An Taoiseach is guest at Claremorris F.F. celebrations
11/6/2002 -
An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, will be the guest of honour at the Claremorris Fianna Fail Comhairle Cheantair 75th anniversary celebration night in the D’Alton Inn Hotel on Thursday 7th November at 9 p.m. Local party members will be joined by others from around the county a well as Fianna Fail public representatives in Mayo.
Special presentations will be made to former TD, P.J. Morley and former councillor, Sean Fitzpatrick, in appreciation of their years of service to the party. Music will be provided by John Joe Deeley and his band and tickets are priced at 10 euros.
NO NAME CLUB
Celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Claremorris No Name Club were held in the Dalton Inn Hotel last Wednesday night. The guest speaker was former Kilkenny hurling legend Eddie Keher who does a lot of work on the nation stage promoting the ideals and aims of the No Name Club.
Other speakers included Supt. Martin Lee, Claremorris and Oliver King from Mountbellew who looks after the western region for the No Name Club organisation.
Sean Kenna, the chairperson of the adult committee, welcomed the large attendance and the invited guests. He thanks all associated with the venture and had special words of thanks for the committee members of Ann Whittle, Con Nolan, Fr. Fergal Cunnane, Kevin Prendergast, Laura Deehan and Aine McGrath.
The successful group of new hosts and hostesses for the coming year were introduced to the gathering and they were Sharon Coen, Fergal Mannion, Michelle McHale, Linda Kenna, Blaine Prendergast, James Kean, Paul McHugh, Paul Kenna, Simon Murphy, Mary Rose McLoughlin, George Brennan, Sarah Macken, Mary Louise Coleman, Sarah Kilgallon, Emma Morris, Adrian McVann and Audrey Kean.
Mr. Kenna then named Laura Cunningham and Kieran Dowd as hostess and host of the year. (Full report and pictures from the night will be published in next week’s issue).
SINN FEIN CALL
Sinn Féin National Executive member, Vincent Wood, is calling for unified and cross-party support for the development of Claremorris and surrounding area. Mr Wood was speaking during a debate on Castlebar Radio with Fianna Fail TD John Carty and Seamus McCormack of the IRD.
“There would seem to be a consensus that Claremorris is ideally located for growth at the junction of the N17 and N60, with the main Dublin to Westport rail line and in close proximity to Knock Airport.
“There cannot be any good reason not to make a unified demand for the following measures: (1) The reopening of the Sligo - Limerick Rail line. This would link Claremorris to the major towns of Galway and Sligo as well as providing an important local service between towns in East Mayo. (2) Further development of Knock Airport and the industrial units at the site. (3) The decentralisation of a government department to the town of Claremorris,” said Vincent.
“John Carty understands that his Fianna Fail party command a comfortable majority in Leinster House. This means that people like him will have to, on occasion, challenge his own party and government in the interests of the marginalized area he represents. The need for development here will have to transcend party political lines if we are to begin to change the Dublin-centred mindset of this government,” stated Mr. Wood.
NEW ARRIVAL
Congratulations to Geraldine and Tommy Flatley, Ballyfarna on the birth of their baby son last week.
OBAIR NETWORK
The Local Employment Service Network (OBAIR) is a free confidential service offering one to one guidance and support and training to the unemployed person looking for work. Contact 094-62757 or 0907-30080 for further details.
FISH STALL
Padraig Kennedy’s ‘Fish Stall’ has been a true institution in Claremorris for long and many years. It has almost been a ‘permanent’ fixture at the Square every Wednesday and Padraig has built up a legion of faithful and loyal ‘regulars’ in that time.
Because of the ongoing works at the Square and the new lay-out which will soon be completed, Padraig has now moved his Fish Stall to the car park at the back of the Square and he is currently located in the area close to Albany.
The Westport man looks forward to meeting and chatting with his many friends at this new location on the regular Wednesday from now on.
CLAREMORRIS LOTTO
The numbers drawn in the Claremorris GAA lotto at the weekend were 10, 13, 19 and 30. The 50 euro winners were Donna Brennan, c/o Pats’ Cabs, Mary Cunningham, Scardaune and Mark Jordan, Balla Road. Kathleen Feerick, Scardaune, Margaret Horan, Balla Road, Patti Cunningham, Seefin, Tom Gallagher, Birchfield and John Morley, Aughervilla won the house prizes.
The winners of the 50 euro prizes in the draw held in Hanley’s Bar on the 27th October were Megan Tierney, Ballynew, Micheal Walsh, Bohola and Clare Slattery, Clogher, Hollymount. The house prize winners were Patricia Cunningham, Seefin, Margaret Hanley, c/o Hanley’s Bar, Edward Fahy, Castlebar, Paddy Thomas, Kilbeg and Martin Hanley, Claremorris. The next draw will be on Sunday next in Clarke’s, Ballindine and the jackpot will be £7,950.
CLAREMORRIS GAA
At the final meeting of the 2002 season on 30th October, chairman Eddie McLoughlin thanked all the members of the executive for their work and co-operation during the year. He said that a lot of work had been done and a lot had been achieved.
* The meeting heard that the drainage undertaken at the town pitch seemed to be a huge success. The repair work has been done to the pitch and will be rested over the winter.
* The new pitches at the Racecourse, which were re-seeded earlier, are now in fine condition and are ready for use. The goal posts and nets have been bought. The pitches have been lined and E.S.B. facilities have been installed. A number of lights have been purchased to facilitate training in the new year. The pitches will be used by St. Colman’s College over the winter. John Commons (Bord Na n0g) reported that all the underage matches have now been played.
* The G.A.A. Golf Team of Pat Connaughton, Willie Feeley, Mick Gallagher and Dick Horan were congratulated on finishing third in the All Ireland F.B.D. Golf challenge.
* Johnnie Cummins and Pat Higgins were congratulated on their successes during the year. The junior team winning the County Division 5 cup and the intermediate team winning Division 2 cup and league final. The managers were thanked for their hard work and effort during the year. The club has regained senior status for next year.
* A players meeting will be held in two weeks time to discuss training and other matters for the new season.
* The annual general meeting has been fixed for Sunday Ist December at 3.00pm.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
Claremorris GAA Club has passed votes of sympathy to the family of the late Johnny Cummins, Kilbeg, the family of Fergus O’Boyle, Kilnagower, the McGreal family, Cloondroon on the death of Michael McGreal, and also to the Grant family, Claremorris on the death of Paddy Grant.
BINGO WINNERS
Andy McGahon, Balla Road, Claremorris has been hitting a ‘winning streak’ at Claremorris bingo in recent times. Andy won the jackpot prize of 300 euros last Thursday night week and he also ‘checked’ for 125 euros the previous week.
Other winners from the bingo sessions held on the 17th and 24th October were: Mary Cunningham from Scardaune won 275 euros, Martin Walsh, Brize won 180 euros, and prizes of 125 euros each went to Pat Melia, Tuam, Davnet Bourke, Claremorris, Josie Jennings, Claremorris, Kathleen Lynn, Hollymount, Mrs. Shannon, Tuam, Madeline O’Donnell, Castlerea, Margaret Shaughnessy, Clonbur, Padraig Kearns, Balla, Winnie Maughan, Ballinrobe, Mary Warde, Parkmore Estate, Tuam, Gertrude Penny, Kilvine, Jimmy Shaughnessy, Balla, Marie McDonald, Ballinrobe and Louise Warde, Tuam. Prizes of 90 euro each went to Peggy Heffernan, Rathgranagher and Mrs. Brennan, Ballykinave, Claremorris. Bingo starts at 8.45 p.m. each Thursday night.
NIALL’S AWARD
Niall Heffernan has been honoured with a top national award in Dublin. Niall’s recipe for traditional home-made sausages won the gold star award in that category. Congrats to Niall on his excellent achievement.
PARISH HELPERS
The Eucharistic Ministers in St. Colman’s Church this weekend are: Saturday 8 p.m. - Tom Waldron, Helen Walsh, Anne Walshe, Maisie Whelan and Colette Balfe; Sunday 9 a.m. Sr. Ailbe and John Whittle; 10.30 a.m. - Mary Boyle, Josephine Burke, Una Clarke and Kathleen Conroy; 12 noon - Rita Cleary, Bernie Conroy, Brendan Conroy, Maureen Cleary and Carmel Conway. The readers are Danny McHugh, Martin Naughton, Ita Nevin and Pat Noone.
On Mass Serving duty this week are Cathal Burke, Joseph Kirwan, Jonathan McCormack, Justin Brennan and David Tierney.
* A combined meeting of the Claremorris and Crossboyne Pastoral Council will be held in the Dalton Inn on this Tuesday night, 5th at 8.30 p.m.
* The Stations for Streamstown and Cloondroon will be in the home of Jim and Teresa Morrissey on Friday night at 8.30 p.m. The Stations for Carrowbeg and Loughanamon will be celebrated in the home of T.J. and Breege Duggan on Friday night at 8.15 p.m.
* Barnacarroll: This weekend the Eucharistic Ministers are Ann Prendergast, Sadie Prendergast, Brian Finn and Noreen Keane and the epistle readers are Patricia Ruane and Pat O’Sullivan. The Mass Servers are Thomas McCormack and Elaine Commins.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Belated greetings to Mary Kate Maughan, Claremorris who celebrated a special birthday last week. Mary Kate and her husband Owen are a very well known and popular couple in the town and some of Owen’s lovely songs are featured on a regular basis on Mid-West Radio.
BRICKENS CARDS
The winners last Tuesday night were Michael Nolan and Martin O’Gara. The second and third prizes were shared by Austin McGuire and Sean Walsh, and Carmel Cleary and Mary Connell. The best of the last 9 went to Martin and Marion McHugh, and Jim Corley and John McGee. The raffle winners were Paddy Kearns, Mary Kelly and James Morley.
BANK MANAGER
Michael Hutton has been appointed as the new manager of AIB in Claremorris. He comes to Claremorris from Donegal where he has served with the bank for a good many years. He is also a native of Co. Donegal. Michael takes over from Kilmovee native Seamus Duffy who recently took up his new appointment as manager in Ballinasloe.
PEGGY’S JACKPOT
Congratulations to Peggy Lowry from Brickens who won the jackpot of 900 euros at a recent bingo session in Claremorris Town Hall. Well done, Peggy.
SEAN KING TROPHY
Robert Cosgrove, Claremorris and Pat Keary, Kiltimagh were the winners of the annual Sean King Memorial Trophy at the Claremorris Bridge Club competition played on the 21st October. The runners-up were Nonie Hegarty and Ann Broderick (Claremorris) with Teresa McGrath and Cait McTigue (Kiltimagh) in third place.
The other main placings were: 4th Mary Gallagher and Hugh McTigue; 5th Dorothy Durkan and Kathleen Higgins; 6th Betty Solan and Eileen McLoughlin.
GALA BALL
Enable Ireland Mayo Services will hold their second annual Black and White Gala Ball in the Dalton Inn Hotel on Saturday 7th December. A champagne reception will be followed by a seven course meal. Music will be provided by Revival and they will be followed by a disco. Tickets are priced at 60 euros each and are now available from the Enable Ireland Mayo Services office at James Street, Claremorris.
LINE DANCING
Line classing classes are held in Duffy’s Lounge in Ballindine every Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. These enjoyable get-togethers cater for a wide range of line dancing skills. All are welcome. Further details can be had from Mary Kathleen at 0907-49426.
BRICKENS BINGO
Nuala Kenny from Ballyhaunis won 140 euros at the bingo in Brickens last Saturday night. Prizes of 40 euros each went to Kathleen Feerick, Kiltimagh, Anne Kelly, Ballindine, Shane Cleary, Brickens, Mary King, Castlebar, Peggy Scalica, Brickens, Chris Coyne, Claremorris, Pat McManamon, Newport and Mary Gill, Claremorris. Other winners included John Cunnane, Mary Morley, Mary Carney and Maureen Waldron. Bingo starts at 9 p.m. every Saturday night in Brickens Community Centre.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Pauline and Peter McCormack, Gortnara, Claremorris on the recent birth of their baby son.
KILCOLMAN BRIDGE
These are the results of the Kilcolman Bridge competition of the 23rd October: N/S Ist Florence Devane and Angela Walsh; 2nd Catherine Burke and Patricia Cunningham; 3rd Nonie Hegarty and Una Gormley; 4th Sal Higgins and Kay Brennan. E/W: Ist Aileen Warde and Anne Walsh; 2nd Flor Higgins and Colette Lavelle; 3rd Carmel Conway and Norma Collins; 4th Ann Veldon and Breege Hession.
PASTURES NEW
Twin lambs have arrived early (late!) on the farm of Des Kelly in Murneen. The gentle bleat of a lamb is music to the ears of country people. The sheep yeaned without any bother and there was no need for overtime in the ‘maternity unit’. ‘Mother’ and ‘kids’ are doing grand.
YOGA CLASSES
A six week course in Advanced Yoga gets underway in the Dalton Inn Hotel on this Tuesday night, 5th November. Classes are from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m. Participants must have completed a beginners course. The course instructor is Breda McCallig.
WEDDING BELLS
Congratulations to Adrian Dunne, son of Billy and Rosemary Dunne, Skevarde, Ballindine and Clodagh Beresford, Dungarvan who were married recently in Ballinrode Church near Dungarvan.
Over 300 guests attended the reception in the Park Hotel in Dungarvan. The weather was beautiful for the occasion and the large contingent that travelled from Ballindine enjoyed a lovely time down south.
Adrian is a member of the Garda Siochana and is based in Santry and Clodagh is a solicitor in Dublin. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Italy and will reside in Dublin. They are wished good health and contentment in the years ahead.
EASTERN GAELS
The numbers drawn in the Eastern Gaels GAA lotto last weekend were 14, 15 and 32. The 15 euro prizes were won by Padraic Clancy, Cloonbook, Anne Finn, Cloontumper, Bernadette Clancy, Cloonbook, Padraig McGee, Brickens and Carol Moore, Brickens. The draw for a jackpot of e4,100 will be held in Ronan’s lounge in Bekan on Saturday night.
TABLE QUIZ
The Claremorris Women’s Group have arranged a fun table quiz for the Curam Centre on Thursday 7th November at 9 p.m. The proceeds from the venture will go to the Pioneer Association. Refreshments will be served on the night and all support will be most welcome.
CRETE WEDDING
Congratulations to Kevin Lavin, son of Kathleen and the late Andrew Lavin, Rockfield, Claremorris and Madeleine Lynch from Cork who were married on the Greek island of Crete on the 15th October.
Kevin, who has lived in Dublin for a good many years, is a well known writer and has published a number of books in recent years. He also directs and produces plays and several of these have been staged in Dublin. Every good wish to Kevin and Madeline from neighbours and friends back home.
WATER POLO
The Claremorris U-16 Water Polo team were defeated on a scoreline of 7-6 in the Irish Cup Final at Limerick last week. They lost out narrowly to North Dublin in a marvellous final. The team was coached by Liam Smyth.
The members of the Claremorris squad were Nicky Commons, Darren McHugh, George Brennan, David Mulligan, Darren Mulligan, James Kean, Mark Kean, Paul Kenna, Denis Walsh, David Monaghan and Gavin Brennan. (See report on sports pages).
BEREAVEMENT
Sympathy is tendered to Willie Kirrane, Feamore, Irishtown on the death of his sister Sarah Jennings, Mountdelvin, Cloonfad, last week. Sympathy is also tendered to Kathleen’s sons and daughters and to the extended family. Well known Tyrone country singer Johnny Loughrey, who is married to Mary, a niece of the late Sarah, sang some hymns at the Funeral Mass in Cloonfad Church.
BEREAVEMENT TALK
Geraldine McBride will deliver a talk on “Coping with Bereavement” in ‘Curam’ (beside St. Colman’s Church) on Thursday night week, 14th November at 8 p.m. All are welcome.
DUBLIN DEATH
The death took place recently in Dublin of Paddy Neary, formerly of Mount Street, Claremorris. Paddy was a former employee of Aer Lingus and had resided in Dublin for many years. Paddy was a brother of the John and Tommy Joe Neary in Mount Street and Willie who lived in Ardroe.
He was son of the late Pat and Delia Neary who were a well known couple in the town. Pat operated a fishmonger business for a good many years in the Claremorris and neighbouring areas.
Paddy joined the Army in the 1940s during ‘The Emergency” years and served in Athlone and Dublin. He then secured a job with Aer Lingus and was renowned for his courteous and helpful nature to passengers at Dublin Airport. He always loved to meet people from around Claremorris and spent extra time chatting with the people from his hometown. In recent years, he made regular trips back to Claremorris where he retained some old friendships down through the decades. Paddy was a very decent and honourable gentleman who delighted in doing good turns for people. Sympathy is tendered to his family on their sad bereavement.
After Requiem Mass in Whitehall Church, burial took place in Dardistown Cemetery.
Paddy is deeply regretted by his wife, daughters, son, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was a brother-in-law of Mary Neary, Ardroe.
ATHLETICS NEWS
The Mayo Cross Country championships (even age groups) were held in Ballina last Saturday week. These are the results of the performances by the Claremorris athletes who were in action: U-10 girls - Aisling Costello 10th, Emma Moran 12th, Chloe Hurst 20th. U-10 boys - Barry Healy 2nd, S. Gill 4th.
U-12 girls - Heather Walsh 2nd, Whitney Jordan 5th. U-12 boys - Ciaran Charlton 2nd, Edward Hurst 15th. U-14 girls: Nicola Hurst Ist. U-14 boys - Kieran Collins 6th. U-16 boys- Brian Moran 7th. U-18 Boys - Gary Durcan (Manulla) 2nd, John Healy (Hollymount) 3rd, Jason Byrne (Mayfield) 4th, Barry Jennings (Balla) 6th, Patrick Moran (Balla) 7th.
The Connacht Uneven Age Group were held in Ballinasloe last Sunday. U-11 - Barry Healy 10th. U-13 - Ciaran Charlton 15th, Kieran Collins 16th. U-17 Girls - Michelle Heneghan 12th (qualified for All-Ireland). U-17 - Ian McWalter 2nd, Jason Byrne 10th, Gary Durcan 11th, John Healy 12th, Barry Jennings 16th, Patrick Moran 17th. (All-Ireland qualifiers).
Good luck to all the athletes from the club who will compete in the Connacht Championships Even Age Groups in Ballinrobe this coming weekend.
* Training continues for members from 8 upwards on Tuesday and Friday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. A beginners training course will be held in Castlebar on the 6th November. A number of Claremorris club trainers will attend this course.
CONRADH NA GAEILGE
Claremorris Conradh an Gaeilge members are making plans for the forthcoming placenames project in the Claremorris area which is being supported by Foras na Gaeilge. It is hoped that the first phase of the project will be completed in February.
The first ten placenames planned are: Garraí a’ Mhaidrín, Log a’ Teampaill, Cill Bheag, Ruascaidh Beag, Cillín Fearna, Baile Gamhna, Ard Rua, Luí na Gréine, Barr na hAille and Clár Aoibhinn.
A lecture on Máirtín O Cadhain by Dr. Gearóid Denvir of NUIG is planned for December.
A letter of complaint has been sent to An Post about the anglicisation of its name to The Post Office and a motion condemning this retrograde step was passed unanimously.
An Irish musical evening will be organised in February to launch the new CD of traditional music by Claremorris harper, Gráinne Hambly.
The well known singer and composer Tadhg MacDhonnagáin is to be invited to perform in the town during Seachtain na Gaeilge in March 2003. It is also hoped to host an art exhibition of works by Darach O Scolaí in Claremorris Library as well as an Irish poetry reading.
The annual general meeting of the Claremorris branch will take place in the Dalton Inn Hotel on Monday 18th November at 8.45 p.m. New members will be very welcome. Má tá Gaeilge agat beidh fáilte romhat.
ENABLE IRELAND BALL
Enable Ireland Mayo Services will hold their second annual black and white gala ball (black tie) in the Dalton Inn Hotel, Claremorris, on Saturday, Dec. 7. Champagne reception at 7-30 pm. sharp, followed by a seven course meal. Music will be by Revival followed by disco. Tickets available at the enable Ireland Mayo Services office, James St., Claremorris, at e60.
The main sponsors of the event are the Dalton Inn Hotel, Claremorris, Blacoe Jewellers, Claremorris, and Garden of Eden flower shop, Claremorris.
CONRADH TRIBUTES
Members of Claremorris branch of Conradh na Gaeilge heard tributes to two well known and respected members at the recent meeting of the branch.
Séamus O Máille, who died earlier this year, was the Honorary President of the branch and had a lifelong commitment to the Irish language and culture.
Proinsias O Maolmhuaidh said that Séamus had devoted himself to the promotion of everything Irish throughout his long life and had brought honour and respect to his community through his outstanding achievements on the sporting field, culminating in his captaining the Mayo All-Ireland winning team of 1936.
Proinsias recalled how Séamus had often told of how he cycled to Meelickmore school the following day with the Sam Maguire on the handlebars! “Gael uasal dílis ab ea Séamus,” arsa Proinsias, “fear a bhí macánta agus misniúil agus a raibh grá as cuimse aige do theanga na nGael. Is fíor a rá nach mbeidh a leithéidí arís ann.”
Seán O Raghallaigh (Johnny Reilly), who died last month, had been a member of Conradh na Gaeilge for thirty years since its re-establishment in Claremorris in 1972. His friendship with the well-known Irish teacher, Colm O Cartúir, who spent some time in Claremorris, led to his enthusiasm for the language which he mastered at a young age having also spent some time in Conamara.
Leading the tributes to Seán, Séamus O Maoilearca, also referred to his great kindness to old people and children and his involvement with various religious organisations. “Bhí meas againn go léir ar Sheán,” ar seisean, “mar bhí sé dílis don Chonradh agus don Ghaeilge i gcaitheamh a shaoil. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí anois dó.”
Votes of sympathy were passed with both families and prayers were offered for the repose of the their souls.