Local Notes: Pride in St Nathy's, award for St Attracta's and soccer camp
Craig Corrigan getting a leg wax from Kayley Clarke at a wax, shave and dye fundraiser at Creaton’s, Ballaghaderreen in aid of the Sunflower Children’s Hospice. Pic: Liam Reynolds
There was heartbreak for St Nathy’s senior team at Páirc Seán Uí Éislin as their tremendous push for All-Ireland glory came up just short, but the overwhelming feeling in Ballaghaderreen is one of immense pride. Having already claimed the Connacht title, the team represented their school, town and supporters with great courage, determination and spirit on one of the biggest stages of all. The town got fully behind the team throughout their journey, and they did Ballaghaderreen proud every step of the way. It has been a fabulous few weeks of football and great memories, with a fantastic team and management doing themselves and their community proud. Credit is also due to the many businesses and supporters who backed the journey, including main sponsors Durkin’s Bar and Restaurant and O’Hara’s Coaches, who helped ensure the lads travelled in readiness for the occasion. Well done to all.
Each year, the Men’s Shed proudly takes part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade, and as part of the occasion, a special song is written for the day and performed in the Square. This year’s latest release is ‘My Old Ballagh Home’, and it is now available on Spotify. As many people will know, songs have also been written over the years celebrating Ballaghaderreen and its rich local history. Two fine examples are ‘Tales of Old Ballaghaderreen’, which reflects the stories of the town heard in childhood, and ‘Where Once the Anvil Rang’, which tells the story of Mick Fitzpatrick’s forge in Castlemore, the last forge in Ballagh, which closed in 1984. These songs are also available on Spotify.
Congratulations to St. Attracta’s NS. on its recent national award from Dublin City University. The Change Maker School Award recognises the work of St. Attracta’s in providing quality learning opportunities for all its pupils. At a special ceremony in DCU, the school joined only 52 other schools in Ireland to have received this national award.
Creative Places Ballaghaderreen is an exciting Arts Council and local authority initiative that brings arts investment to towns and rural places that have had fewer opportunities to take part in the arts. It is led by the Roscommon Arts Office, the Roscommon Leader Partnership, and a local steering group. Communities and groups are urged to contact Creative Places with any ideas. Creative Places Ballaghaderreen will help facilitate, develop and build local arts partnerships and programmes to benefit all the people who live in these areas and communities. If you need further support, get in touch with the coordinator 086 8372921 or email: creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com
Club membership for 2026 is now due. All membership rates are the same as last year. All membership must be completed via www.foireann.ie .For assistance, contact club registrar Mary Moynihan or Club secretary Con Moynihan @ 087 9439843. For insurance purposes, all players must be registered before March 31st.
A CV workshop will take place at The Shambles, F45EW98, on Thursday, March 26th at 11 a.m., offering practical help to anyone who wants to improve their CV and stand out from the crowd. The workshop aims to support people in creating a stronger, more effective CV. For further details contact melissamee@ridc.ie or lauryn@ridc.ie.
Kilmovee Swimming Pool Committee, and Kilmovee NS Parents Association are holding a Boston Tea Party on Saturday, March 28th at 7 p.m. in Kilmovee Community Centre. This is Kilmovee Swimming Pool's main fundraiser for the year. Your support would be greatly appreciated. To host a table, contact Kilmoveepoolfund- raising@gmail.com. Raffle on the night.
Chit Chat Tuesday’s conversational English with Kelly, runs every Tuesday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the SICAP Office, The Shambles For details call 094 9862565 or 0868194698. All are welcome.
The Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Ballaghaderreen Support Group will hold its AGM on Tuesday, March 24th in Durkins at 8.30 p.m.. Members and collectors are asked to attend. New members welcome.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s 50/50 club draw held on March 10th saw Conlon Lynott win the €217 jackpot, with the winning ticket sold by Molly’s Bar. The next draw will take place on Tuesday, March 17th at the Community Park. Thanks are extended to all for the continued support, with tickets available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com, while annual tickets remain available for €90.
Ballaghaderreen FC will host its Easter Soccer Camp over two fun-filled weeks, offering children a great opportunity to enjoy football, build confidence, develop skills, learn teamwork and make new friends in a positive environment under FAI-vetted and qualified coaches. The camp is open to all players, with both members and non-members welcome, at a cost of €40 per person. The boys’ camp for ages 6 to 12 will run from Monday, March 30th to Thursday, April 2nd from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. while the girls’ camp for ages 6 to 12 will take place from Tuesday, April 7th to Friday, April 10th from 9.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.. For more information, contact Jamie Waring by email at jamiewaring2013 or by phone on 087 098 6910.
The GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, March 15th the Hatch Bar. Winner of the jackpot of €535 was Eoin Buckley, Charlestown Road, selling agents, Saturday night team. Next draw is on Sunday, March 22nd in Mannion’s Bar, The Square.
In the Connacht FA Women's Shield played last weekend the final result was Aughanagh Celtic FC – 1, Ballaghaderreen FC – 4. Scorers for Ballaghaderreen were Jessica Feeney Rebecca Finan (2) and Grace McDermott. The senior women’s team are now through to a Connacht Shield semi-final.
