Local Notes: Elphin Agricultural Show, Tower Singers' Session, Pilgrimage to Knock
At the All Ireland Fleadh in Belfast the Elphin Comhaltas Mixed Set 12-15 group won third place.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent church gate collection in aid of Elphin Community Centre. The generosity is much appreciated. The total collected was €220.
The countdown is on to Elphin Agricultural Show, which takes place on August 29th. Entries are now open line, enter via website. Entries close on August 22nd.
Elphin Day Centre’s next outing is on Thursday, August 13th to Carrick-on-Shannon. The group will be taking a private trip on Moon River followed by lunch in Cryan’s. Spaces available. If anyone wishes to avail of the day centre services ring 0719635566 or 0876803675.
Roscommon SPCA will hold its annual church gate collection at St. Catherine's Church, Killina on Saturday, August 15th. Roscommon SPCA is run by a team of dedicated volunteers with all money donated going directly to animal welfare in the county. Thank you so much for your continued assistance and support of Roscommon SPCA.
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.
It is with great sadness that the regular Tower Bar musicians heard of the loss of a good friend and wonderful singer, Frank Brennan. Frank is mourned by his wife Frances, children, Lucy and Aidan, grandchildren, relations, neighbours and many many friends, including those in the Tower Bar, Elphin where he was a valued member of the monthly singing circle. He and his wife Frances were also part of every birthday, and Christmas celebration in the Tower. People will always remember how he ended each night in the Tower with a lovely rendition of "Happy are we all together". The group sang it in his memory last Tuesday and it will be on the list most session nights now. Rest in peace Frank.
The Tuesday traditional music sessions in the Tower Inn are proceeded by a junior music session starting at 7.30 p.m. for the duration of the school holidays. All junior musicians are very welcome provided they are accompanied by a parent.
The next singers’ night in the Tower Inn will be on August 30th. All singers are welcome to attend as all genre of singing is catered for and for non-singers the night always provides a very good nights enjoyable entertainment so come along and bring a friend.
Tidy Towns volunteers meet at the Day Centre polytunnel every Saturday at 10.30 a.m.. All welcome. Thanks also to everyone who sponsors the work of the group. The group would love to have some new volunteers. If you are new to Elphin it is a great way to meet people.
Bingo every Monday starts at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Thank you for your continued support.
The mobile library visits Elphin every Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..
If you have any local news or items you wish to highlight in the local notes in the Herald please email parnell.deirdre@gmail.com.
Carrick-on-Shannon & District Historical Society presents its 2026 National Heritage Week event on Saturday, August 15th at 3 p.m. in St. George’s Heritage & Visitor Centre (N41 KP62). Free admission. Based on her 2025 book “Legendary Leitrim”, accomplished author and Leitrim resident Alanna Moore will explore landscape and built heritage sites and monuments around the county with particular emphasis on those that may be lost through neglect, natural causes, farming and development or simply because their existence is not well known. The illustrated presentation will be about an hour, and light refreshments will be on hand. A limited number of some of Alanna’s eleven books, published around the world and translated into several languages, will also be available. Her previous book (2023) was “Fairy Haunts of Ireland”. For further information call 086 067 5283.
The death occurred on Tuesday, August 4th at the Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Mr Edward (Ted) Donagher, Kinnegad, County Westmeath, Kells, County Meath and formerly of Croghan, Boyle. Ted will be sadly missed by his partner, Tess; son, Ronan, and daughter-in-law, Siobhan; grandchildren, Saoirse and Jack; his brothers, Billy, Andrew, Oliver and Peter, and sisters-in-law Deirdre, Noleen, Mary and Margaret; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated in St. Mary's Church, Kinnegad on Thursday, August 6th followed by interment in Killapogue Cemetery, Croghan.
A fundraising social night will take place in the Four Provinces, Rathallen on Friday, August 21st. Music by John Molloy. All funds raised go to the Vincentian Lay Missionaries and Daughters of Charity, for projects in Masanga, Tanzania. Admission €10. Further information contact Jane Scott at 087-2972871.
Cavetown Residents CE scheme has vacancies for environmental workers in several locations under the Croghan based scheme, including an administrative assistant preferably with agricultural experience. The contract is for a minimum of one year and eligibility dependent on DSP approval. Contact the scheme supervisor on 071-9668188 or 087-7750556.
Recent winner of the Shannon Gaels GAA Club's 50/50 draw was Mandy Devaney who won €1,825. All support for the draw is much appreciated. Tickets may be purchased on ClubSpot or at local businesses.
The Achonry and Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine takes place on Sunday, August 16th with Bishop Kevin Doran the celebrant and homilist at 3 p.m. Mass. There will also be a family day on the same date from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with activities for children and adults at the Shrine grounds.
Masses in Croghan parish this week as follows: Croghan Church on Sunday at 10 a.m.; Patrician Hall, Cortober, Sunday at 12 noon; Drumlion Church, Wednesday to Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m.. Masses for August 15th (Feast of the Assumption) in Drumlion on Friday, August 14th at 7 p.m.; Saturday in Croghan at 10 a.m. and Patrician Hall, Cortober at 12 p.m.
Bingo takes place in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on Sundays at 8 p.m.. Big cash prizes to be won. All welcome.
Shannon Gaels Intermediate men's team will play Padraig Pearses B in the next round of the Intermediate Championship, on Saturday next, August 15th, in Lisnamult at 5 p.m.. The Shannon Gaels senior ladies will play St. Brigid's in Kiltoom on Sunday, August 16th at 11 a.m..
