Local Notes: €1 million for training centre, best of luck to Daithi, and tractors/tea fundraiser

Creaton's Bar has been re-opened by Sheila McGuillon and Lorraine O’Grady. Lorraine & Sheila are both experienced in the pub trade and are wished every success in the business. Pic: Breda Durr
Communities and organisations across County Roscommon are coming together this week, June 9th to June 15th to mark International Men’s Health Week 2025. This year’s theme 'Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health' highlights the importance of community and connection in supporting men’s wellbeing. Across County Roscommon, a diverse programme of events will offer men of all ages the chance to engage, learn and to take proactive steps towards better health. Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre will host a ‘Men’s Health Event’ today Tuesday, June 10th from 10 a.m.-12 noon with free health checks from Croí, guest speakers from the Marie Keating Foundation, Alone Ireland, Regari Recovery College, etc, a raffle and refreshments.
For security and safety reasons, and after consultation with the Pastoral Council, Parish Finance Council and Allianz Insurance, barriers have now been installed at the entrance and exit to both car parks to the Cathedral. The car park barriers will open each morning at 7 a.m. and close at 9.30 p.m.. Please note that if your car is still in the car park after the closing time, you can exit by driving up to the ‘exit’ barrier and the barrier will raise automatically.
The Ballaghaderreen Mayo/Roscommon Hospice support group wishes to thank everyone who donated to the Hospice Sunflower Days. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
The women’s shed will host its season finale party on July 1st from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.. Join the group for an end-of-season tea party filled with tasty treats, music, fun, laughter, and wonderful company! Members €4, non-members €8.
The FC 50/50 club draw on Tuesday last was won by Mick Finn, Buckhill, jackpot €265, seller, Imelda Towey. The Joker was not found. Mick will have a chance to win €1,000 at the Community Park, if he can pick the Joker before the 50/50 draw takes place on Tuesday night. Ballagh FC thanks you for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com.

Best of luck to Daithi Finn from all in Ballaghaderreen. Daithi is representing Roscommon on the Kennedy Cup team in Limerick this week. This is a great achievement for the player and club.
If you have or know local children who would like to sing and perform in an opera, here's the chance! - “The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark’ by Diver Rudiond is looking for cast members. Please contact Edmondstown House 0851384309 for details.
Roscommon and Ballaghaderreen Libraries will host arts and crafts fun on the first Saturday of every month at 12 noon. Please note that registration is required, and these sessions are suitable for children aged 4+. Book your place by phoning 090 6632537.
A new €1m training centre for mechanical and electrical trades opened in a previously derelict property in Ballaghaderreen on Monday last. Minister of State with responsibility for Employment, Small Business and Retail, and the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD launched the new Mechanical and Electrical Training and Assessment Centre (METAC) at the Mill Business Park on Monday. The project, led by Future Cast, has transformed a derelict property just outside the town into a purpose-built training and assessment hub with state-of-the-art equipment, 16-person classrooms, and dedicated workshop spaces accommodating eight to ten learners.
Please share your knowledge - pictures, stories and general information about the area known as the Shambles in Ballaghaderreen are being sought. Please contact 0949862565 or on the Shambles Ballaghaderreen Facebook page.
Ballaghaderreen GAAClub’s 50/50 weekly draw was held on Sunday, June 8th in Creaton’s Bar, New Street. The jackpot of €520 was won by Brian Regan, Glastrasna, Carracastle, an annual ticket. Next draw takes place on Sunday, June 15th in the Fiddler’s Elbow, The Square.

Booking is now open for the annual FAI summer camps. This year, there are two camps - one in July and one in August. Contact Ballaghaderreen FC for additional details on Facebook or contact a club member.
The Shamrocks LGFT senior team were back in action on Sunday morning after a two week break, as they faced a trip up the N5 to Castlebar. The break didn't seem to do them any harm as they overcame Mitchel’s by seven points, on a scoreline of 3-12 to 3-07. This maintained their 100% record in the Memorial League, and they will now face Burrishoole in the cup semi-final. It was a special occasion for Lauren Duffy, who made her senior debut for the club. Well done Lauren. The U-14 girls will play their Division 3 Cup final on Thursday, June 12th against Tourmakeady. The U-8 girls had a fantastic day at Eastern Gaels, who hosted a blitz on Saturday last. They played teams from Charlestown, Parke, Aghamore and Eastern Gaels.
The walking group meets every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. at the Family Resource Centre. Phone Philly to confirm participation on 0861360154. Refreshments served afterwards. Get involved, get active and make friends.
The group meets in The Ozanam Centre from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. New Members are welcome.
The knitting club meets in the Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..
Tibohine National School is hosting a Tractors & Tea fundraising event in aid of Tibohine NS and Crumlin Children’s Hospital on June 22nd. Tractor/Motor run and family fun day to include a John Deere bouncing castle, Hayfield Alpaca Farm, face-painting and much more. Registration from 8 a.m.. Family fun activities from 11 a.m. and tractor/motor run to take off at 1.30 p.m..
Gurteen Community Care’s annual summer outing to Castlecourt, Westport will be on July 10th. Dinner served at 1 p.m. followed by music and dancing, €50 per person and booking is essential. Names by June 20th to Veronica 086-8679173; Paddy 087-7870013; Mary 087-60995579 or to the Gurteen Day Centre.
Bingo is held every Friday at 8 p.m. in Gurteen Hall. The committee is most thankful for all the support.