Local Notes: Golf News, Printing Workshop, Writers Group
Staff, parents and pupils of Tibohine NS present a cheque for €2,000 from the recent Tractors and Tea fundraiser to Children's Health Ireland representative Tim Dennehy. Pic: Breda Durr
Every year, since 2022, the picturesque village of Monasteraden, near Ballaghaderreen, has been host to an all-day word and number games tournament based on the long-running Channel4 TV show 'Countdown'. Inspired by the show, contestants play head-to-head games for the whole day, culminating in a grand final between the top two players. After lunch (a big buffet, provided as part of the €15 ticket price) players are streamed into three levels, so at the end everyone has a chance to win prizes in their range. There is even a prize for last place. It's all about the fun and most of this year’s players are returning after having been here before, whether or not they have ever won anything. The reigning champion is Hazel Drury, originally from Leitrim but living in the Isle of Man. The other contestants are coming from Dublin, Waterford, Donegal, England, Germany, Galway, Wicklow, Mayo, Leitrim, Sligo, and Roscommon. Many are staying for the whole weekend, giving it that 'countdown festival' vibe. This is one of only three such events in Ireland, and took its lead from the annual Waterford event. The weekend is held in Lough Gara lodge, and O'Dowd's Lakeview Lounge next door is frequented by most of the players after a long day. For more, see the Facebook page Co:Mon - Countdown Monasteraden, or email loughgarawriting@gmail.com.
Ballaghaderreen Golf Club's Get into Golf programme for beginner ladies will start on Monday, April 13th in the clubhouse at 7 p.m. with an introduction night, meet and greet, and some light refreshments. No experience or golf clubs needed. It’s a great way to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and simply try a new venture for 2026. Watch out also for junior registration dates, which will be finalised in mid to late-April. Further details available at 087 1463628, ballaghaderreengolfclub@gmail.com, or follow the club on Facebook.
Would you be interested in a free paediatric first aid course running on a week day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.? The course will cover infant and child CPR and AED, along with how to manage common injuries, fractures, burns, allergies and seizures. It is open to parents, guardians and grandparents only, and not for those working in a professional childcare setting. Anyone interested can email lauryn@ridc.ie to book a place, subject to numbers.
Ballaghaderreen Community Games will hold its local athletics fay on Sunday, April 26th starting at 10 a.m. at the Community Park. It promises to be a great local occasion for young athletes and families, with the event forming part of the Cairn Community Games programme in the town.
Western Gaels will hold its annual table quiz in Tibohine Hall on April 11th, with doors opening at 7.30 p.m.. The event promises a fun night with prizes, music and a bar open throughout. Teams of up to four can enter at a cost of €40 per table, and bookings can be made via Revolut by contacting Conor on 083 318 1377.
A free creative drop-in session, will take place at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre on Friday, April 10th, from 2.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.. The session will be run by artist and researcher Catherine Fanning, working with Creative Places Ballaghaderreen. Attendees will have the opportunity to design and print their own cotton tote bag, with seven places available for those who would like to try printing and designing. People are also welcome to drop in, watch the printing process in action, and have a chat. No booking is required.
Annette and Pat Hanley, Keelbanada, won the Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw jackpot of €250 on Tuesday, March 31st, with the winning ticket sold by Hatch Bar. The next draw takes place on April 7 at the Community Park. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com. Annual tickets are also available for €90.
Ballaghaderreen FC ladies maintained their unbeaten run in the RDFL Women’s Division with a 3-1 victory away to Shiven Rovers on Saturday, April 4th, despite very tough playing conditions. Amy Doory scored twice for Ballaghaderreen, with Grace McDermott also finding the net. Their final league match is away to Dunmore Town.
Conversational English with Kelly, runs every Tuesday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the SICAP Office, The Shambles. For details call 094 9862565 or 0868194698. All are welcome.
The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group welcomes both experienced and new writers, with new members always encouraged to join. Meetings are held every other Friday at the Ballaghaderreen Library, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more details, call 087-1202432.
Ballaghaderreen GAA will hold a fundraiser on Friday, April 10th at The Claddagh Ring, Hendon (NW4 4EA), on the eve of Mayo’s match against London. A monster auction and raffle will take place. The club thanks Finbar Holian and The Claddagh Ring for their support.
The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group meets every second Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Call 087 120 2432 for details.
The Scrabble Club meets every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.. New members are welcome.
