Carra
The late Michael Joe Sheridan
It is with deep sadness we record the passing of Michael Joe Sheridan, Corheens, Breaffy, Castlebar, formerly of Cloonbora, Clogher, Claremorris and Knocknadrimna, Hollymount, Co. Mayo.
Michael Joe had an illustrious Gaelic football career spanning over a decade and from 1947 onwards and he lined out with Hollymount, Ballinrobe, Carras and Ballintubber in those distant days. Michael Joe was a member of the famous 1954 successful Ballintubber Junior team and he enjoyed a great reputation as a stout and skilled defender. Apart from his football prowess he enjoyed and had a love for all sports. A man of impressive physicality and strength he enjoyed the respect of his peers and all privileged to have known him. Genuine calmness and an admirable sincerity adorned his affable personality and earned him great respect in the local farming community and with football men across the wider region.
Michael Joe’s passing is an occasion of deep sorrow for his family and he is deeply regretted by his wife Nora, sons James, John and Micheál, daughters Catherine Moore and Noreen Lyons, daughters-in-law Martina and Alice, sons-in-law Michael and Walter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends to whom sincere sympathy is tendered.
There was a large attendance present as Michael Joe’s remains reposed at Carnacon Community Centre, on last Thursday evening from 5.30 until 7.30 with removal then taking place to St Mary’s Church, Carnacon. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday at 12 noon followed by burial ceremonies in Burriscarra Cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a nAinm dilis.
‘Light the Fire’
A special feature of the ‘Light the Fire’ ceremonies at Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday week last was when 3 generations of Mayo ladies received a symbolic flame of faith. Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy lit the fire in the same place where St Patrick is said to have lit the Fire of Faith in the fifth century.
From the flames, the Archbishop then lit a candle which was passed on to Mary Kelly, who in turn passed it to her daughter Angela Connor who then passed it to her granddaughter, Erin, age 6, of Castlebar, a symbol of the faith passing down the generations.
The Archbishop led the prayer of consecration of Ireland to the Holy Trinity.
“Light the Fire of the Holy Spirit in our land today, as you did so powerfully in St Patrick’s time, so that Ireland will once again be renewed in faith, hope and love,” he prayed.
Damien Scallon along with his wife, former Eurovision winner and MEP, Dana Rosemary Scallon, led the litany of Irish Saints.
While the attendance was large and the ceremonies spiritual and enhancing, the very wet weather and the Met Eireann Orange Alert weather forecast led to the cancellation of a number of buses.
The popular Eurovision winner Dana performed ‘Light the Fire’, ‘Hail Glorious Saint Patrick’, ‘How Great Thou Art’ and the ever popular ‘Our Lady of Knock. Both Dana Rosmary and her husband Damien paid tribute to the community in Ballintubber Abbey for their diligent efforts in traffic control and superb organisation in difficult circ*mstances.
Archbishop Francis Duffy spoke of the importance of faith as a flame which feeds the hungry soul and he outlined the importance of the Abbey as a holy place, calling it an ‘oasis of faith’ where St Patrick had baptised the first Christians in the fifth century.
The Archbishop concelebrated Mass outdoors with Fr Michael Farragher, PP, and Deacons James McLoughlin, from Tuam Diocese; and John Taaffe, and Pat Butterly from Armagh Diocese.
Despite the awfully wet conditions pilgrims gathered from around Ireland for Mass, rosary and a Eucharistic healing service. The event also had a wider audience, as it was streamed live at home and abroad.
Ballintubber GAA lotto
There was no winner of the jackpot in the latest Ballintubber GAA lotto draw on Sunday week last. 18, 20, 23 and 27 were the numbers drawn. The winners of the consolation prizes were Aisling McGreevy, Margaret Geraghty, Geoff Prendergast, Patricia Gallagher, Mary Keane and Milie / Grace Burke. On last Sunday evening, August 11, the jackpot stood at €6,200.
Tochar Phádraig Walk
The next Tochar Phádraig Group walk will take place on Saturday, August 31. For further details and bookings view wwwballintubberabbey.ie, phone 094 9030934 or email info@ballintubberabbey.ie.
Ballyglass FC lotto
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot when the draw was held on August 5. The numbers drawn from the drum were: 3, 4, 17 and 29.
Mary Carney had 3 numbers. The consolation prize winners were Kathleen Killeen, Francis Quinn, Seamus Macken, Bernie Needham and Tom Staunton.
Ballyglass Cards
The winners of the card game held on August 5, in Ballyglass Centre were 1st Mary Morrin and Mary Brennan and 2nd Philip White and Seamus Hughes. The last 10 winners were Richard and Mary Carney and Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. The raffle prizes went to Chris Turner and Pat Griffith. The progressive 25 game continues every Monday night at 9pm.
Cardiac screening
Ballyglass FC and Mayo Gaels in conjunction with the Dillon Quirke Foundation are offering free cardiac screening for members aged between 12 and 18 years of age, on Thursday, August 15, at Mayo Abbey Training Centre. Booking is recommended as places are limited. Link to book can be found on Mayo Gaels and Ballyglass FC Facebook Pages.
Ballyglass Childcare Service
Two ECCE places are available in Ballyglass Childcare service for September. Call the manager on 094 9360820.
New appointment for Deacon
Best wishes to Reverend Deacon James McLoughlin, who is leaving Carnacon to take up his new position assisting in Ballinakill and Inishbofin Island.
Burriscarra NS 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 CVs to burriscarraad@gmail.com or call 087 6413247.
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Along the Partries
Geopark 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, August 21. 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/.
‘Destination Gibbstown’ book launch
The book ‘Destination Gibbstown’ will be launched in Halla Thuar Mhic Éadaigh on Thursday, August 15, at 8pm. This book tells the stories of people who settled in Gibbstown Co Meath in 1937/1939, from the Mayo Gaeltacht including Tuar Mhic Éadaigh.
Tourmakeady CLG notes
In the Treenlaur Catering Exclusive Junior Championship Group 2 -Round 2 on next Sunday, August 18, at 1pm in Shrule, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh will play the home team. Little separates these two sides in what should be an intriguing encounter.
The latest Thuar Mhic Éadaigh G.A.A lotto draw took place on August 3 for a jackpot of €13,100. 8, 10, 17 and 24 were the numbers drawn. The online consolation prizewinners were Caroline O’Néill and Sean O'Filibín. The jackpot stood at €13,200 on last Saturday night, August 10.
RSS Supervisor vacancy
South West Mayo Development Company is looking for a Rural Social Scheme (RSS) supervisor. This full-time role offers the chance to support and manage RSS participants while engaging with local community groups. The deadline for applications is August 16. More Info: https://southmayo.com/rssjobposting/.
Comhrá as Gaeilge
A new summer season of Irish Classes has commenced in Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh. On Wednesday, August 14, 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.
Glenmask Mass
Mass will be celebrated at the Glenmask Grotto on Sunday, August 18, at 7pm. Fr Michael Treacy will be the celebrant and all are welcome to attend.
Partry Ceile
The annual summer Ceile takes place in Partry Centre on next Saturday night, August 17. The Annally Ceile band from Longford will supply the beat and a great nights dancing is assured. The Ceile will run from 9pm to midnight.
Ruby Wedding Anniversary
Congratulations are extended to Eileen and Tom Byrne, Portroyal, Partry, who recently celebrated their Ruby Wedding Anniversary. The popular couple are wished many more such joyous occasions in the decades ahead.
Partry AFC notes
Partry FC has extended their profound sympathy to club chairman Michael Cronin on the passing of his mother Ellen (Nellie) Cronin, R.I.P, Irishtown, Co Mayo and formerly of Tipperary and Manchester. Deepest condolences were extended from all at Partry Athletic to Michael (Mike), Lil, Áine, Cathal and Dara and to the wider Cronin and Pollard family on the passing of Nellie. Nellie’s remains reposed in Carey’s Funeral Home in Ballindine, Co Mayo on Friday, August 2, from 6 to 8pm with Mass on Saturday morning at 11am with burial afterwards in Irishtown cemetery. May Nellie’s gentle soul rest in peace.
Congratulations to Cathal Flannery and Michael Kilcoyne who were recent winners of the Partry AFC weekly Wednesday draws.
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 at the link below and 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.
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Breaffy/Ballyheane/Belcarra
Belcarra Community Celebration
The official opening of Belcarra's new Astro Turf and special events to mark Belcarra's 60 plus years as a competitor in the Tidy Towns competition embellished with a monster community celebration takes place next weekend from August 16 to August 18. On Friday night at 9pm there is a table quiz in Flukies Cosy Bar. There is also a ceile in the local community centre commencing at 9pm. On Saturday at 11am the official opening of MUGA takes place followed by a reception in Belcarra Community Centre at 12 noon. The Tidy Towns celebration takes place with a presentation by Minister Alan Dillon / a photo exhibition and music by the Kilkenny's School of Music at 9pm there is a Bluegrass session in Flukies Cosy Bar.
Sunday, August 18, features a 6.30am Dawn Riverside Walk, at 8am Gentle Yoga in the community centre; at 9am good coffee and a healthy breakfast in the community centre and also at 9am a cycle with Belcarra Cycling Club.
From 2 to 5pm there will be a Sports Day at Belcarra Sports Field and Pig on a Spit by Moran’s Artisan Butchers. The organising committee of this active community are wished great success with this unique event and strong community support is anticipated. Check out http://belcarra.ie for full details.
The late Kathleen Gallagher
The death occurred last week of Kathleen Gallagher nee Neary, Dearborn, Michigan and formerly of Kiladeer, Ballyheane, Co. Mayo, Kathleen passed away on August 5, at the age of 97. Kathleen was born on May 29, 1927, in Killadeer, Ballyheane to Thomas and Kate Neary.
She was the wife of the late Michael Gallagher and was preceded by her parents Thomas and Kate Neary and her siblings Tony, (the late Val) Neary, Rose Neary and Tommy (the late Mary) Neary. She was a sister of Eamonn (Eileen) Neary, Mary (the late Denis) Collins, Rose (Chris) Montgomery, Rita (the late Martin) Costello, Anne (the late Don) McCracken, and Bridie (the late Martin) King and a dear aunt of many nieces and nephews, and great-nieces, nephews and friends to whom sincere condolences is extended.
Visitation took place last Wednesday, August 7, from 2 to 8pm at the Dearborn Chapel of Voran Funeral Home, 23701 Ford Road. 10am Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at the Church of the Divine Child, 1055 N - Silvery Lane, Dearborn and interment ceremonies took place at St. Hedwig Cemetery. May she rest eternally in the peace and happiness of heaven.
Water Scheme Leakage
There is a high leakage of water on Belcarra Community Co-Op Water Scheme. It is important that members check for leaks as bills will increase with over usage of water. Please contact any member of the committee for any queries on this matter.
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 €7,700 on August 4. The numbers drawn were 2, 13, 17 and 20. Lucky Dip winners of €30 each were Shane McGarry, Dylan Costello, Marion Barnicle and Mairead Keane.
Championship clash on Saturday
On Saturday, August 17, Breaffy have their first senior championship clash of the season with Kilmeena at 7pm. While Breaffy are vastly experienced and are strong favourites for a home victory in this fixture they will not take for granted the challenge of the West Mayo men who have made great strides at Junior and Intermediate level in recent years.
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Balla / Manulla
Balla Centre hosts ‘The Weir’
Balla Drama Group presents ‘The Weir’ by Conor McPherson at Balla Resource Centre on August 15, 16 and 17 at 8pm. Rehearsals have gone well for the cast of Tim Oates, Robert Holden Aishling Costello, Karl Coyne and Ollie Barrett and they are putting in a lot of hours and hard work to bring the best show possible on stage.
The drama is directed by Alan Heneghan. Message 087 3588115 to reserve your seats. Doors will be open from 7pm.
Club Championship Day Dawns
Balla and Westport meet in the Mayo Senior Club Championship on Saturday, August 17, at 7pm in Nally Park, Balla. Admission is €15 for adults and €12 for students and OAPs. For those who can’t make the match there is live commentary provided by Balla GAA commentary team (and for all senior championship games) kicking off just before 7pm on the Balla GAA Facebook page. Good luck to all for success on the evening.
Balla GAA lotto
The numbers drawn in the Balla GAA lotto draw on Thursday, August 1 in The Shebeen were 2, 10, 12 and 26. There was no winner of the €7,500 jackpot. The €30 winners were Elaine O'Connor (Online), Martin Vahey (Standing Order) and Richard & Helen Monaghan (Annual).
Built Heritage Grants
Applications for Built Heritage grants are open now until Friday, September 27. Up to €50,000 is available for works to conserve properties. Contact the Architectural Conservation Officer or Heritage Officer in your local authority for more information or visit: https://bit.ly/3Sj83sz #BHIS2025.
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Errew and Clogher
Clogher Heritage Week Events
Clogher Environmental Group is hosting four events for Heritage Week. On Tuesday, August 20, a free nature walk will take place on the Clogher Bog. This event is suitable for all ages. Participants should meet at the Clogher Heritage Cottage at 7pm.
On 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 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. Please begin to assemble at 2.30 to ensure that 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 our 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.
Bereaved
Condolences to Nora Sheridan of Corheens, Breaffy and formerly of Cloonboora Clogher on the recent death of her husband Michael Joe. Condolences are also extended to his children James, John Frank, Micheal, Catherine Moore and Noreen Lyons and their families. May he rest in peace.
Visit of Mid-West Radio
Sincere thanks are tendered to Tommy Marren of Mid-West radio who visited the Newtown area recently as part of his Morning Radio Show. At the Heritage Complex he interviewed Tom McLoughlin Supervisor of the Community Employment scheme in relation to the viability of the Heritage Hub as part of the concept of Religious Tourism as well as its suitability for the Daycation idea. The whole interview can be viewed at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SnBx6cFyDSJCaQK9/.
On the same day Tommy Marren walked the Newtown Forest Walk and there he talked with Martin Dillane, the Walks officer with South West Mayo Development Company, who has worked extensively with the Community Employment scheme on the development, maintenance and upgrade of the many Bog Loops. The full interview can be seen and heard at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/fk5ha98CdNShiU5Y/.
Errew Child Care facilities
Errew Breakfast club and After school facility will be available to pupils from this September. Breakfast Club and After School details: morning opening hours: 7.30am until 9.10am (just in time for school) afterschool opening hours: 2pm to 3pm (Junior and Senior Infants) 3pm to 5.30pm (1st to 6th class). All enquiries contact 087 9005099. The Errew Old Girls’ School restoration project began in March 2021. The main driving force behind this project was to provide this much needed facility for the school and the community.
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Mayo Abbey
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme
Mayo Abbey Community Employment Scheme have a number of vacancies in various areas and the Department of Social Protection eligibility criteria apply. Call Craig at Mayo Abbey Centre 094 93 65987 to find out more or email craig@mayoabbey.ie.
Mayo Gaels jackpot
Numbers drawn on Tuesday, August 6, were 3, 8, 13 and 16. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation prize winners were Sean Boyle, Derrowel (annual ticket), Liam Fitzgerald, Mayo Abbey, Gerry Croghan, Farmhill (annual ticket), Alan Jennings, Ballyglass (online ticket). The jackpot for the draw to be held this evening, Tuesday, August 13, will be €9,900.
Coffee Morning
The coffee mornings will resume again on Thursday, September 5, from 10am-1pm. All are welcome.
