Claremorris (Mayo) Notes and News

Claremorris Notes

18 November 1998

Monster bingo in aid of TownHall fund

There will be a Monster bingo session in the Claremorris Town Hall on Sunday next November 22nd. With a total prize fund of £5,000 this is a game not to be missed. As the local Town Hall urgently needs funds this is a great opportunity for everyone in the Claremorris region to support this fund. The Claremorris Town Hall is a fantastic amenity to have in the town and the local committee now need funds in order to keep it open.

Next Sundays game will start at 3.30 p.m. and you are advised to come early. Included in the £5,000 prize fund will be a £1,000 jackpot pool. There will be a ten game book - half book willbe £5, full £8 and double book, £15.

Clar IRD craft and food fair

Clar IRD will hold a Christmas Craft and Food Fair on Sunday December 13th in the Town Hall, Claremorris. The management of Clar I.R.D. are presently taking booking for spaces at a cost of £10. All types of stands are welcome from craft gift ideas to homemade perserves and baked goods.

There will be entertainment for Children in the Hall from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Santa will pay a visit during the evening. This will be run in conjunction with the "Christmas in Claremorris Day" which will see businesses in the town open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with many special offers. A large crowd is expected in the town on the day so if you are interested in displaying and selling your products at the Fair, please contact Clar I.R.D. at 094-71830 to reserve a place.

Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting

There was a large attendance at the November meeting of the local Chamber of Commerce which was held in the Town Hall last week. Chaired by Chamber President, Liam Smyth, the main items discussed were Christmas lights, Tourism Brochure, Mayo Chamber meeting and the Millennium project.

Christmas Lights: The members were told that contractors have been appointed for the Christmas Lights and that fittings had already been put in place. For Christmas 1998 the lights will extend to the Railway Bridge on Main Street. Over £4,000 has to be raised towards the cost of implementation. Nominated collectors, Liam Smyth, Micheal Brennan and Eileen Dyer, will call on the business community to receive contributions on behalf of the Chamber project.

Tourism Brochure: A draft copy of the Tourism brochure "Local Stories- Claremorris " was on display at the meeting. All attending the meeting were impressed with the high standard of photography and editorial featured. As 36 advertisements are required to cover the cost of the production, those who receive letters detailing the advertising rates are asked to contact Liam Smyth if interested.

Mayo Chambers meeting: Vice-President, Peter Glynn, attended the Mayo Chambers Alliance meeting at the end of October in Castlebar. Representatives from Ballina, Ballyhaunis, Claremorris, Castlebar, and Westport were in attendance. Mr. Chris Farrell, Ballina (ex-Claremorris) was appointed Chairman with Maria Quinn, Castlebar, as secretary.

Issued discussed included nominations to the County Council Strategic Policy Committees, the National Wage Agreement, Sunday Trading, cut-backs at An Post and Accreditation to the National Body (CCI).

Millennium Project: The Chamber discussed a number of ideas to officially launch the dawn of a new millennium. Suggestions included a big sporting event, the unveiling of a monument and an open air function for everyone to enjoy.

The meeting went on to decide to open the topic to the general public and they would like to hear of any suggestions unique or otherwise as to the best way to introduce the new century. If you have any suggestion you are asked to contact Liam Smyth or Eileen Dyer. A.O.B. In the any other business session the members were told that a letter to highlight the plight of West of Ireland farmers was sent to the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Joe Walsh, T.D.

The members were also told that the Galway Chamber are hosting the Chamber of Commerce Ireland Company Law seminar on November 26th at the Corrib Great Southern Hotel.

Finally, the President Liam Smyth told the members that a letter of congratulations was sent to Claremorris native, Mr. Conor Maguire, on his appointment as Chairman of the I.T.T.C.

Fianna Fail meeting adjourns

At a meeting of the Claremorris Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceantair on Saturday night last many tributes were paid to the late Paddy Gordan, Kiltimagh, who passed away last week after a short illness. As a mark of respect the meeting started with a minutes silence as a mark of respect and was adjourned immediately after formalities were despensed with.

In the words of the Chairman, the late Paddy was described as a consistent and enthusiastic grassroots worker and great supporter of the party. The delegates were also told that Paddy was a great man for holding views and opinions on a wide range of party issues and was always prepared to voice these views.

In expressing sympathy to Paddy's wife, Maureen, sons, Francis, Paddy and Damien, daughters, Miriam and Claire, many of the members of the party said that he would be fondly remembered by everyone and that his death was a big loss to the party.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Pool competition

The big pool competition will continue to-night (Wednesday) in the Western Hotel and the following games are down for decision: Noel Fleming v Billy Burke; Matt Egan v Johnny Thomas; Terence Heaney v Christy Heffernan; Seamus Slattery v Damien McHugh.

Thursday night November 18th games are: Martin Gilligan v Mick Devane; John Nally v Eugene Carney; Seamus Sheridan v Joe Reapy and Paul Hunt v K.McMahon.

Nora Owen will be guest speaker

The Deputy Leader of the Fine Gael party, Nora Owen, T.D. will be the special guest at the Kilcommon/Carras Fine Gael annual social which will be held in Tierney's of Foxhall on Friday night next Novemebr 20th. Also, in attendance will be local Fine Gael public representatives. Tickets for the annual social can be had from any of the local officers or at the door on Friday night.

"The Hollies" go for gold

Nine Master swimmers from Claremorris known as "THe Hollies" will be going for gold this coming weekend when they travel to Leisureland in Galway, where they will take part in the Corrib International Swimming championship. The following are the members of "The Hollies" team who are expecting to do very well in the championship: Kay Brennan, Marion Cullinane, Shelia Duggan, Bernie Mulkearns, Breda McLoughlin, Cathy Higgins, Maura Brennan, Patrica Kean and Mary Dixon. Best of luck ladies.

Bridge winners

The following were the winners of the Monday night bridge game which was held in the D'Alton Inn last week: 1st. Mary O'Reilly and Richard Conway; 2nd. Ber Devern and Maura Gormley; 3rd. Micheal Cammeron and Catherine Burke; 4th. Mary Sullivan and Sal Higgins; 5th. Ann Walsh and Aileen Warde and 6yh. Maureen Conlon and Betty Solan.

Pioneer Centre elect officers

At the annual general meeting of the Claremorris Pioneer Centre which was held in the Social Services Centre on Thursday night last the following officers were elected for the coming year: President, Con Nolan; Secretary, Tom O'Dea; Treasurer, Noel Riordan; youth officer, Gerry McLoughlin and PRO, Tom O'Dea.

As Claremorris Pioneer Centre is celebrating the 70th anniversary of it's foundation shortly alot of last Thursday nights meeting was given priorty to discuss this very special occasion. The members decided to mark this milestone a special Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church to which the Centre is attached to, on Thursday December 10th. This will be followed by a special buffet in the D'Alton Inn Hotel for which tickets wil be limited.

Next years Centenary celebrations for the Pioneer Association were also discussed during the meeting. The local members are hoping that a large number from the Claremorris Centre will go to Croke Park on May 30th 1999 for the big national celebration. As the crowd in Croke Park will be limited to 55,000, there will only 50 places forthe Claremorris members. Those wishing to travel to Croke Park are asked to book their ticket with any of local officers. To help defray the costs of Central Office a Church Gate collection will be held sometime during December.

CPI require driver

The Mayo branch of Cerebral Palsy require a drive with a D licence to work on a Fas Community Employment Scheme. For further details you are asked to contact the branch office at James Street, Claremorris, telephone number - 094-62444.

The late Mathew Byrne

The death occured last week of Mathew Byrne, Tulrahen. In his 90th year the late Mathew had been married for the past sixty-four years. A native of Co. Carlow, he came to live in Mayo over forty years ago. During his time in Tulrahen he made many friends and was a very popular member of the local community. His remains were removed from Donnellan's Funeral Parlour, Claremorris, to Brickens Church and following Solemn Requiem Mass was laid to rest in Tulrahen cemetery.

The late Mathew is survived by his wife, Nora, sons, Paddy and Peter both tulrahen, daughters, Stancie (England) and Noreen, Tulrahen, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Garrymore 25 drive

The following were the winners of the 25 drive game which was held in the Garrymore GAA Complex last week: 1st. Bill Brannick and Colm Conway; 2nd. Micky Murphy and Micky Walsh; 3rd. Teresa McHugh and Maureen Malone.

Table quiz

A very large crowd attended the table quiz which was organised by the Apostalic Workers and held in the Garrymore Complex last week. The following were the winners: 1st. Ger Delaney, Padraig Flannery, Mattie Matterson and T.J.Kelly; 2nd. John Paul Henry, Martin, Helena and Ena Hession; 3rd. Helena McHugh, Peadar, Alan and David Higgins. The quiz master for the night was Micheal King.

Eucharistic Ministers

The following are the Eucharistic Ministers for the coming weekend Masses inSt. Colman's Church: Saturday night - 8 p.m. Kitty Morley, Seamus Mullarkey, Anne Molloy, Frances Mulkeen and Mary Merrick. Sunday: 8.30 a.m. Frank Molloy and Nora Maloney; 10 a.m. Breda McCallig, Noreen McCallig, Phil McGrath and Roderick Maguire; 11.30 a.m. Mary McGreal, Teresa McTigue, Peter McCallig, Seamus McLoughlin and Gerard McCallig.

Brickens 25 drive winners

The following were the winners of the 25 drive game which was held in Brickens Community Centre last week: 1st. David Delaney and Micheal O'Malley; 2nd. and 3rd shared between Seamus Lyons and Eileen Travers, John McGee and Jim Corley, Luke Concannon and Mick Caulfield. The spot prize winners were: Joe Mongan and Dermot Finnegan, Tom and Paddy Waldron and Peter Delaney and Jarlath Mongan. The raffle winners were E.J. Cunnane, Dermot Hunt, Maut Caulfield and Sean Walsh.

Bingo session winners

The following were the winners of the bingo session which was held in the Brickens Community Centre last week: Margaret Foy, Claremorris, won £100; Other winners included - May Connolly, Kilconly; Peggy Scilica, Brickens; Kathleen Sweeney, Kilconly; Margaret Roache, Castlebar (hamper); Micheal Burns, Castlebar (£40); Kay Nally, Claremorris; Myra Cleary, Logboy; Paddy Healy, Aghamore; Evelyn Lyons, Brickens; Kathleen Kearins, Ballindine and Rita Stevens, Ballindine.

Died in Birmingham

The death took place in Birmingham, England, last week of Mary Concannon formerly Mary Connolly of Cuslough, Tulrahen. Sister of Margaret McTigue, Irishtown, she is also survived by her husband, family members, nephews and nieces in Cuslough, relatives and many, many friends. She was laid to rest in Birmingham following Solemn Requiem Mass last week.

Fine Gael select candidates

OVER two hundred delegates attended the special Convention in the Town Hall, Claremorris, on Sunday night last to select two candidates from the Claremorris electorial area to contest the Mayo County Council elections which will be held next June.

When the Chairman, Jim Higgins, T.D. called for nominations they were only two - Tom Connolly, Garrawadereen, Claremorris, who was proposed by Tom Leydon, Claremorris, and seconded by Martin Joe Garvey, Ballindine, and John Cribben, Knockanaura, Ballyhainis, who was proposed by John Mooney, Ballyhaunis, and seconded by Jim Tully, Tulrahen, Claremorris.

Both Tom and John were unanimously selected to run for the area in next years election.

In addressing the delegates, Tom Connolly said that he was delighted to be selected and that he looked forward to the challenge ahead. " It is a great honour for me to be selected to run for Fine Gael in the County Council elections. I am confident that John and myself can win two seats for Fine Gael and I can assure you all here to-night that between now and next June I will be working very hard to make sure we get the two seats in this area for Fine Gael" said Tom Connolly.

John Cribben in his address said that like Tom was delighted to be selected and that he was more than hopeful that they would get two seats. " I know that if we all work hard together the results will be in our favour next June" said John.

Both candidates were critical of the Governments handling of the farming crisis at the present time and both said they could not believe why Taugheen, Crossboyne and Ballindine areas were left out of the farming fodder aid plan. They called on the Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Joe Walshe T.D. to rectify this immediately.

Local Councillor, Jim Mannion, told the delegates that he was sad at leaving the Claremorris Area for the next elections. However, he was confident of winning a seat in his new area - Ballinrobe Electorial Area- next June. " I, would like to wish Tom and John every good wish and I will support you in whatever way I can over the coming seven months" concluded Jim.

Out-going Councillor, Pat Higgins told the delegates that he had decided not to run in next years election for personal reasons but that he would give the two new boys every help and guidance and was confident that they would both be successful.

Finally, the Chairman, Deputy Jim Higgins, said that he was pleased that the Fine Gael party had got two really good candidates. " We are lucky to have two new exceptional candidates and I am more than confident that they will win two seats for our party next June" said Jim.

Claremorris GAA celebrate success both on and off the field

This years Claremorris GAA club annual function which was held in the D'Alton Inn Hotel on Saturday night last attracted 200 guests and proved to be an outstanding success. The special guests were the President of the Claremorris club, Seamus O'Malley (captain of the Mayo team which won the All-Ireland final in 1936) and manager of the victorious Galway team which lifted the Sam Maguire cup this year, John O'Mahony.

In welcoming the huge attendance the Chairman of the Claremorris club, James Kean said he was delighted to see such a big turn-out to celebrate the clubs achievement. "1998 has been a great year for the club, both on and off the field. All the hard work put it by the committee, managers and players throughout the year makes it really worthwhile when you just look down at the packed D'Alton Inn here to-night" said James.

In his address, the Chairman went on to outline the clubs achievements in 1998: " On the playing field we won both the South Mayo and county titles in the Junior 'B' championship; the O'Mara cup, Brennan cup and the South Mayo under-16 championship. On top of that out senior team gave the Mayo championship a fair run - just losing out to Crossmolina in the county semi-final.

One of the highlights for the club was the opening of our new £60,000 stand at the football pitch. Next year when we will officially open the stand it will be called the Seamus O'Malley Stand in honour of our great President and one of the greats of Claremorris and Mayo football. I want to thank all the committee members of the club for their tremendous work throughout the year. With the committee and members we have had this year its little wonder that Claremorris is on its way back to the top of Mayo football.

Finally, I would like to thank all out team managers and players for the wonderful commitment they gave in 1998. Last, but not least I wish to thank all our sponsors for the great support. I have to say that the backing we have received from the Claremorris people is second to none" concluded James.

John O'Mahony in his address said that he was delighted to be invited to the annual function and delighted to see Claremorris football back at the top again. " Its great see Claremorris bounce back again and if you continue to keep the head up there is no doubt but success will come".

In paying tribute to Seamus O'Malley, John said that it had gone hardly unnoticed that Seamus's grandson, Niall Finnegan, played a big part in Galway's success this year. " I am delighted to see Seamus hail and hearty and all I can say is that he was a great ambassador for Mayo football".

Seamus O'Malley in his address say that he was thrilled to hear that the new stand was going to be called after him and he thanked the club for their very kind honour. Presentations.

The following presentations were made to those who were outstanding for the club in 1998: Senior player of the Year - Kevin Beirne; Young player of the year - Ray Hession; Junior player of the year - Gary Mullins; Special award - Jimmy Moran.

Clubman of the Year: In making the presentation of the clubman of the year to secretary, Eddie McLoughlin, the chairman, James Kean said that Eddie had not alone worked very hard in the club in 1998 but over the last seven years since he first became secretary of the club." When you have a secretary like Eddie, you can't go far wrong" said the Chairman.

Finally, special presentations were made to Deirdre Finnegan (wife of senior team manager, Sean), Kathleen Higgins (wife of Tommy Higgins who sponsored the team in1998) and Brenda McLoughlin wife of secretary, Eddie.

Earlier in the evening the Galway manager, John O'Mahoney, presented the under-16 team with their South Mayo championship medals.

£16,400 on offer this week in local lotto jackpots

Following last weeks local lottodraws all jackpots stayed intact which means that this week a total of £16,400 will be on offer in the Claremorris area. The following were the results of last weeks draws: Claremorris GAA: The numbers drawn were 6,5,25 and 31 and there was no jackpot winner. The nearest to the jackpot was Christy Killeen, c/o Old Arch Bar. The following were the £20 winners: Patrick Nally c/o Gilligan's Bar; Una Lavin, Ballinasmalle; Rita Prendergast, Ballindine; T.J.Garvey, c/o European Bar; Padraic Burke, c/o Claremorris Garda Station.

The in-house prize winners were: Ann Walsh, Barr na hAille; Jarlath Moran, Taugheen; Michelle Walshe c/o Sam's Bar; Regina Moran, Knock Road, Claremorris; Seamus Goggins, Claremorris; MartinGilligan c/o Gilligan's; Tom Macken, Caltra. Next Sunday night the draw will be held in the European Bar and the jackpot will be £5,200.

St. Colman's College: The numbers drawn were 2,10,19 and 21 and the following were the £20 winners: Jacqueline Burns, Mount St. Claremorris; Mark Dooley, Esker, Ballindine; Jarlath Maloney, Crossboyne; John Heneghan, Ballygowan; Noeleen Quinn, c/o The Gold Lion Restaurant, Claremorris. This weeks jackpot is worth £3,800.

EasternGaels: The numbers drawn were 15,19 and 26 and there was no jackpot winner. The following were the £10 winners: MartinHealy, Bricken; Jimmy Devine, Brickens; Martin McDonnell, Cloonbook; Anne Tully, Tulrahen; Anne Marie Tully, Tulrahen. This Saturday night the jackpot will be worth £3,800 and the draw will be held in Flanagan's, Brickens.

Western Alzheimer Foundation: The numbers drawn were 8,12,21 and 22 and there was no winner. The following were the £20 winners: Lena McCaffrey, Fortfield, Castlebar; Micheal Campbell, Kinaffe, Kiltimagh; G.Best, 3 Childers Heights, Ballina; Annette Canning, 1 Patrick Ave. Westport. This weeks jackpot will be worth £800.

Garrymore GAA: The numbers drawn were 14,20 and 27 and there was no jackpot winner. Vincent Hession, Pullabawn; Teresa McDermott, c/o Old Oak. This coming Sunday night the draw will be held in The Local, Claremorris and the jackpot will be worth £2,800

More gold for local swimmers

Seventeen swimmers from the Convent of Mercy National School, Claremorris, the Boys National School, Claremorris, and Lehinch National School, did the area proud when they took part in the All Ireland Minor schools swimming championships which were held in Dublin last weekend.

In all twenty-one medals were taken home, thirteen gold, three silver and five bronze.

In the individual events Darren McHugh from Lehinch national school won gold in the breaststroke under-12 event and silver in the freestyle. Darren has been amongst the medal winners at the All-Ireland schools finals for the past four years. Mark Kean from the Claremorris boys school won silverin the backstroke under-11 while Niamh Duggan from the Convent of Mercy, Claremorris, won silver in the backstroke under-12 event.

One of the youngest swimmers, Edward McLoughlin, came third in the final of the breaststroke under - 9 event and received a certificate following his very impressive swim in coming fourth in the backstroke event.

The under-10 girls relay team won gold in both the medley and freestyle events. The members of their team were: Sharon McLoughlin, Sarah Heffernan, Caroline Kenna and Tanya Sarsfield. The boys under-10 team also won gold in the freestyle and the members of the team were: Liam Feely, Simon Heffernan, Edward McLoughlin and Darren Mulligan. The under-12 boys team won bronze in the medlay relay and the members of their team were: David Mulligan, Mark and James Kean and Robert Brennan.

Ailbhe Gannon, Lynda Kenna and Aimee Mulkerns also qualified for the finals and did their schools proud.

All the above swimmers are members of the Claremorris swimming club..

Connaught Telegraph - News & Sport - November 1998