Local Notes: Memories of an iconic venue, Art by Simon, Crib donations
Remembering the Midnight Days in Ballaghaderreen.
Local man Shane Clinton remembers the days of The Midnight Club, a ‘right of passage’ venue for local teens growing up in Ballagh and the surrounds.
“A disco ball, at our young age, reflecting light there all night long, and Intraspin ruled from the stage, spinning memories with every song. With Ireland poor, the kind of poor that people felt was here to stay, still out we went, and still we swore to make the most of our Midnight Days. T’was the eighties, the music loud—Wham! or Duran Duran, the great divide—she backed the first and stood there proud, the other band she just denied.
The speakers shook as we’d dance and sway to beats that made the dull days thrive; the music cut through shades of grey—what a time to be alive. Then came the slow set, feared by all, the music softened, the lights went low; in seconds flat it cleared the hall, leaving just a coloured glow. Girls to the left, lads to the right, the DJ staring in dismay; couples first onto the floor, the rest just watching in those Midnight Days. Then one lad rose and made the walk across the silent, timber sea; a question asked, he dared not baulk, a future hung on “Will you dance with me?” If answered “Yes”, you were flying high; answered “No”, it cut you deep; then plans were made that we can’t deny, and favours made you had to keep. Two friends would flank the chosen one, a clever move, a hopeful play, though debts were owed when all was done—the price of hope in our Midnight Days. And never ask the girls nearby after “No” had marked your name; they’d know somehow you weren’t the one, you’d lose before you played the game. I saw one lad ask 32, one after another, brave or mad, then quietly take his seat once more—that’s how I learned the rules we had.
When “…This is Christmas…” filled the hall, a different magic held its sway, a special time that was shared by all on those extra special Midnight Days. And when the New Year’s countdown came, a shouted hope against the dark, we’d grasp for hands in the screaming cheer, and dance on toward the future’s mark. Remembering those no longer here, we said goodbye and parted ways; we hold them young, we hold them near, happy in their Midnight Days.
Different times, a different town, but all those nights still light the way; not much we had, but we had each other, in those carefree, brilliant Midnight Days. To those from then, be you near or far, who carry with you those Midnight Days: a Happy Christmas, a shining star, and a bright New Year to light your ways.”
The rescheduled Ronan Regan Memorial Tractor Run takes place on Sunday, January 4th. Registration starts at 12 noon at Ballaghaderreen GAA Club, and the run begins at 1 p.m.. All are welcome. Proceeds will support The Jack and Jill Foundation GAA 50/50 DRAW The GAA club’s 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, December 28th at The Hatch Bar, Main Street. Winner of the jackpot of €760 was Leah Cogan, Knocknacunny, selling agents, Saturday night team. The next draw is on Sunday, January 4th in Mannion’s Bar, The Square. Many thanks for your support.
A new series of art guidance and grinds with Simon Cullélon is set to begin in January, offering practical support for Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert students as they prepare their art projects. The classes will focus on helping students develop ideas, improve technique, and build strong project work with clear, step-by-step guidance. Classes start on Wednesday, January 14th and will run from 4.15 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.. To book, contact The Shambles on 094 9862565 or email reception@theshambles.ie.
The Ballgh FC 50/50 draw on Tuesday, December 23rd for a jackpot of €305 was won by John Reynolds, a club sale. The bonus draw winners of annual tickets were Jessica Smyth, Amy & Jack Hora, and Kathleen McHugh. Well done to all the winners. Next draw is December 30th at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com.
BFC Seniors Selection- 7, BFC Masters Selection - 3. A great run out was enjoyed by all on St. Stephen’s Day at the Community Park with a senior selection taking on the masters. Ballagh FC extends its thanks to all involved and everyone who came to support the event. Ballagh FC would also like to thank everyone who supported the senior ladies fundraising night in the 4 Way, Kilmovee and the annual table quiz for Injured players fund in Molly's Bar, Barrack Street on December 28th. These two great events raised much-needed funds to help the club maintain and progress the highest standards for the 2026 calendar year. Volunteers are always needed . Contact any club committee member if you are interested.
In this year’s St. Stephen’s Day match, the fearless U-30s took on the seasoned Over 30s. The U-30s gave it socks, but in the end, the Over 30s proved that experience (and about three hamstring pulls) can still secure a win. Youth brought the pace, but wisdom brought the victory, powered mostly by Deep Heat fumes and pure stubbornness.
The Community Resource Centre will reopen on January 5th.
The death took place at his home in Ballaghaderreen on Christmas Day of Mr Michael Kelly. A native of Ardsoran , Killaraght, Boyle, his wife Helen had only passed away on November 19th. He is survived by his sons, Michael John, Shane and Nicholas; sisters, Margaret Hanratty, and Anne Costello; brothers Padraic (Bath) and Tommy (Bournemouth). His remains reposed at the Kilgarriff Funeral Home on Sunday evening with removal to Ballaghaderreen Cathedral. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Monday with burial afterwards in Kilcolman Cemetery. Sincere sympathy to his family and all his relatives and friends. May he rest in Peace.
The death took place on Monday, December 22nd at Mullingar Regional Hospital of Mrs May Cheevers (nee Cryan) of Seefin, Cloonloo and Longford. Predeceased by her husband John her parents and sister Nan, she is survived by her son, Richie, daughter-in-law, Angie grandchildren, her sister, Breege and her brothers, Pat Cryan, Seefin, Gurteen and John (Tipperary). Her funeral Mass was in St. Mel's Cathedral on last Wednesday.
Crib donations from the churches in Gurteen parish will go to Aid to Church in Need both for Gaza and the nuns who care for orphans and refugees in Ukraine.
The Gurteen Celtic lotto draw for December 21st wasn’t won -numbers drawn were ,1, 12, 17, 25 and the winner of the €50 was Majella Quinn, Seefin.
The Ballymote branch of St. Vincent de Paul thank everyone who contributed to the recent collection. Funds contributed go to local needs. Your support is much appreciated.
In the 50/50 draw held on Monday, December 22nd the winner was Celine McCarrick, Aughanagh who won €728.
Bingo is held this Friday at 8 p.m., jackpot of €2100 on 46 calls. There will also be lots of extra prizes.
All the readers of the Roscommon Herald are wished a very Happy and Healthy New Year-go mbeirimid beo ag an am seo aris.
