Local Notes: Tidy Towns, Tower Bar Sessions, Day Centre
Dancers take to the floor during a ceili last weekend in Elphin Community Centre as part of the Dr. John Stafford Tradfest.
The inaugural Dr John Stafford Award “Guardian of the Living Tradition” was presented to the “oracle of Irish traditional music’, Paddy Ryan at the Dr. John Stafford Tradfest in Elphin last weekend. “So many of us owe our music knowledge and playing to Paddy, who is known all over the world and encouraged so many young people to get involved in their local Comhaltas branches as well as playing music,” said the organisers.
Elphin's St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of Connacht’s oldest, will take place on March 17th starting at 5 p.m. with €1,200 in prizes - 1st, €500; 2nd, €250; 3rd, €100; 4th, €100, 5th, €50. This year's theme is International, Cultural, Traditional Dance. Categories Best Overall Float, Most Topical, Most Creative, Best School Float, Vintage, Commercial/Agricultural, and Best Cultural Float. There are also prizes for Best Dressed Tractor, Best Dressed Window, and Best Dressed Dog, €50. Also the Most Appropriately Dressed Child, and Best Crazy Hairdo. Free face painting from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m..
There will be a table quiz in An Bother Rua in aid of Elphin's St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, February 28th at 9.30 p.m., €10 entry per person, €400 first prize. Lots of spot prizes and raffle on the night.
The death occurred on February 20th, peacefully, in his 91st year, at Roscommon University Hospital. of Mr Joey Flanagan, Ross, Elphin. Predeceased by his parents, Edward and Delia (née Higgins), brothers, Jimmy and Paddy, sisters, Maisie, Annie and Kathleen and grandchildren Gavin and April. Deeply regretted by his dear wife Ena (née Carney); loving sons and daughters, Noel, Mary (Anthony), Patty (Dermot), Seamus (Eilish), Damien (Kim), Majella (John), Niall (Sinead) and Norman, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (especially Joey’s recently born grandson Theo whom he never met), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Following requiem Mass in St. Catherine’s Church, Killina on Monday, Joey was laid to rest in Killina Cemetery.
The death occurred peacefully on Saturday, February 21st surrounded by her loving family, in the wonderful care of Galway Hospice of Mrs Patricia Corban, Shragh, Loughrea, and formerly Curcreigh, Elphin. Predeceased by her loving husband Sean. Patricia will be deeply mourned and sadly missed by her children, Edward, Shane, Eimear, Michael, and Brian; son-in-law, Iain; daughters-in-law, Irene, Karen and Joanne and partner Vinna; grandchildren, Aaron, Eamonn, Caoilinn, Laoise, Emily, Ben, Adam, Ruby, Bobby and Owen; brother, Fr. Michael Breslin; sister, Sr. Stephanie Breslin; nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and her many friends. May she rest in peace.
The organisers of the recent Dr. John Stafford Tradfest thank the wonderful local businesses who have supported the festival in so many ways. From generously sponsoring prizes for the raffle at the Ceili on Friday night – including the multi-award winning Morris Meats, Eternal, Glancy's Supermarket and Elphin Pharmacy – to keeping tutors, musicians and volunteers well fed and looked after, thank you to Superbite Elphin and Elphin Mart Canteen. Thank you all for your continued support – it truly means the world. With smooth organisation and great PR there really was something for everyone. It all kicked off on Friday in the fabulous Elphin Community Centre with All Ireland champions ceili band, Pipers Cross followed by music in the town. Saturday had classes in the Community College, two pop up Gaeltacht events, a Cuimsiu session and the awards event. Sunday was Feis Day at Elphin Community College and a farewell session in the Central Bar. Finally a singers session took place in the Tower Inn. It was a very enjoyable weekend. Sean and Kathleen would like to thank the musicians from Carrick, Roscommon etc who played lovely music in the Tower on Saturday night. They also want to thank the very talented junior musicians who played on Friday night.
Elphin Tidy Town’s clean-up will be held on March 7th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet at church car park. Pickers and hi-vis provided. The group needs the support of the community to clean up before St. Patrick’s Day. All welcome.
The Tuesday night traditional music sessions in The Tower Inn, Elphin continue with a big welcome for all musicians and listeners. Come along even if you do not play as you will thoroughly enjoy the night.
Church gate collections will be held on March 7th and 8th in aid of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Please support.
Abbeycartron NS needs your help to maintain its sensory garden and help with school excursions and is now undertaking a Read and Raise initiative. Students are going to read as much as they can in return for donations to help them along the way. Check out the sponsorship link on Abbeycartron NS Facebook page. In return sponsors will get a digital ad for their business, which will be automatically placed on all parents, children and teacher’s profile pages on the Read and Raise website and on all student and school donation pages for all to see.
Thank you to everyone who supports the Monday bingo sessions every Monday at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Thank you for your continued support.
AA meetings are held on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre F45 K336. Access at rear of building.
Windmill Wheelers are undertaking a couch to 50 km or 25k in eight weeks programme starting in April. After the eight weeks cyclists will take part in the Windmill Classic on Sunday, June 7th. An information evening will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 8.15 p.m.. Full training and advice given by members. This is open to complete beginners and returning cyclists. Now is your chance to get fit and enjoy all the benefits of cycling.
Elphin Day Centre clients enjoyed a great day out at Horkan’s Castlebar, including shopping and a beautiful lunch in the Bay Leaf Restaurant. If anyone wishes to avail of the l day centre services ring 0719635566 or 0876803675.
The mobile library visits Elphin every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..
If you have any local news or items you wish to highlight in the local notes in the Herald please email parnell.deirdre@gmail.com.
Carrick-on-Shannon Post Office telephone exchange closed on Thursday, February 6th, 1986 following the onset of automatic telephone exchanges all over the country with the ending of the manual exchange system at that time. The exchange was the biggest of its kind in the country at the time and covered an area bigger than the Sligo exchange. A 40th reunion dinner celebration of all former telephonists, P & T, eir, Telecom Eireann, An Post and staff of the exchange will take place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday, February 28th. The organisers of this reunion event say all former and present staff of the above who worked in Carrick-on-Shannon are most welcome to join them on the night. For further details on the reunion contact Attracta on 086 1704899, Geraldine 086 3218785 or Damien 087 4676703. Pre-booking essential.
