NEWPORT NOTES

Quiz thank you
A BIG thank you to everyone that came to the Table Quiz in aid of Newport Parish Street Party on June 27 in The Grainne Uaile.

With 16 tables taking part, it was a great fun evening and after a high-tension tiebreaker round ‘The Murphys’ claimed victory over the ‘Black Oakers’ who came second.

A special thank you to the Street Party team who did a wonderful job of organising the fundraising event.

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Chloe and Shauna did a top class job with the questions and quiz layout and Liz and Eithne were on top of the scoring with extra help when Attracta joined them and quiz master Sarah did a brilliant job of keeping the fun and questions going all night. 

Thank you to Newport Business Association for sponsoring the winning teams' prizes and to Walsh's Bridge Inn, Kellys Kitchen, The Grainne Uaile and Bridge House Beauty Salon for the raffle prize vouchers. The Newport Parish Street Party will take place on Sunday, August 24 from 1pm to 5pm. Mark the date for this great community day.

Cuan Modh AGM
THE Annual General Meeting of St Dominick’s Housing Association and Cuan Modh will take place at 8pm on Wednesday, July 30 in the Cuan Modh Centre, Barrack Hill, Newport, F28 ED28. The AGM will follow a Directors meeting at 7.30pm. All are welcome to participate. 

Annual Furnace 10k Walk for Hospice
NEWPORT Hospice Support Group invite you to join them on Sunday July 20 for their 27th Annual Furnace walk in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation which supplies local hospice palliative care services and runs the Mayo Roscommon Hospice in Castlebar.

As always, the commencement and ending point is Derradda Community Centre (F28 E292) where there is parking available and walking can commence any time from 11am to 2pm.

Upon completion of the loop walk around the beautiful Furnace Lakes tea/coffee and cake will be available in the centre. Donations are welcome on the day or you can donate online via GoFundMe.com just look for Furnace 10k Walk 2025 by Margaret Poole.

The local organisers are looking forward to meeting everyone in person on the day to share memories of past events and to welcoming first timers, but they understand this does not suit everyone.

If you are unable to join them on July 20 you are invited to walk in your own time, in the week before or after July 20 and then donate online.

The route is well signposted; you just need to follow the blue arrows on the black sign posts. The GoFundMe page has lots of useful information about the family friendly walk. All support is greatly appreciated.

Cuilmore CCÉ trip to Clare Island
SUNDAY, June 29, marked the much-anticipated annual trip to Clare Island, organised by set dancing teacher Caroline O'Malley and Cuilmore CCÉ.

Every year, Margaret O’Grady, Clare Island’s beloved set dancing teacher, extends a warm invitation to the group for their Junior Céilí and Session.

As always, excitement and anticipation had been building among the young dancers and their families, with seasoned attendees eagerly sharing fond stories of previous visits. 

This year families travelled from Newport, Achill, Castlebar, Knock and Foxford to take part in this treasured event and spirits were high as everyone boarded the boats operated by O’Grady and O’Malley for the crossing.

For many children, it was their first time on a boat and their first glimpse of Clare Island. Upon arrival, the islanders extended their legendary hospitality, greeting guests with genuine warmth before taking everyone into the Community Hall where a spread of tea, homemade scones, brack, and biscuits was waiting.

After the refreshments, Margaret O’Grady of the local Comhaltas branch officially opened the day’s events with a heartfelt address before the Junior Session kicked things off with a lively programme from the young musicians under the expert guidance of music teacher Julie Langan from Cuilmore CCÉ.

Next came the Céilí and an array of great dances with the outstanding 16-piece Céilí band 'Second Wind' who also played lively sets of reels, jigs, and a beautiful selection of waltzes.

At all times, the floor was packed, with some mammies and daddies taking to the floor alongside the children and some of the young dancers never leaving the floor before the final dance.

It was truly delightful to see dancers aged from three years to 90 years dancing together; an unforgettable sight that captured the spirit of the day. 

The much-loved raffle with each child a winner concluded the formal events and families were free to explore the island at their leisure but some found themselves drawn into yet another impromptu music session.

Highlights included Pat Mulloy of the renowned Mulloy Brothers performing a stirring rendition of The Lakes of Pontchartrain.

Melanie, fresh from placing sixth in the World Championships in Dublin, treated everyone to a dazzling reel, joined in sean-nós dancing style by Clare Island’s own Nancy and Jack, and the legendary Mary Connolly, soon to be 90.

As the boats prepared for departure the islanders lined the pier to wave goodbye, while children onboard called out, “See you all again next year!” When you're planning the next trip before even leaving the island, you know it’s been a special day. 

On behalf of everyone who travelled, Caroline and Julie extend their deepest thanks to Margaret O’Grady for her continued invitation and hospitality.

Now well in its third decade, this cherished tradition grows richer each year. The warmth and generosity of the Clare Islands' community is infectious, and the trip has firmly earned its place as the highlight of the Cuilmore CCÉ calendar.

Special thanks also go to Maureen for the use of the Community Centre, to all who contributed to the welcome refreshments, and the crews of the O’Malley and O’Grady boats for transporting everyone safely.

Proceeds from the Céilí were shared among R.N.L.I., Clare Island Set Dancers, Newport Christmas Lights, Newport First Responders, and Newport Gráinne Uaile Festival.

Important information
THE Mayo LEADER programme is open for Expressions of Interest. If you have a project in mind, you need to complete and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Please note if you have previously completed their online enquiry form or EOI you must now complete this new EOI form. 

You can get one by calling them at 098 419 50, emailing to info@southmayo.com and they will email or post an EOI to you or visit their website and download a copy www.southmayo.com.

Anyone for tennis?
NEWPORT Tennis Club court on the Westport road is open for anyone wanting to play. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is welcome to join in the fun.

There is no need to book ahead—the gate is open. It’s a great way to enjoy some fresh air and meet fellow tennis enthusiasts.
 
Grehan Moran family reunion
THE Grehan Moran family reunion will take place from Saturday, July 26 to Saturday, August 2.  On Thursday, July 31, Mass will be held in Mulranny Church at 6pm and will be followed by a Gala Dinner in the Mulranny Park Hotel.

Tickets at  €65 include a three course meal followed by music and dancing by Stuart Moyles.

Booking before July 16, is essential and tickets are available from Carmel Gallagher 0871168410, Laura Campbell 086 8143804, or Susan Moran 086 6053477.

Friday afternoon club
MULRANNY Friday Afternoon Club continues each week in the Amenity Centre 2pm to 4pm. Come along and join in our fun and games or just come for a chat and a cuppa. All very welcome 

Newport Sac
NEWPORT SAC Festival Boat Competition will take place between August 2 and 3 and the Newport SAC Interpub Team Challenge Boat Competition sponsored by J Coffey will take place on September 21.

If you wish to book in for either of these competitions, please call Sean at 087 0644601 or Declan at 087 6831216. No experience necessary!

Newport bingo
CONGRATULATIONS to B Cleary, N Ryan and C McManamon who all shared the €100 full house on Wednesday, July 2.

There was no jackpot winner so, the new jackpot of €350 is set to be won in 46 calls or less tomorrow evening.

The doors of the function room of Hotel Newport open every Wednesday at 7.30pm for eyes down at 8pm sharp.

All proceeds raised go towards the Newport Town Hall Renovation Fund and all support is much appreciated.

Can you help?
VOLUNTEERS are sought to do a general tidy up of Burrishoole Graveyard every Monday evening at 7pm.

For many of us, it’s the place where our family and friends are laid to rest and if every household did a bit of weeding around their plot the job would be done.

It’s important to maintain our older cemeteries as they often hold the keys to our past. Please help to maintain this historical jewel; all help would be very much appreciated.

St Patrick's Church
BURRISHOOLE Parish is delighted to announce that St Patrick’s Church, a nationally significant protected structure in Newport, has secured funding from the Heritage Council under the 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme.

This vital support will fund the development of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP), a foundational step toward ensuring the long-term preservation, sustainability, and activation of this iconic heritage building.

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