Local Notes: Dance Classes, Library Events and Soccer News
It is set to be a busy autumn period at Ballaghaderreen Library, Dillon House.
Ballaghaderreen Library has a busy programme of events coming up, beginning on Friday, September 25th with a sustainable living workshop with Aoife Munn on rain gardens and how they can help prevent flooding, support biodiversity and improve mental health. On Saturday, September 26th, the library will celebrate National Public Libraries Open Day, with zookeepers from the National Reptile Zoo hosting a special children’s information session featuring a variety of lizards, snakes and invertebrates. The day will also see the launch of My Open Library, giving registered patrons access to the library outside staffed hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with inductions taking place on the day. Places are limited and advance booking is required through the library website or by contacting Ballaghaderreen Library at 090 6632537 or ballaghderreenlibrary@roscommoncoco.ie.
Art Classes with Simon will begin at The Shambles today Tuesday, September 22nd, and will run for six weeks. Classes will take place each Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and cost €15 per class. Booking is essential, and anyone interested in taking part can contact 094 9862565 or email reception@theshambles.ie for further information or to reserve a place.
The Ballaghaderreen GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, September 20th in Clarke’s Bar, Pound Street. Winner of the jackpot of €570 was Fiona Mahon, Barnaboy. Selling agents the Saturday night team. Next draw is on Sunday, September 27th in Spell’s Bar, Pound Street.
Family Carers Ireland will host a free 10-week workshop in The Shambles Community Resource Centre, Ballaghaderreen, beginning on Wednesday, October 7th. The course will run every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and is aimed at people caring for a family member, providing practical support, information and guidance for their caring role. Topics will include carers’ rights, entitlements and supports, practical care skills, communication skills, first aid in the home, home safety, self-care and communication with doctors. The programme will also help participants identify their own needs, develop an action plan and build confidence in safe caring practices. Places can be booked by calling 086 809 8539.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw took place on Tuesday, September 15th, with a jackpot of €210. The winner was Catherine Towey, with the winning ticket sold by Brusna. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 22nd, at the Community Park. The club thanks everyone for their continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, with annual tickets available for €90.
Ballaghaderreen FC men’s first team recorded a 6–2 victory over Ballyboro United in RDFL Division 1 at the Community Park on Sunday. Aaron Dowd scored four goals, with Gary Stokes adding two.
The ladies senior team recorded a 4–0 win over Roscommon United in the RDFL Women’s Division at the Community Park. Kayla O’Reilly, Alannah McGreal, Nicole McGuinn and Grace McDermott were the goalscorers.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s senior men’s division 3 side recorded a 5–2 away win over Lough Harps FC at Ballinlough. John Higgins scored four goals, with Naoise Kelly scoring the fifth.
Ballaghaderreen FC is also running the UEFA Disney Playmakers programme, a football programme for girls aged 4–8 inspired by Disney storytelling. The programme introduces young girls to football through play, imagination and confidence-building. Sessions take place every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. until October 29th. No previous football experience is required. For further information, contact Jamie Waring on 087 098 6910 or jamiewaring2013@gmail.com.
A Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Coffee Morning will take place at Duffy’s SuperValu on Thursday, September 24th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m..
The men’s senior team take on local rivals Charlestown in Kiltimagh on Saturday, September 26th. All support is welcome for what should be a fiercely contested encounter. Throw-in is at 4 p.m..
Sandra Ganley Dance is running a four-week course of jiving classes in Tibohine on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The classes are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, with teens and adults welcome, while children aged eight and over may attend when accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential and places can be reserved by contacting 086 210 8029.
Rinka Kids Fitness & Wellbeing is running an eight-week block at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, F45 EK13, on Thursdays from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.. The programme is for children aged 6–11 years and includes athletics, gymnastics, dance, drama, team games, healthy eating and mindfulness. Cost is a €2 donation per week. For more information, contact Janice on 086 826 7271.
Stepping Stones Baby & Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, offering a welcoming and relaxed space for babies, toddlers, parents and carers to meet, play and socialise. Each week includes a mix of messy play, arts and crafts, free play and other activities designed to keep little ones entertained while giving adults the chance to connect with other local families.
A five-week Basic Computer Course is taking place at The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, on Tuesdays from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.. The course offers an introduction to computers in a small and friendly class setting, with no previous experience required. Laptops are provided. Places can be booked by contacting The Shambles on 094 9862565.
The Ballaghaderreen Notes is a space for the community. If you have local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, fundraiser, milestone or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in for inclusion. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, thank-you note, community notice or reminder about something coming up, the column is here to reflect what’s happening locally and help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com.

