Local Notes: GAA National Club Draw, Thanks, Writers' Group
There were smiles and warm congratulations, but also genuine sadness, as Towey’s on Main Street, Ballaghaderreen, closed its doors for the final time on Saturday last. For more than 80 years, Towey’s has been a true Ballagh institution, serving generations of local people, from childhood sweets to the loaf bought on a wedding day and the ham for retirement sandwiches. Mattie and Annie were almost ever-present in the shop, and stories of petrol being provided at 3 a.m. for someone heading to Dublin capture the exceptional service and community spirit that existed there long before modern marketing or customer engagement became fashionable terms. Affectionately known to many as “Imelda’s,” it was far more than just a shop. It was a meeting place, a source of local news, a stop for the weekly shopping or a lotto ticket and, above all, a place where people were always guaranteed a smile, a chat and a bit of craic with the staff and the many characters who passed through its doors. Ballagh owes a great debt of gratitude to the Towey family for the service, kindness and sense of community they gave so generously over the decades, and for the lasting legacy they leave behind in the heart of the town. Wishing Imelda a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.
Huge congratulations to the St Nathy’s senior squad, who produced a superb performance in UL on Saturday to defeat Munster champions Mount Saint Michael of Rosscarbery, Cork, on a scoreline of 3-18 to 0-11, securing their place in the All-Ireland Final in two weeks’ time. It was a tremendous occasion for the school and the wider community, with local transport legends O’Haras bringing the team to and from the game, while Durkin’s provided a well-earned meal afterwards. A huge community effort has played its part in helping St Nathy’s reach this stage, and everyone in Ballagh and beyond wishes the team the very best of luck in the All-Ireland Final.
Ballaghaderreen GAA Club is currently selling tickets for the annual National Club Draw with top prize of €50,000. Tickets cost €15. Every cent raised by the club comes back to the club. The club asks for everyone's support of this important fundraiser. Tickets available from club officers and committee members.
A community fundraising event will take place in Creaton’s Bar, New Street on Saturday, March 7th at 7 p.m. with a shave, wax and dye night and a monster raffle to raise much-needed funds to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice. Sponsorship cards are available throughout the town, and links for donations are available from Creaton’s Bar, Ballaghaderreen, and on their social media account.
The GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday night last in Creaton’s Bar, New Street. Winner of the jackpot of €540 were Aidan and Aine Roddy, Boholis, selling agents, Saturday night team. Next draw is on Sunday, March 8th in Solan’s Bar, Main Street.
On Sunday, March 1st in the RDFL Women’s Division, Ballaghaderreen FC secured a strong 2-0 victory over Boyle Celtic. The goals came from new recruit Leanne Foley and a screamer from Ava Hanley, earning the team three well-deserved points. Well done to everyone on a great result.
The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group welcomes both experienced and new writers, with new members always encouraged to join. Meetings are held every other Friday at Ballaghaderreen Library, starting March 6th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. For more details, call 087-1202432.
The Ballaghaderreen branch of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks the Men’s Shed for a donation of €130 and for the support.
The Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 club draw took place on Tuesday, February 23rd in the community Park, with a jackpot of €210 won by Rachel Beirne, and the winning ticket was sold by Morelli’s. The next draw will take place on March 3rd at the Community Park. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, and annual tickets are also available for €90.
The Roscommon branch of MS Ireland will hold its AGM this evening, Tuesday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. in Durkins, The Square, Ballaghaderreen. The local branch of the national organisation provides support and friendship to people with MS and their families living in the county. Prior to the AGM an information evening with MABS will be held. Refreshments will be served. For more information call Teresa Cahill on 086 8256845.
