Local Notes: Hospice Fundraiser, Dancing School and Youth Workshop
President Catherine Connolly recently met members of Ballaghaderreen's Men's Shed.
A fantastic group of young singers and guitar players from Spells, Ballaghaderreen came together to raise much-needed funds for Mayo Roscommon Hospice, raising a fantastic total of €1,455.54. A special thanks to Ryan McDermott and the Leonard and Towey families from Kilmovee National School, who joined in for the day and helped make the fundraiser such a great success.
Ethna Fahy T.C.R.G. School of Irish Dancing continues in in Durkins on August 31st, September 2nd and 3rd from 5.30 p.m.–8.30 p.m. New beginners are welcome to come at any time during the above hours. Pre-school children catered for with the Tip-Tap-Toe, Tap to the Beat programme. Contact Ethna on 087 6661905 for further information.
The Ballaghaderreen Women's Shed group will kick off the new term on Tuesday 1st September at 11 a.m., with the fabulous Mildred Beirne leading the steps. From there, a bumper schedule of fun and activities is planned right through to December. New faces are always welcome, and anyone interested is encouraged to pop in and see what the group is all about. For any questions or further information, simply message Ballaghaderreen Women's Shed Group on Facebook.
Mayo 11th Scouts Carracastle reopening for the new season on Monday, September 14th. Scouting offers young people the opportunity to learn valuable life skills and a strong value system through hands-on learning. Scouting is focused on helping young people build confidence, learn useful practical skills, teamwork and foster independence. Operating within supportive small teams guided by adults, participants progress at their own pace while actively contributing to their club and community. The local scout group, Mayo 11th Carracastle, runs every week on a Monday evening in Carracastle Community Centre, and are open for new and returning scouts aged from 6 years to 12 years. For more information, contact Noelle on 086 8466229 or Eimear on 085 2133013.
A candlelight vigil to mark World Suicide Prevention Day will take place on Thursday, September 10th at 7 p.m. in the Garden of Remembrance, Market Street, Ballaghaderreen. The event will remember loved ones who have died, and everyone is welcome to join those gathered afterwards for refreshments at The Shambles Community Resource Centre. The project is funded by Ballaghaderreen Community Resource Centre.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 Club Draw took place on Tuesday, 25th August 2026, with a jackpot of €250 won by Katelyn Regan, with the winning ticket sold by Durkin’s Bar. The next draw takes place on Tuesday, September 1st at the Community Park. Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, with annual tickets also available for €90.
Creative Art Youth Week for 13–17-year-olds from August 17th–21st, 12 noon–4pm each day in The Shambles, Community Resource Centre. Text or email Joanna, the Co-ordinator, Creative Places Ballagh: 086 8372921 | creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com. Booking is essential for this week.
Rinka Kids Fitness & Wellbeing is starting an 8-week block at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, F45 EK13, on Thursday, 17th September from 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.. The programme is for children aged 6–11 years and includes athletics, gymnastics, dance, drama, team games, healthy eating and mindfulness. Cost is a €2 donation per week. For more information, contact Janice on 086 826 7271.
Ballaghaderreen Further Education Centre will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, 3rd September 2026 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Visitors can learn more about the centre’s Business & Marketing courses at QQI Level 4 and Level 5, meet staff and find out about the opportunities available.
Ballaghaderreen Town Team is pleased to announce the imminent launch of the newly designed and vibrant website. Created by Ballagh people, for Ballagh people and beyond, the website will serve as a central portal for the local community, friends of Ballaghaderreen and members of the town’s diaspora around the world. Local clubs, organisations and service providers are encouraged to submit their most up-to-date information for inclusion by emailing info@ballaghaderreen.com. The new website will showcase the many groups, services, businesses, activities and opportunities available throughout Ballaghaderreen, while helping residents, visitors and those with connections to the town stay informed and engaged.
A General Operative is currently being sought to join the Community Employment Scheme in Ballaghaderreen. Applicants must generally have been unemployed for at least 12 months and be receiving an eligible payment, including Jobseeker’s Benefit, Jobseeker’s Pay-Related Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Transitional Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Deserted Wife’s Benefit, Bereaved Partner’s Contributory or Non-Contributory Pension, or Farm Assist. To learn more or apply, email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie or call 086 142 6068.
The Shambles in Ballaghaderreen will host a Level 2 Upcycling Course, beginning on Tuesday, September 1st from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and continuing every Tuesday until October 6th. The intermediate course is suited to anyone who has completed Level 1 or who already has a good understanding of sewing machines. The course takes place at The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, F45 EW98. Places are limited and bookings can be made by contacting The Shambles on 094 9862565.
A walking group meets every Monday at 10 a.m. from the Family Resource Centre, catering for all fitness levels; new members welcome | To book or for enquiries, contact Janice on 0868267271.
Closed-circuit recording is in operation in and around The Cathedral for security purposes..
Irish Conversation Group It is hoped 10 Sel up an Irish Conversation Group in Ballaghaderreen Library (Leabharlann Bhealach an Doirin) on February 12” at 5.30 p.m.. For further information, contact 090 6632537, call into the Library or email ballaghaderreenlibrary@roscommon.ie The Scrabble club continues on Thursday 12th, from 5-7 p.m. New members welcome.
The Knitting Club meets in The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. New members are welcome.
A walking group meets every Monday at 10 a.m. from the Family Resource Centre, catering for all fitness levels; new members welcome | To book or for enquiries, contact Janice on 0868267271.
Ballaghaderreen’s 50/50 GAA Draw was held on Sunday night, August 30th at Mannion’s Bar, The Square. Winner of jackpot of €525: Pat Casey, Banada. Selling agents: Saturday night team. Next Draw on Sunday night, September 6th at Molly’s Bar, Barrack Street. Many thanks for your support.
If you have a local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, a fundraiser, a milestone, or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in so it can be included for others to see. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, “thank you” note, community notice, or a reminder about something coming up, this column is here to reflect what’s going on locally and to help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com
