Local Notes: Best Wishes, Climate Café and Art Classes
Man of the match Dara Curran with his cousins Cillian and Finn after Castlerea’s senior championship draw with Oran in Castlerea on Saturday Evening. Pic: Austin Waldron
The death occurred of Michael (Mike) McDermott, Cloonkeen, Castlerea, Roscommon August 17th, 2026 (unexpectedly) at Galway University College Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Ellen, and his beloved sister Kate (Flanagan), and his brother Pat. Deceased was a very kind, gentle and jolly person, and a great character. He was a great neighbour, always ready to lend a hand to those in need. He was also a man who had time for people both young and old and would have the conversation with whatever it be about, let it be the weather, farming, the bog or football and of course music. He also had a good sense of humour. He had a great interest in sport, and he would never miss a game that Castlerea St. Kevin’s or Roscommon football teams were playing. He used to love going to the Roscommon games with his wife Marie, his brother-in-law Patsy Finan, and the late Christy Glynn. They used to have great craic on their travels. His wife Marie was secretary of Castlerea St. Kevin’s Club for many years. He was a great family man and was very proud of his family and his grandchildren’s achievements. He adored his grandchildren and loved when they would pay him a visit. Mike worked hard in this time and always took pride in his work, whether it be on the farm, the hayfield, or the bog. Indeed, he loved the bog and always like to have a good fire for the winter. He was also a man of great faith and he had a great devotion to Our Lady of Knock Shrine. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and hew will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Marie (Finan) daughters Michelle (McLoughlin, Swinford), Claire (Kelly, Ballinasloe) son David (Castlerea), his adored grandchildren James, Dara, Odhran, Isla, Jack and Cian, brother Cormac (Boyle), and sisters Martha (Joyce, Glenamaddy), Celia (D’Arcy, Castlerea), and Mary (Donlon, Glinsk), sons-in-law James and Micheal, daughter-in-law Sarah-Louise, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and many friends. His remains were removed from McDonagh’s Funeral Home to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, on Thursday evening and following Mass of the Resurrection on Friday morning celebrated by Fr. John McManus burial took place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. Before the final blessing Mary Morris read the Communion reflection (the prayer of the turf and the bog). The eulogy on Mike’s life was read by his daughters Michelle and Claire. The ceremony was enhanced by the beautiful singing and music of Marcella Bligh. The Castlerea St. Kevin’s ladies and gents club provided a guard of honour at his removal on Thursday evening. May Mike’s gentle soul rest in peace.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s Minor Team defeated St. Brigid’s in Championship Division 1 Quarter Final in Kiltoom, on Tuesday night last on the score of 2-12 to 2-11. The team is managed by Aidan Fleming and sponsored by Cahill’s Supervalu. Team: Cian Bruen, Martin Sharkey, Cian Fitzmaurice, Conor Larkin, Eddie Finneran, Alan Joyce, Yani Chiforiuc, Ryan Dunleavy, Sean Vaughan, Rory Hawkshaw, Dara Curran, Oisin Flynn, Tadgh Donlon, Jack Dolan, Tylar Waldron, subs Evan Kelly, Aaron Cryan, Aaron Egan, Sean Gill, Patrick Foley.
The following were the winners of the Castlerea Lourdes Deaney Draw held in Mulvihill’s Lounge, Castlerea, on Saturday night 15th August 2026. 1st prize €500, Kieran Gill, Corrib Oil, 2nd prize €200 Seamus Connell, Main Street, sponsored by Mulvihill’s Lounge, 3rd prize 32 inch TV, Patsy Kelly sponsored by Noel Winston, 4th prize, Pat Nally, Balliintubber, €150 voucher sponsored by Tully’s Total Health Pharmacy, 5th prize, Deirdre Larkin, hamper sponsored by Kearney’s Pharmacy, 6th prize €100, K Jury, Balliindrimley, sponsored by Mick Jury carpet fitting service, 7th prize, Brian Kelly, hamper sponsored by Corrib Oil, Castlerea, 8th prize, hamper, Martina Ward, Station House, Castlerea, sponsored by Kearney’s Chemist. The amount collected at the following outlets, Cahill’s Supervalu, €835, Corrib Oil, €125, Mace, €605, The Mart, €100. The total profit from the draw €2,600. Mr. James Ryan, Deanery Chairman said that he would like to thank all the outlets that allowed them sell tickets at their premises. A special thanks to all who supported the draw, all who donated spot prizes on the night, Joe Pearland Noel Winston, Christina McHugh, Editor, Roscommon Herald, Rita Fleming in the parish office and Fr. John McNamara for all their help.
Castlerea Lourdes Dearney committee would like to extend congratulations to Brendan Egan, Chairman of Castlerea Mart, and his committee on celebrating the MART’S 50th Anniversary.
300 Club Draw results for August. €100 Tuairi Curren, €50 Patricia Boland, €25 Lily Murphy, Claire Raftery.
The EmployAbility Service is an employment and recruitment service to assist people with a disability, health condition, illness, or injury to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market. For further information call 090 6647117 or email employabilityroscommon@seetec.ie JUBILEE OR MARRIAGES Couples celebrating their Silver, Ruby, Golden, Diamond, Platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend one of two Jubilee Masses along with their families and friends on either Sunday 4th October at 2.30 p.m. in Ballaghaderreen Cathedral or Sunday 11th October at 2.30 p.m. in Kiltoom Church. Biship Kevin will celebrate both Masses. Light refreshments will be served afterwards for in attendance. As each couple celebrating an anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Kevin, they are asked to register their details at www.achonryelphin.ie HEALTH, WELLBEING & SELF-CARE A new Health, Wellbeing & Self-Care course starts September 8th and runs on Tuesdays for eight weeks, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the offices of Roscommon Women’s Network in Castlerea. This course focuses on improving well-bring, self-care, physical and mental health. The layout is flexible, combining physical activities with mental well-being topics in a supportive environment. Spaces are limited. Call, 094 962 1690/ WhatsApp / text 087406 5253 for details.
A Healthier Greener You - Climate Café starts Wednesday, September 8th, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at at the offices of Roscommon Women’s Network in Castlerea. During this six six week programme see what steps take be taken at home and in your daily lives to combat climate change and care for the environment. Call 094 962 1690/ WhatsApp / text 087406 5253 for details.
Art and creative writing with Jessie O'Connor starts Wednesday, September 10th – 6.30 p.m. to 8p.m. at RWN Castlerea (meets twice a month). This will be a welcoming space for anyone who enjoys writing and creating art. Join the award-winning author to create art and write poetry together. Spaces are limited. Call 094 962 1690/ WhatsApp / text 087406 5253 for details.
‘Seeking Safety; is a free coping skills program for women affected by trauma, mental health and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms and gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and "take back your power from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The program is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Roscommon town and we have a new group starting in Castlerea in September. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club lotto for August 26th was 34. Winners of this week’s lotto were Breege Cullen Tom Goodwin John Callaghan John Coyne Gary Cunnane. Each receive €100.
Sincere thanks to everyone who attended my recent 80th Birthday celebration in Campbells in Ballinlough. I had a wonderful night surrounded by my family and friends. Thank you all for your lovely cards, presents and best wishes. Thanks also to my American Cousins who sent lovely cards, presents and video messages. I would also like to thank the following people : Noel and Marian Forde and family; Campbells Lounge for their warm hospitality; videographer Sean Browne for his wonderful recording of the night; MC Michael Conlon for his heartfelt speech; the amazing Dolly Parton tribute act Kirsty Coard who got everyone singing; the wonderful musicians and dancers who performed on the night. We were all so well entertained; the caterers who provided such lovely food and an amazing cake; to everyone who helped with decorating the pub including Ciara for her wonderful photo display and Gretta for her amazing balloon arch. Special thanks to the O’Malley and Davis family for all their input. Last but not least a huge thanks to my wonderful wife Margaret who organised this amazing celebration for me and thanks to my niece Jackie who helped her. Margaret put a lot of hard work into everything. I am a very lucky man. As a token of my sincere thanks to you all, a Mass has been offered for your intentions. God Bless, Dan Caulfield.
Congratulations to all students who received CAO offers last week for their preferred third level choices and to all students moving forward to the next chapter. Remember, the deadline for acceptance of round one CAO offers is this Tuesday, September 1st at 3 p.m.. Congratulations and best wishes to all.
Our monthly dance continues on Sunday, Septmber 6th with music by Pat Mulchrone Dancing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Admission €10 - come along for a great night of dancing.
