Local Notes: Cake Sale, Open Day, Traditional Concert
Congratulations to the students of Strabraggan NS, Arigna on winning the Leitrim Enterprise Sustainability Award in the STEMtacular Science Exhibition which was held recently in Ballinamore. The students worked on a very interesting project entitled "Keeping the Rossies dry". They received great praise for their work from the judges.
Bingo will be held in Ballinaheglish Community Centre on Good Friday, April 3rd at 8.30 p.m.. There will be lots of spot prize and a raffle on the night. Single books, €5. Please come along and support the event as proceeds from the night go towards the running costs and upkeep of the centre.
The winners of the Progressive 25 drive in Clooneycolgan on Thursday night last were as follows:1st, Peter Keegan; 2nd, Anthony Hannon; 3rd,Mary Keegan; table prize. Con Kehir. Next game is on Thursday at the new time of 9 p.m..
Congratulations to the students from Ballymurray, Knockcroghery, Glanduff and Rahara National Schools who made their First Confession during the week. They are now preparing for their First Holy Communion in May. Grateful thanks to their teachers, parents and all who helped prepare the children so well for the sacrament of Reconciliation.
The death occurred, peacefully, on Wednesday, March 25th in the tender care of the nurses and staff of Moate Nursing Home, surrounded by her loving family, in her 93rd year of Mrs Ann (Nancy) Mullarney (née Slevin) of Tully Baylin, Athlone She was formerly a native of Liss, Tubberclaire. Predeceased by her beloved husband Kevin, daughters, Nora and her brothers and sisters. She is now sadly missed by sons, Kevin, Ballybrogan, Lecarrow, and Tom; daughters, Marie Keogh, and Ann McLoughlin; sons-in-law, Richard and Michael; daughters-in-law, Nuala and Bernie; seven grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Nancy Slevin, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. Funeral Mass in Corpus Chisti Church, Mount Temple on Friday was followed by burial in Donegan Cemetery.
The AGM of the Lake 0’Flynn & District Angling Association was held recently in the Kilmore Inn, Ballinlough. The meeting was opened by club chairperson Ronan Baggott who welcomed all present and gave a summary of the club events of the last year. Ronan thanked the club sponsors and his fellow officers for their help in running club affairs over the year. The chair went on to thank local fishery officers Arnold Donnelly, and Oisin Naughton for their cooperation in running club events. The chairman expressed concern over the rise in affiliation fees and insurance costs as teh club is affiliated to both TAFI & ITFFA trout angling bodies. Ronan congratulated the competition winners in 2025, and also congratulated Gary Madden on been elected as Connacht TAFI secretary which he said was a honour for the club. He extended a vote of sympathy to the Doherty families Ballinlough, Grealis family Castlerea, Naughton family Roscommon, and to the family of John Ditch ,Brenamore all above members/friends of the association. A comprehensive report by Daniel McDermott club secretary followed, outlining meetings, and inward and outward correspondence throughout the year. Treasurer Gary Madden provided a well-balanced statement to the members outlining the club's financial position. The meeting was open to the floor with many topics discussed. Ryan Cummins outlined plans for the running of a summer evening catch/ release event. As the local registered waterkeeper, Ryan asked all anglers to make sure they have their IFI permit for 2026 which is mandatory to fish Lake O'Flynn. An increase in insurance fees was of some concern but the meeting agreed to keep the membership for this year the same as last year at €40 per adult, junior membership, €10. Club competition dates for 2026 were fixed as follows: Maloney/Keady Cup, April 12th; Malone Cups, May 10th; Donnellan Perpetual Cup, August 16th;, Baggott Cup, September 13th. Last cast outings to be announced later. The club day out was agreed for Sunday April 19th to Lough Rowan. The following officers were elected: joint presidents, Gerry Waldron, Padraig Baggott; chairperson, Ronan Baggott; asst chairperson, Ryan Cummins; secretary Daniel McDermott; asst secretary, Joe Fitzharris; treasurer, Gary Madden; asst treasurer, Michael McDermott; PRO, Ryan Cummins; youth officers, Liam Hayes, Ryan Cummins; safety officer, Joe Fitzharris; river development officer, John Gaffey. The first event of the year will be the Maloney/Keady Cup onS unday, April 12th with an excellent prize fund. For more information ring, Daniel 086/8697600, Ronan 085/8897850, or Mike 094 9620064. Club boats are now on the water and are made available to adult club members, life jackets and protective eye wear are compulsory and will be enforced by safety officers. For booking of boats, ring 087 2202185, 086 2325867.
It's that time of year again when the annual Tidy Towns preparations start and essential maintenance throughout the village of Ballyfarnon and its environs get underway. There was early judging the past two years, June 8th, so it is important to get all jobs completed in April and May. The group will meet on Wednesday, April 1st at 7 p.m. at the Crescent for just one hour. Bring a Hi-Viz, gloves available. The group will concentrate on the O'Carolan and Cois Cille area this week. Volunteers needed.
There was no winner of the recent St. Ronan’s GAA lotto jackpot at the weekend. Numbers were 6,17,20, 29. Consolation prizes were won by: €70, David Duignan, Arigna; €30, Tracey Conlon, Geevagh; €20, Michael Guihen, Arigna; €20, Frances Gaffney, Keadue; €20, Joe & Mark Mattimoe, Keadue. Jackpot next week will be €17,100. The draw will be on Sunday evening. Enter online at stronansgaa.com or purchase on Revolut.
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from May 30th-June 4th. If there are any people in Kilronan Parish who would like to travel as assisted pilgrims, please contact Fr. Tom Cox 086 8319500.
John McKenna Traditional Society Easter Sunday concert takes place on April 5th in the Community Centre, Drumkeerin. Music by Fergus Bogue, Ademar O'Connor, and Darren Culliney. Concert commences at 8.30 p.m.. Admission €10.
Leitrim College of Further Education and Training is hosting an Open Day on Wednesday, April 15th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Drumshanbo campus - Hilly Road, Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon campus - The Courtyard, Main Street, Carrick-on-Shannon. Find out about the QQI Level 5 & 6 adult education courses in business, health nutrition and food science, tourism, music, equine, outdoor sports and recreation and healthcare skills on the website www.leitrimcollege.ie, Facebook and Instagram pages @LeitrimCollege or call 089-2667813.
The annual Cake Sale will be held on Good Friday, April 3rd at 4 p.m. in the Crossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall, F52 A497.
The next traditional music session, with Liam Purcell and friends, will take place in Crossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall (F52A497) on Sunday, April 5th from 4 to 6 p.m.. All are welcome.
Tickets are available every evening this week at the Barracks from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. for the Cootehall Easter Raffle, €5 each or 3 for €10. Online sales also via Revolut. Contact Claire on 086 2473022. There are 19 prizes, including a two-night stay at Drumhierney Woodland Hideaway. Fundraising like this enables the Village Enhancement Association to put the proceeds back into activities, such as the recent St. Patrick’s Day festivities, the annual barbecue/fun day and the planting and hanging of baskets that make the village so beautiful. The draw will take place at an Easter fundraising night in Henry’s on Saturday, April 4th at 9 p.m. with music by Karl Moffat so please come along.
Tickets are now on sale for the Grand National Sweep run at Aintree on Saturday, April 11th in aid of Drumboylan Church Funds. Draw will be held on Thursday, April 9th in Drumboylan Community Centre.
The All-Ireland final for the ballad group of Chloe McGuinness, Ronan & Aoife Guckian, Sorcha Gilboy, and Niamh Reynolds is in the TF Royal Theatre on April 25th. Tickets will be on sale shortly.
