Local Notes: Darkness into Light, open fun day, darts and textile arts project
The cast and crew of Roscommon County Youth Theatre who presented 'Open Your Mouth', written and directed by Catherine Sheridan at Roscommon Arts Centre last week. Pic. Brian Farrell
Over 100,000 people are expected to participate nationally in the 16th annual Darkness Into Light walk, which is being held on Saturday morning, May 11th at 4.15 a.m.. In Roscommon Town, the local committee is busy preparing to welcome all to the Convent of Mercy Secondary School Gym for this year’s walk. This walk has gone from strength to strength over the years, testament to the hard work of the local committee and the superb support received from participants each year. The focus each year is to bring communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, symbolising the journey from despair to hope. The registration fee is so important and helps fund services provided by Pieta.
The local committee is very grateful to all the business who have supported the event to date with goods and services and a special thank you to the Roscommon Solstice Choir who make the walk through the town park so very special.
In 2023 in Connaught alone, the charity provided over 4,000 hours of therapy and saw over 500 clients across the province. The charity also supported almost 100 families and households bereaved by suicide.
Pieta depends on the funds generated by Darkness Into Light, with over 85% of the charity’s annual income coming from public fundraising. Pieta’s 300 qualified therapists, suicide bereavement liaison officers and support staff across the country rely on this essential income to continue their lifesaving work.
By participating in the event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis. When you sign up for this year’s walk you are reminded that by getting involved in the event, you are making a valuable contribution towards Pieta’s vital therapy and support services for those impacted by suicide. Sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie. To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
The MS Society, Roscommon Branch, wishes to thank everyone for their generosity at the Roscommon Town church gate collection on Easter Weekend, March 30th and 31st. The amount collected was €1,610.24, also thanks to all the collectors at the gates.
Results from the Bridge Clubs: Roscommon Bridge Club - President's Prize (President Joan Donnellan) - 1st, Kitty Dowd & Phyllis O'Shaughnessy;
2nd, Carmel Plunkett & Joan O'Shea; Gross, Mary & Vincent Brennan; 3rd, Ann Kilduff & Celia Ansboro; 1st Session, Veronica McManus & Mary Farrell; 2nd. Session, Kitty Blighe & Mary McDermott.
Happy '71 Bridge Club - President's Prize (President Chris McGrath) - 1st, Mary & Pearse Mellett; 2nd, Tresina Murphy & Larry Shine; Gross, Mary & Vincent Brennan; 3rd, Joan Donnellan & Margaret Gillen; 1st. Session, Mary McDermott & Ann Kilduff; 2nd Session, Kitty Dowd & Celia Ansboro.
St. Coman's Bridge Club - President's Prize (President Evelyn Curley)- 1st., Maria Hickey & Gertie Spillane; 2nd, Nuala Costello & Chris McGrath; Gross, Agnes Murray & Maura Moran; 3rd, Ann Shine & Mary Naughton; 1st Session, Ann Flynn & Peggie Kelly; 2nd Session, Kitty Gately & Mary Dermody.
Ballymurray Bridge Club - President's Prize (President Pat Finneran) - 1st, Gertie Spillane & Josephine Devaney; 2nd, John O'Gara & George Bannon; Gross, Mary Naughton & Kitty Gately; 3rd, Jill Farrell & Pat Lyons; 1st Session, Rita Roughneen & Maria Hickey; 2nd Session, Peggie Kelly & Kitty Blighe.
The monthly presentation was held at the club on Saturday, April 27th and in the women’s section the Spring League (sponsored by Linda Maxwell) winners were: Mary O’Connor, Yvonne Waldron, Joan Hannon, Noreen O’Grady, Una Gleeson, Bernie Browne, Detta Cox and Martina Brennan. Runners-up were Mary Lalor, Mary O’Keeffe, Kay Ruane, Jackie McCormack, Mary Mellett, Claire Keane, Martina Cribbin, Phil Murray O’Brien.
The Winter League (sponsored by O’Brien Mushrooms) was won by Kay Ruane, Joan Moran and Veronica Clarke and the runners-up were Mary O’Connor, Jackie Maxwell and Pauline Leonard. Individual prize winner, Noreen O’Grady.
Ladies club competitions: February 27th - winner Bernie Browne; April 2nd, 18h winner, Marie McManus, 9h, Monica Lennon.; April 9th 18h winner- Marie McManus, 9h, Catherine Waldron; April 16th 18h winner, Joan Hannon, 9h winner, Laura Griffith; April 23rd sponsored by RosMed Pharmacy, 18h winner - Marie McManus; 2nd, Joan O’Gara; 9h winner - Theresa Ray ;2nd, Catherine Waldron.
Men: 18h March 30th, 31st, April 1st, sponsored by Roscommon People, 1st, Sean Ridley; 2nd ,Tony McManus; Gross, JP O’Gara. April 6th/7th sponsored by Donnellan’s Menswear - 1st, Patrick Farnan; Category 1 - Charlie Farrell; Cat 2 - Kevin Glynn; Cat 3 - Mick Fitzpatrick; Gross-John McHale. April 20th/21st sponsored by Hannon’s Hotel - 1st, Rikki O’Gara; Cat 1- Eamon Collins; Cat 2- David Kearney; Cat 3- Mick Fitzpatrick; Gross- Tommy Grehan.
The senior and junior Scratch Cups will be held on Sunday, May. 19th Time sheets available at the club or online. The draw sheets for the Smithwicks Cup and Jack Halliday Cup are on the notice board in the men’s locker room. The draw for both competitions will take place in the clubhouse on Monday, May 6th. The annual club classic will take place on June 22nd and 23rd June. A time sheet will shortly be available. Teams of four, €200. More details to come.
GRETB and Roscommon LEADER Partnership invites everyone to an Open Family Fun Day in the Further Education and Training Centre in Lisnamult F42H985 on May 3rd at 1pm until 4pm.
The day promises a wide variety of fun activities and groups for all ages, including Music Generation, Roscommon Sports Partnership, Precious Pets Mobile Farm, The Creator Van Mobile Arts and Crafts Studio, and Mega Games Mobile Gaming Suite. Adults and children can enjoy refreshments from Brewpoint Coffee Company and Nick’s Ices. Parents with infants can bring their little ones to a play and stay session organised by the Roscommon County Childcare Committee. There will be face-painting, games and treats for younger children as well as parents, and plenty of spot prizes and hampers to be won in the raffle.
Roscommon parish says a sincere thank you to parishioners for their generosity towards the recent Easter collection for the support of parish clergy. It is very much appreciated.
Coman’s Swim Club is hosting a fundraising table quiz to raise money for the club development fund, on Friday, May 3rd in The Coachman’s Inn, Roscommon Town. Tickets are €50 for table of 4. Quiz starts at 8.30 p.m.. All welcome, over 18’s. Please support the local swim club.
A special thanks from Roscommon Community Sports Park to Tesco Community Fund for the contribution of €741. Thanks to everyone who supported the Community Fund.
Join Roscommon Women’s Network for the women's intercultural textile art project official unveiling on Friday, May 17th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Abbey Hotel Roscommon. As well as the unveiling, this morning event will include songs and stories by the women involved in the project and will be followed by a light lunch. To register, please phone 0949621690, phone/text 0864424695 or email on A.Treanor@rwn.ie
Roscommon Tidy Towns is delighted to highlight a new Facebook members group "Roscommon Reuse Project" where you can advertise unwanted items suitable for reuse for free. This is a great initiative to keep unwanted useful items out of landfill and increasing their lifespan thus cutting down on cost and waste.
A bus to the Pro Life Campaign March for Life in Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th, will leave from Roscommon Church at 8 a.m.. Cost €30. Booking essential. Contact Siobhan on 083 0254 809.
Roscommon County Council in collaboration with the Roscommon Women's Network - RWN will hold an information evening for all local election candidates and interest groups on the issues affecting female voters and the female population at large. This event will take place on Thursday, May 2nd from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon. All candidates will be afforded the opportunity to outline their commitment to issues that directly impact upon the lives of women locally. The event will be chaired by Christina McHugh, Editor of the Roscommon Herald. The event will inform both community representatives representing local women and candidates of the issues that directly affect women. Registration will commence from 6.30 p.m. with complementary tea/coffee served on arrival. Light refreshments will also be served following the conclusion of the event.
The annual Martin Kelly Cup will be held on Saturday, May 11th at 7 p.m. in the Hollywood Bar. Names to be in by 6.30 p.m.. first game is at 7 p.m.. The competition is confined to Roscommon league players or those who have been associated with Roscommon darts. Format on the day has traditionally been knockout but may revert to Round Robin based on numbers. For more information contact Ciarán on 0862634104.
