Local Notes: Malone Cups, Confirmation, Fatima Rosary
Last weekend marked the end of an era in Ballinlough as O'Connor's shoped closed its doors for business. Pic: Courtesy Ballinlough.ie
Last weekend marked the end of an era in Ballinlough as O’Connor’s closed its doors for business. It has been at the heart of the community for 123 years and was a hub of connectivity for young and old. It was a venue for many meetings and post-match gatherings as well as birthday parties and funeral gatherings, where the local news was disseminated, good and not so good. It was the weekly friendly face for so many, as Donie O’Connor navigated the byways with the travelling shop. He sold everything from a box of matches to bags of beef nuts and everything in between. More important than the products on sale is the bond it created in the community. The community will miss Joe who has served all for 57 years and Orla for the lively banter at the counter. The community wishes Donie every health and happiness in his retirement.
The next Lake O’Flynn Anglers Association event is on the horizon.
The Malone Cups will be fished on Sunday, May 10th . This is a heaviest fish competition along with the heaviest combined boat catch with down the line prizes in both sections. As usual there is an excellent prize fund for this event. The group looks forward to welcoming all anglers.
There was a huge turnout in ideal weather conditions on Saturday last, May 2nd for the fundraising walk “Miles for Mary”, in memory of Mary Higgins Delaney. In addition to ensuring that the memory of this very special person will live on, the event also raised a significant amount of money for Galway Hospice, a most worthy cause. Well done to all involved in this memorable occasion.
One of the main projects for this year is producing an online StoryMap of the locality. This is a joint project with Williamstown Tidy Towns. This project is already underway and much of the funding towards it has been received via grant aid from both Galway County Council and West Midlands Credit Union, all of which is greatly appreciated. In addition, the group is participating in another StoryMap, which will cover a large section of County Galway. This is being led by Zena Hoctor who works along with Galway County Council, GRD etc.
Thursday last was a very busy day in St. Therese’s Church, as it was Confirmation Day for the children from a number of local schools. The ceremony was divided into two sessions, with the Confirmation of the Williamstown pupils being held earlier, followed by the Confirmation in the afternoon of the pupils from Glenamaddy NS, Ardeevin NS, and Lisheen NS Both ceremonies were carried out in a meaningful manner by Archbishop Francis Duffy. The superb singing and music from the Williamstown choir, whose fame continues to spread, added hugely to the solemnity of the occasion. Congratulations to all the pupils who received the Sacrament on the day, and also to their parents, families and teachers.
Archbishop Francis Duffy will be in the parish on Thursday to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to the young people of Fifth and Sixth Classes of St Mary’s Central NS Clonberne and St Oliver Plunkett NS Kilkerrin. Congratulations also to Archbishop Francis on his new appointment as Bishop of Killala Diocese.
Rosary will be recited daily at 3 p.m. in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Kilkerrin except Fridays due to Adoration. Rosary recited in Clonberne Church Sundays at 7 p.m.. Anyone is welcome to come along and recite the rosary. Volunteers needed. Broadcast on Local Radio 106.6 FM.
In commemoration of the 109th anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparitions in Fatima, the Rosary will be recited at Archbishop Oliver Kelly’s Monument on Saturday, May 17th at 4 p.m.
Kilkerrin United is renewing its annual €50 Lotto. Tickets on sale from club members, or via clubforce on Facebook or revolute 087 7711723. Pick 4 numbers (1-28). 1st Draw May 12th MOUNTBELLEW DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2026 Mountbellew Darkness into light 2026 takes place on Saturday, May 9th at 4:15 a.m. leaving the Pastoral Centre Mountbellew. Registrations can be done online www.darknessintolight.ie but you can pay on the morning - cash only. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the pastoral centre. Please support this worthy cause.
