Local Notes: New appointment for Fr. Chris Garrett, Rose Festival AGM and Stars in their Eyes
Elise from Malta pictured at a multi-cultural day at St. Anne’s NS, Castlerea on Friday last. Pic: Liam Reynolds
Fr. Chris Garrett who has been serving in the parish of Castlerea since he was ordained back in 2023 is to become the new administrator of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Sligo. His appointment by Bishop Kevin Doran will take effect from May 1st. He was ordained to the priesthood by the Bishop Doran in Sligo Cathedral in May of 2023. He was ordained a deacon in Castlerea in September of 2022 and has been ministering alongside Fr. John McManus and Fr. Kevin Reynolds in the parish since. Fr. Garrett, the nephew of former Bishop of Elphin, the late Dr. Christy Jones, was a highly regarded oncologist before deciding to enter the priesthood. His decision to embark on the journey to the priesthood did not come as some bolt from the blue for the San Francisco native. Rather, “it was a slow burner,” he said previously in an interview with the Roscommon Herald. Although born and raised in the US, his links with Ireland and County Roscommon remained very strong throughout his life. He travelled to Ireland to attend boarding school at the age of 13 and thoroughly enjoyed his time there. He completed his secondary school studies at St Andrew’s College, Booterstown, and his university education at University College, Dublin where he studied medicine. In 1991, he left Ireland to train in oncology in the United States.
Castlerea Rose Festival Committee will hold its AGM on Wednesday, March 26th at 8 p.m. in d’Gaff, Barrack Street (beside the Garda Station). Following the success in winning Best Irish Festival 2024, the group is excited to build on that achievement and make 2025 even bigger and better. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the community, meet new people, and be part of one of Castlerea’s biggest events. There is a role for everyone, whether you’re interested in planning, stewarding, or simply helping out during festival week. Even if you can only give a few hours, your support would be greatly appreciated. The committee is encouraging anyone interested to attend the AGM and see how they can get involved. For those unable to attend but who would like to help, please get in touch with the festival committee.
The AGM of the Castlerea branch of Fine Gael takes place upstairs in McGourty's Bar on Thursday, March 27th at 8.30 p.m.. sharp. Existing and new members are all welcome.
Castlerea Musical Society hosts ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ on Saturday, March 29th in Tully’s Hotel. Doors will open at 7.30 p.m. and first performance will start at 8 p.m.. MC for the night is director and Galway Bay FM radio presenter, Ronan Lardner. Tickets are €20 and can be got on the door, this includes your vote for your favourite act on the night. Thank you to Ronan and the performers for all of the hard work in preparation for the big night. The night will feature Dolly Parton, frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Madonna, Neil Young and many more.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s Lotto for March 19th was 15 . Winners of this week’s lotto were Dympna McDonnell, Mike Webb, Maura Kelly, Tommy Dolan, and Jackie Sharkey. Each receive €100.
The death occurred suddenly at his home on Saturday, March 8th of Mr Padraic Shallow, Cloonchambers, Castlerea and formerly of Tuam and Galway. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Bridie and his brother, Joe. Padraic was a very kind, gentle and friendly person and a great sportsman. He gave great service to Castlerea St Kevin’s football and hurling teams in all grades and to Roscommon minors, U-21 football teams and also the county minor hurling team. Padraic was also a great golfer and won the captain’s prize at Castlerea Golf Club at the age of 16. His parents, Joe and Bridie, with himself and his brother Joe, came to live in Castlerea in the early 1960s, his father was working in the Land Commission. They moved to Galway in the 1970’s. Padraic went to UCG and qualified as a teacher and taught in St Michael’s, Claremorris for 34 years until his retirement. He was very highly thought of by his fellow teaching colleagues and pupils alike. Padraic will be sadly missed by his wife, Svetlana; sons, Mark and David (London); granddaughter, Amelia; aunt, cousins, relatives, many friends and neighbours. His remains reposed at Gaynor’s Funeral Home where a memorial service was conducted by Geraldine Bane. His coffin was draped in the colours of Castlerea St Kevin’s. His remains were removed to Rahoon Cemetery for burial with his parents. His lifelong friend, Danny Burke, spoke at the graveside and sang Galway Bay. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
The Castlerea Community School juvenile team sponsored by Michael Creighton Aluminium had a good win over Carrigallan at O’Rourke Park on Thursday, March 13th on the score of 6-12 to 4-7. They played very well as a team with goalkeeper Cathal Mockler saving a penalty. They play the semi-final on Thursday, March 27th. Team and scorers: Cathal Mockler, Patrick Foley, Bobby Harper, Diarmuid Fleming, John Garvey, Eddie Finneran (cpt) 1-0, Ciaran Higgins, Tadgh Donlon 0-1, Martin Sharkey 1-0, Kevin Chifroic 1-0, Rory Hawkshaw 0-3, Daniel Higgins 0-1, Ethan Neary 3-1, Evan Kelly 0-5, Turai Curran, subs used Padraic Durr, Sean Gill, James Hanley, Aaron Cryan, Alan Malone. Team Manager, Richie Britten with David McDermott.
The death occurred peacefully on Thursday, March 13th at Fearna Manor Nursing Home, Castlerea, surrounded by his loving family of Mr. Patrick (Pat) McDermott, Cloonkeen, Castlerea. He was predeceased by his infant son Patrick, parents Patrick and Eileen and his beloved sister Kate (Flanagan). Deceased was a very king, gentle and witty person, and a most obliging neighbour. He had lots of interests in life and loved the pheasant season, hunting with his shot gun and also fishing. He was a great family person and adored his grandchildren and great-grandson. He was a hard worker who cared for his family but always had time to welcome people into his home with hospitality and a bit of chat and a good story to tell. He was more than just a neighbour, he was a good friend to those in Cloonkeen and Castlerea. He was a man of great faith and he will be sadly missed by his loving wife Teresa and family Helen Naughton (Sean, Castlerea), Grace Lyons, (Gerry ,Castlerea), Teresa Doherty (John Martin , Donegal), Mary (Vincent, Castlerea), Denis (Barbara, Lanesboro), Michael (Brigid, Foxford), John (Strokestown) and Martin (Mary J, Dublin), grandchildren Rebecca, Kevin, Andrew, Daniel, Aoife, Sarah, Dylan, Jason, Helen, Ciaran, Oisin, Emma, Joseph, Noreen, Lily, Harry, Adam, Sadie, Zoe and Ollie, and his great-grandson, Rian; brothers and sisters Mike (Castlerea), Cormac (Boyle), Martha Joyce (Glenamaddy), Celia D’Arcy (Castlerea), and Mary Donlon (Glinsk); sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. His remains were removed from McDonagh’s Funeral Home on Tuesday morning to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, and following Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr. Chris Garrett, burial took place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Before the final blessing his son Denis gave a eulogy on Patrick’s life. The ceremony was enhanced by the music and singing of Carmel McLoughlin. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
The annual church gate collection for the County Roscommon voluntary branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland will be held on the weekend of March 29th/30th at churches throughout the county. All donations gratefully accepted.
