Latest news with #Ballymote
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Tourlestrane leading the way in Sligo GAA club football leagues
At the top of the Pinergy Division One,, Tourlestrane continued their impressive start to the 2025 season with an emphatic 5-16 to 1-15 win away to Enniscrone Kilglass. The west Sligo side, newly promoted to Division One after an extended absence, have had a baptism of fire in the top tier playing against the reigning championship and league winners in rounds one and round two before last weekend's encounter against a Tourlestrane side eager to show that the form they had them win seven county titles in a row from 2016 to 2023 has not deserted them. Cathal Fleming, twice, Rian Bailey and Brian Egan were among the goals for the visitors while Tom Bailey, now well settled back with the club after his efforts for the Sligo U20s, notched four points. St Molaise Gales, who had been co-leaders at the start of play were defeated for the first time in this year's league by Shamrock Gaels at Coola, with both sides shorn of their intercounty squad members, the home side held a three point advantage at the break but turned in a powerful second half display to end eight ahead 1-17 to 1-6 at the finish. Having secured their first win of the season on home turf two weeks previously, county champions Coolera Strandhill found the going tough on the road again as Coolaney Mullinabreena found the net on four occasions to secure an eight point 4-11 to 1-12 win at Nace O'Dowd Park. By contrast St Mary's were impressive on their visit to Gurteen where they had eleven points to spare over their hosts Eastern Harps, winning on a 2-23 to 1-15 scoreline. In the final game of Division One, Curry were frustrated again and are still looking for their first win of the campaign after they went down 2-13 to 0-12 to Drumcliffe Rosses Point. These results leave Tourlestrane two points clear at the top of the table while at the bottom Curry are now the only side without a point. In Division Two, Tubbercurry maintained their good form in the quest for an immediate return to Division One when they fashioned a hard fought three-point victory away to St Patrick's 1-16 to 1-13. Last year's Junior A Champions Ballymote stayed the pace with them however also notching a third win and maintaining an unbeaten record when they defeated neighbours Bunninadden 0-17 to 2.8. That game doubled as the final of the JBG Security sponsored Intermediate Spring League final so Ballymote had the dual pleasure of a trophy to take home as well as the league points. Geevagh were the other winners in this division with an impressive 15 point margin over Cloonacool who are still looking for their first points of the season. ADVERTISEMENT St Molaise Gaels and Calry St Joseph's played out a 2-13 to 1-16 draw. The results leave Ballymote and Tubbercurry clear at the top of the table, both still unbeaten with three wins each while Cloonacool are still looming to get off the mark at the other end with Calry just a point ahead. In the Fureys of Sligo Division Three Shamrock Gaels are now top of the table on their own after a 0-16 to 1-13 draw against Eastern Harps. The Riverstown side are just one point ahead of four clubs on the table. St Mary's and Drumcliffe Rosses Point are among those four but the Sligo town side had the bragging rights for the weekend after a comprehensive 4-15 to 1-9 win against the Oxfield side at Oxfield. They are joined by St John's who were three point, 3-9 to 1-12 winners over St Farnan's, and Castleconnor who had an impressive 10 points to spare over Tourlestrane. In the final game of the Division, St Michaels got their first win on the season in spectacular style notching 7-17 to Owenmore Gaels' 1-8, a result that leaves the Collooney based side rooted to the bottom of the Division Three rankings after three rounds. In Division 4A where last weekend's games were only the second round of the competition, St Patrick's are leading the way a point clear of the rest while Tubbercurry bring up the rear. In Division 4B St John's are two points clear after two rounds with St Michael's at the other end of the table still awaiting their first points. All Four Divisions are in action again this weekend with games across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Sligo's Cormac Finn wins All-Ireland handball title on his 21st birthday
Once again this epic final went all the way to a tie-break third game, as did his All-Ireland semi-final against Caolan Daly of Tyrone. However and equally importantly, Cormac Finn emerged the victor in a high quality, energy-sapping contest with Jack Doyle of Kilkenny on an overall 21-8, 17-21, 11-4 scoreline. The only other Sligo handballer to achieve senior status was Ballymote's Francis McCann, who defeated Westmeath's Robbie McCarthy in the Junior Singles final twenty-four years ago. Three year's later the Intermediate grade was introduced for the first time as another necessary step to senior grading status and many great handballers, including Paul Brady of Cavan, Dessie Keegan of Mayo in more recently Galway's Martin Mulkerrins successfully claimed that honour. There was little doubt that Cormac Finn was well-prepared both mentally and physically for the career-defining task and he completely dominated proceedings in the opening game, reeling off ace after ace without reply to lead 11 aces to 5 and then 15 aces to 8 and that was as good as it got for Doyle as Finn took the opener in some style 21 aces to 8. As the players returned for the second game the main question was could Cormac Finn sustain this incredible level of excellence against a seasoned competitor like Jack Doyle. Finn continued his domination of the contest and built a healthy lead at 14 aces to 8. However Doyle came much more into the match at this point and the sides were level for the first time at 15 aces all with everything to play for but it was Jack Doyle who secured it with a number of fine kill shots to add the necessary four aces to force to force the match to a tie-break third game. This was a real test of character for Cormac Finn who now found himself in exactly the same situation as he did a week ago in this semi-final but Finn had learned much previous experiences of tie-break games to 11 aces and he once again dominated from the off as the Kilkenny challenge faded greatly. Finn led 6 aces to 1 early on and then 9 aces to 3. Jack Doyle still battled but at the fourth attempt, Cormac Finn deservedly secured the final two aces he needed for the title. The final was expertly refereed by another former intermediate singles All-Ireland winner, Michael Finnegan, who would also go on to achieve multiple senior All-Ireland titles, primarily with doubles partner Paul Brady of Cavan. It has been known for some time in handball circles that Cormac Finn was something very special, a once in a generation handballer who hails from a county with a proud handball heritage that has craved success on the biggest stage in recent years. Minor and U21 titles in a three year period paved the way for Cormac Finn's epic moment. It was a poignant occasion too for all who supported him on this journey, his coaches including Martin Golden and Francis McCann at the Ballymote club who gave him the belief as well did Paul Hedderman who worked tirelessly with him in more recent times and of course his father, Michael, and the family who followed him every step of the way. Next up for Finn is a chance to repeat Sunday's feat in the intermediate grade 60x30 or softball code. He will hope to put the loss in last year's final to Diarmuid Mulkerrins of Galway behind him and he can take much encouragement from this epic success, an all too rare intermediate singles title in 40x20 at the very first attempt on his 21st birthday.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Ballymote, Gurteen and Merville
Heritage Week 2025 Ballymote Tidy Towns invite you to get to know Ballymote Town Park from a different perspective that of volunteers, Ecologist Katie Neary and Horticulturist Mandy Ryan. We are hosting a free guided walk through on Sunday May, 25th starting at 6pm at the Sligo Road entrance to the park. Adults and accompanied children welcome, no dogs please. Free parking close by. Social Dance There will be a Social Dance in The Loftus Hall, Ballymote, Sunday 1st June, at the later time of 8.30pm-11.00pm. Music by Michael O Brien and Philomena. Please come and support. Admission €10. All welcome. fifty/fifty draw Ballymote GAA fifty/fifty draw has resumed and will be held every two weeks, congratulations to our latest winner, name of winner displayed locally check out our Facebook page for more details. Tickets can be purchased at Kelly's Supervalu on Saturday prior to Monday draw. Next draw Monday 26th May. Sympathy Sympathy is extended to the family, relatives and friends of Maura Higgins (née Scanlon) ,New York and formerly Carrigans Upper whose death occurred recently. First Holy Communion Congratulations to the children from Scoil Mhuire gan Smal and Knockminna National School who celebrated their First Holy Communion on Sunday 11th May in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballymote and Doo Church. Family Resource Centre A parent and toddler group meet at Ballymote Family Resource Centre every Wednesday from 10am-12pm. This group is free and everybody is welcome there is no need to book. Please call 071-9197818 for more information. Kids Movement Hub-A free six week movement class for kids aged 4-10 years commenced at Ballymote FRC on Tuesday, 29th of April class time 3.30-4.30pm. This class will be led by a qualified tutor. Please call Ballymote FRC on 071-9197818 to book a place. Karate classes for children are running at Ballymote FRC every Monday from 5.30pm–8pm. Please contact info@ for more details. Foroige run activities for children aged 10 upwards at Ballymote FRC, Friday afternoons. Please contact Rachel 086-1275225 for more details. Infinity Stage School for children is running at Ballymote FRC every Wednesday from 5.30-8pm. Please contact Amanda on 087-6740824 for more details. ADVERTISEMENT Adolescent counselling is available at Ballymote FRC. Contact solastherapysligo@ for more information. Country Night Country Night at the Coleman Music Centre with a wonderful line up of acts including Carmel Mc Loughlin, Gerry Guthrie, Effie Neill, Brian Kerrigan and Matt Curran. On Thursday, 29th May at 8pm. Tickets on sale 071 9182599 or visit notes Anyone who wishes to have news items included in the notes E-mail miriamsfinn@ phone 085 deadline for submission of notes is 5pm Thursday. GURTEEN Recent death The death took place on April 30 of Patrick Christopher Coleman, Knutsfield, Cheshire a native of Lisaballely, Gurteen. He was brother of the late Mary Igoe, James ( Jimmy) and Thady (Ted) Coleman. His Funeral Mass was on Wednesday May 28. in de Paul's, Knutsford. May he rest in Peace. Cemetery Mass The annual Killaraght New Cemetery Mass will be on on June 1 at 9.30pm-feast of the Ascension. First Holy Communion The First Holy Communion for Cloonloo two pupils was held in Cloonloo Church on last Saturday May 17 and the following day Sunday 18 for thirteen pupils in St. Patrick's Church, Gurteen at the 11.30am Mass. Eastern Harps Eastern Harps .50/50 draw held on Monday night May 12 was won by Mikey O'Grady,c/o O'Dowd's Lakeview Bar, Monsteraden who won €626. The Club are most grateful for all the support each week to assist with the running of the Club. Gurteen Celtic Gurteen Celtic jackpot of £2900 was not won on Sunday May 11 numbers drawn were -1, 11, 14, 18 and the €50 prize went to Marie Murphy, Kilfree. The Draw next week for € 3,000 for will be in O'Dowd's Monasteraden. The committee are most grateful for all support. Bingo Bingo is held every Friday night at 8pm in Gurteen Hall. Jackpot is at €2700 in forty seven calls and the lotto jackpot is €650. The committee are most thankful for all the support. Plgrimage to Lough Derg Achonry and Elphin dioceses' 3-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg on Friday June13 to Sunday June 15. Contact Justin Harkin 087-6171526 see also Lough Derg Lough Derg One Day Retreates–May–Saturday 24 , Monday 26. Also, in August and September Quiet day–Friday 12 September The 3 day pilgrimages begin Friday 16 May. until Friday 15 August Residential Retreats–Monday 19 May and Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July. See and to book essential, and 071-9861518. Coleman Music events On Thursday night May 29 there will be a Country night in the Coleman Music Centre featuring Carmel McLoughlin, Gerry Guthrie, Effie Neill, Brian Kerrigan and Matt Curran. This promises to be a great night and early booking is advised. Contact 071-9182599 or email MERVILLE CENTRE Condolences The Merville Management Committee, staff and on behalf of the wider Merville community wish to offer our condolences to the family and many friends of Dominic Fallon, 33 Martin Savage Terrace and formerly of Jink's Avenue, who has passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Pathway to employment Community Employment (CE) is a great option for those on a lower social welfare rate as it involves increased payment on to the higher CE rate, while providing work experience/training for 19.5 hours a week. New Qualification Rules came into force earlier this year so you may qualify especially if you are over 50 Years and Unemployed for over 12 Months. Community Employment vacancies are currently available for school age care (afternoons) and caretakers (evenings and weekends). No experience is necessary as full training will be provided. Get involved in working in your community while availing of career changing opportunities. Call 071 9150029 for further information. Dreamchasers Childcare Pre-enrolment spaces are now available for our award-winning community based pre-school service for the 2025/2026 term. With a focus on outdoor play, Dreamchasers Childcare Service has an established community centered programme for all children with an emphasis on fun being our number one priority. Free preschool places on the ECCE Scheme and Qualifying Supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are available. Please contact 071-9152022 mobile 086-4424093 for further information. Safety matters All patrons of Merville Community Centre are asked to exercise caution when driving in the area when on drop off and pick up, as these times can be extremely busy both at the centre and in the locality. Best practice would be to drop off and pick up outside the centre where possible. Be especially aware of pedestrians crossing at the centre entrance and exit. Think safe! Pendant alarms Merville Community Centre facilitate on behalf of our Community the provision to eligible persons of Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by POBAL. Equipment Funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the person's home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is free for all new applicants. Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Other systems are available at various costs for those who do not possess a landline. Overall this monitoring product adds peace of mind for both the users, family and friends at minimal cost. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information. Your notes
