Local Notes: Women's Shed Group Return, Summer Gathering, Local Artist Meet-Up
As part of the project: ‘Enabling the Potential of the Ballaghaderreen Plots’, Roscommon County Council will hold a second open engagement event on Thursday, August 27th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ballaghaderreen Library. This is an open engagement event and all are welcome to drop in to share their thoughts on the future of The Plots. Those unable to attend who would like to share their views can e-mail streets@studiodwg.com. The community’s views, suggestions and ideas will contribute to the development of a masterplan for The Plots area. This engagement follows a previous public consultation back in May which featured considerable public engagement and feedback on proposals for the masterplan development.
The GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday night at the Hatch Bar, The Square. Winner of the jackpot of €600 was A & Naomi Cahill, Kiltobranks, Selling agents, annual ticket. Next draw is on Sunday night, August 23rd at Durkin’s Bar The Square. Many thanks for your support.
The BWSG will kick off the new term on Tuesday, September 1st at 11 a.m., with the fabulous Mildred Beirne leading the steps. From there, a bumper schedule of fun and activities is planned right through to December. New faces are always welcome, and anyone interested is encouraged to pop in and see what the women’s shed group is all about. For any questions or further information, simply message Ballaghaderreen Women's Shed Group on Facebook.
Ballaghaderreen GAA will host a two-day back to school summer camp on Monday, August 24th and Tuesday, August 25th, giving children the chance to enjoy two action-packed days of games, activities and fun with friends before returning to school. The camp is also an important fundraiser for the club, with all proceeds going towards the development of underage football and helping to provide continued opportunities for young players. The cost is €30 per child for both days, with a discount available for each additional child from the same family. Registration is available online through the Ballaghaderreen GAA Clubforce page.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw on Tuesday, August 11th saw Eva Sheridan win the €210 jackpot, with the winning ticket sold by Spell’s Bar. The next draw takes place on this Tuesday, August 18th at the Community Park. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, with annual tickets also available for €90.
Gurteen Community Care is hosting a ‘Summer Gathering’ in the Dapper Duck, Gurteen on this Sunday, August 23rd, starting at 3 p.m. Music by John Dwyer, Fr. James McDonagh and friends. Refreshments served. Admission free, all welcome.
A free Creative Art Youth Week programme is running for 13–17-year-olds until August 21st, 12 noon–4 p.m. each day at The Shambles, Community Resource Centre. Text or email Joanna, the Co-ordinator, Creative Places Ballagh, 086 8372921, e-mail creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com.
The August meet-up of artists will have a local artist sharing a new process. There will also be time to chat and connect with each other on Thursday, August 27th at the Community Garden from 6 – 8 p.m.. This project is supported by Creative Places - Ballaghaderreen's Local Creative Call for 2026 - supporting local artists' ideas and visions.
Castlerea Youth Stage School has announced enrolment for 2026/2027. This season, the junior group will present The Wind in the Willows, while the senior group will perform Wonderland the Musical, with performances taking place on March 13th & 14th, 2027. Enrolment for children and young people aged 6–15 years takes place on Tuesday, August 25th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea. Whether your child loves to sing, dance or act, or simply wants to make new friends and build confidence, everyone is welcome. No previous experience is necessary. For enquiries, contact 087 9677439 or 087 6323166. Follow Castlerea Youth Stage School Facebook.
Ballaghaderreen Town Team has announced the planned re-launch of a newly designed and vibrant www.ballaghaderreen.com website. Created by Ballagh people, for Ballagh people and beyond, the website will serve as a central portal for the local community, friends of Ballaghaderreen and members of the town’s diaspora around the world. Local clubs, organisations and service providers are encouraged to submit their most up-to-date information for inclusion by emailing info@ballaghaderreen.com. The new website will showcase the many groups, services, businesses, activities and opportunities available throughout Ballaghaderreen, while helping residents, visitors and those with connections to the town stay informed and engaged.
The Ballaghaderreen Notes is a space for the community — if you have local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, a fundraiser, a milestone, or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in so it can be included for others to see. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, “thank you” note, community notice, or a reminder about something coming up, this column is here to reflect what’s going on locally and to help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com
