Local Notes: Golf Lotto, Community Choir, Castlerea St. Kevin's News
Michael and Rose Finneran, The Prince Arthur Pub, Tottenham, presenting a cheque for £500 to Castlerea Lourdes Deanery PRO Danny Burke for the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrim Fund. Also in the picture, is Paddy Guilfoyle, a great friend of Mick and Rose in London. Michael, who hails from Ballinagare, and his wife Rose from Ballycroy are on holidays in Ireland. They have run many functions in their London pub over the years for charity including Mayo/Roscommon Hospice. This photo was taken in Mulvihill's, Castlerea.
The annual church gate collection for the Castlerea & Trien Defibrillator Group will take place on Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, August 23rd at all Masses in Castlerea, Trien and Cloonbonniffee. All donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated and will help the group to continue to maintain and service the local defibrillators and provide training within the community.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s lotto for August 12th was number 1. Winners were Faolan Silke, Dylan Silke Mannion, Marie Hanmore, Liam Ryan, and John Hester. Each receive €100.
Castlerea Community Choir workshops return on Tuesday, September 8th. If you're interested in joining this fun-loving group of singers for the autumn/winter months call Breege on 0879310827. Over 18s only.
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.
The death occurred on Friday, July 31st, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family, of Mr Michael (Mickey) Mulligan, Ballindrimley, Castlerea. He is predeceased by his brother Andy. Deceased was a very kind, gentle and jolly person and a wonderful neighbour who always had time for people. He was a carpenter by trade and as a young man he worked for Michael Dolan, building contractor, Barrack Street, Castlerea, for many years with his great friend Jim Beirne, Ballindrimley, who was also a carpenter. He then set out on his own and despite an illness over 20 years ago, he kept doing his work until he retired some years ago. He was very involved in the Irish Kidney Association, having received a kidney transplant himself over 20 years ago and each year he helped raise much needed funds for the association. He loved his mobile phone, which kept him in touch with his many friends. He was also a great supporter of Roscommon football teams. He loved to visit Gerry Beirne’s joinery workshop in Ballindrimley on a weekly basis to meet his friends and where all the happenings of the week would be discussed. He had a great hearty laugh. He was a man of great faith and had a great devotion to Our Lady of Knock. He was a great family man and adored his nine grandchildren and loved when they would pay him a visit. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he will be sadly missed by his loving wife Breege (née Lohan); daughters, Lynda, Julie, Pamela, Paula and Susan; son, Mikki; brother, Tom; his adored nine grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, extended family, neighbours and many friends. His remains were removed from his home to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea and following Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr. Kevin Reynolds with co-celebrants Fr. Mario, Fr. Liam Devine, Kilmurry and Fr. Micheal Donnelly, Ahascragh, burial took place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. Before the final blessing the reflection ‘The Carpenter’ was read by his daughter Julie. The eulogy was delivered by his son Mikki and daughter Susan. The ceremony was enhanced by the beautiful singing of Julia Heaney with organist Ena Conry. A guard of honour was provided by the rambling house gang as his cortege passed Gerry Beirne’s joinery shop. Terry McGowan and Breege Callaghan rendered ‘The woodlands of Loughglynn’ at the graveside. May Michael’s gentle soul rest in peace.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s U-14 team under their manager John Greene with Noel Flynn, Giles McDonagh and Marty Connelly had a good win over St. Ciaran’s on Thursday, August 6th on the score of 13-11 to 6-9 in O’Rourke Park. This panel of players have been giving some fine performances in their games so far and with only two games remaining in their group should qualify for the play offs.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s minor team were defeated by Kilmore/Shannon Gales in the Division 1 County Minor Championship at O’Rourke Park on Tuesday, August 11th on the score of 1-19 to 1-15. This was a fine game of football although with both sets of payers giving it everything. Castlerea never gave up until the final whistle. Team manager Aidan Fleming with Tommy Finneran, Michael Conroy and Thomas Vaughan. Team sponsor Cahill’s Supervalu, Castlerea.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s U-16 team managed by Myles Hawkshaw with Frankie Hester, Dermot Lyons (jnr), Barry O’Regan and David Farrell (jnr) had a good win over Tulsk Lord Edwards in the county championship at O’Rourke Park on Friday, August 7th on the score of 6-15 to 2-9. This group of Castlerea players have played a number of games and so far, have been giving good performances.
The Friday evening club in Mulvihill’s, Castlerea, held a party with a difference on Friday, August 7th. Barry and Asla Conlon were celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary and Asla was also celebrating her birthday. They were joined by their daughter, nine-year-old Melissa, Barry’s brother Niall and many friends. There was a cake, plenty of food supplied by the Friday evening ladies. A most enjoyable evening was had by all.
