Local Notes: 75 Year Old Photo of Sam Maguire Resurfaces, Arts Festival, More Silverware Heads West
A 75-year-old photograph capturing the last time the Sam Maguire came to Ballaghaderreen has resurfaced. The iconic black and white image shows 1951 All-Ireland winning captain from the town, Sean Flanagan, in a packed Square with the trophy. There are many local faces in the photograph, including the late businessman, Mattie Towey.
The old photograph carries even greater resonance now after thousands lined the streets last Thursday to welcome another local man, Andy Moran, as he brought Sam back to the town, ending a 75-year wait.
Unbelievable, unimaginable, unreal - no words can summarise the week in Ballagh just gone. What began on Sunday, July 26th, with hope and the familiar determination to finally end three-quarters of a century of near misses and heartbreak, ended in scenes of celebration and a joy the people had mostly never witnessed before. All have heard the stories of the victorious 1951 team from listening to Mattie Towey and Gerry Cuniffe on Main Street. Everyone gave it its respect, and Sean Flanagan was revered by a generation that had mostly never met him. Johno was respected and congratulated for what he had achieved with Galway and Leitrim, but his simple message to Ballagh and Mayo was ' Keep the Faith ', and all did. But last week was all about the new crop of heroes led by Ballagh man Andy with David, Kuba and an extensive Ballagh backroom team who all played a crucial part in delivering Sam to Ballagh on Thursday night. Ballagh GAA got to work early in the planning, logistics and stewarding of the whole event. Local businesses contributed with sponsorship and manpower. Local societies started dressing The Square and recording the whole delivery of Sam from once they turned off the N5 to when Andy strode onto the stage, located beside Dillon House and thrust Sam above his head and roared. What a feeling - euphoria, relief, disbelief - young people roaring, old men and women crying. Rossies applauding, Sligosshouting, all partying and singing and sharing the joy that was brought to town - incredible. The boost that Andy and the lads have delivered to Ballagh and indeed football in the west, but particularly the town that's had its share of negative press, yet came together to create a football fiesta, won't just be counted this week it will last forever in the hearts and minds of all Ballaghaderreen people, all over the world. What a week, what a team, Andy...what a man!
There's still time to get remaining tickets for the outstanding traditional group Altan at the Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen, this Wednesday (5th) or Derry's own 'Town I Love So Well' Phil Coulter there on Thursday (6th). Mozart and Weber are highlights on Friday night at St. Nathy’s College, with the ConTempo quartet and John Finucane on clarinet. Events then shift to Edmondstown House with Noel Coward's comedy 'Blithe Spirit' on Friday, Saturday and Sunday next, Abbaesque on Friday and Stand Up Comedy, with Roscommon's own Sharon Mannion, plus Colm O'Regan, and Gar Curran. Print tickets at Egan's on the town Square and at the door for every event by order. Details at ballaghaderreenartsfestival.com & Facebook and Instagram. There are continuous updates on Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival and Ballaghaderreen ShopLocal. There is ample parking townwide for all events and stewards will be on hand to direct attendees.
Congratulations to the Roscommon ladies, who defeated Fermanagh by 2-12 to 0-6 at Croke Park to claim the All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship for the first time since 2005. Aisling Feely scored two crucial first-half goals before the Rossies celebrated with the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup. What a week for Connacht football -Up the Rossies!
A photography exhibition entitled Mix Pix, featuring photographs by Mick McCormack, will take place at Ballaghaderreen Library from Tuesday, August 4th, to Saturday, August 8th. The exhibition opens at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Mickey Doo was a brilliant photographer and a terrific local character that put his subjects at ease and made them smile. There are some fantastic local memories in his archive. Not to be missed.
Ballaghaderreen face Breaffy in the opening round of the Mayo Senior Football Championship at 2 p.m. in Breaffy on Sunday, August 9th. All support welcome.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw took place on Tuesday, July 28th with Martin Horan winning the €335 jackpot. The winning ticket was sold by The Hatch Bar. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, August 4th at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com. Annual tickets are also available for €90. The club would like to extend its warmest congratulations to Andy Moran and the Mayo team. Andy has played and coached with the club over the years and is an absolute inspiration. Well done to all the Ballagh representatives on the team.
Ballaghaderreen Town Team is pleased to announce the imminent 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.
A general operative is currently being sought to join the Community Employment Scheme in Ballaghaderreen. To learn more or apply, email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie or call 086 142 6068.
