Local Notes: Men's Shed, Rose Festival, Basketball
Mary Coleman recently retired from An Post Castlerea DSU. She is pictured here with her colleagues who wish her health and happiness with her family in retirement.
Castlerea Men’s Shed recently held its AGM. In his secretary’s report, Martin Perrill reflected on the happenings during the past 12 month. He pointed out that March 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of the shed. Castlerea Adult Education Centre has provided a rent-free home from the start, thanks to the GRETB, and particularly to Kathleen McNulty. In the course of the decade, over 50 men have been members at some time. The duration of membership and the reasons for leaving were many and various. It is appropriate to remember those who became too ill to attend or who passed away during that time. The important thing is that the Shed was there for them when they needed it. Happily, membership increased during the past 12 months.
The Shed’s activities varied during the year. They included light maintenance work around the grounds of the centre, in appreciation of free use of their facilities. The amenity at Cindy’s grave was maintained and repaired after the damage done by Storm Eowyn. The new members gave a fresh impetus to the woodworking activities and the woodturning lathe is now in use. A wide range of items was displayed at the annual craft shows. Once-off projects included raised growing-beds and planters, window boxes, a chicken coop and a new crib for Cloonbonniffe Church. A large sleigh was provided for St Michael’s Special School for their Christmas festivities. Some members were involved in the parade for the Castlerea Rose Festival. The Shed had a stand at a Men’s Health Week event in the Trinity Arts Centre and at a GRETB Information Day. Social events included a very enjoyable barbeque in August and tasty Christmas dinner funded by the members. A similar range of activities is envisaged for the year ahead. The following officers were elected for 2026 chairperson, Jim Lippitt; vice-chair, Dave Dibble; secretary, Martin Perrill; treasurer, Pat McIntyre; assistant treasurer, Joe McManus; PRO, Dave Dibble; Health & Safety Officer, Dennis Carroll. The shed is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. New and intending members are always welcome to drop in. A general work space and a woodwork room are available on both days. A portable building is available on Fridays. The shed has an email address (Castlereamenshed@gmail.com) and a Facebook page (Castlerea Mens Shed). A new email address and a website will be announced shortly.
The Castlerea Rose Festival AGM will take place on Thursday, May 7th at 8.30 p.m. in d’Gaff, Barrack Street. This is a great opportunity to get involved in one of Castlerea’s most loved community events. Whether you’ve been part of the festival before or are thinking of joining for the first time, the committee would love to see you there. New members are especially welcome - come along, meet the team, and be part of planning for another fantastic year.
The U-13 boys put in a creditable performance in the Connaught semi-final in Sligo on Saturday losing 33-19 to eventual winners Oranmore Maree. Earlier they had an easy 35-2 win over Manorhamilton.
The finalists in all divisions of the primary schools’ basketball competition are now decided. Local schools St.Paul’s, Carrick and Ballinagare, who have reached their first final, will contest the finals.
The finals are fixed for the Hub for May 12th, 13th and 14th.
The Castlerea St. Kevin’s Minor Club would like to extend congratulations to John Curran, Kevin Hester and Liam Finneran who were members of the Roscommon U-20 team that beat Mayo in the Connacht Final. Congratulations also to U-12 player Bobby Lyons who represented St. Paul’ in the half-time Cumann na mBunscol exhibition in Castlebar for the Connacht semi-final between Mayo and Roscommon. He scored two points. The club would like to extend sympathy to the Murphy family, Knockroe on the passing of their mother Doreen.
