Local Notes: Charity Match, Badminton Fundraiser and Coffee Morning
The members of the Roscommon Special Olympics team who took part in the Big Match last weekend, An Garda Siochana v Roscommon Special Olympics.
A big thank you to everyone who supported Roscommon Badminton Club’s recent church gate collection. The support is greatly appreciated and will help the badminton club continue to provide a friendly and active environment for players of all ages. New members are always welcome at the badminton club. Adults play every Tuesday from 8-10 p.m. at the Convent Gym, Roscommon Town, and juvenile sessions take place on Fridays, 7-8pm (13 years and under), 8-9 p.m. (14 years and over). Whether you are an experienced player or simply looking to get active, meet new people and enjoy a game of badminton, the club would be delighted to welcome you.
Results from the Bridge Clubs: Roscommon Bridge Club: 1st, Tresina & Tommie Murphy; 2nd, Loretto Curley & Veronica McManus; gross, Maurice Buckley & Larry Shine.
Happy '71 Bridge Club: 1st, Mary McDermott & Anne Kilduff; 2nd, Mary & Terry O'Keeffe; gross, Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine.
St. Coman's Bridge Club: 1st, Maria Hickey & Gertie Spillane; 2nd, Chris McGrath & Nuala Costello; gross, Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro.
Ballymurry Bridge Club: 1st, Kate Walshe & Anthony Mahony; 2nd, Mary Doheny & Mary Owens; gross, Maria Hickey & Michael Dolan.
The Check it Fits service is coming to Roscommon. Experts will advise on how to fit child seats correctly and answer any queries participants might have. The Check it Fits service will be visiting Dunnes Stores on Friday, October 16th.
To celebrate the launch of the Roscommon Community Sports Park Facebook Page the team are giving away an hour MUGA (Multi use games area) hire. Whether it's a game of basketball with friends, a training session or a family kick about, this is your chance to enjoy the fantastic facilities completely. To enter like, follow and share the new Roscommon Community Sports Park Facebook Page. Competition closes October 16th. One lucky winner will be randomly selected and announced on the Facebook Page.
And as the dust settles on “The Match 2026” and despite what some people might have thought, this was never a foregone conclusion. Finishing 6 all after normal time and ending 9 -8 on penalties it was a super hard-fought match with a very happy Roscommon Special Olympics lifting the Maire Allen Memorial Cup. This Cup holds a very special meaning as al remember good friend and long-time volunteer and coach with the club.
Controversial at times, with yellow cards, a red card and at least three var decisions, you would nearly think all were watching the Premier League. But beyond the tackles, the decisions and the drama, the night was everything it was meant to be — a wonderful celebration of community, inclusion, ability and, above all fun.
A huge thank you to everyone who played their part in making the night such a success. This night would not be the wonderful night it always is without a combined effort from everyone but most especially from the wonderful members of Roscommon Gardaí. Thank you for participation, sportsmanship and support. A special word of thanks to Ronan O’Meara, Kelley Doolan and David Cryan.
The amazing catering team was led by Mrs Carr, thank you for keeping everyone fed and looked after throughout the night.
To local media, Paul at the Roscommon People, Ian at the Roscommon Herald, Joe O’Brien, Willie Hegarty and Una Doolan thank you for helping us share the occasion with the wider community. A word of appreciation also to Martin Hannon, Roscommon Sports Partnership for his help and advice. To Ash and Dazzler Entertainment, thank you for providing the entertainment and adding to the fantastic atmosphere. Thank you to The Holly Tree Roscommon Town for hosting the after party. The members of Roscommon Comhaltas join in every year and really add to the atmosphere on the night, thank you to you all for your beautiful music and energy. To the photographers, thank you for capturing the special moments and memories from the night. A very special mention to the wonderful Breda Cahill Durr for all her hard work and care and for truly capturing the night. Thank you to our referee Brian Quigley who was very fair and impartial throughout, To all the parents and caregivers of athletes, thank you for your continued encouragement and dedication. A special mention to Kathryn Dennigan who does so much in the background.
To B Quality Barcode Solutions, Brian and Lisa, thank you for your continued and unwavering support. The new polo shirts are just fabulous. A huge thank you to you for helping everyone look the part.
To wonderful volunteers and coaches. The coaches this year Atilia Tavares, John Hannon, Ursula Kilcoyne, Sinead Gleeson and Pamela Kelly are world class, and it showed on the pitch. Words cannot express how much your help means. Without your time, commitment and support, a night like this simply would not happen. And finally, but most importantly, to the incredible athletes — THANK YOU! They are the heart and soul of the club, and are the reason this match was such a memorable occasion. The enthusiasm, determination, ability and spirit are what make nights like this so special.
Football results may be debated, var decisions may be questioned, and the odd red card may be appealed but one thing is certain: community, inclusion and the power of sport were the real winners on the night.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in anyway and to all who came along on the night to support and cheer on both teams.
Have your little ones outgrown their Halloween costumes? Roscommon libraries are now accepting donations of gently used costumes and props for a Halloween costume swap on October 31st, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Please feel free to bring a costume to donate or swap to any of the participating branches during opening hours. E-mail: roslib@roscommoncoco.ie
On Friday, October 16th from 11 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. call in for a cuppa and a chat to Roscommon County Library. Roscommon Volunteer Centre will also be present on the day with information on volunteering opportunities in the community. All welcome.
