Local Notes: CD launch in memory of Raymond Diffley, raising funds for Windmill repair and Junk Kouture
Elphin Windmill was badly damaged during Storm Eowyn. A fundraising campaign is now underway in a bid to get the windmill repaired as quickly as possible.
A CD containing songs by the late Raymond Diffley was launched on Thursday, February 27th in the Four Provinces, Rathallen. Raymond had started recording the CD but, unfortunately, due to ill health, he was unable to complete the project. The CD consists of one original song sung by Raymond with lyrics by Michael Grady. These songs have now been completed by Raymond’s family and friends, Michael Grady, Declan Grady, Raymond’s grandchildren Nathan and Liam Reynolds with harmony by his wife, Rosarii. The launch took place in The Four Provinces, Rathallen, Boyle, at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Music was by Sean Kerrigan. Special guests on the night included Carmel McLoughlin, Jimmy Kearney, Frank Nelson, Eimear Reynolds, Raymond’s Friends Group and many others. Raymond is sadly missed. CDs are available to purchase. All proceeds are in aid of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation who took such good care of Raymond during his illness.
Well done to the Elphin U-10 girls and boys indoor soccer teams who competed in the Cairn Community Games county competition in Strokestown. The boys play Kiltoom/Cam in a semi-final on Sunday, March 2nd in Strokestown Community Centre.
Elphin Bridge Club competition results for the Garvey Cup held on February 13th: 1st, Eithne Cryan and Maura Kelleher; 2nd, Emily Leonard and Geraldine Greene; 3rd, Therese O’Daly and Winnie Lyons; 4th, Mary Finneran and Mary Gunning,
Elphin windmill - the oldest operational windmill in Ireland - was substantially damaged during Storm Eowyn and needs major repairs. A historically and culturally significant site in the agricultural life of Ireland, Elphin Windmill needs your support in raising funds to get the repairs done and reopened for the public as soon as possible. A GoFundMe link has been set up and it would be wonderful if you can all donate what you can - every euro counts. link is Link is https://gofund.me/2fd748e5. For more information email elphinwindmill1740@gmail.com. Please support the windmill and share this message far and wide.
Elphin Day Service got with a wonderful donation of €750 from Croghan Community Choir from a fundraising carol service they had in Croghan Church before Christmas. Thanks to Caroline Creighton and Sheila McCarty who presented the committee with a cheque for €750. Elphin Day Centre provide a wonderful local service. If anyone wishes to avail of the centre’s services ring 0719635566 or 0876803675. Arts and Crafts underway with Angela Everyone welcome. Yoga continues every Monday and Tuesday.
The good news is that the St. Patrick's Day parade will again take place in Elphin at the later time of 5 p.m. with €1,200 in prize money, so get your thinking cap on. The theme of the parade is cultural inclusion. There is a first prize of €500; 2nd, €250; 3rd, €100; 4th, €100; 5th, €50. Categories include Best Overall Float, Most Topical, Most Creative, Best School Float, Best Vintage Float, Best Commercial/Agricultural, and Best Cultural Float. Other prizes €50 Best Dressed Window, €50 Best Dressed Dog, Most Appropriately Dressed Child, Crazy Hair Do, 1st, €20, 2nd, €15, 3rd, €15. free face painting from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
A table quiz in aid of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in An Bothar Rua on Saturday, March 8th at 9.30 p.m., €400 first prize. Lots of spot prizes and raffle on the night, €10 entry per person.
Get ready to cheer on the incredible students as they compete in South Africa this summer. The following Tatakau Ju-Jitsu athletes have been selected to represent Kyushu Jitsu Ireland at the TSKKIA Nationals 2025: Kids/Teens, Cailean O'Malley, Isabella van Aarde, Jk van Aarde, Teneshia Beirne, Maxim Lavrov, Conrad Wilk. This is a momentous achievement for the young club, based in Elphin and only two years old. It's a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students, and it is a huge honour to be affiliated with the world-renowned TSKKIA. This competition offers invaluable experience at the beginning of their martial arts journeys, and all are so excited to see them grow and develop. The club is asking for your support as the team embarks on this exciting adventure. Let's cheer them on to success.
Rose and Patrick O'Dowd shone at Swinford recently, bringing home bronze, gold and silver to Elphin from Ceol an Gheimhridh 2025 Connacht finals. Well done too to Henry Gunn, who is a fantastic storyteller and won in U-11 Recitation. Huge congratulations too to Elphin Junior Set Dancers who brought home medals in several categories.
Huge congratulations to Lucia in Transition Year and her art teacher, Ms Prendergast, on qualifying for the regional finals of Junk Kouture. With over 1,200 entries and only 80 designs making it through, this is a massive achievement. Lucia will take to the stage on Night 2 of the finals – Thursday, March 6th March at The Helix. Well done, Lucia.
Adult set dancing classes take place in An Bothar Rua on Tuesdays at 8.30 p.m.,. beginners welcome. Contact Michael Gunn for information on 086 3122897.
A singers’ night took place in The Tower Inn on Sunday last. John Permenter, Texas on a brief visit joined in recently. John was a regular member of the sessions while living locally and playing with the Mike Denver band. In 2013 John won Best Musician in the British Country music awards. He is now in England but when he visits Ireland all are always happy to see him. He is a wonderful singer and fiddler in the old time style.
The Roscommon Fleadh Cheoil will take place this year in Athlone on the Easter week-end, April 18th to 21st. Wishing Athlone every success with the Fleadh and look forward to a great week-end of music, song and dance. Keep an eye on the Roscommon Ath Luain Facebook page for updates and of course here too.
Bingo in Elphin Community Centre every Monday at 8.30 p.m.. Thank you to everyone who supports the weekly bingo.
If you have any local news or items you wish to highlight in the local notes in the Herald please email parnell.deirdre@gmail.com
