Winter Gatherings with the Moygownagh Ramblers (January–March 2026)

Thursday, January 1st

As another constructive year drew to a close, Moygownagh Rambling House Group—within the circle of friendship which draws us together and enables us to create projects like these—would like to thank the HSE National Lottery Funding Scheme 2025 for supporting our “Connect Café” tutors and speakers; Moygownagh GAA for their continual support through the use of the Learning Forum for our event hosting; the GAA and Parish Newsletter for updating our notifications and documenting our progress; the GAA Facebook page for our poster advertising and photographs; and Dr. Liam Alex Heffron for his continued support and maintenance of Pauline’s Ramblers Blog.

All of your help and input is much appreciated. Wishing our parish family a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2026.

Thank you to Theresa Finnerty, Antoinette Birrane, Mary McAndrew, Una Birrane, and Pauline Mahon for volunteering their time on Monday afternoon, December 22nd, perfecting the finishing touches to the decoration of St. Cormac’s Church in anticipation of our Christmas celebrations.

Thank you also to the Ramblers, Theresa, and Pauline for assembling and donating their handcrafted wreaths to enhance the overall effect. Everyone’s contribution in making this event welcoming and memorable for parishioners and visitors is much appreciated.

Thursday, January 29th

The Moygownagh Rambling House Group could not be accused of “bouncing back” to the Learning Forum after the Christmas festivities, as tonight, January 29th, marks our first outing of 2026.

Thank you to Muingelly native, Environmental Consultant and Crossmolina Flood Relief Project Consultant, Noel Kelly, for being our “Connect Café” speaker.

Of the many topical issues discussed, the Crossmolina Flood Relief Project was probably of most interest to us, given our proximity to its ongoing progression. Other topics included the ecology of North Mayo; protecting the area from invasive species such as rhododendrons; establishing natural, localised flora and fauna; climate change and its environmental impacts; urbanisation versus rural life; and support for, and progress of, the Ballycastle Céide Coast Public Walk.

Tonight’s event was insightful, thought-provoking, and educational—presented in a professional yet easy-to-understand format, backed up by relevant data. It brought home to those present that small changes in how we operate our homes and businesses, particularly in relation to water use and recycling, can have positive environmental impacts.

Thursday, February 12th

Thank you to our visiting musicians—Antoinette Hoban, Patricia Newman and her son Brandon; Mary Munnelly and her sons Patrick and Seosamh—for blending in with the Moygownagh Rambling House Group for an enjoyable night of music, song, and storytelling, much appreciated by all.

Wednesday, February 18th

“What’s in a place name?” is a rhetorical question in its own right. Conveyed in a lively manner, the exploration of the hidden meanings behind Irish place names in and around North Mayo led to an engaging “Connect Café” seminar titled What’s in a Place Name, delivered to the Moygownagh Rambling House Group by local historian and Western People newspaper columnist, Dr. Liam Alex Heffron.

Toponymy is a journey through time and language to uncover and understand the geographical and historical context—whether through habitation or landscape—behind place names. Thank you to Dr. Heffron for taking us on that journey.

Thursday, February 26th

An immensely interesting speaker event enthralled the Rambling House Group and our visitors on Thursday night, as Jarlath Cunnane recounted his Arctic and Antarctic seafaring adventures to a keenly interested audience.

The film documenting their journey circumnavigating the North Pole brought home to us, the viewers, the enormity of the task, together with the dangers of ice on the open ocean. Thank you to Mr. Cunnane for sharing both the joys and hardships of his beloved pursuit.

Thursday, March 12th

The Rambling House Group’s pre–St. Patrick’s Day celebratory céilí took place in the Learning Forum on Thursday night. Thank you to the musicians, entertainers, and attendees for making it such an enjoyable event.

A special word of thanks to those who supplied beautiful home baking, which went down a treat. Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone.

Monday, March 16th

Thank you to the organisers of Crossmolina’s “Folk n’ Craic” social event, hosted in the Men’s Shed, The Boreen, on Monday night.

A tribute of remembrance was extended to the inhabitants of The Boreen, together with members of the Men’s Shed, who have passed on but were once valued citizens in their local communities.

An enjoyable night was had by all attendees, including members of Moygownagh’s Rambling House Group. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit.

Monday, March 30th

Helena Golden, “Willow Woman,” is a skilled Irish artisan basket maker living in County Leitrim. Elevating her willow weaving from hobby stage to a small business start-up, Ms. Golden delivers workshops in her home or travels to locations such as Moygownagh’s Rambling House Group, where the one-day or half-day experience is tailored to suit participants’ needs and preferences.

It was a pleasure to be immersed, if only for a short time, in the tradition of basketry, which stretches back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, according to finds from peatland archaeological surveys in Ireland. The craft also has a global reach throughout Europe, Asia, and among Indigenous peoples of the Americas. In this modern era, interested individuals can stay connected through events such as the “World Wicker and Weaving Festival.”

Willow weaving, or wickerwork, was an essential traditional craft, producing skeps, creels, lobster pots, pordogs, sways (also known as liggers), and scollops for everyday use by housewives, farmers, seafarers, and thatchers.

Weaving patterns include randing, two-rod pairing, slewing, and three-rod wale. Pattern selection depended on the intended use of the item, personal choice, and the competency of the weaver—and as mine was at zero, I chose two-rod pairing.