Local Notes: Easter parade launch, library to host 'Cirque du Freak' and ploughing championships public meeting

Daffodil Day volunteers Catherine Neilan, Monica Fallon, Liam Finneran Jim Conlon, Ann Burke and Gillian Glancy, pictured in Roscommon Town on Daffodil Day in aid of the Irish Cancer Society on Friday last. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
The Roscommon Town Easter Parade launch takes place in the Jail House Bar, Roscommon at 8.30 p.m. on Monday, April 7th. All are welcome to come along at attend the launch.
First class Relics of St. Therese and her parents St. Louis & Zelie will be in St. Patrick's Church, Castlerea on Wednesday April 9th for Mass at 7 p.m. and veneration afterwards.
Results from the Bridge Clubs: Happy '71 Bridge Club - 1st, Chris & John McGrath; 2nd, Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine; gross, Mary & Vincent Brennan.
St. Coman's Bridge Club: 1st, Peggy Neilan & Mary Jo Riordan; 2nd, Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro; gross, Mary McDermott & Anne Kilduff.
Ballymurry Bridge Club (Spring Competition): 1st, Kevin Coyle & Michael Dolan; 2nd, Mary Law & Susan Farrell;
Gross, Valere & Pat Finneran; 3rd, Maura Dowling & Martina Mulvey.
Kilbride Bridge Club – March 19th North/South - 1st, Frances Keane & Brid Gillooly; 2nd, Moira Farrell & Eileen Dowling. East/West – 1st, Annette Gaffney; 2nd, Margaret Mullen & Pauline Leonard. March 26th North/South: 1st, Pauline Leonard & Margaret Mullen; 2nd, Sheila Macken & Margaret Scott; East/West; 1st, Pauline Donoghue & Martina Fallon; 2nd, Annette Gaffney & Jane Hunt.

The Roscommon Career & Employment Expo takes place at Kilbride Community Centre, Fourmilehouse on this Wednesday, April 2nd from 11 a.m.. Meet local employers, businesses, and education providers - all in one place. Whether you’re job hunting, looking to upskill, or exploring new opportunities, this event is for you. Everyone’s welcome! Free bus available – check Roscommon LEADER Partnership on Facebook or call Claire (086 6094262) for details.
The April meet up of the Roscommon friends of breastfeeding mum2mum group will take place on April 5th at Roscommon Library, 10.30 a.m.-12 noon due to Easter falling on the third Saturday of the month.
The Arts Cafe continues to run each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. For enquiries contact Teresa O'Brien on 086 0291215.
As part of Spring into Storytime this year, Roscommon County Library is honoured to host internationally-acclaimed children's author Darren Shan, whose great classic Cirque du Freak is marking its 25th anniversary. Darren will talk about his work, the writing process and what inspires him to write great works of imaginative fiction. Darren will also be signing special 25th anniversary editions of Cirque du Freak on the night. This event, on Tuesday, April 8th from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. is free, but spaces are limited. Don't miss it.
Back to Basics cooking classes have officially started at Lisnamult. Participants are already learning how to whip up delicious, healthy meals while having a great time together. Chef Atila is sharing expert tips on nutrition and meal prep to help fuel an active lifestyle. It’s all about building confidence in the kitchen.

Shane McDermott is the new Community Sports Hub Development Officer at Roscommon Sports Partnership. Shane will lead the development of the Roscommon Town and Strokestown Community Sports Hub, an initiative funded by Sport Ireland through Dormant Accounts. The hubs will be a dedicated space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can access sports and physical activity programmes, education, and training.
An indoor market will be held in Lisnamult on Sunday April 13th from 11.30 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Bric a Brac, clothes, jewellery, some items available to order. Come and have a browse, you never know what you may find.
Roscommon Gaels 25 cards continue in the lounge in the Hyde Centre every Sunday at 8.30 p.m.. Everyone is welcome to come along and play cards, have a chat and a cup of tea. Winners from March 24th: 1st, - Peggy Moran; 2nd, H. King; 3rd, Con Keigher, Noel Maguire, Martin Brehony; 4th, Peter Lalor; free game, Ann Corcoran.
Roscommon Pride presents its first pre-Pride event for 2025, a quiz night, on Friday, May 23rd in Foxe’s Bar, Roscommon Town. This is sure to be a night full of fun with lots of great prizes on the night.

A meals on wheels service is delivered by The Melting Pot, Castle Street, Roscommon. Freshly prepared hot dinners delivered to your door. Service available from Monday to Friday, with the option of chilled dinners at the weekend. Cost only €7 per dinner including delivery. Menu is prepared a week in advance, so you can plan ahead. Flexible service. No obligation. Choose to order a week, twice a week or whenever you need. Call 090 6630099 or 089 276 9287.
The AGM of the Roscommon branch of the Retired Nurses Association will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Monday, April 14th at 11 a.m.. All members welcome.
Would you like to run, walk or jog in the Western People Women’s Mini marathon in Castlebar on Sunday May 4th or the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin on Sunday, June 1st? If so Roscommon Hospice would love to hear from you. Please help those living with life limiting illness in your community and call 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie Sponsorship cards available.
Join RWN CycleUp Textiles to create your very own upcycled textile wreath on Sunday, April 6th from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Riverside Centre, Athleague, F42 K685, €15 per adult and €10 for 12–17yr olds accompanied by an adult. All materials provided – just bring your creativity. Book now on cycleup.ie/training or call or text 089 986 8217.

Connaught Pioneers will hold an afternoon of prayer in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel Knock on Sunday, April 13th (Palm Sunday) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.. All welcome.
A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 2nd in McDermott's Bar & Lounge, Ballinaheglish at 8.30 p.m. as people come together to brainstorm ideas and take action for the upcoming County Ploughing Championships and Family Fun Day, which will be held in Ballinaheglish. Your voice matters, and your creativity can help shape an event that everyone will enjoy. “Let's collaborate, share our thoughts, and make this event a success for all. Together, we can create something special that brings our community closer. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference - your input is invaluable,” said organisers.
The winners of the Progressive 25 in Clooneycolgan on Thursday night last were as follows: 1st, Brendan McDermott; 2nd, Denis Healy and Noel Carroll; 3rd, Con Kehir; table prize, Noel McGuire. Next game is on Thursday next at 8.30 p.m..