The President of the Golfing Union of Ireland, Michael P. O’Donoghue presided at the official opening of the new dressing rooms and showers at Claremorris Golf Club last Friday evening. A special plaque in honour of the late Tom Craddock, Malahide, Dublin, the designer of the Claremorris Course, was also unveiled on the night.
The late Mr Craddock’s wife Nola was in attendance for the unveiling, together with their son Christopher and his wife and family. Canon Dermot Maloney, the Parish Priest of Crossboyne, blessed the building.
Other Officials of the Connacht Branch of the G.U.I. to attend were Dan Clarke, Tommy Basquille, and Enda Lonergan, the Secretary of the Branch. Mrs. Patricia Hunt represented the I.L.G.U. Minister of State, Mr Frank Fahey, was in attendance, together with Deputy John Carty and Councillors Richard Finn, and Pat McHugh.
The new facilities were part funded by Lotto funds together with funding from the Club’s own resources. The facilities are delightfully finished with the most up to date equipment available and the work was carried out by Vincent Walsh who is a prominent member of the Club.
Eamonn Blake, Captain of the Claremorris Club, was compere on the night. Mr Blake praised the previous Captains of the Club, Seamus Gallagher and Geraldine Farragher, for their input towards the provision of the facilities, especially in the area of Lotto funding.
Club President, Robert Cosgrove, referred to the fact that the Club had purchased the land of the old nine hole course from Lord Oranmore and Browne in 1961. “On an occasion like this we thank these members and all the members and officers since then for the wonderful contribution to the development of this Club.
“In 1995, five members of the Club were mandated to try and acquire sufficient land to make an 18 hole course. Due to their negotiating skills, they succeeded and the late Tom Craddock of Malahide designed the course and since it was opened in 1998 the name and fame of the course has travelled far beyond the length and breadth of Ireland”
Mr Cosgrove thanked Minister of State Frank Fahey for his help in securing Lotto funds for the Club and also for attending the opening. He had a special word of thanks for Mrs Nola Craddock and other members of the Craddock family who travelled from Dublin for the unveiling of the plaque to the late Tom Craddock.
The President of the G.U.I., Michael P. O’Donoghue, was loud in his praise of the club. “On my travels I see the voluntary input of so many people towards the provision of facilities at the various Clubs throughout the country. The same can be said of this Club, the effort of the junior convenor I saw at first hand when the Club won the Smurfit junior Foursomes Title last season.”
Lady Captain, Phil Townley, thanked everyone for coming especially the members of the Craddock family. Mary Keane, Lady President, praised everyone for their efforts which culminated in the new facilities at the club.
Chris Craddock, on behalf of the Craddock family, thanked Claremorris Club for the honour afforded to their late father in unveiling a plaque in his honour.
The I.L.G.U. representative, Mrs Patricia Hunt, also joined in the words of congratulations to Claremorris Club.
Frank Fahey said he as delighted to accept the invitation from the club officers to attend the opening ceremony. “It was hard to refuse the delegation that met me asking for Lotto funds. The course is so good that I would suggest that you should consider marketing it on a joint basis with other clubs in the region with a view to doing package deals,” said the Minister of State.
RICHARD’S CD
The official launch of Richard Carney’s debut CD, Songs of Comfort, will be held in the Western Hotel, Claremorris at 9.30 p.m. on Thursday night, 29th May. This will be an informal gathering of friends and neighbours and all who would like to come along are invited to do so.
The entire proceeds from the CD are going towards Enable Ireland (Mayo Services) and the CD is already proving to be a substantial fund-raiser for this organisation.
Mary Mulryan, co-ordinator with Enable Ireland Mayo Services, and Richard Carney were guests on the Sunday night Late Show on Mid-West Radio at the weekend and many calls were received wishing Richie very success with his CD.
The album was recorded in Soundtrax Studios in Castlebar and was engineered by Ronan Courell. Local Claremorris man John Flatley plays the piano on all the tracks and does a fine job too. The CD retails at 10 euros.
EASTERN GAELS
The numbers drawn were 13, 29 and 30. The 15 euro winners were Mary Kate Lyons, Tulrahan, Joe McLoughlin, Bekan, Paul O’Gara, Brickens, Kathleen Ronan, Bekan and Michael McHugh, Bekan. Next week’s draw will be held in Ronans and the jackpot will be 8,450 euros.
ENGLAND DEATH
The death has taken place in England of Sister Colette Cleary of Culnacleha, Tulrahan, Claremorris. She was sister of Mrs. Philomena Walsh of Clagnagh, Ballyhaunis and Sister Irene Cleary, Mercy Sisters, Achill and Claremorris. Sr. Colette was laid to rest in England following the celebration of Requiem Mass.
She is also mourned by her sister Miriam and brother Joseph in England, nephew and nieces. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
NO NAME CLUB
Claremorris No Name Club will hold a disco in the Dalton Inn Hotel on Friday 30th May from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Members 5 euros and non-members 7 euros. The deejay is Frankie. The second heat of the ‘Battle of the Beats’ deejay competition will take place during the night.
BALLINDINE COMMUNION
Congratulations to the following children from Ballindine National School who received the sacrament of Confirmation in St. Joseph’s Church last weekend: Aengus Clarke, Brian Connolly, Aisling Irwin, Tara Waldron, Lisa Sheridan, Tina Warde, Aveen Monaghan, Ultan Hughes, Emma Higgins, Gearoid Lyons, Matthew Peters, Alexander Floss-Jones, Cathal Higgins, Michael Clarke, Deirdre Gibbons, Liam Noone and Andrew Peters.
BRICKENS CARDS
Paddy Kelly and Austin Morley won the top prize at the Brickens 25 game last Tuesday night. Second and third places were shared by Michael Brown and Michael Walsh and Paddy Kerins and John Phillips. Best of last 9 went to Austin McGuire and Mary Fahy, Della Moore and Bridie Madden and Eamon Boyle and Paddy Higgins. The raffle winners were Bridie Madden, Paddy Higgins and Austin Morley. The card game continues every Tuesday night at 9.00pm.
IRISHTOWN FESTIVAL
The Irishtown Festival has been deferred until Sunday 3rd August on the August Bank Holiday weekend . The committee made the decision that, due to a number of clashing events, the June holiday was not suitable. Now, the full focus will be on a memorable August celebration.
MAUD DIES
The death has taken place of Maud Heneghan, Cloonmore, Ballindine. The community tenders sympathy to family members and friends on their bereavement. Funeral obsequies will be published later.
BRICKENS BINGO
Kathleen Kearns, Ballindine won the 140 euro Bingo jackpot at Brickens on Saturday night. A very popular winner was Kathleen. Congrats, auld stock! Paddy Thomas, Claremorris won £80 and Anne Heneghan, Brize won £70. Bridie McNicholas, Kiltimagh won £60 and Margaret Costello, Myra Cleary and Margaret Hudson won 40 euros each. Teresa Higgins, Kathleen Feerick, Delia Egan and Mary Gleeson, won £30 each. Bingo continues every Saturday night at 9.00pm.
BLOOD SERVICE
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is in Claremorris Town Hall this Tuesday, 27th May from 4.30 p.m. through to 9 p.m. It is hoped there will be a generous response to the appeal this time around again. The requirements for blood donation are that people should be between the ages of 18 and 65 and over 8 stone in weight.
CRUMLIN WALK
Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, needs your support. On Saturday 26th July, a sponsored 10k walk takes place in Balla. If you wish to take part in the walk, sponsorship cards are now available by phoning Teresa Moran at 094-65166 or Eileen Murphy at 094-65233. All support will be most welcome.
MAYO EPILEPSY
A meeting of the Mayo Epilepsy Group will be held in the Dalton Inn Hotel on Friday night, 30th May at 8.30 p.m. Anyone interested in matters relating to epilepsy are invited to attend the meeting.
COFFEE DAY
The Enable Ireland (Mayo Services) will hold a coffee day on Friday 6th June. The event is in association with Maxwell House Coffee and full details may be had by phoning 094-62444.
BINGO WINNERS
Imelda Ryan, Kilbeg, Claremorris was the lucky winner of the 300 euro bingo jackpot in the Town Hall on Thursday night. Congrats, Imelda. The following won 125 euros each - Ned Mills, Tuam, Christy O’Neill, Ballyhaunis, Kathleen Coyle, Castlebar, Mary Joyce, Claremorris, Ann Dolan, Claremorris, Paddy Lawrence, Claremorris, Vilma Eakins, Castlerea, Agnes King, Cloghans Hill and Eileen Heraty, Westport. Next Thursday night’s jackpot will be 1,000 euros on 51 calls. Bingo commences at 8.45pm.
JOHNNY LOUGHREY
Johnny Loughrey, the popular Tyrone country singer, who is married to Mary Kirrane from Feamore, Irishtown, is assured of a very warm welcome when he plays in Burke’s lounge in Irishtown on Saturday night (31st May). Johnny has been off the road for sometime due to ill health and has been trying to cope with another health scare in recent months.
Friends of Johnny and Mary are well aware of how difficult the past few months have been for both of them and Johnny’s legion of followers are delighted to know that he is doing a few dates again over the coming two weeks.
He has received many warm welcomes in Irishtown over the years but none is expected to surpass the welcome that awaits him when he comes on stage this Saturday night. Dancing is from 10.30 p.m. to 12.30. Welcome back, Johnny.
ST. COLMAN’S LETTO
The 30 euro prizes in the letto draw of the 14th May went to Tracy McGee, Leface, Ballindine, Breda Nally, Crossboyne, and Mary Mitchell, Bawnmore, Irishtown. The sellers were Michael McGee, Trevor Nally and Tommie Mitchell and the special seller’s prize of 65 euros was won by Padraig Joyce.
GOOD SHOW
Claremorris turned in a strong performance in the Mayo senior championship ‘qualifier’ round at Claremorris on Saturday evening when they defeated Kiltane by 1-16 to 1-12. One of the stars of the show was Tomas Griffin who scored some superb points as well as a terrific goal. Tomas was outstanding from start to finish.
Another positive feature from a Claremorris point of view was the return to form of Ger Brady who enjoyed an especially good first half.
CLAREMORRIS LOTTO
The numbers drawn at the weekend were 1, 2, 9 and 16. The 50 euro winners were John Timothy, Belfield, Claremorris, Spike, c/o Burkes, Knock, and Mary Heffernan. The house prize went to Seamus Goggins, Claremorris, Thomas Gibbons, Meelickmore, Ann Conroy c/o Dalton Inn, Ann Morley, Aughervilla, Sean Moran, Convent Road, Elaine Quinn, Ballinlough, Castlerea, and Kay Kenny, Aghamore. Next week’s draw will be in Sam’s Pub, James Street.
MINI-COMPANY FAIR
Students from the Transition Year at St. Coman’s College took part in the ‘Get up and Go’ mini-company Trade Fair in the Allingham Arms Hotel in Bundoran last week.
The students are required to set up a business in their school and must produce and market a product and keep records of their transactions.
One of the companies - 8 Ball Enterprises - was the recipient of the award based on the originality of the idea. This company produced key rings for local businesses which displayed their names, addresses and contact numbers.
The students involved in this company were Jonathan Higgins, Ciaran Cunningham, Ian McWalter, Paul McHugh, John Nally and Paul Kenna.
Volunteers Meet
On Thursday 22nd May, a meeting for all the Special Olympic Host Town Volunteers was held in the D’Alton Inn.
There has been a tremendous response in the numbers of people who have generously volunteered.
With a full itinerary of events organised from morning to night, starting on Monday 16th June until Friday 20th June, the role of the volunteer is crucial to the success of this programme.
Most of the sixty plus volunteers attended and indicated their availability and the type of work they would like to do from transport to security etc.
It is hoped that everyone in Claremorris will come along to Share the feeling at the activities planned.
On Monday afternoon the Torch Run arrives at the square and that evening a welcome function with food and entertainment in the Town Hall for the Tanzanian Team.
On Tuesday evening the launch of the art exhibition.
On Thursday evening a farewell function in the square with food and entertainment and a fireworks display.
The Special Olympic Host Town Committee hope that all these preparations will ensure that the Tanzanian Special Olympic Team are rested before the World Games commencing on Saturday 21st June. That they have an opportunity to train, acclimatise, experience Irish culture, and help raise awareness of special needs at a local level.
All volunteers will collect accreditation on Saturday 14th June, 7.00 p.m., at the D’Alton Inn.
DAVITTS PRESTO
The jackpot stands at 3,600 euro for the draw in Burke’s Irishtown on Sunday night. The numbers drawn last week were 3, 19, 25 and 35, and the 25 euro winners were Jarlath Niland, Ardrahan, Co. Galway; Frank Clarke, Ballindine; Shannon Glynn, Ballindine; Ray Noone, Ballindine; and Rosaleen Dunne, Ballindine. Liam Hyland won the sellers prize.
BARNACARROLL PLAYGROUP
Enrolment for September takes place on Friday, May 30th in Barnacarroll Community Centre at 7 p.m. Come along and view facilities, and meet playgroup leader and assistants.
CLAR IRD GOLF CLASSIC
Clar IRD Golf Classic will be held at Claremorris Golf Club on May 30th and 31st. Contact Chris at Claremorris Golf club 094-71527 for timesheet.
COMMUNITY GAMES SWIMMING FINALS
The 2003 Community Games county Swimming finals took place on Saturday, May 17th in Castlebar Swimming Pool. Fourteen areas from all over Mayo took part in the finals in 24 events. Once again Claremorris Swimming club had a very successful outing with the 25 swimmers who took part taking home a massive haul of 33 medals; 16 gold, 14 silver and 3 bronze. The results are as follows: boys U8, 25 m freestyle; Mark Mulligan, silver; Girls U8, 25 m freestyle, Rosin McGuinness, gold; Boys U10 25 m freestyle, Ronan Finn, silver; girls U10 25 m freestyle, Michelle Sarsfield, silver, Aoife Carroll, bronze; Boys U12 50 m freestyle, Mark Grimes, silver; Girls U12 50 m freestyle, Aoife McGuinness, silver; Boys U14, 50 m freestyle, Rickie O’Neill, gold; girls U14 50m freestyle, Megan Higgins, gold; Boys U16 50m freestyle, Jack Grimes, bronze; Girls U16 50 m freestyle, Sharon McLoughlin, gold; Boys U10, 25 m backstroke Shane McGuinness, gold; Boys U10, 25 m backstroke Rebecca Kean, silver; Boys U14, 50 m backstroke, Simon Heffernan, gold; Girls U14, 50m backstroke, Elena Chan, gold; Boys U16 50m backstroke, Mark Kean, gold; Girls U16 50m backstroke, Rachel Breslin, gold; Boys U12, 50 m breaststroke, John Nolan, silver; Girls U12, 50m breaststroke Rachel Jennings, gold, Edel Nolan, silver; Boys U14 50m breaststroke, Edward McLoughlin, gold; Girls U14 50 m breaststroke, Helen Grimes, bronze; Girls U16 50m butterfly, Sarah Heffernan, silver.
The boys U13 freestyle relay of Rickie O’Neill, Garath Brennan, Shane McGuinness, Sean Doherty, and Mark Grimes took the gold medal.
The girls U13 freestyle relay of Elana Chan, Aoife McGuinness, Helen Grimes, Emma Breslin and Edel Nolan took the silver medal.
The following eleven individual swimmers qualified for the All Ireland finals of the Community Games in Monsey in August; Roisin McGuinness, Rickie O’Neill, Megan Higgins, Sharon McLoughlin, Shane McGuinness, Simon Heffernan, Elana Chan, Mark Kean, Rachel Breslin, Rachel Jennings, Edward McLoughlin as well as the boys U13 freestyle relay.
Congratulations to all the Claremorris Swimmers who participated in the county finals and best of luck to those who qualified for the All Ireland finals in August.