Local Notes: National success, Ballagh man in Rome, and sunflowers for Hospice

The Parents Association of Loughglynn National School held a successful Easter bake sale raising a total of €824. Proceeds are going to the revamp of the school garden allowing the children to plant and harvest fruits and vegetables, with plans for a few colourful sensory additions. Thanks to the whole community for the beautiful baked goods, donations and support. Pic: Liam Reynolds
Last week was a truly exceptional one for Ballaghaderreen at the national boxing championships. On Wednesday Odhran Conway won the C final 5-0 against the Ulster champion. on Friday in the B1 37 kg final young Odhran lost on a split decision 3-2 in a very tight fight. The brilliant Hannah Casey won the G1 59kg title with a wonderful performance, again on Friday. Finally on Saturday Gavin O'Gara won the B2 72kg title with a truly exceptional exhibition of power, stopping his opponent within two rounds. Congratulations to everyone involved with Ballaghaderreen Boxing Club. The boxers, coaches and parents all contributed so much and reaped the rewards.
The Splash Pool Ballaghaderreen reopens this week and the new management look forward to welcoming everyone to the pool at Abbey View. The Splash Pool will open at 6 a.m. for swims, saunas, steam room and jacuzzi sessions. The cost is €12 for adults, €9 for OAPs, €6 for children (under 16), carers and those with additional needs. U- 3s swim for free.
A four-week yoga and fitness class starts Wednesday, May 7th from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.. Cost, €2 per week, suits all fitness levels. Contact Martina on 0866048560 to book a place. Booking is essential.
Well known Ballaghaderreen journalist Patsy McGarry travelled to Rome last week to cover the funeral of Pope Francis. Patsy visited the grave of the late Pontiff. The Pope was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26th in St. Mary Major Basilica following Funeral Mass in St. Peter's Square.

The U-15 Futsal team took part in the Connacht Final last Saturday in Tuam. The girls were unlucky to a lose after a very competitive game with Ballymote. Goals on the day from Jennifer Connor, Ceola McDonagh and Ruby McDonagh. The U-13 Futsal team were also runners up in their Connacht semi-final last Saturday. Well done to all the teams and coaches for reaching such heights in Connacht.
A plant sale will take place on Saturday, May 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Community Garden. All welcome.
There will be a blood donation clinic in St Nathy's College on Thursday, May 8th from 4 – 8 p.m.. Please donate to this vital service.
The AGM of the Ballaghaderreen support group of Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Support will be held in Durkin's Square 1 Cafe on Wednesday, April 29th at 8.30 p.m... Members and new members welcome.
The Citizens Information Service will be in Attendance at The Community Resource Centre The Shambles Market Street on Wednesday, April 30" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. No appointment necessary.
The walking group meets every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. in the Family Resource Centre . Phone Philly to confirm participation, 0861360154. Refreshments served afterwards. Get involved, get active and make friends.
The Ballagh FC 50/50 club draw was held on Tuesday night last and the winner of the €240 jackpot was Aine Murren, Dalton Terrace, seller, Imeldas. The Joker was not found. Aine will have a chance to win €1,000 on Tuesday at the Community Park if she can pick the joker before the 50/50 draw. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com.
Shaskeen will be live concert in the Coleman Music Centre on Saturday, May 10th at 8 p.m. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets €20. To book call 071 9182599 or online www.colemanirishmusic.com Traditional Irish music and song has been at the forefront with Shaskeen for the last 55 years.
A new six week gardening for beginners course starts Wednesday, April 30th,10 a.m. to 12 noon. Cost is a €10 donation. All resources provided. Contact Martina on 0866048560 to book your place. This is kindly funded through @gretbofficial
The Croi mobile health unit is coming to Family Resource Centre on Wednesday, April 30th, 10.30 am to 2 p.m. for blood pressure and pulse checks. Expert health advice will be on hand.
The golf club is inviting ladies of all ages to an introductory evening to get into playing golf on Tuesday, May 6th at 7.30 p.m. in the clubhouse. No equipment is needed. Light refreshments on the night.

The Active Retirement group meets in the Ozanam Centre from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. New members are welcome.
The Knitting Club meets in the Shambles every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..
The Mayo U-16 camogie team won the All-Ireland shield final against Louth, on Easter Saturday in Dublin. Mayo ran out winners, on a scoreline of 3-10 to 0-05, with Shamrock, Saerlaith Dillon, who plays her camogie with Tooreen, receiving the player of the match award. Saerlaith and Meabh Lavin lined out for Mayo in the U-16 Connacht Football Championship on Easter Monday when they had a resounding win over Sligo in Charlestown. They now face Roscommon in the final round robin match, with their 100% record intact. The Mayo Minors, featuring Anna Mai Regan, overcame Galway by 2-10 to 1-07, to go 3 wins from 3 in the Connacht Championship. The U-16 team begin their league campaign with a home fixture against Belmullet on Friday, May 2nd, as they welcome back Meabh Lavin and Saerlaith Dillon from county duties. The U14's played neighbours Charlestown away, on Thursday last. After a tight first half, the girls came out a different team after the break, winning by a six point margin of 1-08 to 1-02. The U-12 team will travel to Claremorris on Monday, April 28th where they face Claremorris' A Team. Training is back each Monday from 6-7pm on Kilmovee Astro, after the Easter Holidays. All new players aged 6+ welcome.
In the GAA 50/50 draw held on Sunday, April 27th at Solan’s Bar, The Square the winner of the jackpot of €510 was Declan McHugh, Main Street. Next draw is on Monday at 9 p m.in The Hatch Bar, Main Street.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice needs your help with National Sunflower days for Hospice on June 6th & 7th. Could you give a few hours of your time on either/both days, and help raise funds in support of palliative care services in your area, or any area that suits you. Any time you can give would be most appreciated. Call now on 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie Your help can make the difference.