Local Notes: Birthday Celebrations, Golf News, Memorial Mass
Liam Walsh presenting the Breda Walsh Memorial Golfer of the Year perpetual trophy and prize – sponsored by Liam in his mother’s memory – to the Castlerea GC Women’s Club 2026 Golfer of the Year, Valerie Callaghan.
Call out to the Class of ‘76 , Convent of Mercy, Castlerea. It’s hard to believe that 50 years have slipped by since the Class of ‘76 walked the corridors of the Alma Mater. Wouldn’t it be great to a have a very informal get together to reminisce and catch up? Organisers are suggesting Saturday, November 28th in Hester’s Castlerea. In order to get an idea of who is interested in the reunion called or text Kathleen Herbert at (086)1229421, Ann Finan at (086)3409104, Bernie Freyne at (086) 3994309 or Mary Lynch (086)3626463 by November the 16th.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s lotto for November 4th was number 3. Winners were Mark Malone, Yvonne Hanbury, Orla McDonagh, Ivan Connaughton, and Valerie Callaghan. Each receive €100.
On Sunday, November 15th, the Castlerea Brass and Reed Band will perform at the 12 o’clock Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, for the deceased members of the band. Band members are requested to be in the church at 11.30 a.m.
The annual Mass for the deceased members of Castlerea Post Office will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, at 12 noon on Sunday, November 22nd.
Congratulations are extended to Mrs Mai Callaghan, Knockroe, Castlerea, and Mrs. Marie Hester, Ballindrimley, who celebrated their birthdays recently. Both of them had a great party separately with their families. Mai will always be remembered for the great work she did with the Girl Guides over the years and the wonderful way she cared for them. Marie will always be remembered for her friendly smile while attending to her customers in Hester’s Golden Eagle Lounge. Both are very active and in good form. Here’s wishing them both many more happy birthdays in the years ahead.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s Minor Club would like to extend congratulations to club players Rory Hawkshaw and Eddie Finneran on being selected on the Roscommon U-17 county minor football panel for 2027. Both players have given some outstanding performances for the club at U-16 and minor level this year. They have also given some fine performances with the Castlerea Community School’s junior and senior teams this year. Castlerea legend Danny Burke believes that along with other young players from the club. Both players have a bright future ahead of them and with the proper coaching and looking after he expects them to make the grade and follow in the footsteps of many other Castlerea and Tarmon players.
Congratulations are extended to Pat and Betty Garvey, Ballintubber who recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Over the years Pat and Betty have been involved in everything that is good for the Ballintubber area including the Tidy Towns Committee for which they have won many county prizes, the FAS Scheme which has enhanced the village over the years and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and for bringing the students from the USA to Ballintubber for the past 12 years to do the dig at the castle. Pat is also involved with the Ballintubber Cemetery Committee. Here’s wishing them many more wedding anniversaries in the years ahead.
The Castlerea Community School’s First Year boys’ team were defeated by Roscommon CBS in the Roscommon Schools’ Championship at the CBS field on Thursday, November 5th by 6-14 to 7-7. This was a high scoring game with both teams taking some fine scores. CBS led at half time by 3-5 to 1-2 and went further ahead after half-time, but Castlerea put in a great last 20 minutes and nearly stole it in the finish. All 19 players for Castlerea used, played their part and they were well coached by their coaches, teachers Timmy Gibbons from Strokestown and Conal McGuire, St. Mary’s, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Congratulations are extended to Valerie Callaghan, Knockroe, Castlerea who recently received the Castlerea Golf Club’s Ladies Player of the Year Award for 2026. Valerie who has won many prizes during the year was principal of Threen National School for many years.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s Minor Club would like to extend get well wishes to club minor player Cian Bruen who underwent knee surgery at Merlin Park Hospital. Cian is a very promising goalkeeper, and his player colleagues are looking forward to seeing him back on the playing fields soon. The club would like to extend congratulations to Ballyhaunis native Mr John Prenty on being awarded the Mayo Sports Star Hall of Fame award for 2026. This is a long overdue award for John who is CEO of the Connacht Council GAA and who has done trojan work over the years for Mayo, Connacht and Ballyhaunis club football.
Congratulations to Carmel McDonagh, winner of €1,510 in last Friday night's Friends of Tulsk 50/50 GAA Draw. The draw will continue each Friday. Entries €5 each, 3 for €10 or 7 for €20 are available in Tulsk Laundry, Applegreen, Dec's Bar and Flanagan's Bar or online via the club app. For cash, card or cheque payments contact Cathal McCormack on 086 8065219 or Lorraine McGarry on 087 2759897. Best of luck to all entrants.
The St. Mary's Ladies AGM will take place on Wednesday, November 11th at 8 p.m. in the Tulsk clubrooms. All players, members and supporters are welcome to attend. All usual AGM rules apply.
