Local Notes: Poetry Festival weekend, Parkrun and environmental summer school
Presentations were made to two outgoing/retiring councillors, Kathleen Shanagher and Orla Leyden at Ballyleague Tidy Towns AGM in St. Mary’s Hall, Ballyleague. In picture, from left: Miriam Burke, Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Gerry Trimble, Chairperson, Ballyleague Tidy Towns Cllr Orla Leyden and Grainne Egan. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
The annual Strokestown International Poetry Festival will take place over the weekend from Friday, May 3rd to Sunday, May 5th. All events take place at Strokestown Park House and Gardens and the National Famine Museum. This year sees the revival of the Strokestown International Poetry Competition The shortlist comprises "Living with Tomas" by Thomas Brezing; "Storm Damage" by Catherine Ann Cullen; "Old Macken" by Catherine MacCarthy; "Mirror" by Denise O'Hagan and "Port-Vendres" by Victor Tapner. The winner will be announced by this year's Judge, Ms Enda Wyley, an old friend of the festival on Sunday, May 5th at 2 p.m., at the Stables, Strokestown Park House. Further detailed information and booking of tickets available at strokestownpoetryfest.ie.
Thanks to a Heritage Keepers Grant and some sponsorship, Carrick-on-Shannon Tidy Towns volunteers had a great day out recently when they went to Strokestown House to visit the Famine Museum and the Gardens. Even this early in the year there was plenty to see and the sound of bees buzzing and birdsong was amazing. There is lots of biodiversity and wild areas that is quite inspiring in what was such a formal Garden 'beside the big house' . Back on the bus, and a short trip later bought the group to Lough Key Forest Park for a picnic.
It was a bright, crisp, sunny morning at Strokestown for the 177th parkrun. It was a great morning for a run with 31 participants taking off, some running, jogging, walking, some walked with buggies or dogs. There was a lovely atmosphere as always and lots of chat and laughter. Siobhan Nugent was the first person home followed by Gavin Joseph O’ Reilly, well done. There were a number of personal bests - Ruairi and Callum Kern, and Teresa McDermott. Congratulations to Orla Cassells and Ian Hooper both first timers.
A big thank you to all the volunteers. Without volunteers this community event could not be held. If you haven’t managed to get to Strokestown parkrun, maybe next Saturday could be the start of something. Parkrun every Saturday all are welcome at 9.20 a.m..
Results of the SCDA fortnightly draw held on April 16th were: numbers drawn - 3, 6, 21, 243. Three "Match Three" winners – John Caldwell, Curry; Marilyn Kennedy, Caldra and Mervyn Tynan, Mountpleasant. Next draw on Tuesday, April 30th at the SCDA office. Thank you for your continued support.
Sunday Mass at Kiltrustan Church on Sunday, May 5th will be at 10 a.m..
The youth section of the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from August 30th to September 4th. Nominees must be aged between 17 and 20 years and must be 17 years or over on August 20th, 2024 and nominated by their priest/chaplain. Forms are available from the local parish office. and full details are included on the nomination forms. The closing dated is May 24th.
The results of the Easter Draw in aid of the Strokestown Deanery Assisted Pilgrim to Lourdes Fund are:- 1st, Willie Compton, The Central Bar; 2nd, Jim Mannion & Co., (Insurances) Ltd, Bawn Street; 3rd, Caroline Fox, Shevlin Court. A big thank you to everyone who supported the cause.
A cake sale in aid of Medical Aid for Palestine takes place on Sunday, May 5th after 11.30 a.m., Mass outside Strokestown Library. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
The Diocese of Elphin invites young adults in the Diocese aged 18 - 35 years on pilgrimage to Medjugorje this summer for the Youth Festival from July 31st to August 7th, led by the Bishop of Elphin, Most Rev. Kevin Doran. The cost per person sharing is €650. For more information, details of costs, registration forms, etc., see the Diocesan Website on elphindiocese.ie/Medjugorje or contact the diocesan office at (071) 9150106.
The first National Pilgrimage for Life, organised by the Council for Life of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4th at Knock Shrine, with Mass at 3 p.m., in the Basilica, anointing of the Sick during this Mass. The main celebrant and homilist will the Archbishop of Tuam, Most Rev. Francis Duffy. The public are invited to join the event at Knock to celebrate the gift of life and to pray for the protection of all human life.
The Strokestown "Darkness into Light" Event will take place on Saturday, May 11th at 4.15 a.m.. Community Registration will take place on Friday, April 26th at Eurospar Store, Strokestown, or register on-line at www.darknessintolight.ie.
The annual Lough Ree Environmental Summer School and Boat Gathering is taking place this May Bank Holiday Weekend, May 4th / 5th /6th in Ballyleague / Lanesborough.
Boaters will be arriving at the Waterways Ireland Marina for the second year in a row, heralding the start of the boating season.
Dr. Harmon Murtagh will be giving a free lecture on Saturday morning at 10.30 a.m. in the Access For All Centre on the “Quakers and Inchclearun” and this will be followed by a boat trip around Inchclearun on the Access For All Passenger Boat. Bookings for the boat trip can be made through the Access For All Website. Dr. Murtagh’s visit has been made possible through the sponsorship of Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Grant scheme.
Another favourite Eanna Ní Lamhna will be giving two talks and walks up through Commons North Woodland, following her introduction to participants at the Access For All Centre at 12 noon and 3 p.m.. Both of these “Talks and Walks” are Free and you can book your ticket by emailing NLRWAG@gmail.com. These 2 “Talks & Walks” have been made possible through the sponsorship of Waterways Ireland Heritage & Biodiversity Grant scheme and the National Parks & Wildlife Service under the National Biodiversity Action plan (2023-2030 and Roscommon Tourism.
A “Tender Run” will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. with boats heading up to Clondra for a pit stop in Richmond Harbour and up the Camlin River, returning via Tarmonbarry to the Marina.
A historical picture board exhibition of Canal Barges and Waterways scenes will be on display at the Access For All Centre over the weekend with the local Arts Group “Brush Strokes” having an exhibition and sale of their artworks on both the Sunday and Monday.
Sunday also sees the staging of a Boat Jumble Sale at the Old Harbour in Ballyleague at 12 noon and this will coincide with the “Cars & Coffee” in Lanesborough Car Park which kicks off at 12.30 p.m. with the “Family Fun Day starting off on the banks of the Shannon in Lanesborough at 1 p.m..
In the Kilglass Gaels Lotto held on April 27th, the numbers drawn were: 15, 18, 23, 24, Bonus Number 12. There was no jackpot winner: There were three Match 3 winners of €67 each: N & R Frayne, Martina O’Brien, Nellie Gormley. Next week's jackpot is €3,600 for four correct numbers, €7,600 for four correct numbers plus Bonus Number. Play the weekly lotto online - link on club Facebook or www.clubforce.com. Draw takes place in the clubrooms on Saturday, May 4th.
Progressive 25 continues in Kilglass GAA Centre on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.. Last week's winners: 1st, Joe Murray; Joint 2nd, Michael Guckian, J P Farrell, John O Beirne, Charlie Reynolds; raffle, Tom Sherwin. New players welcome.
Are you interested in learning to play the fiddle. Depending on numbers classes can be organised for adults and children. Call 086 8534100 for details.
Kilglass Gaels Ladies Bonus Ball number for April 17th was 10. Winners, J P Compton & Nicola Tully: Number for April 24th was 41, winners Charlie Smith & Dermot Washington €50 each.
As part of Moyne Community School 50th anniversary celebrations all past members of the school community are invited to celebrate a special mass in the school gym on Friday, May 3rd at 7.30 p.m., followed by refreshments.
