Local Notes: Soccer Roundup, Ukulele Classes, 50/50 Draw
At a recent meeting of Kilmovee Pastoral Council in Kilmovee Community Centre Thomas Regan, chairperson, made a presentation to Fr Dan in recognition of Fr Dan’s 50 years’ service to his people. From left: Martina McLoughlin, Fr Joseph Gavigan PP, Fr Dan, Thomas Regan, Anna Marie Tiernan, Mary Anne Fermoy, Mary Teresa Duffy, and Tina Coakley. Pic: James Hunt
Local artists April, Elisha, and Tuesday are back for another round of fun and creative endeavours, with Creative Youth at The Shambles, Market Yard. Teens aged 13-17 can now sign up for nine-weeks of creative activities every Friday, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., from October 30th until December 18th. There will be painting, drawing, crafts, movement, music and theatre-making. No experience necessary, these will be light, easy-going sessions, to ignite a creative spark, make friends and learn something new about the arts and yourself. Limited places, e-mail, : creativeplacesballagh@gmail.com or phone 0868372921.
Drop-in sessions are being held at The Shambles on Thursdays from 2.30 p.m. for help with smartphones or computers, for older adults. Call: 0868098539 for more information.
The Ballagh GAA 50/50 draw was held on Sunday, October 18th at Solan’s Bar, The Square. Winner of the jackpot of €576 was Brian Colleran, Boherbui Road, selling agents, Clubforce online. Next draw is on Monday, October 26th The Hatch Bar, The Square.
As October is Mental Health Awareness Month, a day to raise awareness is being held on this Tuesday, October 20th at The Shambles. All day long there will be resources and information on supports for mental health challenges. Thanks to Mental Health Ireland, a free webinar will be held at 10.30 a.m. on how to protect your mental health while navigating the changing world around us. At 2 p.m. there will be an hour-long mindfulness session with Mary Mullins. SICAP criteria applies. Both programmes will have limited numbers and booking is required. Please call 086 809 8539 to reserve your place.
The 2026 edition of Echoes of Ballaghaderreen, the town’s annual local newspaper, is now being prepared. Articles, photographs, club reports and items of local interest are welcome from individuals and organisations. The closing date for submissions is Friday, October 23rd. Contributions can be emailed to echoesballaghaderreen@gmail.com or delivered to The Presbytery, Ballaghaderreen. Enquiries to 087 6765508.
Congratulations to Tommy Duffy, winner of €230 in the Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 draw held on Tuesday, October 13th. The winning ticket was sold by Topside Meats. The club thanks everyone for their continued support, with the next draw scheduled for Tuesday, October 20th. Tickets are available from participating local outlets and online. Annual tickets cost €90 and guarantee entry into every weekly draw for a full year.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s senior men’s first team secured an impressive 3–1 home victory over Moylough ’79 FC in RDFL Division 1 at the Community Park on Sunday, October 18th. Charlie Stokes, John Higgins and Aaron Dowd were on target for Ballaghaderreen as the home side claimed all three points.
Ballaghaderreen FC’s senior women’s team recorded an excellent 2–0 away victory over Kilkerrin United on Saturday evening, October 17th. Rebecca Finan and Alannah McGreal scored the goals to secure a fine win for Ballaghaderreen, with the team keeping a clean sheet.
The popular annual Christmas markets return to The Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, on Friday, November 27th, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Organised in conjunction with local businesses, producers and the Ballaghaderreen CE Scheme, the event provides an opportunity to showcase local products and crafts. Stands cost €20, with limited availability. To reserve a space, contact Anita on 086 1426068 or email adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie.
The Ballaghaderreen support group of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation extends its appreciation to everyone who has supported its fundraising activities throughout the year. The annual patronage collection is continuing, and collectors who have yet to complete their allocated areas are asked to do so promptly to facilitate the preparation of year-end accounts. The group sincerely thanks the local community for its generosity and ongoing assistance.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral will host its annual November Remembrance Service on Sunday, November 22nd, at 7 p.m., remembering those who have died since November 2025. Families wishing to include the names of relatives or friends who died outside the parish are asked to contact the presbytery on 094 9860011. November Mass envelopes are available in local churches and parish offertory boxes.
Ballaghaderreen Women’s Shed welcomes women aged 18 and over to its friendly fortnightly gatherings at Ballaghaderreen Community Park, F45 KP52, on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. The group provides opportunities to meet new people, share interests and skills, enjoy activities and build friendships in a relaxed and supportive setting.
St. Nathy’s Cathedral Folk Group welcomes new singers and musicians. Weekly practice takes place every Thursday at 8 p.m. in the presbytery, beside the cathedral. Anyone interested in contributing to the music at church services is invited to come along.
Stepping Stones Baby & Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre. Parents, carers and young children can enjoy messy play, arts and crafts, free play and opportunities to socialise with other local families.
The Ukedorys meet every Monday at 8 p.m. in Spell’s, Ballaghaderreen, for an enjoyable evening of music and singing. Beginners and experienced musicians are welcome, with ukuleles available for newcomers. Participants can also join in with percussion and harmonies. A €5 weekly contribution supports running costs.
