Local Notes: Easter Activities, Boxing News, Fantasy Football
A group of Ballaghaderreen golfers at the Captain’s Drive-In 2026.
he annual captain’s drive-in took place at Ballaghaderreen Golf Club on a crisp but sunny Sunday morning, marking the start of the new golfing season. This much anticipated event brought members of all ages together to celebrate the handover of leadership to new captains, Anne O’Brien and Jason Plunkett. The competition for the morning took the form of a nine hole Stableford scramble. Results: 1st, Anne O’ Brien (lady captain) Jason Plunkett (men’s captain), John Lynskey and Gerry Cooney; 2nd, Mark Frain, Isaac Duffy, Ciaran Lavin and Breege Flanagan; 3rd, Anne Meagher, John Freeman and Dion Dwyer. The next Get Into Golf programme for new beginner ladies will start on Monday, April 13th at 7 p.m. in the clubhouse with an introduction night , meet and greet and some light refreshments. No experience or golf clubs needed- complete beginners welcome and what better way to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and simply try a new venture for 2026. Watch out also for junior registration dates which will be finalised mid to late April. Further details available at 087 1463628/ ballaghaderreengolfclub@gmail.com or follow on Facebook.
Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club will hold its quiz night on Thursday, April 2nd at 8.30 p.m. upstairs in Durkin’s Bar. The event, titled, Game. Set. Quiz!, promises a fun night of sharp wit and friendly competition. Tables of four cost €40, and a raffle will also take place on the night.
Ballaghaderreen Community Games will hold its local Athletics Day on Sunday, April 26th at 10 a.m. in Ballaghaderreen Community Park. This will be a great local occasion for young athletes and families and forms part of the Cairn Community Games programme.
A variety of children’s activities will take place this Easter at the Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre. Contact Janice on 086 826 7271 to book.
Congratulations to Muhammad Hammad Hussain on winning the Boys’ 125kg Connacht Boxing Championship. Well done also to Gavin O’Gara and Hannah Casey, who retained their Connacht titles. Their achievements reflect tremendous hard work and dedication and mark a proud moment for the club and community.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen—an Arts Council and Local Authority initiative—supports arts participation in towns and rural communities with fewer cultural opportunities. It is led by Roscommon Arts Office, Roscommon LEADER Partnership and a local Steering Group. Individuals and groups are encouraged to get in touch with ideas or proposals. Contact the Coordinator on 086 837 2921 or email creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com.
The 50/50 draw held Tuesday, March 24th had a jackpot of €210, won by Anita McNicholas, ticket sold by Top Shop. The next draw takes place on this Tuesday, March 31st at the Community Park.
On Sunday, March 29th, the Ballaghaderreen FC senior women booked their place in the Connacht FA Women’s Challenge Shield Final with a 4–1 win over Moyne Villa FC. Scorers: Amy Doory, Rebecca Finan, Leanne Foley, and Grace McDermott.
The club also mourns the passing of Noel McDonagh, captain of the 1975 Roscommon Cup–winning side and a beloved club figure. May he rest in peace.
Ballaghaderreen GAA will hold a fundraiser on Friday, April 10th at The Claddagh Ring, Hendon (NW4 4EA), on the eve of Mayo’s match against London. A monster auction and raffle will take place. The club thanks Finbar Holian and The Claddagh Ring for their support.
“Chit Chat” with Kelly runs every Tuesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. at the SICAP Office, The Shambles. All are welcome. For details phone 094 986 2565 or 086 819 4698.
The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group meets every second Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Call 087 120 2432 for details.
The Scrabble Club meets every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. New members are welcome.
Masses will be held in Fairymount at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (31st); in Frenchpark at 7 p.m. and Fairymount at 8 p.m. on Holy Thursday; in Tibohine at 2 p.m. and Ballinagare at 5 p.m. on Good Friday; in Tibohine at 7 p.m. and Ballinagare at 8.30 p.m. on Holy Saturday and in Frenchpark at 10 a.m. and Fairymount at 11.30 a.m.on Easter Sunday. Fr. Micheál Donnelly, Canon Liam Devine and Sr. Elizabeth Carroll wish all in the parish a peaceful and happy Easter.
Bingo will take place on Good Friday, April 3rd in Tibohine Community Centre. Doors open at 7.15 p.m.. Eyes down at 8 p.m.. All proceeds in aid of Tibohine Community Centre. Cash prizes and raffle on the night, €1000 jackpot – guaranteed jackpot winner. Come along, you never know your luck.
The Cornerstone, Frenchpark is starting a free web development course for beginners on Tuesday, April 14th at 7 p.m.. Places are limited. To secure your spot call 094 987 0340 during office hours. (Monday to Thursday 9.30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Friday , 9:30-1 p.m.) EASTER CAMP Active Sparks Easter Camp will be held in Tibohine Community Centre from March 30th to April 2nd next. Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 2.30 p.m. – 6 p.m.. Ages four to twelve. Cost €60 per child. Loads of fun activities from badminton, volleyball, basketball, board games, baking, arts & crafts, face painting, table tennis, céili, dance and disco, indoor soccer and lots more. To register phone 083-1010154.
A wellness event will take place in Fairymount Hall on Saturday, April 14th next from 10 a.m. to 12noon. Cost €25. Gentle yoga flow (45 minutes). Sound meditation (45 minutes). A cup of Cacao while journaling about (15-30 minutes). For further information phone 085-1971372.
The death occurred of Mr Michael Beirne, Middlesex, England and late of Drummin, Ballinagare on Thursday, March 26th last. In his eighty-fourth year, Mike was pre-deceased by his father, John, mother, Sarah; brothers Marty, Joe, Jim, and Sean and son-in-law Pat. He will be very sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife Teresa (née O’Connor); son, Nicholas; daughters, Caroline and Denise; brothers, Pat, Austin and Tom; sister, Mary; grandchildren, great-granddaughter Eabha, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. His remains were removed from Brady’s Funeral Home, Elphin to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Ballinagare on Friday evening last. Following Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr. Micheál Donnelly on Saturday, March 28th last, burial took place afterwards in Drummin Cemetery.
Pray for the repose of the souls of Mr Tony Murphy, Bother Buí, Ballaghaderreen; Mr Paul Kelleher, Leitrim Village & Shankill, Elphin; Mrs Maureen McNamara, Ballymoe and Ronnie & Joan Delany, Carrickmines, Dublin. May they rest in peace.
‘Rise & Shine’ (formerly known as Irish Pilgrimage Trust) wish to thank all four church areas that contributed so generously towards its recent church gate collections. Amounts received were Ballinagare - €141.78; Frenchpark - €234; Fairymount - €235; and Tibohine - €175.30. Many thanks also to those who took up the collections.
Western Gaels held its weekly lottery draw on Saturday, March 28th last. The numbers drawn were 13, 18, 19 and 26. There was one jackpot winner. Congratulations to Muriel Hanly who won €7,200. The next draw (jackpot €3,000) will take place at the clubhouse in Frenchpark on this Saturday, April 4th. Tickets are available on-line through the Clubforce app or from local outlets.
Details: QPR, 1926; Rovers, 1857; Meadowbank, 1836; Cambridge, 1797; Luton, 1775; Westlife, 1751; Luke, 1724; The Gaels, 1609; Livingston, 1600, Gunners 1537.
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