Local Notes: Easter parade, poetry festival and parkrun
Hazel Lannon and Valerie McGinley, Strokestown, pictured at a recent Fashion Show in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown in aid of Clooncagh NS. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
Strokestown Community Development Association wishes to thank the many people and organisations who assisted with the Table Quiz on Friday, March 15th in aid of the annual Easter Parade. Deepest gratitude is due to the many sponsors of the raffle and auction on the night and to Jason Hanly for kindly hosting the event. The Easter Parade takes place on Easter Sunday, March 31st commencing at 3 p.m.. Please organise your float and notify the organisers of your participation in advance.
Results of the SCDA fortnightly draw held on March 19th - numbers drawn - 5, 16, 18, 21. One "Lucky Dip" winner - Melanie Grace Celespara, c/o Breege Silke, Church Street. Next draw is on Tuesday, April 2nd at the SCDA Office. Thank you for your continued support.
St. Mary's Primary School, Strokestown is now accepting enrolments for the school year, 2024/25. Forms are currently available from the school, telephone (071) 9633404 or (086) 8038968.
Sunday Mass at Carnaska Church on Sunday, March 31st (Easter Sunday) is at 10 a.m..
Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Thursday, March 28th (Holy Thursday) at 9 p.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown. Celebration of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday, March 29th at 3 p.m.. The Easter Vigil will be celebrated on Holy Saturday, March 30th at 9 p.m..
Service of Holy Communion at St. Coman's Church, Roscommon, on Sunday, March 31st (Resurrection Sunday) at 11.30 a.m.. Lent and Holy Week Service on Thursday, March 28th at 8 p.m., at St. Coman's. Lent and Holy Week Service at St. John's Church, Lanesborough, on Wednesday, March 27th at 8 p.m..
Enrolment forms for Clooncagh NS for September 2024, are now available. Telephone (071) 9633253 or e-mail clooncaghschool@gmail.comfor further information.
St Patrick's Boys' National School, Strokestown is now accepting enrolment for September 2024. Please contact (071) 9633409 or e-mail stpatricksbns@gmail.com for an enrolment form.
Kiltrustan National School is accepting enrolment for the 2024/'25 school year. Please e mail kiltrustannationalschool@gmail.com or telephone (071) 9633965 for an enrolment form.
The annual church gate collection in aid of MS Ireland will take place on the weekend of March 30th/31st. All donations gratefully accepted.
Social dancing at the Scoil Mhuire Hall, Strokestown, on Monday, April 1st from 9 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. with music from Carmel McLoughlin. Admission - €10. All welcome.
The annual Strokestown International Poetry Festival will take over the weekend of Friday, May 3rd to Sunday, May 5th. The event will commence on the Friday at 7.30 p.m., at the Famine Museum Cafe, with readings by Roscommon writers Gerry Boland, Louise G. Cole, Jessamine O'Connor and Michael O’Dea, admission €8. The opening reception will take place at 8.30 p.m., This will be followed at 9 p.m., by readings from Rita Ann Higgins and Thomas Lynch. Admission €10. More information next issue.
The death took place recently at Oakwood Nursing Home, Roscommon, of Mr Michael Murphy of Avalon, Kiltoom, Athlone. A native of Ardakillin, Strokestown, he was son of the late Mr Michael Murphy and of the late Mrs Catherine Murphy, and a member of an old-established farming family in the locality. He was predeceased by his first wife, Catherine. He was brother of the late Mr Tommy Murphy (Ardakillin). Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at the Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, and the interment followed in Kiltoom Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Veronica; sister, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Esker Ri Nursing Home, Clara, County Offaly, of Sr. Mary Sacred Heart Beirne, Sisters of Mercy, Kilbeggan, County Westmeath. Born Marguerite Beirne at Kilmore, she previously served at the Convent of Mercy, Tullamore. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James's Church, Kilbeggan, and the interment followed at the Convent Cemetery, Harbour Road, Kilbeggan. She is survived by her nieces, Mary Curran and Margaret Foster, nephews, James and Andrew Curran, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, extended family, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill, Roscommon, of Miss Helen Tanner of Upper Elphin Street, Strokestown. Born Ellen Anne Tanner, she was daughter of the late Mr Edward J. Tanner and of the late Mrs Bridget Tanner (nee Beirne), and a member of a well-known farming family in the area, with wide connections in the county. She was educated at the Convent of Mercy, Strokestown, and Scoil Mhuire (Bawn Street). She joined the Department of Posts & Telegraphs and spent long periods based at Carrick-on-Shannon and in Sligo up until her retirement. She was a popular member of staff at all locations and was held in the highest esteem by her co-workers. In later years she returned to reside in Strokestown where she was a popular member of the local community with her gift for friendship. She was a devout Catholic. News of her passing following a period of illness was heard of with deep sadness among her relatives, neighbours and friends. The Funeral Mass was concelebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, by Fr Eamonn O'Connor, PP, and Canon Ciaran Whitney (Strokestown) and Fr. John McManus, P.P., V.G., (Castlerea) (cousin) and the interment followed in Strokestown Cemetery. She is survived by her sisters, Sr Edel (Rita), M.M.M., (Dublin), Mrs Mary Sexton (Derrane) and Carmel (Strokestown); brothers, George (Strokestown) and John (London); nephews, Kevin, John, and Sean; grandnieces, grandnephews, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
There was a small attendance at the parkrun on Saturday, the blustery showers left it tough going for the participants but they got through the three lapped course valiantly. Congratulations to Roscommon lady Maeve Dervin, first lady home and to to Padraig Holmes, first male home. Thank you to all the 13 volunteers . Sometime later on Saturday the group heard of the passing of one of the core team members, Frank Costello RIP. Frank greeted participants at the main gate most Saturdays. Deepest sympathy to his wife, Mary, his sister, Bernadette, the Bosquette and Costello families Frank and Mary were a great team and they volunteered side by side. When not volunteering they took part. Strokestown parkrun has lost a valued friend and a core team member. May Frank’s gentle soul rest in peace.
The death took place recently of Mrs Veronica Ayers (nee O'Connor) of Cuan Mhuire, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon, in her 99th year. A native of Farragher, Ballinaheglish, she was sister of the late Mr Patrick O'Connor (Cloonshreen, Strokestown). Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Brigid's Church, Fourmilehouse, and the interment followed in Oran Cemetery. She is survived by her children, Robert, Tina, Alan, Stephen, and Maureen; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Roscommon Hospice of Mr Frank Harrington of Ballinafad House, Strokestown, He was native of Athleague. Born in 1943, he was a former employee of Irish Sugar Beet Factory at Tuam and with Paul & Vincent Ltd., With a life-long interest in farming, he acquired Ballinafad House and farm on the outskirts of Strokestown where he promoted the breeding of Texel sheep and Hereford cattle. He was a member of the Texel Sheep Society. He was highly regarding as a great judge of livestock and was much in demand as a judge at agricultural shows and sales. He was a great supporter of Strokestown Agricultural Show as an exhibitor, judge, and sponsor. In his spare time, he was a lover of music. News of his passing following a period of ill-health was heard of with deep regret among his relatives, neighbours, and friends, especially all those from the farming community. The Funeral Mass was concelebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, by Fr. Eamonn O'Connor, PP, and Canon Ciaran Whitney (Strokestown) and Fr. Micheal Donnelly, P.P., (Frenchpark). Private Cremation followed at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. He is survived by his wife, Breedge; children, Mary, William, and Helen; daughter-in-law, Carmen; Mary's partner, Pat; sister-in-law, Anne; brother-in-law, Michael, nephews, nieces, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
A Table Quiz will be held on Friday, April 26th organised by members of Roscommon County Council’s staff Social and Sports Club in the ballroom of Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, at 8 p.m.. Proceeds raised will go towards a special 'Go Fund Me' page to support Nicola Murphy who was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Tables of four are priced €40 while a raffle will also be held on the night. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
