Local Notes: Comedy Time, School Football, Golf Lotto
The Granlahan NS team of Mark Kirrane, Conor Daly, Dean Kirrane and Ronan Murphy who took part in the recent Cumann na mBunscol RosComáin sports quiz in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O'Loughlin
Castlerea Musical Society has announced that it is with “regret” that due to being “unable to cast Calendar Girls, we have made the difficult decision to press pause and will not be staging a musical in 2026. We are now calling an important meeting and invite all members, helpers, supporters, and anyone who has played a part in our productions over the years to attend. This meeting will give us an opportunity to openly discuss our concerns, share ideas, and talk about the future of Castlerea Musical Society,” said the society. The meeting will be held in Tully’s Hotel (function room) on this Thursday, February 19th at 8 p.m.. “Your voice matters, and we would greatly appreciate your support and input as we look to the future,” said the society.
Trien Players present their three Act Comedy Play for Love and Money on Thursday, February 26th, Friday, February 27th and Sunday, March 1st in the Trinity Arts Centre at 8.30 p.m.. Tickets on the door.
Congratulations are extended to Miss Breda Coleman, service user with the Brothers of Charity, Castlerea, who celebrated her 60th birthday on Saturday, February 7th. Breda, who resides at one of the group homes in Ballintubber, was joined by family members, friends, her fellow service users, staff and former staff members, at her party held in Kenny’s, Ballintubber. Of course, there would be no party without music and here Roscommon Town’s DJ Seamus Duke excelled. He played the right type of music which everyone enjoyed, and the dance floor was never empty during the three hour performance and of course there was the odd bar of a song from service users, staff and former staff, including a great friend of the service users, Danny Burke. Breda thanked everyone who attended, sent birthday wishes and presents and the wonderful house parents for their kindness to her. She had a special welcome for her brother, Marty Coleman who travelled from North Carolina and her niece, Michelle Farrell, who travelled from Canada for the occasion. Her sister, Cathy Farrell, on behalf of the family also thanked all present and thanked them for their kindness to Breda and special thanks to all the staff at the Brothers of Charity who care for Breda, she thanked Seamus Duke, the Kenny’s and Patricia Smith for the wonderful food, which was top class and all who made the night so enjoyable. Breda is very popular in Ballintubber and with her great friend Carmel Leech she collects the baskets in the church. She is also a Eucharistic Minister. Here’s wishing Breda many more happy birthdays in the years ahead.
Chris Duffy, Castlerea, singer/songwriter has just released his second single, a song from the mid 70’s, ‘I don’t want to put no hold on you’. The song was written by Bernie and Mike Fint. The song was performed on the Opportunity Knocks programme with Hughie Greene. It was a big hit in the 70’s. Chris hopes you will enjoy his version of this great song. The price of the CD is only €5 with all proceeds going to Sunflower Children’s Hospice. The song has been produced by John Staunton, sequencing by David Leddy and backing vocals by Annete Griffin. It’s on sale in may shop outlets around the town. Please support this very worthy cause.
Congratulations are extended to Bernie Sharkey, Church Road, Castlerea, on celebrating her 60th birthday on Wednesday, February 11th. Bernie was brought by her many friends to a surprise treat in Mulvihill’s on Wednesday night. There was great excitement when Bernie Mulvihill arrived out with the cake and candles, the cake was specially made by Lilly Connell. As Bernie blew out the candles all present sang happy birthday. A great night was had by all present and they had a great time talking about old times. There were some great stories. Here’s wishing Bernie many more happy birthdays in the years ahead.
The Castlerea Community School First Years boys’ team had a good win over the Roscommon CBS second team in the County Roscommon schools’ competition for the late Damien Carty Cup at Glenamaddy, on January 30th on the score of 2-12 to 2-9. This was a fine game of football by two very committed teams who put some fine moves together and took some fine scores. This was Castlerea’s third game on the trot, winning two and losing one. Team manager, Richie Britton. They have two games in the Connacht Championship coming up versus Drumshanbo away on March 3rd and Carrigallen at home on March 18th.
The death occurred peacefully on Monday, February 2nd at Sligo University Hospital of Mr Kevin Egan, Ballaghaderreen and formerly of Cloonsuck, Castlerea. Predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Joseph, brothers, Michael, James, Leo, PJ and Norman and his sister Maureen. The deceased worked hard, he loved farming and looking after his cattle. He had a great love of the land and took great pride in his work. He was also a man of great faith and he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his by his sons and daughters, Barry, Lorraine, Siobhan and Michael and their mother Bernie; his grandchildren, Harley, Caoimhín, Esmé and Winnie; his brother, Brendan; daughter-in-law, Emma; Michael’s fiancée, Charlotte; his sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. His remains were removed from McDonagh’s Funeral Home, Castlerea to St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen and following Mass of the Resurrection on Friday morning celebrated by Fr. Paul Kivlehan, burial took place in Kilcolman Cemetery, Ballaghaderreen. Before the final blessing, his daughter Lorraine gave the eulogy on her dad’s life. The ceremony was enhanced by the singing and music of Brian Flanagan. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
The Cloonbonniffe 200 Club Draw, subscription renewal is €20. First prize, €100; 2nd, €50; 3rd, €25. Promoters will be contacting members in the next few weeks to collect subscriptions. Draws for the months of January, February and March will take place in March and thereafter once a month. New members welcome.
Threen NS is taking part in ‘Cash for Clobber’ again this year and would very much appreciate your help. This project helps to raise vital funds for the school. The closing date is Monday, February 23rd. Items accepted, clothes (clean, dry and reusable), paired shoes, trainers (tied), handbags, belts. Items not accepted, toys, soiled clothes, duvets, pillows.
Application forms for pupils wishing to enrol in Threen NS for September 2026 are now available from Regina, the school secretary. Call 094 9621330 on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. or email thrnns56@gmail.com
The Trien 300 Club Draw is due for renewal. Renewal for the year is €20 - 1st, €100; 2nd, €50; 3rd, €25 x 2. Promoters will be contacting members in the coming days. Thanks to everyone for their ongoing support.
Enrolment forms and admission policy for Tarmon NS for September 2026 can be downloaded from www.tarmonns.ie or by contacting the school. E-mail: office@tarmonns.ie or phone094 9621143.
St. Paul’s NS is now accepting enrolments for September 2026. Forms are available from the school office or by contacting principal@stpaulsboysns.com Please contact Miss Shannon with any queries on 089 4690369.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s lotto for February 11 was number 36. Winners of this week’s lotto were Marian McCormack, Amanda Soares, Jimmy Mannion, and Sean Fleming. Each receive €100.
The monthly dance in Kilmurry Hall continues on Sunday, March 1st with the legendary John Glenn of the Mainliners and Brian Kerrrigan. Dancing from 8p.m. to 10p.m with doors open at 7.30p.m. Admission €10. Come along for a great night of dancing.
The senior Scór county finals take place in Kilmurry Hall on Saturday, March 14th. Competitions include figure dancing, solo recitation/storytelling, singing, question time, ballad group, novelty act, instrumental music, set dancing. Those wishing to compete, please contact Michael Conroy 087 7711515.
