Carra County
Moorehall Bat Monitoring Event
As part of National Heritage Week, Lough Carra Catchment Association is hosting a dusk bat monitoring event at Moore Hall and along the shores of Lough Carra. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity to involve the public in citizen science, collecting valuable data on bat populations and their activity patterns along the lakeshore. This event will be expertly led by a National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger and will incorporate innovative, but user-friendly bat monitoring software.
Lough Carra is exceptionally rich in bats, having eight of the nine species that occur in Ireland, while Moore Hall is already home to an internationally significant population of the rare lesser horseshoe bat.
Participants will develop an understanding of these fascinating mammals, their roosts, night flights, and breeding habits. This family-friendly event, with the jewel of Lough Carra and stately Moore Hall providing a backdrop, is sure to bewitch. An evening walk, the use of bat detectors and the thrill of spotting bats in their natural habitat will make for an enjoyable and memorable experience.
This event will take place on August 22, from 8 to 10pm, meeting at Moore Hall car park, with tea, coffee and hot chocolate served. Please wear warm clothing and suitable footwear. This will be an event for all the family. For further information call 087 1331605 or email loughcarraca@gmail.com.
Ballintubber GAA lotto
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA Lotto draw on Sunday week last. 3, 20 34 and 35 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. The winners of the consolation prizes were Laura Dowd, Breege Needham, Dee and Eddie Scully, Brendan Walsh, Gerry Mulroe and Ballygaels Syndicate. On last Sunday evening, August 18, the jackpot stood at €6,300 for the weekly draw.
Bereaved
Sincere sympathy is extended to Tom Fleming and family on the passing of Tom’s father, Martin Fleming, R.I.P, Brackloon, Charlestown, The deceased was in his 98th year and he passed away surrounded by his loving family. His remains reposed at the Horkan Funeral Home, Charlestown, on Sunday week from 5pm with removal at 7.30pm to St James's Church, Carracastle, for prayers at 8pm. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday at 12 noon followed by burial ceremonies in Charlestown Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Ballintubber Fun Run
Ballintubber 5k or 10k Fun Run will take place on Sunday, September 22. Registration will take place at 9am at Ballintubber Community Centre. The adult entry fee is €10 for 5k and €15 for 10k and there are prizes for the 1st male and female in both races. The event is open to runners, joggers and walkers and strong support is anticipated.
Tóchar Phádraig Group Walks
The final 35k Tóchar Phádraig Group Walk of 2024 from Ballintubber Abbey to Croagh Patrick takes place on Saturday August 31. Embark on an unforgettable journey and walk on one of Irelands oldest pilgrimage routes as the group traverse the ancient Tóchar Phádraig trail. This is a fully guided walk where you will learn the history of this remarkable trail. There is a support driver available to carry your bags and even yourself if you need a rest. Refreshments will be provided for you to enjoy along the way. €1 from each registration will be donated to the Friends of Croagh Patrick Project. For further details and bookings view wwwballintubberabbey.ie or phone 094 9030934 or email info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
‘Hope and Love’
The new album from the Ballintubber Abbey Choir ‘Dóchas‘s Grá - Hope and Love’ is available to buy at Ballintubber Abbey Giftshop for €20. This beautifully presented CD features songs and traditional Irish music often heard in the Abbey. It also includes a commemorative booklet. All proceeds from this Album go towards the new Restoration Project.
Volunteers wanted
In an effort to keep the beautiful village of Ballyglass looking her best, a group of volunteers will meet at the community centre every Wednesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30 for a clean-up. The group will do some sweeping, light weeding, litter-picking, etc. If you can spare an hour a week, you are most welcome to join. Call Breege on 087 6292164 to put your name down. Anyone who has their own tools for these jobs is asked to bring them along.
Ballyglass FC lotto
The numbers drawn on August 12, were 4, 7, 14 and 16. There was no winner of the €8,400 jackpot and no match 3 winner. Consolation prizes went to Jarlath McConville, James Corbett, Gary Browne, Eamonn Patten and Alan Jennings. Play now to be in with a chance to win next week’s jackpot by going to smartlotto.ie.
Ballyglass Cards results
Winners from Monday, August 12: 1st Kevin Burke and Seamus Nevin; Margaret Mannion and Patricia Jennings; Mary Brennan and Breege Jennings; 2nd prize was shared between Judy Clarke and Kitty Rumley; Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. 3rd prize went to Tom and Patsy Flatley and the last 10 winners were Jimmy Sheridan and Mary Morrin. The raffle winners were Patricia Jennings and Margaret Mannion.
Ballyglass Childcare Service
Two ECCE places are available in Ballyglass Childcare service for September. Call the manager on 094 9360820.
Secretarial vacancy
There will be a secretarial position available in Burriscarra NS starting on August 28. 12 hours per week is the requirement and days and times are flexible. Email letters of application and CV to burriscarraad@gmail.com or call 0876413247.
Talk on Pioneering Journey of Thomas Larkin
Following the invention of the telephone by Alexander G. Bell in Boston on March 10, 1876, the American public remained sceptical for some time with many predicting that his invention would never achieve commercial success. Despite Bell's persistence, it would be almost 40 years later before the first transcontinental telephone call between New York and San Francisco was successfully completed on January 25th, 1915.” Come to Mayo County Library on Tuesday, August 20, at 7pm for a fascinating talk by Michael Larkin on the pioneering journey of his ancestor Thomas Larkin who was one of the early Telephone Pioneers of America with the Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania. The talk will also incorporate themes relating to the evolution of telecommunications, statements made at the time predicting that Bell's invention would never achieve commercial success and other telephone related memories.
******************************
Along the Partries
The late Robert Fitzgerald
The death has taken place of Robert Fitzgerald, Blackthorn Apartments, Turlough Road, Castlebar and formerly of Derrew, Partry, Co. Mayo. Robert passed away suddenly on August 10, at his home. Predeceased by his grandparents Martha and Richard Molloy and Anne and James Fitzgerald and his aunts Margaret and Attracta, he is deeply regretted by his parents Eileen and Tom, his brother James, sister-in-law Geri and nephew Finn; his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many friends to whom sincere condolences are tendered. Robert’s remains reposed in Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home, Thomas Street, Castlebar, on Wednesday last, August 14, from 5.30 until 7pm. The removal from Kilcoyne’s Funeral Home took place on Thursday morning, arriving at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar for Funeral Mass at 11.30am. Robert was laid to rest in Glenisland Cemetery. May he rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Nature Farm Walk
There will be a Nature farm walk in Partry on August 24, from 11am to 1pm. Join ACRES West Connacht on a farm walk to discuss farmland management for improving biodiversity and creating wildlife habitats. The participants will be visiting two species-rich fields to identify which grassland species and wildflowers are present and discuss on how they can assess farm management by looking at what plants are present in a field. The group will also discuss what farmers and landowners can do to increase nature value and how they use scorecards to assess the environmental benefits on farms. In order to book into the event and for more information email; petra@acreswestconn.ie or call 097 82696. The farm is within a two minute drive of Partry village and has plenty of parking available. Exact location and any other relevant information will be emailed out after booking. This is a family-friendly event, but no dogs please as it is a working farm. Suitable, waterproof footwear will be needed. For further information on ACRES West Connacht phone 097 82696 or email petra@acreswestconn.ie.
Heritage Week events
The main event in Heritage week is a roadshow taking in the 3 towns of the Joyce Country and Western lakes Geopark region, Ballinrobe, Oughterard and Headford. Personnel will be there from 3 to 5pm with JCWL GeoEnterprise, the cross community organisation supporting the Geopark and representing the communities, to showcase the region and answer any questions. Children are also most welcome as the Geopark geologist will have maps and sample of local rocks and fossils to display and interact with.
The other event is a place name (logainmeacha) recording event for the Tourmakeady and Partry mountains area which will take place in the Halla Pobail in Tourmakeady from 3 to 5pm on Wednesday 21st. All welcome but particularly those who might have the names of peaks, roads, streams, fields and any other features of the local landscape. More information on the HeritageWeek 2024 website and on the Geopark website https://joycecountrygeoparkproject.ie/en/calendar-of-events/.
Tourmakeady CLG
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto draw took place on August 10 for a jackpot of €13,200. 10, 22, 26 and 32 were the numbers drawn. The online consolation prizewinners were Catherine Molloy and Micheál Coyne. The jackpot stood at €13, 300 on last Saturday night, August 17.
In the LGFA Minor D Championship Tuar Mhic Éadaigh had a 8-16 to 2-2 victory over Cill Mheáin.
Comhrá as Gaeilge
A new summer season of Irish classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. On Wednesday, August 21, at 10m there will be a morning session for complete beginners. For more experienced speakers there is a Seisiún Comhrá from 11 to 12pm (midday) and another evening session running from 7 to 8pm. Interested persons can register at www.gailgedstme.ie/ranganna or contact Stiofán at 087 23970227 /opt.cdst@gmail.com.
Killawalla gears up for Race day
While Killawalla Community Council is on a well-deserved summer break, community work continues behind the scenes. The group and many members of the community are going racing again for the last Ballinrobe Races meeting of the year on Friday, September 13. The same package as last year (numbers pending) €50 / head including bus, entrance, €5 Tote bet and a 2 course meal pertains. Deposits of €25 to secure places should be forwarded to any member of the council and should be in by Tuesday, September 3. Any monies / places booked after that will not be in for the full package of meal and reduced entrance cost. Places have already been booked after last year’s success so get in touch ASAP. Further details will follow and the coach will be leaving Killawalla at 3pm. Separately the Council are looking at running a bus to the National Ploughing Championships 2024 subject to numbers, please advise or indicate if you would like to avail of a bus by September 3.
Killawalla Community Lotto
The lotto numbers drawn in the latest Killawalla community lotto were 1,5,13 and 20. The consolation winners were Finley Mc Evilly, Breda Duffy and Brendan Kelly. The next draw will take place in the community centre on August 25 for a €5,500 jackpot.
Fleadh Cheoil success for Molly
Sincere congratulations to Molly Granahan Partry, who came second in the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Wexford in the “Newly Composed” section. What a splendid achievement by a very talented girl.
Partry AFC lotto
Congratulations to Tom and Eileen Byrne, Portroyal, who were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
Partry Residents Association draws
Congrats to James Prendergast, Drimcoggy who was a recent winner in the Partry numbers game lotto. It was the second week in a row for James. Each winner has received €100 in the Partry Residents Association Saturday night bonus number draws.
*******************************
Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra
SavingMayo's Swifts
The results of the Mayo 2024 Swift Survey will be presented by Lynda Huxley and Jarek Majkusiak on next Friday, August 23, at 7.30pm in Lough Lannagh Leisure Centre Castlebar, Co Mayo.
Breaffy GAA lotto
Breaffy GAA lotto stands at €23,600 for tonight’s draw on August 20. The numbers drawn last week on August 12 were 5, 7, 14 and bonus number 7.
Breaffy GAA Club has extended their best wishes and good luck to county and club senior player Aidan O’Shea and his wife Kristin McKenzie Vass who were married in Co Kerry.
History and Heritage
Local history and heritage groups in County Mayo are being invited to access a new guide to help secure the future of their volunteer organisation. The guide was officially launched on a recent Thursday at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, Turlough Park, Castlebar. Succession Planning Guide is a template for any volunteer led community group looking to plan for the future. The guide is available to download for free from https://www.museum.ie/en-ie/home and https://www.ouririshheritage.org/.
Free genealogy consultations
As part of National Heritage Week, the North Mayo Heritage Centre and Mayo County Library are offering free genealogy consultations at the Castlebar Library on Friday, August 23. No booking or appointments necessary.
Belcarra lotto
Belcarra Community Council’s lotto draw featured an attractive jackpot of €7,800 on August 11. The numbers drawn were 14, 25, 27 and 30. The lucky dip winners of €30 each were Jane Lawless, Claire Cuffe, Lisa Hamrock and James McNally. The weekend prize was €7,900 on August 18.
Heritage Audit
The Mayo Heritage Office is currently undertaking an audit of Mayo’s Oral Heritage Collections. If you have or know of oral heritage recordings about people, places or topics in Mayo the Mayo Heritage Office would like to hear from you. To find out more about the project, visit https://www.mayo.ie/heritage/mayo-oral-heritage.
Rural Roads – speed reduction
In accordance with the provisions of The Road Traffic Acts 1961 – 2024 - the default speed limit for Rural Local Roads in Mayo will be reduced from 80 km/h to 60 km/h in the interest of Road Safety. The “Guidelines for Setting and Managing Speed Limits in Ireland” gives guidance on the appropriate standard a Rural Local Road should meet to revert to the previous speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour.
A list of proposed amendments to the Mayo County Council Rural Local Road Default Speed Limits has been prepared. The schedules and location maps of these proposed amendments will be available for inspection during normal office hours (9:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm) Monday to Friday up to Wednesday, September 4 (date inclusive) at the following locations - Ballina Civic Offices, Arran Place, Ballina, Co Mayo, F26 E5D7. Castlebar Area Office, Áras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, F23 WF90 - Claremorris Area Office, Kilcolman Rd, Claremorris, Co. Mayo, F12 P383 and Westport Municipal District Office, Altamont Street, Westport, Co. Mayo F28 W248.
The proposed amendments schedules and accompanying maps will also be available to view online at www.speedlimits.ie. Submissions/observations on the proposed amendments may be made by post marked “Proposed Amendments to the Mayo County Council Rural Local Road Traffic Speed Limits” to Administrative Officer, Roads Section, Mayo County Council, Aras an Chontae, The Mall, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, or at the above Municipal District Offices. The latest date for receipt of Submissions and observations is Wednesday, September 4, at 4.30pm.
*****************************
Balla / Manulla
Balla Sensory Garden opening
Minister Alan Dillon will officially open the Balla Sensory Garden on Saturday week next, August 31 at 1pm. Sensory gardens offer great visual stimulation and are designed to stimulate all five human senses; sight, smell, sound, taste and touch. A Sensory garden can be used in the education of special-needs students, including people with autism. As a form of horticultural therapy, sensory gardens also may be helpful in the care of people with dementia. The gardens invite visitors to view plants close-up, to reach out and touch, to inhale fragrances, to listen, and to actively experience the garden with all their senses. Congratulations to Balla community on providing such a wonderful facility which will be of huge benefit too many people.
The late James Fadden
The death occurred last week of Jimmie (James) Fadden, Roslahan, Manulla, Castlebar. Jimmie passed away on August 11, peacefully in the loving care of the staff in St. Joseph’s Ward, University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Mary and Martin Fadden, his uncle Jimmy, sisters Kathleen and Maureen and brothers Martin and Austin, he is deeply regretted by his sister Delia (O’Malley, Pontoon Road, Castlebar), brother Tommie (London), sisters Margaret (Rowland, Crossmolina) and Moira (Headd, London), sisters-in-law Eileen, Trisha and Lena, brothers-in-law Maurice, Joe and Eddie, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Jimmie remains reposed at Belcarra Community Centre on last Thursday, August 15, from 5.30pm with removal afterwards to his residence. His remains were taken from his residence on Friday morning at 11am for Requiem Mass at 12 noon in St Cronan’s Church, Balla. Jimmie was laid to rest afterwards in Elm Hall Cemetery, Belcarra. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm.
Balla GAA lotto
The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA lotto draw on Thursday, August 8, in Flukies were 13, 22, 23 and 30. There was no winner of the €7,600 jackpot. The €30 winners were Sean Nestor (Cash Sale), Joseph Lloyd (Online) and Ita O'Connor (Standing Order).
Tai Chi classes
Free Tau Chi classes will take place in Balla Community Centre commencing on September 11, at 10.30. First class 11am – 12.15pm. For details on the rest of the classes contact: chealy@southmayo.com 087 6151675 to book your place.
Manulla FC lotto
The latest Manulla FC lotto draw was held on Sunday, August 18, for a massive jackpot of €15,700. In last week’s draw 10, 14, 16 and 29 were the numbers drawn and there was no jackpot winner. Consolation prizes went to Jacqueline Butcher Oakhill, (online) Rodney Lyons, Balla (Online) and Tommy Rumley, Castlebar (Online).
Congratulations are extended to Manulla FC senior women's team who won the Tommy Rumley cup home for the second year in a row with a 1-0 win over Straide & Foxford United AFC in extra time.
************************
Errew and Clogher
Clogher Heritage Week Programme
Clogher Environmental Group is hosting four events for Heritage Week. On this Tuesday, August 20, at 7pm a free nature walk is taking place on the Clogher Bog. This event is suitable for all ages. Participants should meet at the Clogher Heritage Cottage.
Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 21, a free launch of the Clogher Bog Sand Martin Nesting Wall. Everyone is asked to meet at 4pm at Clogher Community Centre On next Saturday, August 24, at 3pm His Grace Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam will celebrate Mass at the Newtown Marian Shrine and rededicate the grotto in honour of Our Lady on the 70th anniversary of its construction. This will be followed by a community gathering with music and dance exhibitions. Refreshments will be served and people can view the traditional thatched cottage and forge. Assemble at 2.30 to ensure the smooth running of the event. Traffic management will be in place.
Also on Saturday, August 24, features the Boheh Stone and the phenomenon of the Rolling Sun. Interested persons should meet at 7pm, at Brackloon /Drummin Community Centre, Liscarney.
Join archaeologist Leo Morahan for a fascinating talk about ancestors in the vicinity of Croagh Patrick followed by a visit to the Boheh Stone to view the Rolling Sun set (weather permitting). A €5 euro cover charge applies.
Bog Walks
Two new seating areas have been created recently on the Clogher Walks. The Newtown Forest Trail has a picnic bench installed in a picturesque glade, perfect for a few minutes or impromptu picnic. On the original Bog Walk the stone table and seats have been replaced also. These initiatives greatly enhance the enjoyment of the walks. Many thanks to Martin Dillane, Walks Officer with South West Mayo Development Co and the Clogher Community Employment scheme for these two great enhancements.
Impressive School upgrade
Errew NS is looking absolutely fantastic and ready to welcome the students back on Wednesday, August 28. The new bright paintwork is spectacular and gives the school building a real lift. The long awaited impressive new tarmac will also allow safe play and football games to resume in the playground.
The late Kathleen Cawley
Sincere sympathy is tendered to Noreen Walsh, Frenchill, on the recent passing of her sister, Kathleen Cawley, Waymore Road, Haroubern, Birmingham and formerly of Knockmiunard, Clogher, Westport Co. Mayo. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Bridie Cawley and sister Mary Keane, she is deeply regretted by her sisters Bernadette McLoughlin, Noreen Walsh, and brother Patsy Cawley, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends to whom sincere sympathy is extended.
Kathleen's remains arrived to the Church of the Holy Family Fahy on the Friday evening and Requiem Mass took place on Saturday morning at 11am with burial afterwards in Kilmaclasser Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Errew Yoga classes
A Beginner Yoga 6 week series of Yoga Classes is set to commence in Errew Community Centre. Persons who are interested should contact lorrainelavelleyoga@gmail.com to book a place. There are vacancies on the course commencing on Monday, September 16.
