Local Notes: Wrenboys competition, Day centre, Youth choir celebrates
The Cortober Youth Choir celebrated the 20th anniversary of its foundation at Mass in the Patrician Hall on Sunday, December 21st. The choir was started by Siobhan and Patrice Talbot at the suggestion of the late Fr Martin Mulvaney. Pictured with current and past members of the choir are Fr Alan Conway P.P., Siobhan Talbot and Patrice Talbot, Eimear Browne and Ryan Mulligan. Santa also made a special appearance with gifts and he thanked his helper, Mickey Kelly. There was a special cake and refreshments for all afterwards. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
Minister Dara Calleary recently announced funding for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2025. Elphin Development Group’s application has been successful and the village has been awarded €300,000 for various streetscape and painting improvements including façade and lighting upgrades, enhanced landscaping, improved signage, and preservation of heritage assets to enrich the town’s visual and cultural identity. The group looks forward to engaging with the community groups/community members on the plans. The group is appreciative for the support of Roscommon County Council on this application.
Elphin CCE is holding a Wrenboy Competition on January 4th in Elphin Community Centre commencing at 2.30 p.m.. Groups of up to 18 participants from Roscommon and surrounding counties are preparing to entertain with a traditional 30 minute show of singing music, dancing and comedy. There will be junior (U-18) and senior sections. Anybody looking to enter a group or get further information can call Michael at 086 3122897. The stage will be set up like a country kitchen with the wrenboy groups coming in to entertain the residents in the house. Each junior team will have 20 minutes for their performance while the adult groups will have 30 minutes. Judges will mark each group on their show, including music singing, dancing, comedy, production and costumes. There will be prizes for the best groups and special awards for the best musician, best dancer, best singer and best storyteller in both the senior and junior sections. The main aim of the event is to get musicians and singers performing in a friendly fun atmosphere which will help, particularly the younger participants to develop their skills and confidence. If you are interested in a fun evening’s entertainment Elphin Community Centre is the place to be on January 4th.
Elphin Tidy Towns thank everyone who supported the group throughout 2025. Congratulations to Allin4Elphin who have now been successful in acquiring substantial funding for the town. A special word of thanks to Cllr Valerie Byrne who has worked tirelessly to get the townscape upgraded. Well done and thank you to Roscommon County Council. Elphin Tidy Towns has a planting scheme in place in the town and will continue working on the rest of the area. Thank you to the volunteers who work so hard in all weathers. Please check the Facebook page for details of meet ups. Members usually meet Saturdays at 10 a.m. and everyone is very welcome. The draw for the Christmas raffle was held on Christmas Eve outside Morris Meats. Thank you Ronan and the team for facilitating the group on a busy day. Thanks also to all the shops who took the cards and to everyone who bought lines. The money raised will help with buying plants etc. The winners were: 1st, hamper - Marie Nerney; 2nd, hamper, Conor Tiernan; 3rd, box of biscuits, Phil Murtagh; 4th, box of chocolates, Frank Tiernan.
Thank you to everyone, musicians, listeners, singers, dancers who came along and enjoyed the festive session in The Tower Inn. It was a lovely night. Thank you to Sean and Kathleen for hosting the Tuesday night sessions for so many years now. It was lovely to see so many young musicians joining the session, all playing beautifully. The next Singers Night in the Tower Inn will be on this Wednesday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve with the addition of music and storytelling, making it a night of the full Irish which should not be missed as it will be a great event to ring in the New year come along and bring a few friends.
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.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Monday bingo sessions throughout the year and to everyone who helped make it all run smoothly. Elphin Bingo every Monday starts at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Thank you for your continued support. Happy New Year from the committee.
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.
The Christmas ceremonies in the parish drew large attendances over the holiday period. Fr. Alan PP celebrated Masses in Croghan, Drumlion and Cortober with the Croghan Community Choir enhancing the Christmas Eve Mass in Croghan. Thanks to Fr. Alan and all who assisted in the preparations. The Cortober Residents Association held its Christmas social on December 11th, commencing with Mass in the Patrician Hall followed by a night of music and song in Glancy's Bar. Croghan National School children provided enjoyable entertainment with their Christmas Carols Night in Croghan Church before Christmas. Prior to Christmas, the children from Woodbrook National School performed "The Little Match Girl" to a large and appreciative audience. Shannon Gaels GAA Club had a special night for members, supporters and families with the opening of a new walkway in Tom Collins Park and the new astro-turf pitch, which was followed by refreshments afterwards in the Community Café. A large number of people took part in a 10K/6K run/walk in Croghan on St. Stephen’s Day. All funds raised go to Croghan Tidy Town committee to help with the upkeep of the village and surrounding areas.
Congratulations to the present members and all former members of Cortober Youth Choir who celebrated 20 years since its foundation, at Mass in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on December 21st. Great credit and appreciation is due to those in charge of the choir through the years for their dedication and commitment and for enriching all Masses with the singing of their talented members.
Recent winner of the Shannon Gaels GAA Club’s 50/50 draw was Josephine Durkin (Carrick) who won €1,550. Envelopes available in local businesses or play on the Shannon Gaels GAA app. Thanks to everyone who supports the draw.
Masses for the Feast of the Epiphany, Tuesday, January 6th, as follows: Croghan 10 a.m., Patrician Hall 12 noon, Drumlion 7 p.m..
