Local Notes: Awards Night, Holy Hour, Congratulations
Aoibheann Gannon with Leah and Lily Connolly pictured at a recent charity walk in Creggs. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
After two sell-out shows in The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon last October, rising star Aoife Duignan and friends will bring the show back to the O’Carolan Centre, St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue on Valentine’s Night, Saturday, February 14th. This will be a special evening celebrating local stories, heartfelt tributes to local musicians, and a collection of fresh original songs. The night features a special lineup including Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan, award winning fiddle player and educator Mossie Martin, and Michael McKenna, singer, songwriter and composer of Aoife’s debut single “Arigna”. They will be joined by two exciting additions to the show, David Knight, known for his expressive performance style, and local concertina player Rachel Noone.
This will be warm and engaging night of music and storytelling in a beautiful setting. Tickets are on sale via an Eventbrite and very limited tickets will be available on the door on the night.
Cloonfad United held its awards night in the Three Counties. A large crowd attended what was an enjoyable occasion. The following were the award winners: players of the year -U-12, Harry Donnellan; U-14, Conor McGuire; U-16, Dylan Hunt; U-18, Sean Gormley; Senior A, Matthew Freyne; Senior B, Jason Rheinhardt; Young player of the year, Liam Fleming; top scorers - 1st team, Conor and Darragh Flynn; 2nd team, Jack Rheinhardt and Keelin Flynn; Damien Burke memorial trophy awarded to Brendan Cregg for service to the local community.
Well done to the Cloonfad United A team who defeated St Cuan's Utd in the cup by five goals to nil. The scorers were Jack Madden (2), Luke Ruane, Michael McGarry and Darragh Flynn.
Well done to Declan Kirrane who was awarded the clubman of the year award at the recent Michael Glavey’s awards evening. Declan was presented with his award by last year’s winner, Joe Gorman who spoke of Declan’s great commitment to the club over the past year including his work as chairman. The Hall of Fame winner was James Hussey. Well done to Shauna Fleming and Darragh Heneghan who were awarded the ladies and men’s Player of the Year awards. Both are past pupils of Cloonfad NS. The junior men’s Player of the Year winner was Bradley Lynch.
Coming to Kilmurry Hall on Saturday 24th January 2026 at 8 p.m. is Gerry Farrell in John McDwyer's masterly play " An Ordinary Man". A great night of fun and laughter is in store. Tickets available from any member of committee.
Enrolment packs for September 2026 are available in the school or can be downloaded from the website castleplunkettns.com/enrolment. Looking forward to welcoming new entrants to the wonderful school community. Please contact the school by email for more information on castleplunkettns1@gmail.com or phone 0949651260.
Castleplunkett NS will hold an open afternoon on Wednesday, February 4th from 3.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m.. New entrants and their families are invited to visit to see our lovely facilities and meet some of the staff.
Glanduff National School Parents Association is holding a bingo night on Friday, February 6th at 8p.m. in St. John’s Community Centre, Lecarrow. All proceeds are going towards Glanduff NS development fund. Doors open at 6.30p.m Come along for a fun night with prizes galore.
A Holy Hour will take place on the Feast of St. Bridget, Sunday, February 1st in St. Patrick’s Church Knockcroghery at 6p.m. You are invited to do the St. Bridget’s Day Novena from Friday, January 23rd to Sunday, February 1st.
Best of luck to Gemma Casey who is competing in the All-Ireland scor NDS finals which takes place in Killarney on Saturday, January 24th.
Congratulations to Emma Kerrane who has been selected to play with the Galway U-14 team. This is a marvellous achievement for Emma who is wished the best of luck with Galway.
The sudden but peaceful death took place on Wednesday, December 24th at the Oakwood Nursing Home, Roscommon of Margaret (Maggie) Conneran, Lenamarla, Creggs, and Brothers of Charity, Roscommon Town. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Sheila and her brother-in-law, Martin Mannion. She will be greatly missed by her brother, Marty; sisters, Breda, Ann and Rita; brothers-in-law, Martin Kennedy and Pakie Donohue; sister-in-law, Rita Conneran; nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends especially those in the Brothers of Charity. Her remains reposed at Smyth's Funeral Home, Roscommon and was followed by removal to St. Mary's Church, Kilbegnet. Following Mass of the Resurrection the burial took place in Kilbegnet Cemetery.
The death took place on January 12th at the Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home, Lanesboro of Sr. Claire McGovern, Dun Mhuire, Athlone and formerly of Creggs. She was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Lily, brothers, Padraig, Jimmy and Brian, sister, Sr. Mary and her niece, Marie Claire. Sr. Claire will be greatly missed by her sisters, Margaret Murray (Moate) and Sr.Betty, (Roscommon); sisters-in-law, Catherine and Nora; nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and the Sisters of Mercy, Western Branch. Sr.Claire's Funeral Mass took place in S.S. Peter and Paul's Church, Athlone and was followed by burial in the Convent Cemetery, Summerhill.
The death took place on January 7th at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe of Mr John Joyce, Greenland House, Ballyglass, Williamstown, and formerly of Kilmacrickard, Glinsk. John was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Mary, brothers, Tom, Patrick and Willie and also by his sister Margaret. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Veronica; children, Helena, Marie, Paraic, Linda, Fiona and Micheal; sons-in-law, daughters-in -law and his cherished grandchildren. He is also mourned by his siblings, Bea, Fr. Michael, Mary, Celia (Glinsk) Ann, Stephen, Vincent, Eileen and Kay brothers- in -law, sisters- in -law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. Following Mass of the Resurrection at St.Croan's Church, Ballymoe the burial took place in Kilcroan Cemetery.
The film actress, Jessie Buckley from Killarney, who is much in the news recently, having won several major awards, including best actress (drama) in the Golden Globes for her role in the film “Hamnet”, has strong local connections. Her great grandfather was Dr Jack Comer from Organic Mill Farm in Pollaneyster, Williamstown. Jack’s parents were Simon Comer and Mary Waldron, whose daughter (Jack’s sister) Mrs Mary Patterson, Ballybane, Ballinlough taught in Williamstown NS for many years. All in the locality are, naturally, taking an added interest in Jessie’s career, and are hoping that further honours will come her way when the results of the Academy Awards are announced in the coming weeks. She is rated among the favourites for the Best Actress Award again.
Nathan Feeney, currently based in London, is making his mark on GAA matters in the English capital. He has been selected on the London panel for the FBD Competition. This competition came to a conclusion on Sunday, with Galway capturing the title, securing a late win over Mayo in the final in Tuam Stadium. London picked up one of the lesser honours, by defeating Leitrim in the Plate final. Congrats to Nathan and his teammates on this achievement, and wishing him continuing success in his playing career, with the National League starting next Sunday.
When the Galway U-14 girls’ football panel, drawn from 18 clubs, was announced recently, Caoilinn Whyte, Kildaree, Williamstown, a member of the Glenamaddy/Williamstown club, was one of those included. Congratulations to Caoilinn and her family on this achievement and wishing her every success in her footballing career.
