Local Notes: Roscommon Drama Festival, Duck race and Hanna Greally literary prize

The AGM of the Roscommon Drama Festival was held in Gleeson’s Townhouse Roscommon on Monday, September 11th. The following officers were elected: Chairperson, Mairead Nally; Secretary, Marie McCrann; Treasurer:,Caroline Egan; and PRO: Jimmy Hoban. During the AGM, outgoing chairperson Mary Finn referred specifically to the outstanding success of the 2023 Festival and thanked all those involved with what was described as “one of the best festivals ever”. Full houses were the order of the day and the quality of drama presented was superb with a number of prize winners in Roscommon progressing to awards at national level. 

The 2024 Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre Roscommon from March 1st to the 9th. The adjudicator is Padraic McIntyre who is very well known and respected on the drama circuit. The festival committee would like to thank all its groups, patrons, advertisers, sponsors and the public for the invaluable support now and in the past. The local media was also thanked as was the staff of the Arts Centre Roscommon whose efficiency and diligence ensures the smooth running of one of the premier drama festivals in the country.

DUCK RACE A SUCCESS

The Castlecoote Tidy Towns Duck Race took place in glorious sunshine. Thanks to everyone who bought a duck as without this support this event would not go ahead. All workers came on board to help with sorting and transporting ducks, furniture was delivered to the River for the day. Microphone was supplied by Joachim Dunne thanks a million. Castlecoote Stores sponsored all the food plus tea and coffee and ice-cream for the children. Thanks to Oscar, Anne and all the workers. Oscar also supplied a van for the convenience of the committee. It was very much appreciated. Thanks to Orla and Amy for doing the face painting and keeping all the children happy. The sub-aqua team were a great help and they enjoyed being in the River catching all the ducks as they floated by so a big thank you to the crew. Afterwards music was provided by the very talented Kenneth McCormack in P.J’ s Bar and Lounge sponsored by P.J. and Bernie. Last but not least thanks to the Tidy Towns crew for overseeing the event and keeping the children safe from the river and all the parents who looked out for all. Winners of Duck Race were: 1st, €100, Kathleen McMahon; 2nd, €50, Linda Kelly; 3rd, €25 Darragh Mullen and prize for last duck home went to Allen Hanlon, sponsored by Castlecoote Stores.

SOCIAL CLUB FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

A social club for people with dementia and their plus ones to enjoy a cuppa, with music and dancing will be held in The Quad Youth Centre, Roscommon every Thursday starting on September 28th, 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., free of charge. Contact 094 9364900 to register or for more information.

BRIDGE

Bridge Clubs have re-opened in Roscommon Town after the Summer break as follows: Roscommon Bridge Club, Tuesday, September 26th at 7.45 p.m. in Hannon’s Hotel; St. Coman’s Bridge Club, Wednesday, September 27th at 7.45 p.m. in Hannon’s Hotel; Happy ‘71 Bridge Club, Thursday, September 28th at 7.45 p.m. in Hannon’s Hotel; Ballymurray Bridge Club, Monday, October 2nd at 7.45 p.m. in the Abbey Hotel. New members welcome in all clubs. If you would like to learn to play the game of bridge, classes for beginners will commence in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Monday, October 2nd at 8.15 p.m. The classes are for two hours. A partner is not necessary for the classes. For further information contact Larry 086 1607913.

FLEADH COLLECTION

Roscommon has been allocated the hosting of the Connacht Fleadh 2024. Strokestown will be hosting the event. As part of a Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann fundraising drive for the event a church gate collection will be held in your area on the weekend of September 23rd and 24th. All donations will be very much appreciated.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS V ROSCOMMON GARDA CHALLENGE

The annual Roscommon Town Special Olympics V Roscommon Garda Challenge takes place on Friday September 22nd at 7 p.m. at Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult. Roscommon Special Olympics take on a Roscommon Garda selection in their annual tournament. This is the third year of this superb tournament and the wonderful athletes from Roscommon Special Olympics are looking to make it a clean sweep of three In a row. These are a wonderful bunch of athletes who have been training twice weekly for several weeks to ensure that they retain their existing champion title. Come along and enjoy a wonderful night of entertainment and fun. All welcome.

MUSIC CLASSES

Music Classes in tin whistle, flute and fiddle for beginners and advanced will be held in Fourmilehouse Community Centre on Saturday’ beginning at 12 noon. For more information or to register for classes please call or text 087 9316673.

ROSCOMMON GIRL GUIDES

Dates for IGG meetings are as follows: Ladybirds (age 5-7), Mondays 6.30 p.m. -7.30 p.m.; Brownies (age 7 -10), Wednesday 6.15 – 7.30 p.m.; Guides (age 10 -14), Wednesdays, 7.45 – 9 pm.; Senior Branch (age 14+), Wednesday 7.45 – 9 p.m. Meetings are held in the Girl Guide Cottage, Mote park. New Members welcome. For more information email: rosmotegirlguides@gmail.com

HANNA GREALLY LITERARY PRIZE 2023

As part of the SiarScéal Literary Festival 2023, the Hanna Greally Prize is this year being offered for the best winning entries in Best Poem and Best Short Story Submissions to: SiarScéal Festival, c/o Roscommon County Library, Abbey Street, Roscommon, E-mail submissions to: siarsceal@live.ie All entries (postal or online) must be received on or before 5 p.m. on Friday, September 22nd..

IRISH GUIDE DOG COLLECTION DAY

Come down to Petmania Roscommon this weekend and help raise funds for the Irish Guide Dogs.

ROSCOMMON RACES

The final meeting of 2023, featuring The Ballymore Group Irish EBF Kilbegnet Novice Steeplechase Grade 3, takes place on Monday, September 25th at 2.10 p.m..

SHEEP BREEDERS SALE

The second annual sale of Lanark rams for the South of Ireland Lanark Sheep Breeders takes place at Roscommon Mart on Wednesday, September 27th. A good selection of rams on offer plus a selection of rams that are Sheep Improvement Scheme approved.

SUPPORT GROUP

Friends of Breastfeeding will be having a Mum-to-Mum Support Group meeting in Roscommon Library this Saturday. The group meets on the third Saturday of each month, 10.30 a.m. to 12 noon. Mums-to-be, mums, children, families, all welcome! Come along for a chat and meet new friends! Call Roscommon Library for more information: 090-6637277.

COMHALTAS SESSION

Roscommon Town branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann will hold its next music session in Bear an Raille (Railway Bar) Abbeytown, this Thursday at 8 p.m. sharp. These popular early sessions are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month and finish at 10.15 p.m. Admission is free.

FISHING TRIP

The Melting Pot is hosting a fishing trip to Donamon on Tuesday, September 26th. Booking is essential. Contact Ger 089 4165730.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY ROADSHOW

The Roscommon LEADER Partnership team will be in Kilbride Community Centre (F42 N277) on September 28th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to provide information on home energy efficiency and upgrades, including grants available (e.g. SEAI Home Upgrade Grants). There will be an opportunity to meet with contractors and suppliers (insulation, Solar/PV, Heat pumps, etc.) on the evening. All are welcome to this free event. For further information contact 090 66 30252.

BLESSING OF ANIMALS

The Irish Guide dogs for the blind invite you on Saturday, September 30th to grounds of The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 3 p.m. for a blessing of animals. All Welcome.

ONE TOWN ONE VOICE

South Roscommon Family Resource Centre presents the One Town One Voice choir who will be performing on Culture Night. On September 22nd at 7 p.m. they will be singing various songs, including songs from different countries. There will also be refreshments from different countries too in celebration of the various cultures.

ENGLISH CLASSES

For anyone who is interested in English classes South Roscommon Family Resource Centre has a Conversational English Class Monday mornings from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Also GRETB English Classes are in the centre Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon-3 p.m.. Contact 0906628621 or familysupport.srfrc@vitahouse.org for more information.