Local Notes: New Walking Club, Ardcarne Garden Centre Celebrations, Play
Ardcarne Garden Centre marked its 40th anniversary last weekend. The celebrations brought together loyal customers, local families, and guests for a day of reflection and festivity. For four decades, Ardcarne has been more than a retail destination, it has been a cornerstone of the Irish horticultural community. This anniversary celebration served as a tribute to the deep-rooted connections forged between the centre, its staff, and the vibrant gardens they have helped cultivate across the region. The highlight of the event featured a moving address by renowned author and storyteller Michael Harding. In a captivating talk, he explored the profound connection between people and plants, reflecting on the shared qualities of patience, resilience, and the beauty of remembering. He spoke eloquently about how our gardens serve as living memories, marking the passage of time and the growth of the individuals who tend to them. The atmosphere was further elevated by the musical talents of James Wickham and his ensemble of musician friends.
‘An Ordinary Man’ will be staged on Saturday, May 2nd at 8 p.m. in Killaraght Community Centre, admission €15. Don’t miss this incredibly funny and deeply moving performance staring Gerry Farrell, written and directed by John McDwyer.
The first walk undertaken by Boyle’s new Casual Walking Club will be on this Wednesday at 7 p.m.. Meeting point is front of church car park.
Last Friday’s winner of the Boyle Celtic 50/50 draw was Louise Kennedy, who won €1500. Tickets are on sale now for this Friday’s draw from all the usual outlets and online.
Congratulations to Geraldine Dwyer who was the latest winner of the 50/50 prize of €1900. The next draw will take place on May 1st in The Moylurg Inn.
On Friday, May 8th at the National Concert Hall, the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland, conductor Jessica Cottis and violinist Darragh Morgan will perform the world premiere of Canto (Turned to Stone), a new work for violin and orchestra commissioned by National Symphony Orchestra Ireland from composer and Boyle resident, Siobhán Cleary. Composed in response to the death in 2024 of Siobhán’s older sister Eilish, and dedicated to her, Canto is inspired by the Italian philosopher-poet Giacomo Leopardi. Born in Dublin in 1970, and living in Boyle since 2012, Siobhán Cleary is one of the leading composers of her generation.
Croghan National School is one of four primary schools contesting the live Connacht final to find Ireland's fittest school. The provincial final will take place in The Hub, Castlerea in early May after which the top school from the four provincial finals will progress to the grand final in Athlone on May 20th. Best of luck is extended to all involved with the school in the quest to become Ireland's Fittest School 2026.
C.O.D.S. (Croghan Over Dramatic Society) presents "The Visit", a comedy drama by John Nugent, at the Four Provinces, Rathallen, Croghan, on Sunday, May 17th. Show times, 4 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.. Tickets €10. Tickets for 7.30 p.m. show are sold out. Tickets for 4 p.m. show available at Old Creamery Café, Croghan on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or may be purchased via Revolut during same hours, at 086-1918608.
The death occurred on Sunday, April 19th, at Sligo University Hospital, of Mr Kevin Clarke, Station Road, Carrick-on-Shannon. Kevin will be sadly missed by his brother, Dermot, sister, Patricia (Patsy), nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and good friends, Austin and Thérése. He was predeceased by his brothers James John (J.J.) and Desmond (Dessie), sisters, Catherine, Marina and infant sister Bernadette and his sister-in-law, Margaret. Reposal took place at the Heritage Centre, Chapel of Rest, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday, April 23rd. Removal took place to St. Michael's Church, Drumlion on Friday, April 24th for Mass of Christian Burial, followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
Fr. Alan P.P. will visit the sick and housebound in the parish on Thursday, April 30th at the usual times.
The death occurred on Saturday, April 18th, at home, of Mr John Doherty, Carrick-on-Shannon and formerly of Shannon View, County Roscommon. John will be sadly missed by his son, Dylan; sisters, Shirley (Roosky), Hazel (Tipperary); brothers, Kenneth (Ashbourne), David (Manchester) and Norman (Carrick-on-Shannon); brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncle, aunt, nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Josie and Ethna. Funeral Service took place on Thursday, April 23rd in St. George's Church, Carrick-on-Shannon followed by interment in Kilmore graveyard.
The Old Creamery Community Café, Croghan is open on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.; Saturdays, 9.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. All welcome to visit.
Bingo takes place in the Patrician Hall, Cortober on Sundays at 8 p.m.. Big cash prizes to be won. All welcome.
Masses in Croghan parish this week as follows: Croghan Church on Sunday at 10 a.m.; Patrician Hall, Cortober, Sunday at 12 noon; Drumlion Church, Wednesday to Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday 7 p.m.. Eucharistic Adoration after Mass on Wednesday.
Sixteen-year-old Izabella Lehany McGoldrick from Dromahair, granddaughter of Marie and Ronan Lehany, Croderry, delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Irish Open Swimming Championships, held at the Bangor Aurora Aquatics & Leisure Centre.A student of St. Mary’s College, Ballysadare, Izabella trains with Longford Swim Club under head coach Ronan McNevin and assistant coach Barry Hall. Competing in seven events at Ireland’s premier swimming meet — which featured some of the country’s top elite athletes, including Olympians — Izabella rose to the occasion with remarkable consistency and determination. She qualified for finals on every evening she competed and recorded personal best times across multiple events. On Day 2, Izabella claimed victory in the junior final, touching the wall in an impressive time of 1:06.40, making her the 10th fastest female overall at the championships. Her standout performance came on Day 3 in the 50m backstroke. Qualifying as the fastest junior for the A final, Izabella lined up against top swimmers including Olympian Danielle Hill and Lottie Cullen. She delivered a superb swim, finishing sixth overall in a time of 30.56 seconds. As the fastest junior in the race, she secured a prestigious gold medal — a significant achievement in such a high-calibre field. Izabella is also a member of the Connacht regional squad, where she trains under coach Helen Gunning. With performances like these at just 16 years of age, she is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in Irish swimming, with a bright future ahead.
The McGahern Barracks in Cootehall is open to visitors on Saturday, May 2nd between 12 noon and 3 p.m.. The guided tour takes an hour and includes the life and writings of John McGahern, policing in the 1930s and the heritage of Cootehall. Admission is €10. The next guided tour of John McGahern’s places of interest takes place on Saturday, June 6th. Meet up at the McGahern Barracks Museum in Cootehall (F52YD92) at 10 a.m. with the tour starting at 10.30 and visiting places of interest from McGahern’s writings including Fenagh, Ballinamore, Aughawillan and Keshcarrigan. The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours and is accompanied and narrated by local historian and creative director of the museum, Tom Inglis. Cost is €70/person and tickets are limited to 14 places so early booking is essential. Book on line at https://www.mcgahernbarracks.ie/book-store.
The last card game of the season takes place in Drumboylan Community Centre on Thursday, April 30th at 8:30 p.m. in aid of Drumboylan Church funds. All Support appreciated.
The next traditional music session, with Liam Purcell and friends, will take place in Crossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall on Sunday, May 3rd from 4 to 6 p.m.. All are welcome.
A “Melodies and Memories” concert takes place in Crossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall on Sunday, May 10th at 7.30 p.m.. It promises to be a wonderful evening with a variety of spoken pieces by local authors and music by Liam Purcell and friends. Admission will be by ticket only so please get your tickets from local outlets, from Patricia @086 8500709 or contact May on 086 8301259.
Drumboylan/Keadue Rural Men’s Group - established in 2005, is celebrating its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, April 28th at 7.30 p.m. in St. Ronan’s Hall, Keadue. Join in for a special evening of memories, music, and entertainment. Anyone who has had family, neighbours, or friends involved with the group at any stage over the years to come is invited to come along and be part of the celebration.
