Local Notes: Soccer Update, New Peace Commissioner, Carers Workshop
The Square, Ballaghaderreen.
BALLAGHADERREEN
Work has commenced on the 2026 edition of Echoes of Ballaghaderreen, the town’s annual local newspaper. Contributions are now welcome, including articles, reports, club notes, photographs and items of local interest. All material must be submitted by Friday, October 23rd and can be emailed to echoesballaghaderreen@gmail.com or delivered to The Presbytery, Ballaghaderreen. For further information or enquiries, contact 087 6765508. Local clubs, organisations and individuals are encouraged to contribute to this year’s publication.
Local woman and community advocate Irene Cafferky has been appointed as a Peace Commissioner for County Mayo. Irene said: “I hope it will make an important service more readily available to individuals, families and local organisations.” Congratulations to Irene and best wishes in her new role.
The GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, October 11th in the Brusna Inn, Brusna.Winner of the jackpot of €602 was Eleanor Doohan, Brusna, selling agents, Clubforce. Next draw is on Sunday, October 18th at Solan’s Bar, Main Street.
A Christmas Market will take place at The Shambles on Friday, November 27th, from 6 pm. to 9 p.m.. This hugely popular annual event is run in conjunction with local small and medium enterprises and producers in conjunction with the CE Scheme Ballaghaderreen. Stands are available for €20 each. To book a stand, contact Anita on 086 1426068 or email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie. Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.
Each year, Féileacáin organises the Wave of Light on October 15th to remember and honour babies who died during pregnancy, at birth or shortly afterwards, with families and communities across Ireland invited to light a candle at 7 p.m. in loving memory of all the little lives lost too soon. As part of this special evening, Ár Réaltaí Beaga is inviting GAA clubs across the country to light up their clubhouses in remembrance. Ár Réaltaí Beaga was established to create a permanent memorial in Croke Park for babies and children who are no longer with us, giving bereaved families a lasting place for their little ones within the GAA community. Ballaghaderreen GAA Club warmly invites everyone to join its Wave of Light at the clubhouse on October 15th from 6.45 p.m. with candle lighting taking place at 7 p.m.. The date is especially meaningful to the club as CJ McCann is also remembered on his anniversary. Candles will be available on the night, or those attending are welcome to bring a candle that is symbolic to them and their loved one. After the candle lighting, everyone is invited to stay for a cup of tea and a chat. Whether remembering their own little one, supporting a loved one or simply wishing to show support, everyone is welcome to come together as a community in love, remembrance and hope. Forever loved, forever missed, forever our little stars.
The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, is now offering weekly virtual appointments with Citizens Information, in addition to its regular monthly outreach service. Appointments take place on Mondays from 2.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m. through Microsoft Teams. To book an appointment, call The Shambles on 094 9862565.
Family Carers Ireland is hosting a free 10-week workshop in The Shambles Community Resource Centre, Ballaghaderreen. The course will run every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and is aimed at people caring for a family member, providing practical support, information and guidance for their caring role. Topics will include carers’ rights, entitlements and supports, practical care skills, communication skills, first aid in the home, home safety, self-care and communication with doctors. The programme will also help participants identify their own needs, develop an action plan and build confidence in safe caring practices. Places can be booked by calling 086 809 8539.
The Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday, October 6th with Dolores Brennan winning the €210 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold by The Hatch Bar. Congratulations also to bonus draw winners, Ita McGreal and Liam Costigan, who each won a pair of tickets to see Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds. The club thanks everyone for their continued support. Tickets are available from local outlets and online at clubforce.com. Annual tickets cost €90 and guarantee entry into the draw for a full year.
Ballaghaderreen FC senior men’s first team recorded an impressive 4–2 away victory over Kilkerrin United in RDFL Division 1 on Friday, October 9th John Higgins led the scoring with two goals, while Danny Browne and Naoise Kelly also found the net to secure all three points for Ballaghaderreen. An excellent result on the road for the first team.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s senior women recorded an impressive 4–1 victory over Dunmore Town AFC at the Community Park on Sunday, October. 11th Tori Duffy scored twice, while Holly Ní Thuathaigh and Gracie Finnerty also found the net in a convincing home victory. A fine team performance from the Ballaghaderreen women.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s senior men’s second team suffered a 3–1 defeat to Moore United B at Community Park on Sunday, October 11th. Aaron Dowd was on the scoresheet for Ballaghaderreen, but the visitors claimed all three points. The team will be hoping to return to winning ways in their next fixture.
Stepping Stones Baby & Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, offering a welcoming and relaxed space for babies, toddlers, parents and carers to meet, play and socialise. Each week includes a mix of messy play, arts and crafts, free play and other activities designed to keep little ones entertained while giving adults the chance to connect with other local families.
Western Alzheimer’s urgently needs volunteer befrienders in the area. Anyone with one to two hours per week to spare who would like to volunteer can obtain further information by contacting Lucy on 094 9364900 or 087 3694477.
The Dartry Céilí Band will be in concert at the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on Saturday, October 17th at 8 p.m;. Early booking is advisable, with tickets priced at €20 and available by calling 071 9182599 or booking online.
The Ballaghaderreen Notes is a space for the community. If you have local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, fundraiser, milestone or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in for inclusion. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, thank-you note, community notice or reminder about something coming up, the column is here to reflect what’s happening locally and help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com.
