Local Notes: Climate Conference, Festival Lineup, Summer Camps
Tom and Lee from Ballaghaderreen Men's Shed on a visit to The Galeon Andalucia in Sligo.
Creative Youth Week is looking for young artists or creatives interested in learning about creative ways to engage in Ballaghaderreen. Want to explore Ballaghaderreen through photography, clay, drawing, mapping and creative experiments? Join a team of young creatives for a free week of making, sharing and exploring ideas. The Creative Youth Week is hosted by three local artists, Tuesday, Elisha and April. It will be co-hosted on two days by the artists 'Sparkcatchers!' from Tuam, an exciting youth art duo who will share their joy and creativity. Places on the Creative Youth Week will be given to the youth who live in Ballaghaderreen or the immediate surrounding areas. Text or email Joanna the co-ordinator, Creative places Ballagh on creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com Or phone or 0868372921 (Joanna) before Monday, August 3rd. Creative Youth Week will run from Monday, August 17th to Friday, August 21st, 12 noon to 4 p.m. each day at the Community Resource Centre, The Shambles.
As Europe bakes under unprecedented high summer temperatures there could hardly be a more appropriate time for a major conference on climate change, which takes place at St Nathy's College, from 9 a.m. on Friday, August 7th next. Among its major speakers will be Dr Mike Ryan, who served until recently with the World Health Organisation, and Prof Breda Smyth, who succeeded Dr Tony Holohan as Ireland's Chief Medical Officer. She now lectures in Dublin's Royal College of Surgeons on Public Health Medicine. The day-long conference, on 'The Future of Our Children's World', is part of the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and includes a wide range of other speakers on renewables, bioenergy, etc. Full details at ballaghaderreenartsfestival.com
Ballaghaderreen Men's Shed recently enjoyed a fantastic visit to the magnificent Galeón Andalucía at Sligo Docks. It was a wonderful day out for everyone, with members getting the chance to see first-hand the incredible craftsmanship, history and attention to detail that went into building and maintaining such an impressive sailing ship. It was an experience that will be remembered for a long time. The Men's Shed also has more exciting news to celebrate.
Thanks to funding of €22,500 from the North Connacht Community Benefit Fund – phase 1 successful projects, the group will soon purchase a state-of-the-art laser machine. While the Shed continues to value traditional skills, friendship and craftsmanship, it is also embracing new technology that will open up exciting opportunities for members to learn new skills, take on new projects and keep the organisation growing for many years to come.
On Sunday, July 12th the winner of Ballaghaderreen GAA’s 50/50 draw was Mr E Burke, The Square, seller Drukins. The jackpot was €505.
Ballaghaderreen GAA congratulates to Mayo on reaching the All-Ireland Final 2026 . A fantastic effort against Louth saw Ballaghaderreen’s Andy Moran and his team secure the final place . Best of luck to Mayo and all the Ballaghaderreen clubmen who also work with Andy and his back room team.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is hosting a Summer Art Workshop on Wednesday, July 15th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the l Garden of Remembrance, located opposite The Shambles Community Resource Centre. The workshop costs €10 per person, and booking is essential. The session will be led by Simon Culleton, a talented local artist and experienced tutor, who will guide participants in a relaxed, friendly and encouraging environment.
Whether you're an experienced artist or simply looking to try something new, this enjoyable outdoor workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to develop your creativity, learn new techniques, meet new people and spend a summer morning in a welcoming community setting. All art supplies and materials will be provided, so participants simply need to come along ready to enjoy the experience. Suitable for all skill levels, the workshop is a great opportunity to explore your artistic side in a fun and supportive atmosphere. As places are limited, early booking is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Songwriter Phil Coulter will give a two-hour concert at St Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen, on Thursday, August 6th next, one of the highlights of this year’s Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, which takes place from Saturday, August 1st to Sunday, August 9th. RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan will discuss her new book`Miriam’ at 2 p.m. on Saturday August 1st in Durkin’s on the Square while, appearing at the Cathedral on Wednesday August 5th, will be one of Ireland’s most respected and influential traditional groups, Altan, all the way from Donegal. Comedians taking part in Stand-Up at Edmondstown House this year on Sunday, August 9th will be Roscommon’s own Sharon Mannion, with Colm O’Regan, and Gar Curran while leading Abba tribute band, Abbaesque, will be there on Saturday August 8th.
The Players will present Brian Friel’s `Dancing at Lughnasa’ in St Nathy’s College on August 1/2/3rd with Noel Coward’s `Blithe Spirit’ at Edmondstown House on August 7/8/9th. Aindrias de Staic and friends will present `By the Light of the Silvery Moon’ in St Nathy’s College on Tuesday, August 4th while the ConTempo String Quartet will play Mozart and Weber, with John Finucane on clarinet, there on Friday, August 7th. It follows an all-day climate conference at the same venue where speakers will include Dr Mike Ryan, formerly of the World Health Organisation, and Ireland’s former Chief Medical Officer, Prof Breda Smyth. There’s much, much more with exhibitions all over the town. See ballaghaderreenartsfestival.com & Facebook and Instagram Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and Ballaghaderreen shopLocal.
The Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 club draw took place on Tuesday, July 7th with a jackpot of €220 won by Patrick Hopkins, Lisacul, and the winning ticket sold by Spell’s Bar. The bonus draw winner was Liam Costigan, who receives a pair of tickets to a Sligo Rovers Premier Division game of his choice at The Showgrounds. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, July 14, at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, while annual tickets are available for €90.
Active Sparks Summer Camp takes place in Tibohine NS from Monday, July 27th to Friday, July 31st, running daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The camp is open to children aged 4–12 years and costs €75 per child. Activities will include badminton, indoor soccer, table tennis, face painting, volleyball, basketball, karaoke, pitch and putt, and lots more. With a focus on fun, friends and summer memories, places can be booked by contacting 083 101 0154. A separate Bus Service will be available to transport children to and from the event. Ask for details on the call or on the Active Sparks Facebook page.
