Local Notes: Church News, Fantasy Football, Culture Night
Sarah Hegarty, volunteer at Jack & Jill charity shop; Roscommon player Jenny Higgins, Cillian Shine and Niall Speak, Manager Jack & Jill charity shop. The cup made a visit to the charity shop in Roscommon Town recently. Pic: Ger O'Loughlin
The committee are very grateful for all donations received in relation to Fr. Micheál’s Farewell function. Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday, September 6th next, beginning with Mass at 3 p.m. in Ballinagare Church. We hope to have an enjoyable afternoon of music, dancing, coffee, tea, refreshments, finger food, goodies for the children and more. All welcome.
The death occurred peacefully of Mrs Maureen Brennan Robinson, Demesne, Frenchpark on Sunday, August 23rd last at Roscommon University Hospital. Predeceased by her husbands Eamonn Robinson (Kilnamanagh) and Joe Brennan (Manchester), brothers John Joe & TJ McCann, she is deeply regretted by her loving daughters Bridie Tighe (Vincent) and Helen Kelly (Willie), grandchildren Maria (Mark McDonagh), Shelia (Jamie Nolan) and Liam (Erin Regan), great-grandchildren Cillian and Éabha, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. Her remains were removed from The Sharkey Funeral Home to St. Asicus’ Church, Frenchpark on Wednesday, August 26th last. Following Mass of the Resurrection, interment took place in Kilnamanagh Cemetery.
Mrs Nora Kelly, Knockcroghery & formerly of Tully, Castlerea passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29th last at Aras Mhathair Phoíl in Castlerea. Sister of James Finnerty Deerpark Ballinagare, Nora was predeceased by her husband Des in 2011, her father James, mother Nora, sisters Mary & Bernadette and her brothers Martin, Peter & Patrick. She will be very sadly missed by her loving daughters Mary, Joanne, Catherine & Veronica, sons Desmond & James, grandchildren, sisters Nuala & Catherine, brothers James & Kevin, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Her remains were removed from Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon to St Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Monday, August 31st last. Following Requiem Mass on this Tuesday (today) at 11 a.m., Nora will be laid to rest afterwards in Gailey Cemetery.
Pray for the repose of the souls of Mrs Maureen Mulligan, Ballaghaderreen and formerly of Loughglynn ; Mr John Lyons, Tarmon Road, Castlerea and Mr Tim Curry, California, United States. May they rest in peace

Fr. Larry Ebuk will be back to celebrate Mass on Saturday, September 19th next. If there is an emergency, please contact Fr. John McManus at the Presbytery in Castlerea on (094) 9620040. Masses will be held in Frenchpark at 7 p.m. on Thuersday (3rd), Ballinagare at 7pm and Fairymount at 8 p.m. on Friday (4th), Ballinagare at 1 p.m. & 8.30 p.m. and Tibohine at 7 p.m. on Saturday (5th) and Frenchpark at 10 a.m., Fairymount at 11.30 a.m. and Ballinagare at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 6th.
Scrabble takes place every Thursday from 5pm to 7pm. Crafty Notions group for any type of needle-work every Friday at 10 a.m.. Toddler Time and Storytime events continue every Saturday at 11 a.m. (except on Bank Holidays). Many other events are also taking place. Please call us on (090) 6632537 for further information.
Western Gaels held its weekly lottery draw on Saturday, August 29th last. There was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 12 and 19. The next draw (jackpot €4,200) will take place at the clubhouse in Frenchpark on this Saturday, September 5th. Tickets are available on-line through the Clubforce app or from local outlets.
Details – Luton 61, The Rovers 51, The Gaels 43, Livingston 42, QPR 42, Meadowbank 41, ET 37, Rossies 34, Cambridge 26, Westlife 24.
If you have any local news or items to highlight, please email to qprlodge@hotmail.com
TULSK

Tulsk’s Intermediate football team had a 2-16 to 2-13 win over St Brigids ‘B’ in their third-round game of this year’s Intermediate Championship on Friday evening. The actual victory was more comfortable than the final score suggests, despite Tulsk withstanding a late Brigid’s rally. See match report for details. This win secures a second place finish in Tulsk’s group and a place in the quarter-finals of the competition. The team’s opponents have yet to be revealed though the side’s last eight match will take place on the weekend beginning September 18th. Well done to all the players, management and mentors on the team’s progress in the competition thus far. Meanwhile the club’s junior players have their third game in this year’s Junior ‘B’ competition this Sunday afternoon, September 6th when hosting St. Brigid’s in their respective competition.
The best wishes of the entire local community are extended to the many young students who this week have taken their first steps on the educational ladder at Killina and Tulsk National Schools. A shout out too, to students who have started at second level at neighbouring schools. Well done also, to the many local students who recently received their Leaving Certificate results. Many are currently studying their CAO offers, considering apprenticeships or are about to enter the workforce. All of the local community wish all of the students, their parents and guardians every good wish in coming days, weeks, months and years ahead!
Tulsk History Society’s annual trip took place last Sunday with a visit to a number of historic sites and amenities in county Longford. The twelve travelling disciples departed Tulsk that morning, arriving in Ballinamuck for their first engagement with a visit the local 1798 Visitor Centre where the Battle of Ballinamuck, one of the most celebrated events in Irish history took place. It was here that United Irish forces, supported by French forces were gallantly defeated in what was one of the final exchanges of the famed rebellion of that year. The centre, located on the site of the former village barracks, faithfully accounts the fateful history of that period. Following their visit and an impressive film screening which recounted the events of that period. The group then visited the local battlefields and ‘croppy field’ where rebels who gave their lives to the patriotic cause, were buried. Later, the group will adjourn for refreshments in Ballinalee at the Rose Cottage, which was the late General Sean MacEoin’s (otherwise known as the Blacksmith of Ballinalee) military quarters during the War of Independence. The group concluded their trip by a visit to the Maria Edgeworth Centre in Edgeworthstown, which tells the story of one of Ireland’s most distinguished literary figures, the author of Castle Rackrent, still considered one of the finest Irish novels ever written. The museum, which is beautifully illustrated, also highlights the benign and positive influence extended by the Edgeworth family as landlord class in the eighteenth century. Congratulations to the organisers of the tour which was a most enjoyable and informative day.
Some of Tulsk’s youngest sporting stars were in action last Saturday morning against Kilbride and put on a super display in front of their proud supporters. Well done to all the players, their parents and coaches. Thanks also to Kilbride for hosting and providing treats to the participating players. Meanwhile the ECO Insulation sponsored U-16’s bowed out of the championship in the league stages away to top side St. Michael's/St. Ronan’s in a dramatic game which was played last week. In the second half the home team went on a scoring spree netting two goals and some added points to race fifteen points ahead. Tulsk with it all to do, having lost Ronan Loughrey and Eoghan Mulrennan to injury, hit back with a goal from John Murray. A further three two pointers from Jayden Jennings and another John Murray goal had Tulsk back in the contest. A free heading into the closing stages brought the sides level – however as the clock ran red a free for the home side nudged them back in front and the hosts would add another before the final whistle. All told, this was a wonderful team effort from Tulsk who could hold their heads high after a titanic fightback. The coaches would like to thank their team and parents for their support throughout the season. Thanks also to sponsor Sean Crean of ECO Insulation for his continued support.

This year’s Culture Night takes place on Friday, September 18th with a series of events taking place across the county. As part of the celebrations, musician and poet Declan Flanagan will perform in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre from 8.30pm to 10pm. Declan will perform a night of poetry, singing and original music in Irish and in English with light refreshments served following the performance. This is a free event and are warmly invited to attend which should be a special occasion.
Congratulations to Garden Play Ireland on a brilliant GAA Competition entry on behalf of Tulsk GAA club. The entry showcased what it means to truly support a community, as Garden Play Ireland has supported the local club through ground development, underage teams and even the provision of a robotic lawnmower for both pitches. Their entry highlights the significant role the GAA plays beyond the pitch - bringing people together, keeping communities active and helping build lasting connections.
Huge well done to Tulsk’s U-16 girls and their managers Sean, Megan and Edit on what can only be described as an absolute battle of a game this evening against St Brigids II last week as their charges finally emerged victorious after extra time! The side now face Shannon Gael’s this Thursday September 3rd at 6.35 p.m. in Strokestown. All support would be greatly appreciated! Hard luck too to Tulsk’s U-14 girls in their championship final. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t the team’s day against a strong Roscommon Gaels team.
Tulsk History Society’s newsletter is now out online via their website. This month the newsletter looks at the history of policing in Tulsk (including RIC and Gardai), the story behind the old Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) banner which many people will not be aware has a second mural on the reverse side to the United Irish League (UIL). The newsletter will also reveal a re-print of a customer list from Simpson's shop from over a century ago, look at the 1926 census from a Tulsk context, and do a deep dive into the history of Fahy's shop in Glenvale. The legendary stallion 'Lapcock' also makes a cameo appearance! Check it out here: https://www.tulskhs.com/newsletters/newsletter-no-21. All of the society’s newsletters can be viewed on our website, as can all the editions of the Tulsk Morning Howl.
As many residents will already be aware, the parish of Tulsk, for Church administration, has now been amalgamated with the parish of Ballintubber/Ballymoe. Going forward, until new Priests arrive, calls in the event of an emergency should be made to 087 400 4008. Please note this number is strictly for emergencies only. For the booking of anniversary Masses, please contact the Tulsk Parish Office and leave a message. Residents are also reminded that as a courtesy, they should ensure their mobile phones are switched off or turned to silent for all Church ceremonies. Alternatively, you can also email the office.

