Around Mayo's towns and villages. . .Turlough, Mayo Abbey, Islandeady and Ballyheane
TURLOUGH NEWS
ANNUAL MEETING
THE annual general meeting of Ballyvary/Keelogues Development Company will be held in Ballyvary Central NS on Thursday, January 26, starting at 8 p.m. All members/shareholders are invited to attend.
GAA LOTTO
The winners of the Parke-Keelogues-Crimlin GAA Club lotto draw on December 31 last were Ben, Luke, Emily and Jude Sloyan. They scooped a €500 cash prize. The house prize was won by Peter Rogan.
Tickets for the 50/50 draws for the 2023 season can be purchased from any club officials or from the website.
TURLOUGH FOROIGE
Many visitors home for Christmas paid a special tribute to the young Turlough Foroige Group members who took on the job of painting the outdoor walls of the yard area, providing a colourful setting through a wonderful mural.
They finished by cleaning up the yard and providing a ground chip cover area with outdoor bench and seating unit.
The community centre is being used by over 300 people on a weekly basis, with the popular and long-running 25 card game on Wednesday nights. On various other days there are classes in yoga, pilates, jiving and dancing, karate, spinning and fitness, in addition to meetings of the Foroige, Turlough Wheelers and Turlough Card clubs.
AROUND THE TOWER
At the time of writing, just a a few copies of the annual Turlough magazine, Around The Tower, are available in Turlough XL Stores. Grab a copy while you can!
TREASURES OF TURLOUGH
Will famous Irish treasures associated with Turlough Park House be back on display in the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life again in 2023?
A facsimile copy of the Book of Kells was donated to the National Museum of Ireland by the De La Salle brothers and was on show in the dining room of Turlough Park House, free of charge, for some years. It was lent to Dublin for a long period and since been returned, and was again featured on display in Turlough Park House for some time later. Now this manuscript rests in a metal box in storage at Turlough House.
A Johan Zoffany painting also associated with Turlough Park House, depicting George Fitzgerald with his sons George and Charles, was on display at the National Museum of Country Life in 2012, following a 250-year absence. We hope to see it soon back home in Turlough Park.
MAYO ABBEY NEWS
BEGINNING ANOTHER YEAR
WISHING everyone health and happiness for the coming year. As is customary with Mayo Abbey notes, we start the new year by remembering those who died in the run-up to Christmas and during the festive season.
The death took place of Margaret Walsh, Freeheen, Mayo Abbey. Sympathy is extended to her son Albert (Freeheen) and daughters Teresa (Shinannagh), Myra and Geraldine.
The death took place also of Pat Walsh, Donamon, Co. Roscommon, and formerly of Currykirwan. He is survived by his sisters Helen Caulfield and Ann O’Brien, both Chicago. Sympathy is extended to his sister-in-law, Ethel Walsh, nephew Michael, and niece Geraldine, Currykirwan.
The death occurred also of Marie Burke, Gradogue, Ballyglass. Sympathy is extended to her sons, Cyril (Gradogue), Seamus (Gradogue), Paddy, Tom and Michael, and daughter Majella.
Finally, sympathy is extended to Carol Maloney, Gradogue, on the death of her mother, Mell Hughes, Towerhill, Ballyglass, and to Joe Gaughan, Brownhall, on the death of his mother Sarah Gaughan, Balla.
CARD GAME WINNERS
The winners at the Mayo Abbey Community Centre Christmas card game were: Christy Flatley and Patricia Reid, Margaret Mannion and Majella Corbett, P. and K. Rowley, Winnie Tunney and Martin Gibbons, Kevin Heffernan and Mike Nolan, John Burke and Chris Turner, Mary Morrin and Pat Griffith.
The committee thank all who supported the monthly game throughout the year. The next game is on Thursday, January 19.
COMMUNITY CENTRE SERVICES
Various services are available at the community centre, including meals delivery, the weekly Active Retirement lunch, free computer and phone support for beginners, hot desk facilities and much more. Printing, photocopying and laminating services also available.
The community centre also has meeting rooms of different sizes available to rent, while a Local Link bus service to Castlebar departs from daily from Tuesday to Saturday. This service is free to bus pass holders.
Call (094) 9365987 for more information about any of the services or to book a slot for computer/phone support or hot desk use.
MAYO GAELS JACKPOT
The Mayo Gaels lotto jackpot is now €10,900. This week's draw will be held online today (Tuesday). Tickets must be in by 8 p.m.
The numbers drawn last week were 5, 13, 32 and 33. There was no jackpot winner. Consolation winners were Declan Gibbons, c/o Martin Gibbons, Karen Brett, Mayo Abbey (online), Adam Gallagher, Facefield (annual), and Geraldine Joyce, Facefield (online).
ISLANDEADY NEWS
25 DRIVE RESULTS
THE 25 drive on December 19 last was held as a fundraising event for Cornanool National School.
First place went to Tom Gibbons, the second prize won by Phil Keane, and the third pirze was claimed by Collette Moran.
There were numerous raffle prize winners on the night too, and €600 was raised for Cornanool NS, for which they were extremely grateful for.
The first game of 2023 was held last night week. First prize on the night was won by Mary O’Malley, while second place was shared between Sean Ryder, Sean Hopkins, Peter Reynolds and Carmel Masterson. Third was shared by Thomas Conroy, Phil Keane and Paddy Keane. The raffle winners were Thomas Conroy, Eda Duffy and Sean Ryder.
The game continues every Monday night in Islandeady Community Centre, starting at 8.30 p.m. Refreshments are served and everybody is welcome.
ISLANDEADY CYCLING CLUB
Islandeady Cycling Club will hold an open day at their state-of-the-art clubhouse at Jack’s Cottage on Sunday, January 22, from 12 noon. The event is open to everyone to meet club members and view the facilities available.
There will be committee and club members available to showcase the club, which members are very proud to have in the parish. The emphasis on the day is encourage people to join the club, where the ethos is recreational cycling catering for all ages and abilities.
There will be an opportunity to view the Turbo and Zwift training that takes place weekly over the winter months. Refreshments will be served on the day.
THANK YOU
Sincere thanks to Elaine and all the children who took part in the choir practice for the recent children’s Christmas liturgy. It was a fantastic evening of wonderful music and singing – a credit to everyone involved. Hopefully it's the start of something regular for Sunday mornings.
LIP SYNC
Many thanks to all who supported the recent Islandeady Community Council and Islandeady GAA Club launch night for their joint fundraising event, Islandeady Lip Sync Legends Battle. The launch was held recently in Marty’s Halfway House.
This joint fundraiser is being undertaken to assist with developing the sporting and community facilities in Islandeady. All support is needed over the next few months before the 'battle' on Saturday, March 18, in the Dome Suite of the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.
NEW ARRIVAL
We welcome into the Christian community of Islandeady/Glenisland Johnnie James Riley, son of Fiona and Pat, who was baptised recently. Congrats to the parents, grandparents, godparents and both families.
RECENT DEATHS
Your prayers are requested to remember the following who died recently: Delia Walsh, Fahy, sister of Micheal O’Donnell, Cornagushlaun; Margaret Moran, Ballinrobe, sister of the late John Sheridan, Sheeaune; Nora Graven (nee Walsh), Leitir and Castlebar; John Joyce, Moate, Co. Westmeath, and Glenisland, brother of Martin Joyce; Mae Gibbons, Cloonkeen, mother of Marie Heneghan, Cloonkeen; Marie Burke, Ballyglass, mother of Senator Paddy Burke, Annagh; Kathleen Hoey, Florida, USA, aunt of Kathleen Keaveney, Sheeaune; Allan Wright, Derrycrieve, Islandeady.
We extend sincere sympathies to their families, relatives, friends and neighbours. May they rest in peace.
ACTIVITIES
Activities in Islandeady Community Centre include the following: card game on Monday nights at 8.30 p.m.; Rambling House every Tuesday from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.; Ladies Club every Tuesday at 8 p.m.; Wednesday Get-together every Wednesday at 11.30 a.m.; Foróige every Thursday and Friday from 8 to 9.30 p.m.
STATE OF THE ROAD
The Islandeady Village Enhancement Group has been busy lately talking with the TII, Mayo County Council roads section and WillsBam about the state of the top of the Islandeady Road (the L1811).
The intention is to leave the approach (entrance) at the top of the road the way it currently is with a post and rail timber fence either side, and the field that was heaped with earth at the top of the road will remain as it is, obscuring the view down into Islandeady.
It is the intention of the community council to challenge the response it received from the roads section of the council.
A community meeting will be held early this month and everyone is invited if you wish to voice concern/opinion about the way and manner in which the top of Islandeady Road is being left. Unless action is taken now, the road will be left this way.
BALLA
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
CAN you spare a couple of hours per week? A little time goes along way. Become a befriender to those living with dementia. Full training will be provided. Contact Caroline on (087) 3694477 or (094) 9364900 for more information.
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Bingo is back, taking place every Sunday at 8 p.m. in Balla Community Centre. Bingo books can be purchased at www.balla.ie before 12 noon on Sunday or on the door. The game can also be played online.
Meanwhile, the community centre is also the venue the following: Balla baby and toddler group every Wednesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon; Balla Bridge Club on Wednesdays from 7.30 to 9.30/10.30 p.m.; Knitwits knitting and crochet club on Thursdays; Active Retirement Association (ARA) meetings on Fridays at 3 p.m. (new members always welcome); and a 25 card drive on Saturdays at 8.30 p.m.
Elsewhere, a ladies night is coming up on Thursday, February 2. Keep an eye out for more details.
BALLYHEANE NEWS
RECENTS DEATHS
SINCERE sympathy is extended to the families of the recently deceased: John Joyce, Co. Westmeath, and late of Glenisland (brother of Eileen McDonnell, Hollyhill); Jerh (Jerimiah) Stack, who died in Cork, brother of Dave Stack; Ulick Bourke, Straide, who died peacefully, husband of Esther Heneghan from Ballintubber and son-in-law of Sean Heneghan, Ballintubber. May their gentle souls rest in peace.
CÉILÍ
There will be a céilí in the community centre on Saturday, January 21, from 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m., with music by the ever-popular Michael Sexton. Admission is €12, which includes refreshments.
CONGRATULATIONS
Heartiest congratulations to Noel Tuffy, Buncom, who has been selected for the Henry Downes Award for service to football. Noel has been involved with Ballyheane FC since the club was established in 1985.
As well as a founding member, Noel has been coach, manager and fundraiser, and has done and continues to do Trojan voluntary work for the club.
DECLAN NERNEY CONCERT
There will be a fundraising event for the community and friends on Friday, February 10, as Errew National School presents Declan Nerney and Pat Mulchrone in concert at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.
Tickets cost €20, which includes entry to a prize draw. The tickets are available online at Eventbrite.ie, at Westport Plaza Hotel, Morans & Sons Butcher, Belcarra, Cunningham Costcutter, Belcarrra, Corrigan's Costcutter, Ballintubber, Daybreak, Ballyheane, and The Punch Bowl, Ballyheane. Doors open at 9 p.m. and there will be a late bar on the night.