Local Notes: Lansdowne Road tribute, 100th birthday celebrations and end of an era in Williamstown
Deirdre McGarry and Brenda Flanagan pictured in Creaton's Bar, Ballaghaderreen, which has been reopened by Lorraine O'Grady and Sheila McGullion. Pic: Breda Durr
Come along to the first Motor Showcase, in aid of Tibohine NS and Crumlin Children’s Hospital. Tractors/Motor Run, tea and refreshments, children’s entertainment to include a John Deere bouncy castle, alpacas, face-painting and more. Please mark your calendars and join all at Tibohine Community Centre on Sunday, June 22nd. Vehicle registration from 8am. Kids entertainment begins at 11 a.m.. Tractor Run will start at 1.30 p.m..
The peaceful death took place of Mrs Kathleen McDonnell, Grange, Curraghboy on Tuesday, June 3rd last at the Retreat Nursing Home in Athlone. The late Mrs McDonnell (née Fallon) was predeceased by her husband, John in February 2007. Sister of Teresa Coyne, Castlerea Road, Frenchpark, Kathleen (93) is also survived by her loving family, sons John and Michael; daughters, Mary, Ann, Sheila and Cáit; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brother-in-law Joe, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Her remains were removed to St Brigid's Church, Curraghboy on Friday evening last. Following Requiem on Saturday, June 7th, the funeral proceeded to Cam Cemetery.
Pray for the repose of the souls of Mr John Gannon, Leister, UK (husband of Jean, née Mulrennan, formerly of Cortoonmore, Fairymount); Mr Jack Cunningham Callow Frenchpark (husband of Teresa, née Dempsey, formerly of Rathcroghan Ballinagare); Mrs Nancy Grealis, Main Street, Castlerea and Mrs Maureen Walsh, Church Street, Kiltimagh. May they rest in peace
Congratulations to Fr. Liam Devine who celebrates his 55th year of ordination to the priesthood this month. He is wished many more years of ministry, health and happiness. Masses will be held in Tibohine at 7 p.m. on Tuesday (10th), in Frenchpark at 7 p.m. on Thursday (12th), in Ballinagare at 7 p.m. on Friday (13th), in Tibohine at 7 p.m. and Ballinagare at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday (14th) and in Frenchpark at 10 a.m. & Fairymount at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, June 15th.
A church gate collection will be held this weekend (June 14th/15th) at Frenchpark Church, in aid of The Cornerstone, Frenchpark. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
On Wednesday, June 18th next at 11 a.m. The Cornerstone Frenchpark will be streaming an information session on 'Planning your Future' from Citizens Information, Roscommon County Council and the Age Friendly Alliance. The first session will talk about state pensions and entitlements in retirement. For further information, please contact The Cornerstone, Frenchpark on 094-9870340.
Western Gaels held its weekly lottery draw on Saturday, May 7th last. There was no winner of the jackpot. The numbers drawn were 10, 25, 30 and 33. Cash prize winners (€20 each) were Joe Adams, Gerry Cummins, John/Brenda Flanagan, Geraldine McGullion and Liam Reynolds. The next draw (jackpot €3,200) will take place at the clubhouse in Frenchpark on this Saturday, June 14th. Tickets are available on-line through the Clubforce app or from local outlets. Best wishes to Roscommon against Cork on Saturday next in Portlaoise.
Cloonfad United were invited to Lansdowne Road for the Ireland versus Senegal international. The occasion was to pay tribute to the late James Daniels and Harry Fagan. Both families were in attendance along with teammates, club officers and sponsors. Both James and Harry were displayed on the big screen at half time. This was a wonderful tribute, which meant so much to the families of the boys and all concerned are to be complimented.
This Thursday, June 12th marks a unique occasion in the business life of the local community. On that day, Martin and Bridie Smyth, who have served the community for several years in their capacity as proprietors of the local convenience store, deli, filling station and Post Office, are retiring from the business. The new proprietors of the store will be Eugene and Dymphna Sharkey, who have much experience in the world of business from their Spar supermarket in Tuam. Thanks to Martin and Bridie for their years of dedicated service to the community, including all through the worst years of the pandemic. Wishing them a happy retirement and also every success in all aspects of their future lives. Wishing a successful continuation of the Williamstown business to the new proprietors and also a happy time in the community.
Well-known local man Peter Finnegan, Williamstown, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. It is lovely to be able to report that he reached this milestone in good health. To mark the occasion, a party was organised in Clonberne Nursing Home, where Peter is now a resident. It was attended by Peter, his son, Peter Jr, a number of relatives and close friends, and members of the nursing home staff. Peter Jr had warm words of welcome for all present, saying that they were the ones who had brought his Dad to this stage. Warm congratulations are extended to Peter on reaching this unique milestone, and wishing him a continuation of his excellent health and good quality of life.
A meeting of Williamstown Heritage Society will be held at Templetogher on this Wednesday, June 11th at 8.30 p.m. Members may start assembling from 8.15 p.m. for onsite assessment of the area in general. The membership fee of the Heritage Society remains at €20 and for all those interested in renewing their membership, or for those who would like to become members for the first time, just contact any member of the Heritage Society. For those who may not be in a position to attend meetings or become actively involved in projects, associate membership for the same fee is available. Sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the late Sean Cunningham, Beaugh; to the family, relatives and friends of the late Angela Tarmey, Cloonmahara; to Clare Owens (nee Cusack, Williamstown), Headford and her family and the wider Cusack and Owens families on the untimely death of Clare’s husband, Joe Owens; and to Johnny Gaffey, Islands and the wider Gaffey family on the death of Johnny’s aunt, Mae Gaffey, Carraghs, Ballinlough.
Thanks to all those who have responded so generously to the invitation by Williamstown Heritage Society to individuals, families, businesses and organisations to become patrons at €20 of the forthcoming biography of Michael McGovern of Castlefield launch date October 25th this year). Michael became a well-known poet in the USA in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The list of patrons will be included in the book. The extremely generous response to this invitation will help very significantly towards meeting the publication costs of the biography. Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.
The first of the Pride of Place ventures for 2025, the parish pump project, is well underway at this stage. The plan is to restore and enhance all the pumps in the parish. This project is developing into a fascinating adventure, and all the pumps addressed so far are well on the way to becoming very attractive features. The recent addition of flower boxes to a number of these pumps has added significantly to their attractiveness. Another of the Pride of Place projects being addressed this year is the further development of Kilnalag Community Garden, focusing on the rich history associated with this location.
The close knit community of Beaugh and the parish in general lost a good friend recently with the untimely passing of Sean Cunningham. Though in failing health for some time, he faced his illness with dignity and courage, helped greatly by the support of his family members, neighbours and friends. Facing adversity was nothing new to Sean, as he lost his wife, Margaret, some years ago, while in her prime, but he accepted his loss with typical courage and tolerance.
Sean was the very best of company, so it is no surprise that he had a wide circle of friends. This was very obvious from the manner in which they rallied round Sean during his illness, and again, from the huge numbers who turned up to pay their respects following his passing. At the Funeral Mass, Fr Anthaiah’s meaningful homily included some uplifting, relevant quotes such as “Those who are loved to the end remain with us”. Sean’s death leaves a huge void, not just in the lives of his immediate loved ones, but also in the lives of all those that knew him. Sincere sympathy to his son, Shane; Shane’s partner, Nikki and his grandson, Luke; his sisters, Mary, Cathy and Ann; brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. RIP Sean. L.F.
Another of the senior citizens in the community departed this life recently when Angela Tarmey Cloomahara passed away. Angela enjoyed a long, healthy and fruitful life and remained very active well into her senior years. Predeceased by her husband, Pake, some years ago, Angela continued to live a full and active life, enjoying the company of her four children and, in a special way, her grandchildren. On her marriage, Angela (nee Morgan) moved from the friendly community of Croaghill to the equally friendly community of Cloonmahara, and settled in seamlessly to her new environment.
In addition to her family, her deep faith and her strong work ethic were also very important to Angela. She had great devotion to Our Lady and was a frequent visitor to Knock. As regards work, she was extremely efficient, both in the house and on the land, with all chores coming readily to her. She never sought luxuries, and was very happy when relaxing in her own home and having a good laugh in the company of her loved ones, including her great neighbours. Sincere sympathy to her daughter, Peggy; sons, Michael, Tom and Padraic; grandchildren, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, extended family members, relatives, neighbours and friends. RIP Angela. L.F.
