Local Notes: History society, Percy French and crochet classes
The Easter Bunny was out and about in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday at the first Easter Bonnet Parade and Treasure Hunt, which was organised by Carrick Chamber. Pic. Gerry Faughnan
Sincere thanks to everyone who supported Daffodil Day 2024, especially those who donated daffodils, purchased daffodils and made private donations. Thank you also to the shops in the parish that sold pendants and daffodils. Your support is greatly appreciated. The amount of €850 has been forwarded to the Irish Cancer Society.
Western Gaels held its weekly lottery draw on Saturday, March 30th last. There was no winner of the jackpot. The numbers drawn were 2, 14, 23 and 32. The next draw (jackpot €3,500) will take place at the clubhouse in Frenchpark on Saturday, April 6th next. Tickets are available on-line through the Clubforce app or from local outlets.
Western Gaels ladies’ intermediate team defeated St. Mary’s, Tulsk in a fourth round league game on Sunday morning last in Frenchpark. The home side led 1-14 to 0-5 at half time. The visitors improved on the resumption and the sides were all square at 1-15 to 2-12 before a couple of late points edged the Gaels over the line. Team – C. O’Gara, E. Kilkenny, S. Lavin, N. Brennan, D. Lavin, S. Timon (0-2), Lorna Flynn, S. Dowd (0-1), K. Beirne (0-1), C. Sampey (0-5), A. Cummins, D. Madden (0-3), E. O’Connor, L. Lavin (0-4), E. Murray (0-1). Subs – H. Cogan, A Hanley.
The death occurred peacefully of Mr William (Willie) McDermott, Brackloon, Ballinagare on Monday, March 25th last at Roscommon University Hospital. Pre-deceased by his father, Paul, mother, Elizabeth, uncle, Stephen, his sisters, Agnes and Mary, he will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Annie, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. His remains were removed from Gaynor’s Funeral Home to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Wednesday evening last. Following Funeral Liturgy on Holy Thursday, burial took place afterwards in Baslick Cemetery.

Pray for the repose of the souls of Mr Willie Collins, Circular Road, Roscommon Town; Mr Tommy Caulfield, Kilcolman Road, Ballaghaderreen; Mr Larry Lloyd, Nottinghamshire, England and Mr Thomas Goldrick, Cloonloo, Boyle. May they rest in peace.
Masses will be held in Tibohine at 7 p.m. on Wednesday (3rd), in Frenchpark at 7 p.m. on Thursday (4th), in Ballinagare at 7 p.m. and in Frenchpark at 8 p.m. on Friday (5th), in Tibohine at 7 p.m. and Ballinagare at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday (6th) and in Frenchpark at 10 a.m. Fairymount at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, April 7th. Visits to the sick and housebound will take place in Fairymount/Tibohine on Thursday (4th) and Frenchpark/Ballinagare on Friday, April 5th at the usual times.
Trien Players present ‘Mammy's Boy', a three act comedy by Jimmy Keary in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on Thursday, April 4th, Friday, April 5th and Sunday, April 7th, nightly at 8.30 p.m.. Tickets available on the door each night. Admission, adults €10/children €5. The play tells the story of the return of the prodigal son Hughie McGarry, much to his mother Maisie's delight. However his sister Betty and Maisie's friend Joe suspects his motives.
Many thanks to everyone in the Frenchpark and Ballinameen church areas who contributed so generously to the recent church gate collections in aid of the Irish Pilgrimage Trust which brings young people with Special Needs to Lourdes. The following amounts were received: - Ballinagare, €164.65; Ballinameen, €90.40; Breedogue, €100.15; Fairymount, €172.85; Frenchpark, €295 and Tibohine, €101 and have been handed over to the Trust. Thank you also to those who took up the collections for this very worthy cause.
An eight-week crochet class will begin on April 10th next, taking place on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cornerstone in Frenchpark (F45P928). Each person must bring along their own No. 4 crochet hook and double knit wool of your choice. Places are limited. To sign up, pop into the Cornerstone or contact the group on Facebook.
A full library service is up and running in Unit 1B, SuperValu, Ballaghaderreen. Opening hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.. Computers, scanning, printing also available.
Details – Cambridge, 1,856; Meadowbank, 1,604; Rovers, 1,578; Gunners, 1,520; ET, 1,515; Westlife, 1,507; Luke 1,382; QPR, 1,366; Blues, 1,335; Kennedy Airport, 1,159.
If you have any local news or items to highlight, please email to qprlodge@hotmail.com
Best wishes are extended to Niamh Feeney who captains the Roscommon ladies football team ahead of their National League Final against Clare this Sunday. This is a huge achievement for a Tulsk sportsperson and the good wishes of the entire community and extended to Niamh and her team-mates ahead of Sunday’s big game.
There were large attendances at the Easter Ceremonies, which took place in local churches last weekend. Great credit is due to Fr. John Gannon and the local choir, led by Claire Feely who enhanced celebrations considerably. Well done to everyone associated with the ceremonies, particularly the ladies groups who ensured both Tulsk and Killina Churches were in pristine condition.
There was a large attendance at last Saturday’s campaign launch for Sean Moylan, which took place in O’Connor’s Bar on Easter Saturday night, March 30th. Sean was recently selected as a Fianna Fail candidate to contest the next election for the Boyle Electoral Area.
The organisers of last Sunday’s Cake Sale in aid of the local Killina National School would like to thank everyone who supported their fundraising efforts in the Macra Hall.
There were increased volumes of traffic passing through Tulsk village at the weekend for the Easter period. It’s hoped all visitors to the community had a happy and enjoyable visit. With many students off from this school this week, it’s hoped their break may be an enjoyable and safe one for students, parents and teachers alike.
The AGM of the Society will take place Thursday, April 4th – new members are welcome. All proceeds raised on the night will go towards the upkeep of the society. THS’s latest e-newsletter will be circulated in this month and includes stories on the Tulsk Fife of Drum Band of the late 1800s, the history of Castleplunkett School, a focus on some census data (1901-1911) and a look at the story of the Dowell family, who have a vault in Tulsk Cemetery. Preparations are also underway for Heritage Week 2024.

Plans are currently being considered to reform a new local Percy French Society. An informal meeting of local residents took place recently in Killina School and a working group has been set up to consider how best to commemorate and celebrate the legacy of the iconic songwriter and artist, who was born in Clooneyquinn, 170 years ago this year. Two meetings have taken place to date with a further meeting planned for Thursday, April 18th at 8.30 p.m. again in Killina National School. Meanwhile, a night of music and song commemorating French’s legacy will take place in Strokestown Famine Museum on Wednesday, May 1st, hosted by the Leitrim Percy French Society. Further details closer to the event.
Registration fees for the new GAA season ahead are now due. Rates remain the same as last year. All registration information is available online at www.tulskgaa.ie/membership. Club Registrar for the year ahead is Sarah Conry 087 2998156. It is vital that players are fully registered and insured before participating in any training session.
Local Mass on Sunday morning at 11.30 a.m. will continue to be broadcast, as usual, on 107.0FM. For the booking of anniversary Masses, please contact the Tulsk Parish Office and leave a message. Alternatively, you can also email the office. Please do not use the mobile phone number as this number is for emergencies only. Easter Confessions will be held in Tulsk Church on this Easter Saturday, March 30th from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.. The reader at next Sunday’s Mass will be Patti McCormack while Declan Feely will perform the role of Eucharistic Minister.
Trien Players present ‘Mammy's Boy', a three act comedy by Jimmy Keary in the Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea on Thursday, April 4th, Friday, April 5th and Sunday, April 7th, nightly at 8.30 p.m.. Tickets available on the door each night. Admission, adults €10/children €5. The play tells the story of the return of the prodigal son Hughie McGarry, much to his mother Maisie's delight. However his sister Betty and Maisie's friend Joe suspects his motives.
Local notes should be emailed to kellydarragh83@gmail.com. Otherwise, items can be submitted by hand to 20 Chestnut Grove, Tulsk, or through WhatsApp, Facebook, or Messenger. Items can also be texted to 086-1731517. Thank you!

