Local Notes: Street Feast, Calling Young Writers, Walking Group
Members of Ballaghaderreen Men's Shed on a recent trip to Sligo.
Ballaghaderreen Community Garden will host a Food Feast on Sunday, June 7th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with shared dishes set up from 12.30 p.m.. Created by the community, for the community, the event invites everyone to come along, enjoy food, music and good company, and take part in a welcoming afternoon of sharing and connection. Those attending are encouraged to bring food and drinks to share, bring their own plate, cup and cutlery, lend a hand on the day, keep the garden clean, and respect the people, space and peaceful atmosphere of the event.
The Shambles Community Resource Centre in Ballaghaderreen offers a wide range of activities, supports, and community initiatives designed to bring people together, promote wellbeing, and provide practical assistance. Community Cuppa provides a welcoming social gathering where local people can meet, chat, and build connections in a relaxed environment. The Ógras Irish Language Youth Club gives young people an opportunity to engage with the Irish language and culture through regular activities and social interaction. The centre also offers one-to-one CV workshops to help individuals improve their curriculum vitae, enhance job applications, and increase employment opportunities. Creative arts café sessions encourage creativity, learning, and social engagement through arts and crafts activities, welcoming both experienced artists and complete beginners. People can also attend the monthly Friday clinic with Cllr Micheál Frain, providing an opportunity to discuss local issues, seek advice, and raise community concerns. In addition, gardening workshops offer practical guidance on gardening skills, planting, and maintaining outdoor spaces, helping participants develop confidence and enjoyment in gardening while connecting with others who share similar interests. Together, these programmes reflect The Shambles’ commitment to supporting community wellbeing, lifelong learning, social inclusion, creativity, and personal development throughout Ballaghaderreen and the surrounding area.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is inviting applications from creative practitioners for the Teacher Artist Partnership+ (TAP+) 2026/27 programme. The closing date for applications is Friday, June 5th. The initiative provides an opportunity for artists and creative practitioners from all disciplines to expand and develop their practice through professional development opportunities and participation in an in-school residency programme. For further information, interested applicants can contact Joanna Hopkins, Co-ordinator of Creative Places Ballaghaderreen, on 086 8372921. This programme offers a valuable opportunity for creative professionals to collaborate with schools, develop new skills, and contribute to creative learning experiences within the community.
The popular annual Declan Frain Memorial Cup five-a-side tournament returns to the Community Park on Saturday, July 25th. Due to unprecedented demand, registration is now closed. Participants will be notified in the coming days by the committee. The committee and the Frain family would like to extend their sincere appreciation for the continued support of this popular five-a-side tournament, held in memory of Declan Frain, a well-known and much-loved member of the Ballaghaderreen community and an avid football fan.
Are you a creative young adult, an aspiring writer or artist? Explore your creative side with other like-minded young adults in a supportive setting. Four workshops over five weeks this June and July at Ballaghaderreen Library every Thursday, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.. Workshops are FREE but spaces are limited. To reserve your space, register at: https://www.roscommoncoco.ie/.../library/library-services/ siarscealfestival.com
The Thursday Creative Arts Café at the Shambles continues to flourish as a welcoming space for both experienced artists and complete beginners, with imagination and creativity very much to the fore over recent weeks. It has been wonderful to see people exchanging ideas, collaborating on projects and inspiring one another, while different communities come together in a vibrant celebration of colour, energy and connection.
The AGM of the Ballaghaderreen Mayo/Roscommon Support Group will take place in Durkins this evening, Tuesday, June 2nd at 8.30 p.m.. All members are asked to attend, and new members are welcome.
Conor McDonagh and Andrew Caden will be in concert on Saturday, June 13th at 8 p.m. in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen. To book call 071 9182599 or online at www.colemanirishmusic.com FC 50/50 The FC 50/50 draw on Tuesday last for a jackpot of €225 was won by Damien Dempsey, Convent Road, seller, Durkin’s Bar. Next draw is this Tuesday, June 2nd at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com.
The very best of luck to the RDYSL Gaynor Cup Squad this week in Limerick. Ballagh FC is so proud to have Eloise McDonnell, Emily Horan, Sadhbh Dillon and Sienna Mulleady representing Ballaghaderreen FC.
A waking group meets every Monday at 10 a.m. from the Family Resource Centre, catering for all fitness levels , new members welcome. To book or for enquiries, contact Janice 0868267271.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the Roscommon SPCA annual street collection in Ballaghaderreen on May 15th & 16th. The collection raised €1,197,79, all of which goes directly to helping sick and injured animals across County Roscommon. Thank you to all the following businesses that kindly allowed collections outside their premises over the two days - SuperValu/An Post, McLoughlin’s Filling Station and Durkin's Hotel. To the wonderful volunteers — thank you for braving the rainy weather with smiles and determination. Your dedication makes everything the group does possible.
Mayo Roscommon Hospice would appreciate your kind assistance in helping raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday, June 12th&13th. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores on both dates. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated. Contact 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie.
