Local Notes: Irish classes, Spring clean, Easter concert, collections and big garden event
Abdullah Hasko, Ballaghaderreen, engages with a miniature Shetland pony, pictured at an Open Fun Day, at Family Resource Centre, Ballaghaderreen. Pic. Gerard O’Loughlin
Due to the declining number of priests and in response to suggestions received as part of the Synodal process the Diocese of Achonry hopes to establish a Funeral Ministry Team in each parish to initially assist and shadow the priest.
It is hoped to find and train two people in each church area for this ministry in the parish. Please contact Fr. Paul on 087 3693535 of the parish office on 094 9860011 if interested.
Free Irish classes for adults are starting in St Aiden's NS Monasteraden on Tuesday, April 29th, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. for ten weeks. This is an education initiative provided by Mayo, Sligo, and Leitrim Education and Training Board and funded by the Department of Education.
Brusna Defibrillator Group is holding a spring clean on Friday, March 29th meeting at 1 p.m at Brusna Church. If you are unable to do your area on that day please contact 086 1298015 for gloves, bags etc and you can it whenever suits.
The Irish Pilgrimage Trust wishes to thank everybody who gave so generously to the recent church gate collection and for your continued support. The amount raised was €621.45.

This week’s Ballaghaderreen GAA Club's 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, March 24th in The Hatch Bar, The Square. The winner of the jackpot of €505 was Sarah McDonagh, Hollywood Grove. The next draw is on Sunday, March 31st in The Fiddler's Elbow, The Square. Your support of the weekly draw is much appreciated. Weekly tickets are on sale in shops and businesses throughout the town. An annual 50/50 ticket, giving entry into every draw in the year is available from committee members for €90. Weekly tickets can also be purchased online through the Ballaghaderreen GAA Facebook page.
Membership of Ballaghaderreen GAA Club for 2024 is now open. Whether you're a returning member or a newcomer, the club is thrilled to welcome you t at Ballaghaderreen GAA. You can register via Foireann. All players need to be registered to train or play.
The County Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee will mark the 108th year of the 1916 Rising at the IRA memorial at Shankill, Elphin, on Easter Sunday, March 31st. After last Mass in Elphin, a colour party will march to the memorial where a wreath-laying will take place at 1 p.m.. The 1916 Easter Proclamation will be read and the Roscommon Roll of Honour will be called out. This year the commemoration committee is especially remembering Volunteer Thomas Flannery and Citizen Army member William Partridge of Ballaghaderreen. Following the Elphin ceremony, wreathes will be laid on the graves of Flannery and Partridge in Kilcolman Cemetery, Ballaghaderreen.
The annual church gate collection for the County Roscommon Voluntary Branch of Multiple Sclerosis Ireland will be held this weekend, March 30th/31st. All donations gratefully accepted.
Homeland Ballaghaderreen will hold its big garden event on Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th. Chat with our experienced Homeland Garden Centre team and enjoy offers in store.

Traditional musician Marcus Hernon, along with his sons Prionsias and Breandan will perform with Don Stiffe, folk singer/songwriter in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on Easter Sunday, 31st March at 8 p.m.. A great night of music, song and dance. For more information ring 0719182599 or email www.colemanirishmusic.com
The death took place on March 20th at his home of Mr Tommy Goldrick, Cloonloo, and formerly of Ross, Killaraght. A well -liked member of the community, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His remains reposed at Mahon's Funeral Home, Boyle on Thursday evening and were removed to St. Joseph's Church, Cloonloo for prayers. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Friday with burial afterwards in Killaraght Old Cemetery. Sincere sympathy to his wife, Phyllis and family, Martina Majella, Matthew, Thomas and Eamon, grandchildren, nephews and nieces extended family and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death took place on March 18th of Mr Austin Queenan, Dooballa, Cloonloo suddenly in Manchester- funeral arrangements to be announced later. Sympathy to his wife, Maureen; son Gerard, and daughter Lisa. May he Rest in Peace.
The death took place on March 21st of Pauline Queenan, Virginia Co. Cavan and formerly of Emlagh, Kingsland - her remains reposed at Mahon's Funeral Home Boyle on Friday evening. Mass of the Resurrection took place in St, Joseph's Church, Boyle on Saturday with burial afterwards in Eastersnow Cemetery. Sincere sympathy to her brothers, Vincent, Killaraght and Gerry; sisters, Una Beirne, Eastersnow, Boyle; Monica Donnelly, and Mary Cretaro, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends, May she Rest in Peace.
Congratulations and good wishes to Darren Hannon and Karen Hodgins who were married on Friday last in Ballymote.

Defibrillator/Cpr training with Suzie Johnson takes place in Gurteen Health Centre on Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25th. Class takes about two and a half hours and is certified by Irish Heart Foundation. Class covers child, child and infant CPR and AED use. If you wish to train or get re-certified please ring Mary 087-9082352.
Bingo is held in Gurteen Hall every Friday at 8 p.m.. Jackpot of €4300 in fifty calls or less. Lotto Raffle Jackpot €650- Also, 50/50 split.-Lots of eggs for Easter. Support would be greatly appreciated.
Eastern Harps 50/50 draw on March 4th had a jackpot of €814 -and the winner was Liam Kelly, Kingsland. Winners of the hampers were: John Underwood Keash, Mai Langton,Culfadda, Shaun Dorrian Keash, The club is very appreciative of all the support throughout the year.

The jackpot was not won on Sunday night week -numbers drawn were - 3, 5,15 and 20 winner of the €50 was Michael McGovern, Mount Irwin. Gurteen Celtic thanks all the people who take part in the lotto each week.
Cloonloo National School enrolment evening was on March 7th but if that date and time did not suit please phone 071-919663684 to arrange another time for a visit.

