Local Notes: Defibillator Fundraising, Yoga, Heritage Society
It was with great sadness that the community learned of the passing of Irene Cryan, wife of Michael and loving mother to Conor, Sinead and Aoife. Irene left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of meeting her and will be sorely missed. The local community extends sincere condolences to Michael, Aoife, Conor, Sinead and the extended Cryan and Barry families at this very difficult time. May Irene's gentle soul Rest in Peace. Pre-deceased by her parents David and Mary Barry, her brother Martin and sisters Una and Eithne. Irene will be sadly missed by her loving husband, Michael, her beloved children, Conor, Sinéad and Aoife; brothers and sisters, Marian, Ann, Noel, Donie, Kevin, Paul, Orla and Michael; mother-in- law, Norrie; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and a wide circle of extended family friends and neighbours. St. Michael’s GAA Club would like to sincerely thank all club members who helped out in any way during what was a very sad and difficult week for the community. Whether it was helping with the catering, car parking, grave digging or assisting in any other way, your support, time and willingness to help was greatly appreciated. It is at times like these that the true spirit of the club and community comes to the fore. A sincere thank you to everyone who gave their time and helped out in any way. Following Funeral Mass on Friday in St. Michael's Church, Cootehall Irene was laid to rest in Kileenan Cemetery.
Work with willow classes start in Ardcarne Park Complex on September 23rd for a six-week duration. Classes are supported by Community Education Galway/ Roscommon ETB, numbers are limited. Booking is essential/ first come first included. Phone Nuala 086 3974566.
Cootehall, Crossna & Drumboylan Defibrillator Group is launching its 2026 fundraising appeal. From the second week of September to the first week of October, members of the committee will be calling to every house in the parish of Ardcarne with donation envelopes. The group is asking for your support to help raise enough money to purchase six new, state-of-the-art defibrillators to replace the existing units, which are now reaching the end of their operational lifespan. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. Your support will help ensure that the community continues to be a safe place to live, work and visit.
Yoga classes resume in Ardcarne Park Complex (F52 X886) on Monday, September 14th at 7.30 p.m. Rates €13/class or block of 6 is €66. Bring Yoga mat and comfy blanket. Enquiries Edel 087 COFFEE MORNING FOR HOSPICE Mayo Roscommon Hospice is looking for community groups, individuals, schools or workplace etc. to host a coffee morning/evening on National Coffee Morning for Hospice on Thursday, September 24th or any date that suits. Coffee and posters will be provided. Contact 094 9388666.
Full-time adult education courses starting September 2026 in Leitrim College of Further Education and Training (MSLETB) located at the Drumshanbo campus on the Hilly Road, N41 C6X6 and Carrick-on-Shannon campus - The Courtyard, N41 A386 and N41 TE20. Find out about the QQI Level 5 & 6 courses in Business, Equine, Health Nutrition and Food Science, Healthcare Skills, Music, Outdoor Sports and Recreation, Psychology, Youth and Social Studies and Tourism on the website www.leitrimcollege.ie, the Facebook and Instagram pages @LeitrimCollege or call 089-2667813.
The community lost one of its most popular and much loved personalities recently with the death of Tommy Higgins, Knockanara It was very much in keeping with his life that his sudden passing came while tending to his farm animals, which, like all aspects of nature, he loved with a passion, and also while in the company of one of his closest friends. Tommy was a man of many parts, something which came across very clearly at his Funeral Mass, from both Fr. Anthaiah’s meaningful homily and from the superb eulogy given by his nephew David Kelly, whom many remember as an outstanding Sligo footballer of the recent past. Though Tommy concentrated on running the family farm since the death of his father, prior to that he had embarked on a variety of occupations - from the Aer Corps, to Team Aer Lingus, to Ferenka in Limerick, to Stainless Steel in Roscommon. Not alone did he perform each role to the highest of standards, but, with his friendly personality and his ready wit, not to mention his countless one-liners, he made close friends in every one of those situations. Tommy had a strong, quiet faith, exemplified by the manner in which he lived out his Christian values, such as by walking the Camino a number of times in Spain and Portugal. He was generous to a fault, not just to his nephews and nieces, but also to the less well off in the world, as typified by his voluntary work in Tanzania. He liked nothing better than family gatherings, at which his exemplary relationship with all members of his family, immediate and extended, was most obvious.
Among Tommy’s many interests, sport was very high on the list, with horse racing, golf and GAA very much to the fore. He attended race meetings in the west regularly, he enjoyed the occasional round of golf, and he was an ever-present figure at Galway matches, at Sligo matches when David was playing, and, of course, at all Williamstown matches. Those of us who attend our club matches regularly will miss Tommy’s quiet, calming and witty presence.
Sincere sympathy to his sisters Mary, Anne and Eileen, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends. RIP Tommy. L.F.
The most recent meeting was held on Wednesday last in Templetogher. Not alone was there an excellent attendance, but, as ever, all the discussions were thorough, robust and very entertaining. It was nice to gather in a pressure free atmosphere, following the very successful National Heritage Week.
As ever, there was a very full agenda, and among the matters addressed on the night were annual membership, to which there has been an outstanding response; ongoing development plans for Templetogher Heritage Area; and a review of an extremely busy period for members recently. In looking back over the busiest, and, without a doubt, one of the most successful Heritage Weeks ever, there was quiet satisfaction that everything went off so well, from the Nationwide broadcast on Monday, to the visit of the large coach load of heritage enthusiasts from all over the county on Tuesday, to the visit of the Killererin group on Thursday, and, finally, to the Open Day on Sunday. It was obvious that the new format for Open Day, where, in addition to the regular displays, exhibitions and unveilings, with a huge entertainment section, was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The extra helpers who joined, as always, on Open Day, were warmly thanked.
Before breaking for the winter, the group agreed to have one more meeting, on September 30th. This gathering will be very informal, mostly taken up with food and chat.
Members extend sincere sympathy to the family, relatives and friends of the late Jim Dowd, Dublin (formerly Kilmore); also to Richard and the Glynn family, Springfield Avenue, on the death in Dublin of Richard’s son, Raymond; and to the family, relatives and friends of the late Andrew Carney, Tuam. RIP Jim, Raymond and Andrew.
Wishing every success to the Williamstown footballers and management in their important top-of-the-table clash with Headford in a primary junior championship tie in Williamstown on this Sunday, September 13th at 1 p.m..
After seven years managing the Galway senior footballers, Padraic Joyce has decided to step down from the post. Though he didn’t succeed in capturing the Sam Maguire Cup during his period in charge, his team won four successive Connacht titles, he kept Galway up among the elite counties during his reign, and he and his players gave the supporters countless enjoyable outings.
Following an outstanding and extremely successful playing career, he was then prepared to put time, energy and an endless amount of effort into managing the Galway senior team for such a long period. For all the great memories from your first day as a Galway footballer, (it is only natural that we tend to prioritise the happy ones), thanks, Padraic.
