HiConnacht.ie

19/09/2026

Riverstown is celebrating a major European success after securing a gold medal at the 2026 Entente Florale Europe competition. 🥇

The County Sligo village represented Ireland following months of preparation involving Riverstown Tidy Towns, local volunteers, community groups and Sligo County Council.

The result was announced in Carlow on Saturday, 19th September, bringing international recognition to the work carried out across the village.

A huge achievement for Riverstown and County Sligo. 👏

🔗 Link in comments

19/09/2026

Forget Carrick-On-Shannon... say hello to Llama-On Shannon! 🦙

A whole herd of them spotted grazing away on the edge of town, white, brown and black, without a bother on them. Not exactly the wildlife you expect on your evening stroll around Carrick, but sure they look right at home.

Have you spotted our woolly new neighbours? Send us your snaps! 📸🦙

19/09/2026

Lisa Naughton returns with another deeply personal column for Hi Connacht, this time sharing her family’s experience of early autism, developmental regression and learning to communicate in a different way.

After previously writing about another autism journey within her family, Lisa reflects on how no two experiences are the same — even under the same roof.

From noticing words disappearing to seeking support and working with the Children’s Disability Network Team, she writes about trusting your instincts and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

A powerful and very personal read from Lisa.

🔗 Link in comments

19/09/2026

Family appeals for return of treasured ornament donated to charity shop by mistake

A Buncrana family is hoping for the safe return of a cherished ornament that was accidentally given away to a local charity shop during a house move.
The item, a china wall ornament depicting the Madonna and Child, ended up in a box of goods bound for the iCARE Charity Shop on Buncrana Main Street, where it was handed in around 12 to 14 weeks ago.

During the move, it was mistakenly packed alongside other items being donated, and the family did not realise until it was too late.
Local Councillor Jack Murray is now helping to spread the word in the hope of tracing whoever bought it.

"The ornament carries significant sentimental value to the family, and they would dearly love to get it back," he said. "If you purchased it, or know someone who may have, the family will happily reimburse whatever was paid for it."

Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to send Cllr Murray a private message, and locals are being encouraged to share the appeal in the hope of reuniting the ornament with its family.

19/09/2026

Catherine Corless on the Late Late Show last night alongside Liam Neeson, ahead of their film The Lost Children of Tuam.

One woman's refusal to let the 796 children of the Bon Secours home be forgotten. Because of her, they can't be. A true hero. 🕯️

19/09/2026

Liam Neeson with Sam Maguire and Mayo team members. Andy Moran, Mayo Manager, lower right foreground.

Photo 📸 Late Late Show

18/09/2026

18/09/2026

NEW COLUMN | Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

In a powerful and deeply personal first column for Hi Connacht, Leitrim Ladies footballer and mental health facilitator Charlene Tyrrell writes openly about depression, motherhood, surviving a su***de attempt, returning home, rediscovering football and learning to speak about the things she once kept hidden.

“Looking back, the real superpower is talking about my problems, admitting when I am struggling and allowing myself to be vulnerable.” Charlene Tyrrell

She also reflects on healing, belonging and the importance of knowing that a different path in life does not mean you are behind.

Her message to anyone struggling is simple:
You are not alone.
You are loved.
You are enough.
You matter.

Charlene’s first Hi Connacht column is live now on HiConnacht.ie.

📖 Read: Charlene Tyrrell: Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

⚠️ Content note: This article discusses depression, suicidal feelings and a su***de attempt.

If you have been affected by anything discussed in the article, support is available.
Samaritans: 116 123
Pieta: 1800 247 247
Text About It: Text HELLO to 50808
In an emergency, call 112 or 999.

Charlene Tyrrell

18/09/2026

Ten years of top service! Congratulations to Annmarie at Cooney's Centra! 🎉

A lovely milestone to share. Annmarie is marking a brilliant 10 years at Cooney's Centra in Boyle, and what a decade it's been. 👏

Ten years of early shifts, endless customers, and somehow still smiling through it all, we'd say that officially makes her part of the furniture at this stage (the good kind, obviously!). 😄

Everyone at Cooney's has been singing her praises, thanking her for all she does for the team and the customers who come through the doors every day.
Here's to Annmarie, and to the next chapter! 🥳

Drop a comment below to wish her well. 👇

📍 Cooney's Centra, Boyle

Cooney's Centra Boyle

18/09/2026

Tragedy in east Galway as farmer dies in farm accident 💔

There is great sadness in east Galway following the death of a farmer in an accident on a farm near Loughrea on Thursday.

It is understood the man, who was local to the area and in his 50s, died in an incident on farmland in the area. The Health and Safety Authority has said it is aware of the fatal incident and has launched an investigation.

Our thoughts are with the man's family, friends and the wider farming community at this very difficult time.

May he rest in peace. 🙏