GAA
Renvyle GAA have embarked on a fundraising drive to redevelop the community pitch in Tullycross, with the top prize a solar panel with battery fit out worth €18K. Draw takes place April 5th — see their Facebook page for details.
Gráinne Mhaols LGFA have also been hard at work raising funds through its table quiz league. It comes as the club will be cheering on its own Katie Conneely, who was recently called up to the Galway Minor LGFA panel for 2026.
Hats off to Cumann Iománaíochta Mhaigh Cuilinn, who in February raised a whopping €2,600 for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, in memory of the late Dillon McDermott. Agus comhghairdeas a Leanne Seoige and Caoimhe Ní Ghionnáin of the Cumann Peile Naomh Anna minor team, who were recently awarded Player of the Year medals at a ceremony in Leitir Móir.
Football and Rugby
West Coast Utd were rocked by the news in February of the passing of club stalwart Pat "Fiddler" Coyne. A longtime servant since the club's 1984 inception, Pat was both player and manager down the years, and is remembered as "an inspiration to all around him".
The kids are very much alright in Connemara Rugby Club, where, with funding support from across the community, the U14s were able to tour in France earlier this year. Its weekly lotto draw, meanwhile, has seen some stellar jumps in jackpot size too.
In Galway, at the newly opened Dexcom Stadium, Moycullen's try-scoring star Dylan Tierney-Martin has been tearing up trees as part of the Connacht team. Stuart Lancaster's men are gunning to secure a top-eight finish in the United Rugby Championship, which should qualify them for next year's Champions Cup and a shot at a European title.
Racket Sports
Badminton is going from strength to strength in western Connemara. Local clubs — Claddaghduff Badminton Club, Letterfrack Badminton Club, and the recently formed West Connemara Junior Badminton Club — are running their own leagues throughout the season locally.
All the while, their young stars are progressing to Galway Juvenile teams. After County Champion badminton victories this season for Céiti Daly (Letterfrack), and Isabel Pukeleyte and Florence Price Williams (Claddaghduff) in the Junior doubles, big things are hoped for 2026.
It's taken off right around the world and why should Connemara be any different. We're talking, of course, about padel, the quick-fire blend of squash and tennis that has proven addictive to new fans in clubs and communities in recent years across Ireland and beyond, at all levels of the game.
Over at Mannin Bay, Connemara Sands Hotel has been quick to get in on the craze by building the region's first padel facilities and setting up the Connemara Sands Padel Club, now open for bookings whether you're a seasoned padeler or a beginner.
Indoor Sports
Conamara Pool Association (CPA) — yep, it exists – is looking to expand its network of four participating pubs in which to host its various individual singles and inter-pub team competitions.
In just its second full year of existence, the Connemara Darts Federation (CDF) is continuing to grow steadily and at pace. After last year's success at the Annual Galway County Cup, the association is now looking to establish U18s academies.
Oughterard Boxing Club was done proud when Senan Clancy and James McGauley were winners in the B4 County finals at the Galway Boxing County Championships.
Running / Athletics
For the first time in its history, Slyne Head Athletics Club was proudly represented at the Galway Indoor Championships, which were held in January. Sixteen of the club's junior members travelled to compete across a range of track and field events, with long-jumper Eabha Mullen winning the club's first county medal at these championships.
Park Runs
A free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event open to people of all ages and abilities, encouraging participation at all levels. Participants can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate at events taking place in Clonbur Woods, Inis Meáin, and Oughterard locations.
Hiking and Mountaineering
The much-anticipated annual Connemara Mountain Walking Festival proudly returns to Leenane (May 1st–3rd) for another year of taking locals and visitors into the splendid attic space of our landscape. With an expert team of patient and knowledgeable guides — made up of professional mountaineers and local hill farmers alike — the event has routes for walkers of all levels.
The festival takes place over three days and welcomes both experienced hikers and dabblers alike. As one of the most popular festivals of its kind in the country, early booking is highly recommended. For further information visit: connemaramountainwalkingfestival.com.
Cycling
The tireless Twelve Bens Cycling Club are gearing up for their mammoth Charity Tour of Connacht, and donations are needed. From May 15–17, the team will pedal through 600km of the western province, beginning where else but Clifden. With your help, they can raise vital funds for Western Alzheimer's and Cancer Care West.
Rowing
After winning the prestigious 2025 World Rowing Championships, Moycullen Olympian Fiona Murtagh emphatically kicked off the spring by setting a new world record time in the 2000m singles rowing of 6:18.56.