Local Notes: Creative Youth, Artist Meet and Summer Gathering
A recent fundraiser held at Ballaghaderreen Golf Club in aid of breast cancer research raised €1,165. Pic: M.Madden
The Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival Committee and team extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, participated in and supported the Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2026. While the marquee events were spectacular, the true strength of any festival lies in the complete package, and once again local artists, photographers, poets and musicians were outstanding, generously sharing their time, expertise, talent and creativity throughout the festival. Alongside the performers, volunteers, local businesses, sponsors and everyone who came along to support the events, they have helped make this year’s festival a very special celebration of the town and its people. One thing is very clear after the last 2 weeks — Ballaghaderreen’s sport, music and arts scene is alive and thriving in the West.
Creative Youth Week will take place in Ballaghaderreen from Monday, August 17th to Friday, August 21st, 12 noon to 4 p.m. each day. Sparkcatchers from Tuam will be joining in for two very special days. They will be in action with local artists April Tambling, Elisha Caulfield and Tuesday Whitfield. Places are limited. Those interested can contact creativeplaces@gmail.com or call or text Joanna for more information on 0868372921.
Artist researcher Catherine Fanning has been bringing art into public places, and building connections with local artists via an Immersive Art Group Exhibition. As a result of the workshop in June, an exciting group exhibition at the New Art Gallery Boyle is running this month with work on show by over 15 local artists. All are warmly welcome and invited.
New monthly curated open-mic for writers and musicians (and anyone who wants to listen) with Jessamine O'Connor on Thursday, August 13th from 7 -9 p.m. at Spells. This time the special guest is the Glasgow-Derryman Frank Rafferty. Come by 7 p.m. to sign up - first come first served as time is limited. This project is supported by Creative Places, Ballaghaderreen's Local Creative Call for 2026 - supporting local artists' ideas and visions.
The August meet-up of artists will have a local artist sharing a new process. There will also be time to chat and connect with each other on Thursday, August 27th at the Community Garden from 6 – 8 p.m.. This project is supported by Creative Places - Ballaghaderreen's Local Creative Call for 2026 - supporting local artists' ideas and visions.
Castlerea Youth Stage School has announced enrolment for 2026/2027. This season, the junior group will present The Wind in the Willows, while the senior group will perform Wonderland the Musical, with performances taking place on March 13th & 14th, 2027. Enrolment for children and young people aged 6–15 years takes place on Tuesday, August 25th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea. Whether your child loves to sing, dance or act, or simply wants to make new friends and build confidence, everyone is welcome. No previous experience is necessary. For enquiries, contact 087 9677439 or 087 6323166. Follow Castlerea Youth Stage School Facebook.
Meetings of Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed will resume of the new term on Tuesday, September 1st at 11 a.m. with the Mildred Beirne leading the steps. From there, a bumper schedule of fun and activities is planned right through to December. New faces are always welcome, and anyone interested is encouraged to pop in and see what the group is all about. For any questions or further information, simply message Ballaghaderreen Women's Shed Group on Facebook.
The Ballagh FC 50/50 jackpot of €220 was won last week by Heather Winter, Cloontia, with the winning ticket sold by the Old Forge Inn. Congratulations also to Donna O’Grady, the monthly bonus winner of two Sligo Rovers match tickets. The next draw takes place on this Tuesday, August 11th at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com. Remember, annual tickets are also available for €90.
Gurteen Community Care is hosting a ‘Summer Gathering’ in the Dapper Duck, Gurteen on Sunday, August 23rd starting at 3 p.m.. Music by John Dwyer, Fr. James McDonagh and friends. Refreshments served. Admission free, all welcome.
