Local Notes: Art Exhibition Workshop, New Shop Opens
John, Ada, Eli and Heather Gray, Fairymount, at the third annual Mórrigan Samhain procession at the Roscommon Town Square last weekend. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
A community meeting relating to the reopening of Ballaghaderreen Playground took place on this Thursday, November 5th at 6.30 p.m. in The Shambles, Market Street.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is hosting a free workshop on Creating & Applying for Art Exhibitions with curator and art critic Marianne O'Kane Boal on Friday, November from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Ballaghaderreen Library. This workshop will be divided into two sessions. Free places are funded by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. Participants will be taken through how to create, design, and plan an exhibition; given advice on what insurances are needed; how to scope for vacant buildings as venues; how to create a budget and timeline and a list of top tips for planning and delivery. Dr Marianne O’Kane Boal is a well-known curator and writer on art and architecture. She has written extensively on these subjects over the past 25 years. She regularly delivers webinars for Visual Artists Ireland as part of the professional development programme. She completed her PhD in Social Research at Atlantic Technological University Sligo in 2023. She is a member of AICA (International Association of Art Critics) and expert advisor on art for the Ministerial Advisory Group on Architecture and the Built Environment.
The 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, November 1st in Durkin’s Bar, The Square. Winner of the jackpot of €605 was Tom Grady, Clubforce online. Next draw is on Sunday, November 8th in Mannion’s Bar, The Square.
The Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Roscommon SPCA) will hold its annual church gate collections at St. Nathy's Cathedral on both Saturday and Sunday, November 7th and 8th. Organisers would be so grateful for your kind support as every donation, big or small, helps the SPCA to continue rescuing, caring for and providing vital veterinary treatment for animals in need. All donations collected on the day go directly to animal welfare in County Roscommon.
The annual Mass for present and deceased Eircom staff members will take place on Saturday, November 14th at 10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Carrick-on-Shannon. The Mass will be followed by a brief meeting in the Bush Hotel. All are welcome to attend.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is providing opportunities for young people aged 13–17 to explore the arts through weekly youth creative hangouts. Local artists Tuesday Whitfield, Elisha Caulfield and April Tambling lead the sessions, with activities including painting, drawing, crafts, movement, music and theatre. Sessions take place at The Shambles on Fridays until 18th December. Places are limited and booking is required. Contact 086 8372921 or email creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com.
A warm welcome to Cunningham’s Gala on Main Street, on the site of the former Bank of Ireland and later the Bank Bar. Offering a supermarket, deli, coffee and seating area, it is a welcome addition to Main Street and the town’s business community. Wishing Martin Cunningham and all the team every success. Support Ballaghaderreen. Shop Local.
The Ukedorys meet every Monday at 8 p.m. in Spells for an evening of music and singing. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome, with ukuleles available for newcomers. You can also join in with percussion and harmonies.
Leo Horan won the €210 jackpot in the Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw on Tuesday, October 27th, seller: club sale. Thank you to everyone for the support. The next draw takes place on November 3rd. Tickets are available in local outlets and online. An annual ticket costs €90 and guarantees entry into every draw for a full year.
The men’s senior team lost 2–1 to Castlebar Celtic B in the Connacht Junior Shield. Ballaghaderreen FC women beat Shiven Rovers 3–0 in the RDFL Women’s League, with goals from Rebecca Finan, Kayla O’Reilly and Tori Duffy.
The Spells Spoken Word Club returns on Thursday, November, 12th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Spells Bar. This free open-mic evening welcomes adult writers and musicians to share their work or come along and listen. For more information, contact Jesamine at spellsspokenwordsclub@gmail.com.
The annual Christmas Market returns to The Shambles on Friday, November 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Organised in conjunction with local businesses, producers and the Ballaghaderreen CE Scheme, the market provides an opportunity to showcase local products and crafts. Stands cost €20, with limited availability. To reserve a space, contact Anita on 086 1426068 or email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral will host its annual November Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 22nd at 7 p.m. remembering those who have died since November 2025. Families wishing to include relatives or friends who died outside the parish are asked to contact the presbytery on 094 9860011. November Mass envelopes are available in local churches and parish offertory boxes.
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed welcomes women aged 18 and over to its fortnightly gatherings at Ballaghaderreen Community Park, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Come along to meet new people, share interests and skills, enjoy activities and build friendships.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral Folk Group welcomes new singers and musicians. Practice takes place every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Presbytery beside the Cathedral. Anyone interested in contributing to the music at church services is invited to come along.
Digital support sessions for older adults take place at the Community Resource Centre every Thursday from 2.30 p.m.. Help is available with smartphones, computers and other digital devices. For further information, contact 086 8098539.
Local clubs, schools, community organisations and individuals are welcome to submit news, upcoming events, achievements, fundraising activities and community notices. Send your contributions to Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com.
