Local Notes: Tower Bar Sessions, Windmill Wheelers, Day Centre
SuperValu Strokestown has supplied Elphin Tidy Towns with hi-vis vests. Picture shows Stephen McGuinness, SuperValu, Strokestown, Deirdre Parnell, Elphin Tidy Towns PRO, and Martin Mullen, SuperValu, Strokestown.
The death occurred on January 6th, peacefully, with her family by her side, in the wonderful care of the staff at Drumderrig Nursing Home, Boyle, of Mrs Marion Gillooly (nee Toolan), 2 Chapel Street, Elphin. Much loved mother of Michael (Roscommon Town), Lorraine Kenny (Moore), Fiona Henry (Ballinvalley, Coolaney, Sligo) and Peter (Turloughmore). Marion will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, sons-in-law, Liam and Michéal; daughters-in-law, Marie and Anita; cherished grandchildren Emma, Adrian, Declan, Peter, Saoirse, Michael, Adam, Callum, Aoife, Evan, Kayla, Kai and Amber; brother-in-law, Pete Shiel (Carniska, Strokestown); nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and her many friends. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Pete, parents, Jim and Maggie, sisters, Phil Browne and Eileen Shiel, brothers-in-law, Jim Browne, Vincent Kelly and Michéal Gillooly and sister-in-law Kathleen Kelly. Following Funeral Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin on Friday last Marion was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
The Irish Life GAA Healthy Clubs Challenge. Both Elphin GAA & Ballinameen GAA are signed up so it’s time to step up for the challenge and help them reach the target of 4,000 km to be in with a chance of winning prize funding of €2,500. The target is 4,000km (total club combined) by Wednesday, February 11th.
Morris Meats, Elphin is making a change to the openings hours for 2026. Starting January 25th the shop will be closed on Mondays.

AA meetings are held on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Access at rear of building.
Laura of LCA Laura's Canine Academy has a local pet kennels and she is a qualified dog trainer. She is passionate about her love for animals and works with rescues. She has now published her first book called "Marble - the underwear Thief". This is her first venture in publishing. Ten percent of purchase price will go to rescues Laura supports.
Thank you from Elphin Tidy Towns to SuperValu, Strokestown for a supply of Tidy Towns hi-vis jackets. The volunteers meet every Saturday at 10.30 a.m. at the polytunnel at the Day Care Centre. Please do join in. The group is always in need of more volunteers.
The Tuesday night traditional music sessions in the Tower Inn Elphin continue into the New year with a big welcome for all musicians and listeners. The next monthly singers’ sessions in the Tower Inn will take place on Sunday, February 1st (Bank Holiday weekend). Come along even if you do not sing as you will thoroughly enjoy the night.
Sunday, January 25th is the night that William Campbell of the Townhouse B&B will be providing a night of Scottish music for Burns Night (in memory of Robbie Burns the Scottish poet). Singers and musicians welcome. Come along to the Tower Inn on Sunday the 25th.
Local artist Nickie Harrington is delighted to have work included in a number of exhibitions, all still running over the coming weeks. Even in the Darkest Times at Ranelagh Arts, in support of MSF in Gaza, runs until Friday, January 9th. OXO at Outset Gallery is open until January 25th. The Inaugural Open Exhibition at the Hunt Museum continues until February 28th.

The Windmill Wheelers are always looking for new members. Maybe it’s time to get on your bike in 2026 and perhaps join this great local club who make everyone welcome.
Wishing all clients, staff, supporters and friends a very happy New Year. If anyone wishes to avail of the day centre services please ring 0719635566 or 0876803675.
Adult set dancing classes continue every Tuesday at 8.30 p.m. in An Bothar Rua. Dancers of all levels welcome - from beginners to advanced dancers. Dancing for the craic not competition. Contact Michael Gunn for information on 086 3122897.
New line dancing classes commencing January 14th in An Bothar Rua. Absolute beginners, 7.30 to 8.15 p.m. beginner/novice, 8.15 p.m. to 9.30 p.m..
Thank you to everyone who supports the Monday bingo sessions throughout the year and everyone who helps make it all run smoothly. Bingo starts at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Thank you for your continued support.
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.
Cortober Exercise Class resumes on this Tuesday, January 13th at 11 a.m. in the Patrician Hall. New members welcome.
A meeting of Croghan Parish Pastoral Council will be held in Drumlion Parochial House on this Tuesday, January 13th at 7.30 p.m..
Bingo takes place in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on Sundays at 8 p.m.. Big cash prizes to be won. All welcome.
Masses in Croghan parish this week as follows: Croghan Church on Sunday at 10 a.m.; Patrician Hall, Cortober, Sunday at 12 noon; Drumlion Church, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m..

The Old Creamery Community Café, Croghan is open on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. All welcome to visit.
The Come Follow Me Faith and Fun Club will meet on Saturday, January 17th at 3 p.m. in the Patrician Hall, Cortober.
Cavetown CE Scheme has vacancies for general operatives. Duties will include the upkeep of all amenity areas, grass cutting, strimming, hedge trimming, litter and weed control, upkeep of flowerbeds and shrubs and landscaping. General maintenance will include repairs to fencing and stone walls, painting and decorating. Contact Tony O’Donnell – scheme supervisor Cavetown CE Scheme 087 775 0556.

