Local Notes: The Pipers Cross Ceili Band launch new album in Hughes Pub, Carnacon.
The Pipers Cross Ceili Band launched their new album “Queen of Mayo” in Hughes Pub in Carnacon on Friday 27th December. Picture by Tom Quinn
Saturday night, January 4, saw an unforgettable celebration at Corley’s Abbey Lodge, where the inaugural Nollaig na mBan event, organised by Ballintubber Abbey, brought together friends, neighbours, and supporters for an evening of elegance and camaraderie.
The night was not only a feast of fantastic food and good cheer but also a heart-warming show of community support for two important causes. Proceeds from the event will go toward the Ballintubber Abbey Restoration Fund, specifically for the development of a Cultural and Heritage Visitor Centre, with work set to begin in Q4 of this year. Funds raised will also benefit the Mayo Roscommon Hospice, an organisation that provides invaluable care and support to those in need.
This being the first time the event was run, the overwhelming success has sparked excitement, and it now looks like this may become an annual occasion on the local calendar—a wonderful way to celebrate community spirit and tradition.
The night featured a stunning array of spot prizes, generously donated by local businesses. A heartfelt thank you has been extended to these businesses for their amazing gifts, which added so much to the evening and helped make it such a resounding success.
The atmosphere at Corley’s Abbey Lodge was electric, with guests enjoying a night of laughter, and exceptional cuisine, all in the spirit of giving back.
The organisers extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, or participated in any way. Your contributions will play a vital role in preserving the heritage and supporting the community’s most vulnerable.
Everyone is looking forward to more events like this, where people come together for meaningful causes while creating lasting memories.
Ballintubber GAA lotto jackpot stood at €8,300 on Sunday night January 5. The numbers drawn were 6, 15, 32 and 36.
There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Mary Hallinan, Oliver Mortimer, John Jennings, Kevin Donnelly, Thomas McNally and Peter King.
The jackpot stood at €8,400 on last Sunday night, January 12. Play Ballintubber lotto at: https://member.clubspot.app/.../ballintubber-gaa/fundraisers. The club extends New Year best wishes to its many patrons and is eagerly looking forward to 2025.
The results of Ballyglass FC lotto draw held on January 6 are as follows. The numbers drawn from the drum were: 2, 4, 22 and 29 and there was no winner of the €10,500 jackpot. The was no Match 3 winner. The consolation prizewinners were Charlie O’Malley, Jimmy Hession, Sean Connor and Kathleen Killeen.
Play to be in with a chance to win next the ever growing jackpot by using the link below;
https://tinyurl.com/2lt9u6kr. The jackpot stood at €10,600 last night on January 13. Thanks to all club followers for your ongoing support.
The winners from December 23 were; 1st Alan and Breege Jennings, 2nd Jimmy Sheridan and Tom Fitzpatrick and 3rd Seamus Hughes and Sean Reilly. The last 10 winners were Chris Turner and Pat Griffith and the raffle winners were; Alan and Breege Jennings. The game on January 6 was cancelled due to the severe weather. Games continue every Monday night at 9pm. Happy New Year to all our card players.
The AGM of Ballyglass Community Council will be on Wednesday, January 22, at 8pm in the community centre. New members are always very welcome.
The AGM of Ballyglass Active Age group will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at 12 noon in the community centre, following the weekly exercise class. New members are very welcome to attend.
Yoga classes will resume in Ballyglass Community centre on Tuesday, January 14, from 7.30-8.30pm. A six-week block costs €75. Contact Emma on 087 9973357 for more information.
Ballyglass Community Centre will be the venue for a Spring Renewal Retreat on February 1, from 10am to 3pm. The day will include yoga and Cacao, candle making and guided meditation. Lunch and refreshments will be provided and the fee is €95 per person. Booking is essential for this event so contact habitstoreevents@gmail.com.
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.
Congratulations to Alan Walsh, Currykirwan and Sarah Loftus, Castlebar, on their recent engagement. They are wished every success with their future plans.
The Christian Community welcomes its newest member Juliette Annette Healy, baptised in Holy Trinity Abbey, Ballintubber, on last Saturday, January 11. Congratulations to her parents and family.
Deepest sympathy is tendered to James Rafter, former principal of Carnacon NS on the passing of his father-in-law, Seamus Marrinan, R.I.P. May he rest in peace.
The first phase of the constructed wetland system at Moorehall public carpark and toilets is now complete. All are looking forward to planting this in the spring, and running some workshops around how these systems function. Watch the video online: https://t.co/GcrpdifVF4.
The final episode of the LCCA's podcast series is now available on Spotify and on the LCCA website under the podcast tab. In this episode Jarek Majkusiak interviews Michael Hegarty and Benjamin Thebaudeau about the Joyce County and Western Lakes Geopark Project. The LCCA podcast series is funded by LawPro. Link below to this episode.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/34pPAAi4xIXsAeslcYmnDI...
Three new information booklets are available from the LCCA with funding support from NPWS Small Recorder Grant Scheme. Hard copies will be available able at the next LCCA public meeting on next Tuesday, January 14. Interested persons can find pdf copies of all LCCA booklets on the website www.loughcarra.org.
A 25 drive (singles hands with 16 games) has started in Carnacon Community Centre on Thursday night 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.
Ballintubber Abbey retail outlet are fully stocked with beautiful Hawthorn Handmade Skincare Giftsets and they also stock a fantastic range of products, gits, candles, books and toys from local suppliers. The Gift Shop is open daily. Guided tours are available 7 days a week including Sundays after Mass. Monday - Friday at 12 noon and 3pm. Contact 093 9030934 or info@ballintubberabbey.ie. A selection of wedding and baptism gifts and cards are now available in the gift shop. Support is greatly appreciated.
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To celebrate the 60th year of Tuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA Club (1965 to 2025) a dinner dance will be held on February 15 in The Castlecourt Hotel Westport. It promises to be a historic and memorable night in the annals of the club. A huge response is anticipated and tickets should be promptly purchased as they will be in huge demand.
Thuar Mhic Éadaigh GAA lotto stood at €15,300 on January 4. 9, 12, 18 and 27 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The weekend jackpot on Saturday, January 11, stood at €15,400. 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/.
A new session of Yoga classes will begin in Halla Tuar Mhic Éadaigh starting on this Tuesday, January 14, at 6.30pm. The classes will run for 6 weeks up until February 25. There will be no class on February 18. The cost is €60. If interested email Nora at eolas@tourmakeady.com or call 094 9544295 with your name and contact details.
Tuar Mhic Éadaigh’s 2010 Intermediate triumph features in the new Mayo GAA book ‘Our Finest Hour. It is on sale in TJ O’Toole’s in Tourmakeady, Castle Books in Castlebar, Martin Murphy’s in Ballinrobe, The Bookshop (Duffy’s) and McLoughlin’s in Westport, all good bookshops and online via https://www.mayobooks.ie/Our-Finest-Hour-Edwin-McGreal... where it can be shipped anywhere in the world.
Does getting paid to survey commonages in some of the most scenic areas in West Connacht interest you? Check out the habitat surveyor roles below. Follow the link to see job details and how to apply: https://www.acreswestconnacht.ie/careers - Current job vacancies - Folúntais reatha; Acres West Connacht is currently recruiting for the following staff posts. Project Officer (agri-environmental); Closing date for applications is 5pm, Monday, February 3; Habitat Surveyors (4 positions); closing date for applications: 5pm, Monday, February 3; Summer Bursary Scholarship Scheme 2025; Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, February 28.
The 37th annual edition of ‘Waterfall’ the community magazine is available in local retail outlets. This is a high quality production and is tremendous value at only €10. There is a superb spread of community news embellished by multiple colour photographs. The long serving editorial committee are deserving of the highest plaudits for their dedication and commitment to this highly praiseworthy annual initiative. This is the ideal ‘letter from home’ for Tourmakeady folk around the country and across the globe.
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.
The AGM of Killawalla Community Council will be held on February 11, as the 3 year term of the current council is up. Some members are staying on and some are moving on so they are looking for some new members who would like to get involved in community events.
There is a voting and information sheet being circulated and it is available in the church porch to pick up and a box will be placed there for their return.
A community council is vital for the area to address any issues, make improvements and bring the community together for different events.
Partry Community Park is part of the Blue Tesco Token initiative. Please support this worthy cause with purchases and blue tokens at Tesco, Ballinrobe.
Partry FC numbers draw takes place weekly on Wednesdays. Congrats to Jim and Ber Durcan and Rita and Ruaidhri Conroy who were recent winners of the popular draw. The funds raised go towards running the club during the year. https://partryafc.weebly.com/lotto.html.
Partry Residents Association draws take place on Saturday evenings with generous prizes in the weekly numbers draw. Congrats to Austin O’Neill, Mary Staunton and Thomas Hession. All three festive winners won €200 on their favoured numbers. The latest draw was on Saturday night last, January 11. All proceeds are invested in local developments and village enhancement.
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Breaffy GAA lotto stood at a massive €27,600 for the January 7 draw. The numbers drawn were 18, 20, 25 and bonus number 7.
There was no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the weekly prize winners. The jackpot stood at €27,800 for tonight’s January 14 draw. The club have extended sincere thanks to all who support the weekly draws. Play online at: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/BreaffyGAA/.
Congratulations are extended to Davitt Neary and John Vahey who made their Mayo senior debut in the recent Mayo v Monaghan match and to Mathew Ruane who was team captain, for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Charity Game.
Breaffy GAA Club walking events were cancelled on last Tuesday January 7, and on Wednesday, January 8 due to extreme cold weather. The programme is expected to commence this week when the weather is expected to be kinder. All members of the local communities are most welcome to participate.
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto jackpot has now reached €10,000. The jackpot stood at €9,900 on Sunday, January 5. The numbers drawn were 9,13, 24 and 29. There was no jackpot winner. The lucky dip winners of €30 were Carmel Donnelly, Mary Brennan, Breege Canavan and Belcarra Housing Section. On January 12, the jackpot stood at €10,000. Thanks as always for the support of patrons. Tickets are on sale in Cunningham’s Costcutter, Cuffe Car Sales, Nestors and Flukies.
The role of parish secretary for Balla/Belcarra is offered initially on a part time basis for 15 hours per week and will be based in Belcarra Parochial House. Reporting to the parish priest the duties will include, providing administrative service to Balla/Belcarra parish, managing parish office, maintaining computerised accounts, church rotas and weekly newsletter.
Requirements include confidentiality, computerised book keeping, computer skills including Excel, Publisher, Word and email, and good interpersonal skills. Training will be provided - immediate start. Email letters of application with CV and referees to ballaparish@gmail.com or post to the Parochial House Balla, Co Mayo. The closing date for applications is January 15, 2025.
Mayo FC is delighted to announce that they are hosting a 24 hour Soccerthon in Umbro Park in conjunction with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
The Soccerthon will be held on March 14 and 15 from 6pm-6pm. The games will be one hour long and the score will be kept for the full 24hrs. Players participating must be 16 or older. Why not get your club, business, friends, family, work colleagues or even an all-star team together and support Mayo FC and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Click the link below to register your team’s interest. Contact mayofcsoccerthon@gmail.com for more information.
The death has taken place of Tereasa Vahey nee O’Brien, Castle Street, Castlebar, and late of Graffymore, Castlebar. Tereasa passed away suddenly after a short illness in Mayo University Hospital. Pre-deceased by her parents, brothers, sisters, husband Michael and daughter Michelle, she is deeply regretted by her loving family, son Jimmy, daughters Teresa and Anne, sister Kathleen (UK), sister-in-law Maureen, sons-in-law Séan and Michael, daughter-in-law Cathy, grandchildren Riannon, Caelum, Morgan, John and David, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended.
Teresa’s remains reposed in Coady’s Funeral Home, Castlebar, on Sunday, January 5, from 5.30 until 7pm. Her funeral cortege arrived at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar on Monday morning for 11am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am. She was laid to rest afterwards in Ballyheane Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
The comfortable confines of Ballyheane Centre are 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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The death has taken place of Mary Durkan née Ward, Lusk, Co. Dublin. The deceased was formerly a native of, Carrandine, Balla, Co. Mayo. Mary was a former principal of St Teresa’s NS, Balbriggan and she passed away peacefully in Hamilton Park Nursing Home on January 6, after a long illness. Predeceased by her husband Gerry and her brother Paddy, Mary is deeply regretted by her sons Garrett, Mark, Michael and Jarlath, grandchildren Leanne, Jerry, Ciarán, Leah, Gemma and Niamh, brothers, John and Michael, sister Kathleen, daughters-in-law Donna, Tiffany, Mitzie May and Amy, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends to whom sincere condolences are extended. Her remains reposed at McNally's Funeral Home, Balbriggan on last Thursday evening from 5 until 7pm. The removal of her remains took place to St. MacCullins Church, Lusk on Friday morning arriving for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial ceremonies in Whitestown Cemetery. Dia dean trócaire ar a nAinm dilis.
The club jackpot on Thursday, January 2, stood at €9,700 in Flukies. The numbers drawn were 3, 4, 15 and 21.There was no winner of the jackpot. The €30 consolation winners were Andrew Staunton (online), MJ Canavan (standing order) and Des Keane (cash sale). The latest draw was held on Thursday, January 9, in The Railway Tavern when the jackpot stood at €9,800. Thanks to all who support Balla GAA lotto draws.
The death has occurred of Mary C. Armstrong of Donnybrook, Dublin 4 and Manulla, Co Mayo, on December 31, 2024 (peacefully) after a short illness at St Vincent’s University Hospital. Predeceased by her sister Carmel (Corcoran) and sadly missed by her brother Tom, sister-in-law Phil, brother-in-law Des, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended. A memorial service will be held at a later date. May she rest in peace.
The latest jackpot stood at a massive €17,800 on last Sunday night, January 12. 4, 14, 21 and 32 were the numbers drawn in the January 5 draw. The spot prize winners were; Aileen Durkan, Carramore, online, Collette Heaney, Clogherbeg, online and Michael Jennings, Derreen. The club are deeply grateful for the weekly support of their patrons. Tickets are available at the link below: https://www.lottoraiser.ie/ManullaFC/. The awards ceremony for the Mayo Women's Football League annual accolades night is on January 17, at The Western Hotel in Claremorris.
Balla Community Centre has a range of classes and activities suitable for the whole community. Please see Balla Community Facebook Page for all programs during the week . The following are among the current community centre activities - Tuesday, Sheer Fitness class from 6.30 to 8.30pm, Balla GAA Healthy Club, 7 to 10.30pm, Wednesday, Bridge Club 7 to 10.30pm, Thursday, Knit Wits 7 to 9pm. Balla Active Age Group will meet every Friday at 3pm in the community centre. New members will be made most welcome. Also hot desk spaces are available in the new courthouse and meeting rooms in Balla Community Centre. Contact info@balla.ie or 087 1850860 for further details.
Balla Community Centre is the venue on January 27 for a makeup- workshop. The event will run from 7 to 10pm.
Balla bingo takes place on Sundays at Balla Community Centre or online, 8pm. There is a €12,000 generous prize fund. Don't forget to buy your books before 12 noon on Sundays.
The Christian Community has welcomed, Dáithí Thomas Morrison, Prison North, Balla who was baptised recently in St Cronan's, Balla. Congratulations to his parents and family.
Balla Active Age is holding their AGM on Friday, January 24 at 3pm in Balla Community Centre. All are very welcome to attend.
Balla Centre hosts a 25 card drive every Saturday night in Balla Community Centre. Call the Centre at 094 9365843 for more information. Manulla 25 card game takes place at 9pm in the local centre on Sunday nights. New 25 card players are always welcome.
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A sincere ‘Thank you’ has been extended to ‘Sage Wellbeing’ for hosting such a lovely Nollaig na mBan gathering on the Saturday morning. It was great for all the local ladies to come together with neighbours, family and friends in the community centre for a few hours of good company, relaxation, time to focus on the important things in life and also delicious food and drink. All the ladies enjoyed themselves.
Participants are looking forward to the breathwork classes starting this Tuesday from 7 to 8pm in Errew Centre. Contact Carmel for more details: 0876972726.
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.
Clogher Active Age Group is returning tomorrow Wednesday, January 15, following their seasonal break.
