Local Notes: Kiltoom drama success, Tommy Dolan tribute and choral service
Nessa, Diarmuid and Róise Fitzgerald, pictured at the switching on of the Christmas lights in Brideswell. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
Hundreds of people attended the Kiltoom Drama Group's staging of the Patrick Hamilton penned play "Gaslight" at the Parish Hall, Ballybay, Kiltoom, over its four night run from Thursday to Sunday inclusive. The play is set in London during the Victorian era circa 1890-1900. The two acts take place on the first floor of an apartment block during the course of an afternoon-evening. The director was Ollie Hegarty and the cast was comprised of Elaine Walsh, Brian Toolan, Michael McGlone,, Caroline Harney, Rebecca Collins, Tony Colgan and Pat Warby. The set right down to the fold of the window curtain depicted the furniture and style of that era. Those who had the overall responsibility for the set were Tom Shine, John Stack and Pat Warby. The lighting and sound was taken care of by Tom Shine and Tom Blaine. Ann O'Sullivan and Marie Donnellan were responsible for wardrobe and make-up. Caroline Harney, Louise Shine and Mary Rush were the efficient promotion-publicity personnel while the front of house personnel were comprised of Barry Donnelly, Marie Donnellan, Lisa Nugent, Ged Rowlands, Gaye Healy and Jackie Cunnane. Those in charge of continuity were Debbie Kilbride, Helen Neeson, Ann Newcomen, Tony Colgan and Mai Cunningham. The cast and director were the recipients of standing ovations and prolonged applause at the conclusion of the performances each night.
The Athlone Rotary Club annual Christmas tree church gate collection on behalf of the Samaritans and Simon Community will take place this week-end, December 16th-17th. The support of the general public would be greatly appreciated.
The pupils of Brideswell National School will perform a Christmas carol service at St Brigid's Church, Curraghboy, on this Wednesday, December 13th at 7 p.m. Parents and parishioners are welcome to attend.
The death took place on Thursday, November 16th, at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, of Eugene Kenny, Culliaghmore, Ballinasloe. Aged 73, he had been in ill health for some time and he bore his illness with characteristic dignity and fortitude. The deceased was a well-known South Roscommon plumber and fitter and due to his skilled workmanship he was much in demand for his services over the decades. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and a most obliging neighbour who enjoyed friendships with a wide age range. An accomplished card player, he played weekly in the Padraig Pearse’s GAA Clubhouse and also at a number of other venues throughout the region. A lifelong PTAA member, he received the various jubilee pins over the decades. Throughout his life he took a keen interest in current affairs and political affairs and was a lifelong supporter of the Fianna Fail party. He is survived by his wife Teresa (nee Burgoyne, Ballinasloe); sons, Eoghan, Rathpeak, Moore; Darragh, Culliaghmore; daughters-in-law Marta and Stefi and grandson Oehran. A member of a family of three boys and two girls, he is also survived by one brother Tom, Culliaghmore; sister, Mrs Frances Burke, Culliagh, nieces, nephews and a number of other relatives. Following Mass on Sunday, November 19th at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Cloonfad, the burial took place in Kilbegley Cemetery.
The death took place on Tuesday, November 21st, at his residence of Mr Michael Gerard (Gerry) Garvey, Harbour Road, Kilbeggan, who was a native of Caltraduff, Ballyforan. Aged 57, his sudden death has come as a great shock to his immediate and extended family, neighbours and friends. A skilled tradesperson, he was held in high regard by all those who sought out his workmanship. Of a friendly and caring disposition, he was noted for his sense of neighbourliness in his residential community and he was also a trustworthy friend. He enjoyed shooting and gardening as his main hobbies. He is survived by one son Aaron, Clondalkin, Dublin; one daughter, Lauren Kelch, Tallaght, Cunty. Dublin. A member of a family of four boys and five girls, he is also survived by brothers, Austin, Birr; Brian, New York; Paul, Ballyforan; sisters, Rosaleen, Ballyforan; Mrs Martina Daly, Ashbrook Avenue, Ballyforan; Mrs Sharon McDonnell, Muckloon, Ballyforan; Caroline, Ballyforan, Lorraine, Dysart; one grandson, nieces, nephews and a number of other relatives. Following Mass of the Resurrection at St Joseph's Church, Ballyforan, on Saturday, November 25th, the burial took place in Dysart Cemetery. The celebrant of the Mass was Very Rev. Francis Beirne, PP, Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara.
Very Rev. Michael M Manus, PP, Kiltoom and Cam, will hold a Holy Hour at the Church of the Risen Christ, Kiltoom, on Tuesday, December 19th, at 8 p.m.. The customary big attendance is anticipated.
The Parish of Kiltoom and Cam will host a Christmas Choral Service featuring St Brigid's Community Choir at the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, Kiltoom, on Sunday, December 17th, at 8 p.m.. The Choral Service is intended to embrace the meaning of Christmas in the community. It will draw on the authentic message of scripture around the anticipation of the birth of Christ and the hopefulness that the birth brings. The St Brigid's Community Choir has over 40 members and they will perform their interpretation of some well-known and inspirational Christmas music. The choir is directed by Andrius Koslovskis. There will be a collection in aid of Roscommon- Mayo Hospice on the evening.
The winners of the weekly progressive 25 card drive at the St Brigid's Handball Complex in Curraghboy on Tuesday night last were Mrs Patricia Staunton, Liam Grehan, Johnny Cormican, Tommy Hynes, Mrs Kitty Naughton, Bertie Mannion, Peter McHugh, Enda McHugh, Eamon Ward, Michael Keenan, Brian Fallon and Cllr Tony Ward.
Moore Community Council is hosting a social gathering for adults to mark the festive season on this Sunday, December 17th, in Moore Community Hall from 4 p.m.. There will be a variety of local musical talent and festive fun.
Bridge beginner classes will commence in the near future at Moore Community Hall. To book a place contact 0909673538.
Moore Youth Club is seeking volunteer leaders immediately in order to restart the club for the current season. Enquiries to mooreyouthclub@gmail.com or telephone 0868179580.
His affability and easy familiarity meant that everyone called him Tommy. Tommy Dolan, a native of Corroclough, Kiltoom, who was laid to rest in Kiltoom Cemetery on Saturday, November 18th, was given a good send off to heaven by his clubmates in St Brigid's (Kiltoom and Cam) GAA Club, and, it was indeed appropriate that hundreds attended his reposing at the St Brigid's GAA Centre and funeral Mass. Tommy was a people person and everything an honourable man should be. Aside from his family and his work role as an electronics software engineer, Tommy lived for the St Brigid's GAA Club and the Roscommon GAA Scene. His genial personality and chatty nature masked undoubted intellectual ability, natural book learning, and first class organisational and management skills. While his loss will be deeply felt by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, the St Brigid's GAA Club have lost one of their most able officials and trainer-coaches. Tommy was gifted at maths and a whiz with figures. He was also a skilful social media operator and he had a natural way with words. While I am not a member of the St Brigid's GAA Club, I reside in the Parish of Kiltoom and Cam and I know his loss is incalculable. I served as PRO of the Famore National School Reunion Committee a few years back and Tommy was our secretary. His lifelong friend and neighbour in Corroclough, Tommy Byrne, also served on the committee. Yet another Corroclough native, Geraldine Kenny, was the only female member of the committee and was one of the original instigators of the re-union alongside our committee chairperson, Des Shine, Moyvannion and Barry Murray, Famore. Tommy Dolan carried out his duties as secretary diligently. He was always punctual arriving at our meetings in the Hodson Bay Hotel and he co-ordinated the work of the committee with a natural ease and Bismarkian diplomacy. He brought similar skills and enthusiasm to his work as a coach with underage teams with St Brigid's and to the official roles he held within the club. His death, after a five week illness, has sent shock waves through the Roscommon GAA community also. He was a follower of all sport and attended games at GAA venues every Sunday and also quite often on Friday evenings and Saturdays. In his role as a member of a family of five he never forgot a birthday of his two brothers, two sisters, three nephews and five nieces. He offered guidance and advise to many. Ni beidh a leitheid aris on. B.C.
