Local Notes: Parkrun, Lawn Bowls, Turning the Sod
Lauren Shanagher with family and friends celebrating after the All-Ireland winning Roscommon intermediate ladies team arrived back in Roscommon with the Mary Quinn Cup. Pic Gerard O’Loughlin
There was a good turnout for the Bank Holiday Strokestown parkrun. Strokestown welcomed three parkrun tourists from the UK, it’s always great to meet runners/walkers from everywhere.
Come and join in next week, bring cake/biscuits and have a well-deserved treat and meet some new friends after the run.
Results of the SCDA fortnightly draw held on July 21st - numbers drawn were 1, 11, 22 and 23. One Match Three winner -Barry Campbell, Carroward. Next draw is on Tuesday, July 21st at the SCDA office. Thank you for your continued support.
Lawn bowls continues every Wednesday from 2 p.m., to 4 p,m. At Strokestown Community and Sports Centre. Please come along. All welcome.
The death took place recently at Harold's Cross Hospice, Dublin, of Mr John Allen of Lisroyne, Strokestown, and one of the best known residents of the town. He was son of the late Mr Michael Allen, B.E., and of the late Mrs Mollie Allen (nee Gordon). He was for most of his life an official with the Northern Bank, later National Irish Bank, and served at a number of its branches. He had a reputation for handling customers concerns and problems with empathy and support. On retirement from the Bank, he joined the Western Development Commission based in Ballaghaderreen. He also farmed and in more recent years became deeply involved in the organic farming movement. Locally he immersed himself in community activities. He served as chairperson of Strokestown GAA Club in the 1990s. Over the years he was a passionate supporter of the club and of Roscommon GAA. He played underage and junior football with the local club. He was a member of Strokestown Dramatic and Musical Society and performed in many of their pantomimes and concert productions over the years. In more recent years, he performed in a production of "Twelfth Night" by Quinapalus Players at the Roscommon Arts Centre, directed by Mr John Corcoran. He was actively involved in the management of many of the local primary schools as a board member and also serving as chairperson. He was deeply involved in the local church community, serving as a Minister of the Eucharist and as a member of the parish church choir. He was for many years a member of the parish pastoral council and also served as its chairperson. News of his passing following a lengthy illness, which he fought with great courage and dignity was heard of with deep sadness among his relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, James (Lisroyne) and Anthony (South Africa) and by his sisters, Mrs Grainne Compstey (Spain) and Mrs Finola Gibson (Portugal). The Funeral Mass was con-celebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, by Fr. Eamonn O'Connor, P.P., Father Vincent Atueyi and Canon Ciaran Whitney (Strokestown), Fr. Pat Lombard, P.P., and Fr. Stephen Walshe, CSSP., (St Anne's. Sligo). The interment followed in Strokestown Cemetery with Fr. O'Connor and Fr. Frank Garvey > (Carrick-on-Shannon) officiating at the graveside. A musical tribute was rendered by Mr Gene Anderson on the concertina. He is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Elizabeth, Michael, Deirdre, Catherine and Sinead; grandchildren, Meadbh, Naoise, Caoimhe, Noah, Isabel, Senan, Laar and Banba; daughter-in-law, Fernanda; sons-in-law, Cathal, Ryan and Alan; brother, Michael (Roscommon); sisters, Veronica (Fermoy); Patricia (Strokestown), Maire (Spain) and Dorothy (UK); nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe, of Mr David (Dave) Rankin of Clooncagh, Strokestown. A native of Rush, County Dublin, he was son of the late Mr Robert Rankin and of the late Mrs May Rankin. He had resided at Clooncagh for some years where he was a popular member of the local community who now mourn his passing. Cremation took place at Dardistown Crematorium, Dublin. He is survived by his wife, Terry; sons, Damien and Richard; daughters, Lorraine, Anne and Sinead; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, thirteen grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
In the Kilglass Gaels Lotto held on August 1st the numbers drawn were: 19, 20, 22, 28, Bonus Number 12 There was no jackpot winner. There were no Match 3 number winners, 5 lucky dips €40 each - John Collins, Aidan & J P, Breda Neary, Matthew Hanley, Fidelma Cox. Next jackpot €11,700 for four correct numbers, €15,700 for four correct numbers plus Bonus Number. Next draw takes place in the clubrooms on Saturday, August 8th.
Progressive 25 continues in Kilglass GAA Centre on Tuesdays at 9 p.m.. Last week's winners were: 1st, J P. Farrell; joint 2nd, Sean Flynn, and John Compton. Raffle, Pat Mullooly. New players welcome.
Bingo every Saturday at 8.30 p.m. in Kilglass Gaels Centre.
Inspired by a large travelling Tulsk contingent, last Sunday was a glorious day for the sport of ladies football. Congratulations are extended to Niamh Feeney, Rachel Brady and all involved with the Roscommon intermediate ladies team on becoming All-Ireland intermediate champions following the side’s comprehensive win over Fermanagh in Croke Park. Congratulations also to Ruth Cox and Lauren Shanagher, who also played their part in the win and have strong family links with Tulsk GAA Club. Congratulations to Megan Gaughan, Roscommon ladies county board official. In a further association with the blue riband day for ladies football, yet another club member Natalie Flanagan officiated as linesperson in Sunday’s opening game in Croke Park which was the junior All-Ireland Final. To all those who participated in the events of last Sunday in Croke Park, many congratulations on bringing great honour to the parish of Tulsk.
Tulsk’s intermediate club championship got underway this weekend. However, the side endured a 1-12 to 0-11 loss to St. Dominic's at home. The game was something of an attritional affair, but both teams are expected to feature in the ‘business end’ of the competition. Commiserations to all the players and mentors. The side’s next championship outing is away to St. Barry’s in Tarmonbarry on Friday, August 14th. The side’s third and final match in the round robin series of games takes place on Friday, August 28th in Ballyforan against a St. Brigids ‘B’ or second string selection. The club’s second string begin their campaign in the Junior B Championship when they host Padraig Pearses at the weekend. Please see fixtures for confirmation of the date and time of this fixture.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary TD visited Tulsk GAA last Thursday evening to officially open the walkway around the new pitch, funded by his Department's CLAR Programme. The event marked another significant milestone in the development of local amenities in the community. Earlier in the day, Minister Calleary visited Castleplunkett for the official unveiling of the community’s recreational play and leisure facilities.
Tulsk’s underage teams have a busy week ahead of them. Later this evening (Tuesday) the club’s minors play an Oran/St. Croan’s selection at 7.30 p.m. in Tulsk. Meanwhile the club’s U-14 travel to Elphin to face a combined Ballinameen/Elphin selection, again at 7.30 p.m. this Thursday, August 6th. Well done to the club’s U-8 boys and girls who participated in an U-8 blitz in Tulsk last Saturday morning against Elphin, St. Michael’s and Western Gaels. The stars of the future excelled and performed in a manner to keep those in attendance suitably entertained.
A special event ‘Turning the Sod’ will take place on Saturday, August 15th from 8 p.m. in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk. This unique event will capture the beauty of the local bog landscape from a cultural, historical and ecological perspective. Admission to the event is €5, though there is limited seating and those interested in attending are advised to arrive early. The event is supported by Roscommon County Council, Creative Communities and the Creative Ireland Programme.
Tulsk’s minor camogie team travel to Four Roads to face the home side in the Minor Championship this evening (Tuesday) August 4th at 7.30 p.m.. Best wishes to all the players and their mentors.
Pilates classes take place in Tulsk on Mondays at 7 p.m.. Please book in advance via WhatsApp: +353 (85) 731 7619. Classes are suitable for everyone.
As part of National Heritage Week, on Thursday, August 20th, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre will host an event, coinciding with storytelling and the launch of Finnbennach Bull Sculpture from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.. This original sculpture, funded through Roscommon LEADER Partnership, was made by Longford artist, Liam Kavanagh and will serve as a landmark sculpture for Tulsk and Roscommon. It will celebrate the early Irish stories which inspired its creation, as well as the countless generations. The bull, made of stainless steel, represents the monstrous Finnbennach, the White Bull of Connacht, who was the property of Ailill Mac Máta, the husband of the Warrior Queen Medb (Maeve) of Connacht, whose home is at Rathcroghan. It is from here that she assembles the armies of Ireland to go across to Cooley, County Louth, to kidnap the only equal to the Finnbennach on the island, the Donn Cuailnge, the Brown Bull of Cooley. The local community is warmly invited to attend this event, which celebrates the launch of a unique landmark, hear the origin story of the two bulls, how they caused war across Iron Age Ireland and how they met their ultimate end.
