Local Notes: Band News, Fundraising Concert, School Football Update
Students from Castlerea Community School promoting the school's musical 'Little Shop of Horrors', which will be staged this week at the school. Pic: Liam Reynolds
Castlerea Musical Society presents ‘The Show Goes On’, a special fundraising concert celebrating years of musical magic. Join the group for a fantastic evening of show-stopping solos, wonderful duets and much-loved Broadway favourites on Saturday, November 7that 8 p.m. in the Trinity Arts Centre. Doors open at 7.30 p.m.. Show at 8 p.m.. Tickets €15 available from Webb’s Butcher, Tully’s Pharmacy and online at GR8 events. Wine and soft drinks bar available, with a raffle on the night. Come along, enjoy a great night of entertainment and support your local Musical Society.
Roscommon SPCA's annual street collection was held in Castlerea recently. A huge thank you to everyone who supported and donated so generously. A total of €1,436.50 was raised in Castlerea. A very special thank you to all the local businesses who kindly allowed the group to fundraise outside their premises and showed such kindness to the volunteers. Thank you to every single person who donated, where every €1 goes directly to animal care and helps provide food, essential veterinary treatments, shelter and much needed love and care to all the animals rescued. Finally, a massive thank you to the wonderful volunteers who gave up their Friday to stand out in the cold and fundraise for the animals. The time, dedication and support mean so much.
Congratulations are extended to Bridie Malone, St. Patrick Street, Castlerea, who celebrated her 84th birthday at the Friday evening gathering in Mulvihill’s on Friday, October 9th. There was a great party and Bridie was all out dressed in her native Mayo colours and danced and old-time waltz with Danny Burke, when he was singing ‘Moonlight in Mayo’. There was a fantastic array of food supplied by Miriam Gannon, Martina Callaghan, Monica Bruen, Keelan Doherty, Enna Conry and of course there would be no party without a cake and here thanks goes to Chris Egan for her beautiful homemade cake. The group was bit short of singers on the night as Padraic Newman and Sean Moran were away and Eugene Collins was rehearsing for the Castlerea Musical Society’s next show, Frozen. But there were some great songs from Enna, Monica and Bridie herself who also rendered a nice poem ‘ The Little House’. Bridie would like to thank all who sent her good wishes, the ladies who brought the food, and Dermot and Bernie Mulvihill. A great time was had by all. Here’s wishing Bridie many more happy birthdays in the years ahead.
The Parish Magazine committee is working on this year’s publication and invites clubs, organisations, schools and individuals to submit reports, articles etc to be included in this year’s magazine. Photos of events and special occasions during the year are especially welcome. Please forward your news to castlereaparishnews@gmail.com. The deadline for accepting all material is Friday, October 23rd.
Material for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Cloonbonniffe Review Magazine is now being compiled. If you have photos of special occasions, weddings, family gatherings, christenings, communions, confirmations, old memory lane photos, school, local interest stories, articles, and other material suitable for inclusion in this special edition, please send to kathleenwall123@gmail.com.
The Castlerea Community School boys’ junior ream were defeated by Enniscrone in the Connacht Colleges Division D Championship at O’ Rourke Park on Monday, October 12th by 5-5 to 4-14. This was their last game in the group. They won two and lost two, which means they don’t qualify for the quarter-finals. Team manager Paul Gooney with Danny Burke. Team sponsor, Lyons, Mace, referee Dermot Lyons.
The Castlerea Brass and Reed Band had a busy time in the past two weeks performing at the following events, Saturday, October 10th Ladies Football Finals in Ballyleague, Sunday, October 11th Roscommon Senior Hurling Final in Hyde Park, Saturday, October 18th, Roscommon Senior Football Final, Hyde Park. They will also perform at the Roscommon Intermediate Football Final in Hyde Park on Sunday, October 25th. The band would like to extend congratulations to Ella Thompson, daughter of band leader Richard Thompson and Fiona Thompson, Willsgrove, Ballintubber, on being selected left halfback on the Intermediate All-Stars Team of 2026. She gave some outstanding displays during the year and scored two excellent points in the All-Ireland final in Croke Park. Ella is the first St. Croan’s player ever to win an All-Star. Well done Ella. The band would like to extend congratulations to band member Mildred Beirne on celebrating her birthday last week. Mildred is a very dedicated member of the band and the band members wish her many more birthdays and happiness in the years to come.
The death occurred of Mr Michael Connelly, Moore, Castlerea, on Thursday, October 8th, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family and devoted partner, Maureen and her son Michael (Eileen). Predeceased by his wife, Nancy (nee McGrath), parents Michael and Mae, brother, John, his infant grandchild, brothers and sisters-in-law, Patrick, Seamus, Vincent, Bridie, Margaret, Peter and Tom.
Michael will be sadly missed by his loving daughters, Ann Marie (Noel Griffin) and Michelle (Edwin Shanagher); brother, Frank; sisters, Mary (Buckley), Ann (O’Sullivan), Gertie (Coleman), Patricia (Lynch) and Eithne (Hurley); grandchildren, Conor and Eimear; partner Maureen (Harte) and her family Michael (Eileen), Maureen (Shane), Eileen (Sean), Anne, Christina, and Jimmy and their families; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was a very kind, generous and good living person and a wonderful neighbour who always had time for people. He was a great family man and worked hard to provide for them over the years. He adored his grandchildren. He was a carpenter by trade. Indeed, he was a great tradesman. As a young man he worked for Michael Dolan, building contractor, Barrack Street, Castlerea, where he learned the carpentry trade from the late Jim Beirne, father of Gerry Beirne, Ballindrimley. This stood to him well over the years as he could turn his hand to anything, including building houses, roofing, plastering or the timber work. He also had a great interest in farming and of course the bog and always made sure that there was enough turf to keep the home fires burning for the winter months. He was also a man of great faith and had a great devotion to Our Lady of Knock. He also loved music and the family gatherings. His remains were removed from his home to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, and following Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr. Mario Zalki he was laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s for October 14th was number 8. Winners of this week’s lotto were Paul Reilly, Marie McDermot, David Healy, Cosy Bar, and Giles McDonagh. Each receive €100.
"Seeking Safety" is a free coping skills programme for women affected by trauma, mental health and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms. Gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and "take back your power” from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The programme is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Roscommon Town and Castlerea. For more information contact Lorraine in complete confidence on 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie.
