Local Notes: Wedding Bells, Public Art, Film Club
Laura Fleming, Bohalis, Ballaghaderreen and Corporal Rory Harkin, Clonmany and the 28th Infantry Battalion in Finner Camp, County Donegal who were married recently.
Local councillor Micheal Frain has called for a greater Garda presence on the streets of Ballaghaderreen following recent antisocial incidents that have sparked outrage in the community. Cllr Frain highlighted what he described as a lack of Garda visibility and insufficient Garda numbers, stating: “Since my election to Roscommon County Council, I have repeatedly highlighted the lack of an adequate policing service in Ballaghaderreen. Yet my concerns continue to fall on deaf ears.”
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is a three years Arts Council and Local Authority funded project that brings arts investment to towns, villages and rural places, and it will run until 2028. Creative Places Ballaghaderreen will help facilitate, develop and support local arts partnerships, groups and programmes to benefit all the people who live in these areas and communities. Come to an event, or reach out to the group via e-mail creativeplaces@gmail.com or phone 0868372921.
Artist researcher Catherine Fanning has been bringing art into public places and building connections with the community in Ballaghaderreen. She has been busy making plans for the Town Kiosk, and hosted an open workshop in the library in October of bunting making.
The November meet-up of local artists will be time to chat and connect with each other, and a chance to hear from those who created a project from the Local Creative Call earlier this year! Thanks to local artist Nollaig Molloy, who works in the area of Socially Engaged Art, for presenting at the October MeetUp. Thanks to Josie May from the Fotofit project for documenting the evening.
Another guest host will be curating the November Film Club meet-up. Chat and connect over curated films on Monday, November 30th from 7 – 9 p.m. at The Shambles, Community Resource Centre. Contact James 087 0940335.
The Spells Spoke Word events are monthly curated open-mic for writers & musicians (and anyone who wants to listen!), curated by Jessamine O'Connor. This project is supported by Creative Places Ballaghaderreen's. Next open-mic night is Thursday, November 12th from 7 -9 p.m..
Lisacul's sixth annual Festive Fair will be held on November 28th from 12 noon-4 p.m. in Lisacul Community Centre, F45 VY24. Free admission – donations welcome. Special tree lighting ceremony on the day.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is providing opportunities for young people aged 13–17 to explore the arts through weekly Youth Creative Hangouts. Local artists Tuesday Whitfield, Elisha Caulfield and April Tambling lead the sessions, with activities including painting, drawing, crafts, movement, music and theatre. Sessions take place at The Shambles on Fridays until December 18th. Places are limited and booking is required. Contact 086 8372921 or email creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com.
Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed members had a thoroughly enjoyable day casting bronze swords using the same techniques their ancestors would have used thousands of years ago. Local artist and swordsmith Conor O’Connell led the casting process, ably assisted by the members. It was a memorable and insightful day, connecting with the past and bringing ancient skills to life through the creation of replica bronze swords.
Ballaghaderreen GAA Club has announced that senior team managers John Mitchell and David McHugh, along with coach Gary Conway, are stepping down from their respective roles. The club sincerely thanks John, David, Gary and the entire management team for their hard work, commitment and dedication to the senior team throughout the 2026 season, and wishes them every success in their future endeavours.
The Ukedorys meet every Monday at 8 p.m. in Spells, for an evening of music and singing. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome, with ukuleles available for newcomers. You can also join in with percussion and harmonies. A €5 weekly contribution supports running costs.
Ballaghaderreen senior ladies suffered a rare defeat on Saturday last, losing 2–1 to Glen Celtic in the RDFL Women’s League. Saerlaith Dillon scored Ballaghaderreen’s goal.
Congratulations to Michael Doohan, who won €250 in the Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw on Tuesday, November 3rd. The winning ticket was sold by Davey’s Bar. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online, with annual tickets priced at €90 on clubforce.com.
The annual Christmas Market returns to The Shambles on Friday, November 27th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Organised in conjunction with local businesses, producers and the Ballaghaderreen CE Scheme, the market provides an opportunity to showcase local products and crafts. Stands cost €20, with limited availability. To reserve a space, contact Anita on 086 1426068 or email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral will host its annual November Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 22nd at 7 p.m. remembering those who have died since November 2025. Families wishing to include relatives or friends who died outside the parish are asked to contact the Presbytery on 094 9860011. November Mass envelopes are available in local churches and parish offertory boxes.
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed welcomes women aged 18 and over to its fortnightly gatherings at Ballaghaderreen Community Park, F45 KP52, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Come along to meet new people, share interests and skills, enjoy activities and build friendships.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral Folk Group welcomes new singers and musicians. Practice takes place every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Presbytery beside the Cathedral. Anyone interested in contributing to the music at church services is invited to come along.
Local clubs, schools, community organisations and individuals are welcome to submit news, upcoming events, achievements, fundraising activities and community notices. Send your contributions to Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com.
The parish wide community defibrillator project that was set up almost 20 years ago under the guidelines and standards of DARA Ireland has served the area well. To mark the latest phase of the project the defibrillator committee believes that the National Ambulance first responder programme would further enhance and support the community initiative. The group has invited John McShane, Community National Ambulance Service co-ordinator to an information evening to explore the prospect of progressing the initiative further. The meeting will be held in Loughglynn Community Centre on November 26th at 8 p.m.. Everyone is welcome to attend. Light refreshments served. For further information contact Seamus, 087 8048853; Dympna, 086 0682109; Breege, 087 1268806 or Andre, 087 7425947.
Lisacul's sixth annual Festive Fair will be held on November 28th from 12 noon-4 p.m. in Lisacul Community Centre, F45 VY24. Free admission – donations welcome. Special tree lighting ceremony on the day.
