Local Notes: Ballagh for Sam, Local Art Exhibition, Illegal Dumping
Mayo senior football manager, Ballaghaderreen man Andy Moran, with his wife Jennifer, daughter Charlotte and son Ollie, and the Sam Maguire Cup, in the aftermath of his side's famous All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final victory on Sunday last. Picture: INPHO/Tom Maher
Huge congratulations to Ballagh man Andy Moran on managing the Mayo team to All-Ireland glory on Sunday last. It was a momentous achievement considering the long wait to see Sam again in Ballagh. The streets were packed, the pubs were booming and old and young cried tears of joy to finally see the Sam Maguire Cup come west on the N5 again. David Mc Brien was a colossus for Mayo on the day as the Ballaghaderreen clubman hustled in defence for 70 mins and strode forward forcefully to assist for the Mayo goal . Ballagh had a large representation with the All-Ireland champions this year with Kuba Callaghan on the panel and an extensive team of backroom staff representing the town. Well Done Andy …Year 1 of the process went pretty well…and Ballagh loves you for it.
Sharkey Funeral Directors have announced that the firm has recently received its Certificate of Excellence from the Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD). The firm received the premium quality mark after successfully passing an independent audit. The IAFD has over 280 members who conduct over 80% of funerals on the island of Ireland. All members are required to operate in compliance with the IAFD Quality Standard and relevant employment and health & safety legislation. This standard sets the requirements for processes, equipment, and facilities for members and is based on the European Standard for Funeral Services. Sharkey Funeral Directors deliver best-in-class funeral care to the families it serves, and the team is delighted to receive this IAFD Certificate of Excellence as recognition of this commitment. The business has provided funeral services to the people of the Roscommon, Mayo, and Sligo areas for more than a century. Staff remain dedicated to providing a 24-hour service based at the funeral homes in Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark, and Loughglynn.
The third annual art exhibition for local artists will be held during the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival. The exhibition is organised by the Community Art Group Ballaghaderreen and will be held in Phoenix Youth Centre, Cathedral Street. It’s an opportunity to see original artworks from local artists. The official opening is on this Friday, July 31st at 7.30 p.m. with Deputy Claire Kerrane. There will be music from the Ukedorys and refreshments will be provided. The exhibition is open every day during the festival, that is from Saturday, August 1st- Sunday, August 9th from 12 noon- 6 p.m.. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
Family Carers Ireland will be running a free seven-week 'Caring with Confidence' course at The Shambles Ballaghaderreen. This course is specifically to support and guide those who are caring for family members. If you are interested call Lauryn on 086-8098539.
A new theatre piece will be performed in Abbeyfield Hotel, in conjunction with the Ballagh Arts Festival. Performed over three evenings, this thought provoking piece, 'Revolution', is directed and written by acclaimed Lebanese director and actor Joud Al Sulaiman. The show is in the Abbeyfield ROC and is the first public production to take place in the centre. This is a ground breaking move by Secret Box Theatre to evolve the theatrical and cultural fabric of Ballaghaderreen. Performances on Tuesday, August 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday, August 6th. Audiences are invited to arrive between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to enjoy some traditional Syrian desserts and coffee. This performance is being given an important platform by the annual Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival. This project is being supported by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen's Local Creative Call for 2026 - helping to support locals artists ideas and visions.
For lovers of top class traditional Irish music there are two unmissable performances in this year's Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival. 'Trad Night in the Cathedral' will include the internationally renowned Altan, with Mairead Ni Maonigh. From the same Donegal stable as Clannad, Altan have experienced a remarkable revival in recent times, selling out concerts in Dublin and the US. On Wednesday, August 5th, they perform in St Nathy's Cathedral Ballaghaderreen, with the hugely popular Towey family from Kilmovee as opening act. On the previous night, Tuesday August 4th, 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon', includes bardic storytelling with Aindrias de Staic (a recent guest on RTÉ's Tommy Tiernan Show) on fiddle, Aisling Lyons on harp and Brian Fleming on percussion. Lovers of things Irish cannot miss these. Details at See ballaghaderreenartsfestival.com & Facebook and Instagram Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and Ballaghaderreen ShopLocal.
Congratulations to Ciara McElroy, who won last week’s €250 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold by The Hatch Bar. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, July 28th at the Community Park. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com.
The Declan Frain Memorial Cup 2026, held in association with Ballaghaderreen FC and Molly's Bar, once again proved to be a tremendous success, with a fantastic day of football, sportsmanship and community spirit on display. A large crowd enjoyed an exciting tournament, with Frenchpark Wanderers lifting the DFMC Shield, while Ballagh Rovers successfully retained the Declan Frain Memorial Cup, claiming the title for the second year in succession. John Ward was a worthy recipient of the Player of the Tournament award, while Gerry Ward finished as the tournament's Golden Boot winner. The organising committee would like to extend its sincere thanks to every team, player, volunteer, referee and supporter who helped make the day such an enjoyable occasion. Special thanks are also due to the tournament's generous sponsors - Sonas & Ethos Nursing Homes, Mary Regan and NRC, Kilgariff Funeral Directors, Frain Plumbing, E-Nexus Digital Marketing Solutions, Kilcoyne Auctioneers, McHugh's Wholesale and Duffy's SuperValu for their continued support. The committee is also delighted to announce that this year's tournament proceeds will be donated to the Join Our Boys Trust, ensuring the event continues to make a positive difference both on and off the pitch. The Frain Family extend their sincere gratitude to everyone that took part in celebration of Declan who passed away 25 years ago but is still missed and remembered.
Fr James McDonagh, family and friends in concert on July 29th at 8 p.m. in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen. Admission €18. Bookings, 071 9182599 or online at www.colemanirishmusic.com
Citizens Information will be in attendance at the Community Resource Centre, The Shambles, Market Street, Ballaghaderreen (F45 EW98) on Wednesday, July 29th offering free and confidential information and advice on a wide range of topics, including social welfare, pensions, employment rights, housing, health services and consumer issues. The service will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. with no appointment necessary. Everyone is welcome to call in and speak with an experienced adviser. For further information, contact Roscommon Citizens Information Centre on 0818 07 6360 or The Community Resource Centre on 094 986 2565.
The issue of illegal dumping has once again reared its head in Ballaghaderreen, with local councillors and community representatives reporting numerous incidents of fly-tipping and a complete disregard for the town’s appearance and environment. Such behaviour undermines the hard work of the many individuals, groups and organisations striving to maintain, promote and improve Ballaghaderreen. Ballagh is a place for everyone, and everyone has a responsibility to respect it, take pride in the town and help keep it clean and welcoming. Members of the public are urged to report any incidents of illegal dumping to Roscommon County Council and the local Litter Warden so that appropriate action can be taken.
Congratulations to Mary Carr and Marian Geever who received their diamond pioneer pins from Fr. Joseph Gavigan at the Achonry Pioneer Pastoral Centre, Charlestown.
Creative Places Film Club, free event for adults at the Community Resource Centre on this Tuesday, July 28th from 7-9 p.m.. Contact James 087 0940335, also free café morning for adults every Thursday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. All welcome.
