Local Notes: Opening of slipways, Liam is new Cathaoirleach and wedding bells
Liam Conneally, representing Northern Gaels and Williamstown GAA, had the honour and privilege of officiating the Respect Go Games match at Croke Park on Sunday. He is pictured here getting last minute guidance from well-known referee, David Gough before stepping onto the pitch.
There was much regret and sorrow in the parish of Rahara and surrounding areas when the news broke of the death of well-known parishioner, Sean Donnelly, who passed away in the devoted care of the staff at The Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore, surrounded by his loving family. Sean was a member of a well-known family and was one of six boys and two girls, born to his late parents Joseph and Mary. He was a much-loved husband of the late Bridie and brother of the late Philomena, Seamus, Dessie and Brendan. Sean was a part time farmer in his younger days and also worked in a well-known hardware store where he made many friends. During those years, he met his future wife, Bridie (nee Kearney) and they married in April 1966 in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery. They raised a family of three girls and two boys and later in life were the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren. Sadly, in July 2005, his loving wife Bridie passed away at the age of 63 years, which left a big void in Sean’s life. In his younger years, sport was a big part of Sean’s life and he was a loyal supporter of both local and club football and county. He was regarded as a very talented and speedy wing back. He played with both the Rahara and St. Joseph’s football teams and was part of the teams that played in four county finals in 1957, 1964, 1967 and 1970 where he played alongside his brothers and neighbours. Sean also represented Roscommon when he played for the county junior team in 1964. He never lost his interest in sports and followed all the games of the season right up to his death. He was actively involved in Knockcroghery St. John’s Rahara Community Games for many years, and trained Community Games athletes, supporting them when they represented their club and county at the national finals in Mosney. His love of the Gaelic games continued when his children played Camogie, hurling and football for St Dominic’s. He managed and was a selector for the underage teams and was very proud of their achievements. Apart from sport, he had a keen interest in sheepdog trials alongside his good friend, the late Don Moran from Four Roads. He was also involved himself in many darts competitions in Waldron’s Athleague, organised by the late Richie Gunning. He will be forever missed by his daughter, Pauline, Rahara; Geraldine, Limerick; Martina, Dublin; sons, David, UK, and Joe, UK; his ten grandchildren, his sister, Ethna Galvin, Listowel; brothers, Fr. Michael and Mallie, Rahara; sons-in-law, Gerard, Jonathan and Enda; daughter-in-law, Jayne; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, extended family and neighbours and many good friends. Following Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of Mary Immaculate Rahara burial took place in Rahara Cemetery.
Congratulations to Liam Callaghan on his election as Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Liam has been a member of many committees locally and the driving force in getting many projects and initiatives off the ground locally. Wishing him every success in his new role.
Congratulations to Ailish Connolly from Ardeevin and Anthony Hands from Galway on the recent celebration of their marriage, which took place in Killarney, recently. Wishing the couple every good health and happiness in their life together now and in the future.
Kilmurry Hall monthly dance will take place on Sunday, July 6th . Music by Stuart Moyles with dancing from 8p.m. to 10p.m. Doors open at 7:30p.m. Admission €10. All welcome to come alone for another great night of dancing.
Suck Valley Way Adventures will host the official opening of the recently constructed slipways and cycle loop at the slipway at Dundermott, Ballymoe on Sunday, July 6th at 12 noon. Kayakers and cyclists will leave the slipway at Frenchlawn, Ballintubber at 10 a.m. and will arrive at the slipway at Dundermott, Ballymoe at 12 noon for the official opening. Everyone in the locality and further afield is welcome to attend this event. The projects were the brainchild of the late Cllr Anthony Waldron who worked tirelessly to improve tourism in the local area. This new development was grant funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and match funded by the local community along with help and support from Roscommon County Council.
The local branch of MS Ireland wishes to thank all who contributed so generously to the recent church gate collection. Total amount raised in Ballymoe was €289.70 and in Glinsk €109.91. Grateful thanks also to all who helped with the collection.
A huge crowd took part in the Stroll for Sean in Cleveragh Park, Sligo on Sunday. Cloonfad’s Sean Brown has been resident in Sligo where he worked in HR for the HSE. Eight years ago he married Rienna and they have three beautiful children, Cooper, Brody and Kaia. Sean played football for St John’s GAA Club and in recent years has been a manager of the club’s junior team and a selector with the senior team. Over a year ago he was diagnosed with aggressive Motor Neuron Disease and is now confined to a wheelchair. His good friend and St John’s colleague Brendan Tierney organised the event on Sunday last and an I Donate fundraising page. Sean’s popularity in Sligo and Cloonfad was clear on the huge crowds that supported the event.
Mrs Mary Regan retired from the staff of Cloonfad NS recently. Mrs Regan was a member of the school staff for over 20 years and served as classroom teacher, learning support teacher and assistant principal during that time. Tributes were paid to her by staff members, board of management and parents at a flag raising ceremony at the school and community centre.
The recent church gate collection to help defray the cost of bringing assisted pilgrims to Lourdes on this year’s pilgrimage, taken up in Loughglynn realised €174.15 and Lisacul, €193.08. The Castlerea Lourdes Deanery Committee would like to thank all who subscribed and a special thank you to Margaret McCann, Mary Dunne and Helen Lynn for taking up the collection on such a wet weekend. Your support is very much appreciated.
Pick the Bonus Number in the main Lotto on Saturday and entry for €2 Keadue Tidy Town’s Bonus Ball draw. Buy a line in Roddy's, Credit Union and O'Donnell's. May 10th, No 34, Phil Nolan; May 17th, No 45, Cian and Mark; May 24th, No 20, no winners; May 31st, No 8, Sinead Fox; June 7th, No 19, Rian Bruen; June 14th, No 42, Brid McMorrow; June 21st ,No 30, Phil Joe Guihen and Eddie Rogers. Thanks to all who support the Bonus Ball. It helps pay for flowers in window boxes and baskets, hedge cutting and other expenses.
The next music session with Liam Purcell and friends will be held in Crossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall on Sunday, July 6th from 4-6 p.m.. All welcome.
A pop-up market, selling certified organic produce from Knockvicar Organic Garden and Carigeen Farm , is held every Thursday from 3-7 p.m. in the Cossna Community Centre, Cleen Hall.
On Saturday, August 9th Cootehall village will be having a day of fun that starts in the newly extended riverside park with the annual Cootehall barbecue, face painting, ice-cream van, music in the gazebo, basketball competition and dog show. In the evening there will be a barn dance in the Cootehall Bridge Boat House with music by Shaun O’Dowd.
Unfortunately, the U-14 girls’ football team reached the end of the road for their event on Saturday last. They met a very strong Drum-Clonown in the final. The girls put in a superb effort throughout the entire game. They really had the motto 'never give up' on their sleeve as they played. Team: Michelle Bakare, Charlee Cross, Niamh Conlisk, Aoibhinn Cox, Aoife Cryan, Amelia Fallon, Seren Gilboy, Erin McGuinness, Rebecca McDonagh, Jane Morahan, Rose Morahan, Kayla Noone, Faye Shivnen & Grace Simon. Thanks also to Aoife Guckian, Thomas Morahan and Gary McDonagh who managed the team to the county final. Next up for Community Games is a trip to the All-Ireland Quiz Finals. This Saturday morning Amelia Fallon, Aoife Cryan, Jane Morahan, Ethan Casey, Cormac Casey & Eleanor Reilly will all head for Kilkenny to take part in the U-14 quiz national finals. Best of luck to all involved and safe travelling.
St Michael’s GAA adult players ‘Donkey Dung Bingo’ fundraiser takes place on July 11th in Ardcarne Park. Squares are available from all players, €10 per square with a first prize of €1000. Your support would greatly appreciated.
Liam Conneally, representing Northern Gaels and Williamstown GAA, had the honour and privilege of officiating the Respect Go Games match at Croke Park on Sunday. The match took place during halftime in Galway vs Meath quarter final. The game featured two Middle East GAA teams Dubai Éire Óg and Abu Dhabi Na Fianna, and was played in true GAA spirit. Liam’s calm and confident officiating allowed the game to flow naturally, showcasing the values of respect, inclusion, and sportsmanship that underpin the Go Games initiative. This was a truly memorable experience for Liam, and a proud moment for his family, local clubs and community. Well done, Liam.
The first gathering of those interested in recalling and improving their “cúpla focal” took place in the SNJ Cafe on Sunday last. In a most enjoyable and practical session, the members of the enthusiastic group present showed their keen interest in practising their native tongue. The next meeting of the Ciorcal Comhrá will be held in the cafe on the last Sunday in July, and, again, it will be open to everyone.
