Local Notes: Art in Public Spaces, Scouts, Vigil in Ballagh
Jean Towey, winner of the Captain’s Prize at Ballaghaderreen Golf Club, pictured at the presentation of prizes with lady captain Anne O’Brien.
The Ballaghaderreen Players would sincerely like to thank everyone who came along to see their production of Dancing at Lughnasa during the recent Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival. Another high quality production, the show was a huge success with stellar performances, once again highlighting the calibre of local talent. The Players are currently on tour with Dancing at Lughnasa performing at the Backstage Theatre, Longford, Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, Roscommon Arts Centre and St. Brigid’s Hall, Tubbercurry. Then it will be time for a well-deserved rest and to consider what next year might bring.
Catherine Fanning has been bringing art into our public places and building connections in Ballaghaderreen. On September 18th, Culture Night, Catherine will be hosting a pop up workshop event on The Square, from 5 – 7 p.m.. People are invited to contribute to ideas for the local Town Kiosk, and to share thoughts and drawings of what it could become.
The Ballaghaderreen GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, September 6th in Molly’s Bar, Barrack Street. Winner of the jackpot of €545 was Eire Óg GAA, Loughglynn, selling agents, GAA Clubhouse. Next draw is on Sunday, September 13th in the Old Forge Inn, Cloontia.
Roscommon County Council is seeking artists for a public art project at the Shannon Valley estate. This artist in residence will play a central role in shaping the project, ensuring that community participation and creative engagement are at the heart of the commission. The project is being delivered in partnership with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. For queries or submissions, contact abutler@roscommoncoco.ie and / or artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie
The monthly curated open mic for writers and musicians (and anyone who wants to listen) continues at Spell’s Bar on Thursday, September 10th, 7 p.m. with Jessamine O’Connor. Guests on the night folk band Green Bird Flying. Come by 7 p.m. to sign up - first come first served as time is limited. This project is supported by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen'sâ¨Local Creative Call for 2026 - supporting local artists' ideas and visions.
On Saturday, August 29th lady golf captain Anne O’Brien hosted her Captain’s Day. Jean Towey was the overall winner of the Lady Captain’s Prize in the 18 Hole Stableford competition. Other results were as follows: 2nd, Maeve McLoughlin; 3rd, Breege Flanagan; gross, Ogie Moran; 1st (9), Eithne McGarry; 2nd (9), Mary Cunniffee; Longest Drive, Marie Cassidy; Nearest the Pin, Helen Curran. In the 9 hole competition Brid Molloy was the overall winner, 2nd, Deirdre O’ Gara and 3rd, Patricia Regan. The new 26 members played their 5 and 9 Hole competitions over the week with great scores coming in from both competitions. Results: Overall winner in the 9H beginners’ competition was Mary Lynskey; 2nd, Caroline White. In the 5 hole competition the overall winner was Agnes Conway and in 2nd place Niamh Mc Cann.
Lady Captain’s Prize to the men: Overall winner was John Frain; 2nd, Ciarán J. Lavin; 3rd, Paul McLoughlin. Anne thanked all players who played in her competition and who contributed so generously to her chosen charity the Irish Guide Dogs of which €1000 was raised on the day and presented to Theresa O’Reilly and Michael Collins from the Guide Dogs Trust.
Mayo 11th Scouts Carracastle will reopen for the new season on Monday, September 14th. Scouting offers young people the opportunity to learn valuable life skills, and a strong value system through hands-on learning. Scouting is focused on helping young people build confidence, learn useful practical skills, teamwork and foster independence. Operating within supportive small teams guided by adults, participants progress at their own pace while actively contributing to their club and community. The local scout group, Mayo 11th Carracastle, runs every week on a Monday in Carracastle Community Centre and is open for new and returning scouts aged from six years to 12 years. For more information contact Noelle on 086 8466229 or Eimear on 085 2133013.
The Men’s Shed was delighted to welcome author, businessman and storyteller Haulie Grady for what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining visit. Haulie shared stories and reflections from his life and experiences, including some of the inspiration behind his book, I Wonder If I Turned Right, which captures his distinctive storytelling style and outlook on life. The evening was made even more special as members also had the opportunity to celebrate Tommy Regan’s birthday. A wonderful night of stories, conversation and good company — and a very happy birthday to Tommy!
Ethna Fahy T.C.R.G. School of Irish Dancing continues in Durkins. New beginners are welcome. Pre-school children catered for with the Tip-Tap-Toe, Tap to the Beat programme. Contact Ethna on 087 6661905 for further information.
The Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed is a friendly local group for women aged 18 and over to get together, make new friends, have a laugh, and feel more connected in the community. The group is all about tackling isolation and loneliness while creating a safe, welcoming space where women can swap stories, share skills, learn from one another, and enjoy fun group activities. Meetings are fortnightly on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ballaghaderreen Community Park. Our next meet-up is September for a fun general knowledge quiz. Why not pop along, say hello, and join in the fun?
A candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day will take place on Thursday, September 10th at 7 p.m. in the Garden of Remembrance, Market Street, Ballaghaderreen. The event will remember loved ones who have died, and everyone is welcome to join those gathered afterwards for refreshments at The Shambles Community Resource Centre. The project is funded by Ballaghaderreen Community Resource Centre.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw for Tuesday, September 1st saw a jackpot of €227, with John Rogers and Fergal named as the lucky winners. The winning ticket was sold by The Old Forge. The next 50/50 draw will take place on this Tuesday, September 8th at the Community Park. A big thank you to everyone for their continued support of the club. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online through Clubforce.com, while annual tickets are also available for €90.
Ballaghaderreen FC is delighted to launch UEFA Playmakers, a fun and engaging football programme for girls aged 4–8, inspired by Disney storytelling. This programme is designed to introduce young girls to football through play, imagination and confidence-building in a safe, welcoming and energetic environment, where they can learn new skills, build confidence, make new friends and, most importantly, have lots of fun. The programme runs every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. from September 17th to October 29th and no previous football experience is needed — just plenty of energy and smiles. To register, visit https://ballaghaderreenfc.clubforce.com/products/membership. For more information, contact Jamie Waring on 087 098 6910 or by email at jamiewaring2013@gmail.com. Spaces are limited.
Rinka Kids Fitness & Wellbeing is starting an eight-week block at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre on Thursday, September 17th from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.. The programme is for children aged 6–11 years and includes athletics, gymnastics, dance, drama, team games, healthy eating and mindfulness. Cost is a €2 donation per week. For more information, contact Janice on 086 826 7271.
Stepping Stones Baby & Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, offering a welcoming and relaxed space for babies, toddlers, parents and carers to meet, play and socialise. Each week includes a fun mix of messy play, arts and crafts, free play and plenty of other enjoyable activities designed to keep little ones entertained while giving adults the chance to connect with other local families. It’s a lovely weekly opportunity for children to explore, learn and make new friends in a friendly community setting.
