Local Notes: Caring with Confidence, Soccer News, Baby & Toddler Group
Local residents Kathleen and Anne are keeping Drimalasson, Ballaghaderreen colourful and in bloom. Sunflowers stand tall and strong, welcoming all as they pass. Take a moment to also read the inspirational messages.
Family Carers Ireland will be delivering a seven-week workshop at The Shambles Community Resource Centre to support those caring for family members, starting October 7th and running until November 28th, every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. To sign up to this call 086 809 8539. The course is aimed at people caring for a family member, providing practical support, information and guidance for their caring role. Topics will include carers’ rights, entitlements and supports, practical care skills, communication skills, first aid in the home, home safety, self-care and communication with doctors. The programme will also help participants identify their own needs, develop an action plan and build confidence in safe caring practices.
Art classes with Simon will begin at The Shambles on Tuesday, September 22nd, and will run for six weeks. Classes will take place each Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and cost €15 per class. Booking is essential, and anyone interested in taking part can contact 094 9862565 or email reception@theshambles.ie for further information or to reserve a place.
A cheque for €1,000 was presented to the Irish Guide Dogs following a successful fundraising effort at Anne O’Brien’s recent Lady Captain’s Night. Anne made the presentation to Irish Guide Dogs volunteers Theresa O’Reilly and Michael Collins, who were joined by Pixie and Bubbles. The event at the Golf Club was a great success and supported a very worthy cause. Sincere thanks were extended to everyone who contributed and helped make the evening such an enjoyable and successful occasion.
The Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed is a friendly local group for women aged 18 and over to get together, make new friends, have a laugh, and feel more connected in the community. The group is all about tackling isolation and loneliness while creating a safe, welcoming space where women can swap stories, share skills, learn from one another, and enjoy fun group activities. Meetings are fortnightly on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ballaghaderreen Community Park, F45 KP52. The next meeting is September 15th when a fun general knowledge quiz will be held. Why not pop along, say hello, and join in the fun?
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw took place on Tuesday, September 8th, with a jackpot of €235. The winners were Ava, Declan and Amy, with the winning ticket sold by The Hatch Bar. Pat Cogan was the Bonus Draw winner and receives a pair of tickets to a Sligo Rovers Premier League match at The Showgrounds. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, September 15th, at the Community Park. The club thanks everyone for their continued support. Tickets are available from outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, while annual tickets are also available for €90.
The Ballaghaderreen FC senior team began their new season with a hard-fought and entertaining 2-2 draw against St John’s Athletic ‘B’ at the Community Park on Sunday morning in the First Division of the Roscommon and District League. After reaching the pinnacle of local soccer for the first time in 2024, the club’s senior side took a sabbatical, followed by two difficult seasons, but there is renewed optimism this year under manager Luigi Cordone and coaches Gavin Conway and David Finn. With some astute new signings, the retention of experienced players and a fresh sense of enthusiasm around the squad, hopes are high for a productive campaign and a push back towards the higher echelons of the league. The club has also entered a B team this season, with strong playing numbers creating healthy competition for places. Sunday’s draw provided an encouraging start to what promises to be an interesting season ahead.
Sandra Ganley Dance will commence a new four-week course of jiving classes in Tibohine on Thursday, September 17th, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The classes are open to all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, with teens and adults welcome, while children aged eight and over may attend when accompanied by an adult. Booking is essential and places can be reserved by contacting 086 210 8029. Further information is available at sandraganleydance.ie.
The men's senior team take on local rivals Charlestown in Kiltimagh on Saturday, September 26th. All support is welcome to help Ballagh on what should be a fiercely contested battle. Throw in at 4 p.m.
Stepping Stones Baby & Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, offering a welcoming and relaxed space for babies, toddlers, parents and carers to meet, play and socialise. Each week includes a fun mix of messy play, arts and crafts, free play and plenty of other enjoyable activities designed to keep little ones entertained while giving adults the chance to connect with other local families. It’s a lovely weekly opportunity for children to explore, learn and make new friends in a friendly community setting.
A five-week basic computer course will begin at The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, on Tuesday, September 15th. The course, which runs every Tuesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. offers an introduction to computers in a small and friendly class setting, with no previous experience required. Laptops will be provided, and the course is free or available at an affordable cost. Places can be booked by contacting The Shambles on 094 986 2565.
