Local Notes: Tidy Towns, Day Centre, Writers' Group
Elphin Tidy Towns team members back in action last weekend - Nora, Sean, Mags, Deirdre and June would welcome new volunteers any Saturday at 10.30 a.m..
Following on from their success last year, Morris Meats, Elphin had a very successful day at the National Irish Steak Challenge at The Curragh. Morris Meats picked up the overall national award for the Best Striploin Steak in the country in the National Irish Steak Challenge, held as the centrepiece of the Butcher’s Expo at the Curragh Racecourse. Not only did Morris Meats win the overall award in this category but the business also picked up the gold award for Best Striploin in Connacht and won a bronze award for its fillet steak. Congratulations Ronan Gavigan and team.
There is huge sadness in the community with the news of the death Gilbert Muldowney (25), Ballinameen, Boyle, and late of Lucan, on January 25th fulfilling his duty, as a member of the British Army, in Northumbria, England. Immeasurably mourned by his parents Meg and David, sisters Rachel and Kate, grandfather, Fred, aunties, uncles, cousins, extended family, goddaughter Katie, a large circle of friends, and fellow soldiers. Funeral arrangements later.
Irish language classes for adults continue in the Cruachan Ai (F45HH51), Tulsk on Wednesdays from 6.30 p.m. to 8 p.m.. This course is suitable for all levels with an emphasis on conversational Irish. Beginners are welcome. It is being supported by Roscommon County Council and Boyle Municipal District. For further information contact Maire, 086 6095402. Bígí linn.
There is a fantastic line up of tutors for the Dr. John Stafford Tradfest music classes. Amongst them are James Hogan, flute; Zoran Donohoe, concertina; John Dwyer, whistle; Aoibhinn Lynch, button accordion; Seamus Brogan, traditional singing; Jason MacAonghusa, fiddle. Workshops will take place on Saturday, February 21st. Booking is essential, classes are €20. Register on drjohnstafford@gmail.com. Visit the Facebook for full details of the tutors, events etc. It’s time to dust off the instruments, warm up the vocal cords, and gather once again to celebrate the very best of traditional music, culture, and community from Friday, February 20th to Sunday, February 22nd with a weekend packed with live sessions, workshops, competitions and that unmistakable tradfest atmosphere. The Tower Inn supports the John Stafford Tradfest with a junior music session on Friday, February 20th from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.. Traditional Irish music session with local and visiting musicians from 9 p.m.. On Saturday, February 21st from 7-9 p.m. there will be a junior session and at 9 p.m. a traditional session with local and visiting musicians. On Sunday, February 22nd there will be a singers’ session at 8.30 p.m. to close the tradfest with local and visiting musicians. Everyone welcome.
Bingo takes place every Monday at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre. Thank you for your continued support.
AA meetings are held on Mondays at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre F45 K336. Access is at the rear of the building.
The SOS service is available to everyone in local parishes, villages and towns. It is a free, confidential and anonymous service. Contact The Health Centre, Chapel St., Elphin for full details. Always remember you are not alone - reach out.
Elphin Tidy Towns meets every Saturday at the Polytunnel at the Day Centre at 10.30 p.m. The group is always need more volunteers.
If anyone wishes to avail of the wonderful day centre services please ring 0719635566 or 0876803675.
The mobile library visits Elphin every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m..
If you have any local news or items you wish to highlight in the local notes in the Herald please email parnell.deirdre@gmail.com.
A new Knitting and Crochet Circle starts Thursday, February 5th at 6 p.m. in Strokestown Library. Everyone is welcome and if you are currently making something please bring it along. It is hoped to make this a regular event and hopefully there will be a good turnout.
The next meeting of the Strokestown Writers’ group is on Friday, February 13th in Strokestown Library. New members are always welcome.
Results of the SCDA fortnightly draw held on January 20th - numbers drawn - 3, 5,15 16. Two Match Three winners - Joseph Doherty, Church Street, and Noel Shanagher, Tulsk. Next Draw on Tuesday, February 3rd at the SCDA office. Jackpot - €900. Thank you for your continued support.
There will be a meeting of Strokestown Parish Pastoral Council on Wednesday, February 4th at 7 p.m. in the presbytery.
Yin yoga sessions resume on Saturday, February 7th at Strokestown Park, facilitated by psychologist, Marianne Fallon. This is an ideal way to renew and reinvigorate your energies for spring. More information and booking at the link http:/strokestownpark.ie/event/yin-to-spring.
There will be a coffee morning fundraiser for Palestine on Sunday, February 15th at 12 noon in Kilbride Community Centre. Guest speaker will be human rights monitor, Lisa Kerr. More information at roscommon@ipsc.ie.
The death took place recently at his residence in Cornashinnagh, Fourmilehouse, of Private Walter Gibbons. A native of Ballinafad, Strokestown, Walter was the 4th youngest child of 13 born to Peter and Gretta Gibbons. He started his military career in Strokestown in 1981 and became an NCO in the FCA, where many have very fond memories of him. In the 1990s, he served three overseas trips on peacekeeping duty in the Lebanon with dedication and commitment. Always a proud soldier, when he retired he joined the Glengarry Club and attended many of their events including the St. Patrick’s Day Parades in New York and Cabo Roig. Walter always led the annual Easter Community Parade in Strokestown with pride and dignity and is remembered as a friendly man who had a great interest in farming, vintage cars, and music. His family would like to thank everyone for their kind support in their recent bereavement and would like to thank the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club for their respectful guard of honour following the Funeral Mass from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, to Ballinderry Cemetery.
The death took place recently at University Hospital, Galway, of Mr John Clarke, Laughtcausk, Strokestown, son of the late Mr Thomas (Tom) Clarke and Christina (Teenie) Clarke (nee Mc Cormick), Larchgrove. A quiet man with an unmistakable presence, his calm warmth, dry wit, and deep respect for others left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He lived a life shaped by hard work, and community—supporting Tulsk GAA and local sport, and sharing friendship, music, and stories with neighbours and friends. Above all, he was a family man whose greatest joy was the life he built with his wife, the pride he held for his children, and the love he poured into his seven grandchildren. Though his loss is deeply felt, the legacy he leaves behind is one of kindness, humility, strength, and a life lived fully and well. News of his passing at the age of 71 years was heard of with sorrow and deep regret among his relatives, neighbours and many friends. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Catherine's Church, Killina, and the interment followed in Killina Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Jonathan and Jason; daughter, Rebecca; brothers, Cyril and Thomas; sisters, Christine, Loretta, Geraldine, Veronica and Sandra; daughter-in-law, Ruth; son-in-law, Shane; grandchildren, Cathal, Aiden, Ellie, Sam, Rory, Senan and Molly, nieces, nephews and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
Slatta National School needs 10 new pupils across all classes to secure the future of the school next September. Slatta NS has served the community for generations. Parents of school age children - the future of the school is in your hands! The choice is yours - use it or lose it! Enrolment deadline is February 6th. The school has high quality support for wellbeing. It is located only seven minutes from Roosky. To find out more, call in or phone 071 9638818. Talk to parents of current pupils. Check out the school on Facebook or https://slattans.scoilnet.ie.
Progressive 25 continues in Kilglass GAA Centre on Tuesdays at 8.30 p.m.. Last week's winners were: joint 1st, Pat O’Neill, J P Farrell, Oliver Compton, James Owens, and John Joe Cox; 2nd ,Charlie Reynolds; raffle, John Compton New players welcome.
This week's Kilglass Ladies Bonus Ball number was 42. Winners- Una Compton and John Leonard, €50 each.
A three night hotel break to County Kerry from Roosky will take place from April 20th – 23rd staying at the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney. Non-refundable deposit of €50 to be paid by Friday, February 13th. For more details call or text 086 8534100.
The AGM of Roosky Active Retirement will be held on Tuesday, February 24th at 11.30 a.m. in the Community Centre Roosky. All members requested to attend. Membership fee of €15 will be taken at the meeting.
Enrolments for the 2026/2027 school year at Ballyfeeney NS are now open. Closing date for applications is February 27th.. If you require an enrolment form please contact the school secretary on 071 9633866 or by email at ballyfeeneyns@gmail.com.
