakeady and the wider region. Máire Luke’s is widely known as one the best Pub’s in the west. Congratulations to the family for presenting such a warm friendly facility with splendid hospitality. Many visitors claim a person would never find a similar experience anywhere else in the world.

The late Margaret O’Malley

The death has taken place last week of Margaret (Peggy) O'Malley, Crott Mountain, Westport, Co. Mayo and formerly of Cappaghduff, Tourmakeady. Margaret passed away peacefully, at home in her 96th year surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by her husband Matt, brother Tom, sisters Kathleen, Mary Kate, Bridgie, Eileen and Nora she is deeply regretted by her daughter Mary Kileen and son-in-law Tom (Castlebar), son James and daughter-in-law Bríd (Carrabaun), daughter Margaret Duffy and son-in-law Thomas (Louisburgh), daughter Irene Hughes and son-in-law John (Bofeenaun), grandchildren David, Dawn, Sarah, Kate, Shane, Rachel, Anna and Grace, great-grandchild Róisín, sister Winnie (New Zealand), nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, relatives, cousins, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered. Her remains reposed at McGing's Funeral Home, Westport on Sunday, November 19, from 6.30pm with removal at 8pm to St. Mary's Church, Westport. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday, November 20, at 11am with the funeral proceeding to Aughavale cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Thuar Mhic Éadaigh NS draw

SN Thuar Mhic Éadaigh - school fundraising - lotto bonus number game for the school commenced on November 18. Congrats to Carmel and Ger Lydon, Carheen, who were recent winners with number 9. A prize of €100 will be awarded each week based on the bonus number from the main lotto draw on Saturday night. If you wish to take part the cost is €100 for six months, contact the school via phone 094 95 44088 or email - snthuarmhiceadaigh@gmail.com.

Killawalla lights up

Killawalla Community Council are inviting everyone to join with them for the turning on of the Christmas lights on Thursday, December 7, after 7pm Mass. There will be Christmas carols, hot chocolate and mince pies and special remembrance of those who have passed away in the last year.

Killawalla ladies celebration

The Christmas celebration for Killawalla Ladies Group takes place in Portos Restaurant at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport on Friday, December 1. Please give your name to Louise on 086 6034601.

Partry AFC notes 

Congrats to Daniel Duffy Partry AFC who captained Mayo against Galway to a victory in a penalty shootout. Congrats to Mayo and well done Daniel Duffy.

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The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Officers and community representatives pictured with their friends and colleagues from the Mourne-Gullion-Strangford Geopark in Co Down last week. Picture by Tom Quinn
The Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark Officers and community representatives pictured with their friends and colleagues from the Mourne-Gullion-Strangford Geopark in Co Down last week. Picture by Tom Quinn

Breaffy Ballyheane Belcarra

The late Helen Jennings

The death has taken place last week of Helen (Nellie) Jennings, R.I.P, nee Conway, Lisgowel, Breaffy, Castlebar. Helen passed away peacefully, in her 88th year, surrounded by her loving family, in the wonderful care of the Mayo University Hospital. Predeceased by her parents John and Mary Ellen Conway, her brother Martin and son-in-law Billy Madigan, she is deeply regretted by her husband Jimmy, daughters Anne, Marie and Fiona, sons JP, John and Paul, brother Shaun Conway (Manchester), sisters May Conway (Middlesborough, UK) and Nan Maguire (Liverpool), grandchildren Sorcha, Leah, Emma, Adam, Emily, Jennifer, Sara, Martha, Holly, Tom and Hannah, daughters-in-law Mairead, Sharon and Linda, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom deep sympathy is extended. Her remains reposed at Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar on last Wednesday evening from 5pm until 7pm followed by removal to her home. The removal of her remains then took place on Thursday at 11.30am to St. Aloysius Church, Breaffy for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Funeral ceremonies took place afterwards in Breaffy Cemetery. May her kind and gentle soul rest in peace.

Belcarra Christmas Carols

This Christmas you are asked to join singer James Kilbane and the Belcarra Parish Choir for 'An evening of Christmas Carols and Gospel Music' at St Anne’s Church, Belcarra, on Wednesday, December 6, at 8pm. Event doors will be open at 7.30pm with an admission a modest €10.

St Vincent De Paul collection

The annual St Vincent De Paul collection will be taken up on the weekend of December 2 and 3. Envelopes that have been distributed will be taken up at local churches at the weekend or contributions can be left into the presbytery at any time. The funds collected will be used to relieve hardship within the local area. Please be as generous as possible.

Tom’s reading

Tom Heneghan of Doonamona has written a wonderful selection of books including 'Imagine That' and 'Life's a Mystery' that capture times gone by in the local area. On Tuesday, December 5, from 8 to 9pm, he will be in the Chapter House at Ballintubber Abbey to read from his books and he will sign them afterwards for anybody who wants to pick one up as a Christmas gift. It is a free event, so come along for some storytelling and nostalgia.

Belcarra cards

The next Christmas card game in Belcarra centre is on Monday, December 4. Patrons and new punters most welcome.

Volunteers required

Ballyheane Ballintubber Community First Responders are seeking volunteers to join their group within the communities that they cover, including Ballyheane, Ballintubber, Carnacon, Clogher, Errew and Killawalla. No medical background is required as full training is provided. Contact Julie on 087 9846401 or drop an email to ballyheanecfr@gmail.com.

Ballyheane Centre activities

The ever popular ‘Move it or lose it’ classes take place on Monday’s at 10am in Ballyheane Community Centre. Classes are for the Over 55s and cost €8 per class (pay as you go). The classes concentrate on aerobic fitness, balance, strength and flexibility. For further information please call 086 – 1617231.

Ballyheane Ladies Group which costs €5 per night is in the Scouts Den at 8pm.The Crochet classes with Helen continue until December 4th when Deirdre McCarthy will do Christmas floral decorations. All are welcome to attend this workshop and the fee is €10.

The Christmas night out is on December 9, at the Airc Festive Feast in Breaffy House Hotel. Social dancing is at 8.30pm in the main hall. Admission is €5 and all are welcome. Call 087 6811518 for details. For hall bookings or inquires call 087 1024803.

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Balla / Manulla

The late Mary McMorrow

The death has taken place of Mary McMorrownee Freney, Poole, Dorset and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, and formerly of Shraheens, Balla. Mary passed away on October 30. Predeceased by her parents Harry and Bridie, brother PJ, mother-in-law Mary, sister-in-law Jacké and nephew William Jnr, she is deeply regretted by her husband Patrick, daughters Alanna and Alicia, sister Kathleen (Poole, Dorset) and brothers William, Harry, Kevin, Vincent and her sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews to whom condolences are extended. Mary's remains reposed in St Wulstans Church, Hollis Road, High Wycombe HP from 7pm on Monday, November 27. Requiem Mass was offered in St Wulstans Church on this Tuesday, November 28, at 12.30 followed by cremation at Chiltern Crematorium, Whielden Lane, Amersham. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.

Christmas festivities in Balla

Balla Tractor Lights and Fireworks Display 2023 will take place on Saturday evening, December 9. It will start with the kiddies tractor lights parade followed by the main tractor parade, the switching on of the Christmas Lights in the town and finishing up with the massive fireworks display. Kiddies’ parade starts at 6pm from the medical centre, registration for kiddies at 5.30pm at the medical centre. Contact Anna Marie for details 087 780 8638.

Main tractors must register before the event by calling or texting the following numbers, each driver will be added to a WhatsApp group for updates - Liam on 087 8171479 or Peter at 087 2661512. Tractors must be decorated with Christmas lights, tractors with only flashing beacons will not be allowed enter. Absolutely no passengers are allowed in tractors unless a proper passenger seat is fitted. There will be prizes for the top 3 entries and a draw for all the main tractor drivers and perhaps Santa will appear!

The Black Stranger!

The Black Stranger - Gerard Healy, will be staged in Balla Community Centre on Friday, December 1, and Saturday, December 2, at 8pm. Call or text to secure your tickets for the new show, from Alan on 087 3588 115. Tickets may also be purchased at box office on the night, subject to availability. Tickets are €15, and the doors will be open at 7pm.

Top Manulla athlete

Congratulations to Philip Griffith on winning two U12 National Cross County medals recently. Despite getting spiked in the leg which required 3 stitches, he was still smiling at the end. Phillip plays with the U11 and U12 Manulla FC teams and the club and community are super proud of his achievement.

Wedding Bells 

Congratulations are extended to Michelle O Malley and Patrick Grimes who celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage recently in St Cronin's Church, Balla. The couple are wished good health and a happy and joyous married life.

Balla GAA

The AGM of Balla GAA Club will be held on Sunday, December 3, in Balla Community Centre at 4pm. Information is available from the club secretary at secretary.balla.mayo@gaa.ie.

Project Co-Ordinator

Balla Community Centre is seeking applications for a Project Co-Ordinator. Call William on 094 9365846 for further details or email CV to manager@balla.ie.

Balla Resource Centre events

There will be a wreath workshop on November 30, at 7pm. Call 087 3528953. The Resource Centre Mass takes place on Friday, December 1. All are welcome.

The Table Centre Workshop will take place on December 7 and 14, from 11am to 1pm. Call 097 9477082 for information.

Balla AGM

The annual general meeting of Balla CRD CLG will be held in Balla Community Resource Centre on Wednesday, December 13 at 8pm. Enquiries to 094 9365846 or 087 1850860 or email info@balla.ie.

Balla Active Retirement

Balla Active Retirement Group meets up on Fridays at 3pm. New members are always welcome to join the group. The local link bus service is available on Fridays to the centre. Details are available from Mary Jo on 0871268420 for details.

Local Card Games

Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New players are always welcome.

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Clogher

Clogher Table Quiz

Sincere thanks to all who supported the table quiz in aid of the community centre and primary school. Special thanks to Joe and Liz Mahon for providing the venue, the businesses who sponsored the raffle prizes and to Jimmy Murphy, quizmaster who provided a varied and interesting range of questions. The raffle winners were 1st Mary Ann Heneghan, tickets to the Tumbling Paddies sponsored by the Royal Theatre, 2nd Claire Larkin, Archers voucher, 3rd Pat Barrett, Corrib Oil voucher, 4th Martin Larkin, House of Plates voucher.

Clogher Cards

The winners of the game played on Friday, November 17, were as follows; 1st Derek Quinn and Tommy Fahy, 2nd Bridie McDermott and Eileen Moran, 3rd, Shauna and John Hallinan, The last 10 winners were Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett and Jimmy Connor and Tommy Lyons.

You had better watch out… Santa Claus is busy making the final arrangements for his visit to Clogher Heritage Complex on Sunday, December 17. Admission fee will be €10 per child or €20 per family. And he promises that there will be presents and surprises for everybody. It will be a very special day for all children and families.

Active Age

Clogher Active Age Group meets up every Wednesday morning at 11am in the Clogher Community Centre. All senior citizens across the region are very welcome to attend the enjoyable weekly sessions.

Clogher Walks

Clogher walks are open all year around for self-guided walks and the Heritage cottage is open Monday to Friday 10 to 4 or weekends by arrangement.

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Mayo Abbey

St Colman by Colmán 

Congratulations to Colmán Ó Raghallaigh on his recent presentation on the ‘Life of St Colmán’ in the Bishop O’Healy Resource Centre, Mayo Abbey. The night was hosted by Mayo Abbey Parish Heritage Committee. Colmán is a local writer and historian who has carried out extensive research on St Colmán. There was a full house on the night to hear a well presented and informative presentation. The Heritage Committee thank Colmán for this presentation which with some off-the-cuff humour told the story of Colman (the man). It also gave an insight into the religious significance of the church at that time. Afterwards he was presented with a basket made by local basket maker Tom Delaney. Congratulations to Colmán on this year’s Claremorris Heritage magazine of which was editor.

Professional Cookery course

Applications for the free full time professional cookery course in Mayo Abbey Centre is closing soon. Participants may be eligible for a training allowance. The course is run in conjunction with MSLETB. Uniform, books and all course materials will be provided. Participants also receive training in HACCP, Manual Handling and Barista. Call Mayo Abbey Centre 094 93 65987 or email training@mayoabbey.ie for information.

Card Game

Winners of the card game played in Mayo Abbey November 16 were; 1st Kitty Rumley and Tom Mahon, 2nd Collette Lavelle and Flor Higgins, 3rd Sarah Gilligan and Rita Armstrong. Best of the last ten was John Kennedy and Patricia Jennings.

Table prizewinners were Martin Gibbons and John Prendergast. A great night had by all. The card game is held in Mayo Abbey Resource Centre every third Thursday of each month at 9pm.

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