Local Notes: Tractor Run, Quiz Night, Bingo
Kevin Taylor makes a presentation to Micheal Frain at a function in Durkin’s Hotel marking his retirement as Ballaghaderreen Fire Station Officer after 26 years of dedication, professionalism and steady service to the town and wider area.
The entire Ballaghaderreen community extends its sincere thanks to retiring Ballaghaderreen Fire Station Officer Micheál Frain as an end of an era is marked for Ballaghaderreen Fire Brigade. Micheál has retired after 26 years of dedication, professionalism and steady service to the town and wider area, and the community is deeply grateful for all he has done. Throughout his years in charge, his leadership, organisational excellence and calm approach under pressure played a major role in protecting property and, more importantly, saving lives across countless call-outs and emergencies. Congratulations also to Kevin and Barbara Taylor for hosting a brilliant retirement night in Durkin’s, Ballaghaderreen on Saturday, January 31st, with a strong turnout from crew members past and present, their partners and friends, and firefighters from surrounding stations, making it an emotional occasion. Enjoy your retirement, Micheál, although with all you continue to do for the town as a councillor and business owner, the community doubts it will be all gardening and long walks.
The hugely popular Ronan Regan Memorial Tractor Run will take place on Sunday, February 8th. Registration from 12 noon at Ballaghaderreen GAA Club. Run starts at 1 p.m., €20 per entry. Proceeds will go towards Ballaghaderreen GAA Club and The Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Ballaghaderreen GAA hope to see you there to help celebrate the memory of Ronan Regan - gone too soon but always remembered.
A lip sync fundraiser in support of the development of the Monasteraden Community Field and the upkeep of St Aiden's Church grounds will take place on Saturday, February 21st in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. The event is being organised by Monasteraden Community Enhancement. The judges include iRadio DJ, Dave Duke, writer and actor, Julie Sharkey, and Sligo county councillor, Paul Taylor. The event will be compered by Angelina Nugent and Michael Donoghue. Anyone interested in taking part, donating, or supporting the event is encouraged to contact the committee at monasteraden.ce@gmail.com. Tickets cost €25 plus booking fee, and are available via Events 54 at www.events54.com/event/monasteraden Supporters can also back their favourite act by purchasing tickets/or by making a donation through the act's dedicated link. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m..
In the Ballaghaderreen GAA 50/50 draw held on Sunday, February 1st in Spell’s Bar, Pound Street the winners of the jackpot of €602 were Celia & Jim McGrath, Pound Street, selling agents, Saturday night team. Next draw is on Sunday, February 8th in the Brusna Inn, Brusna.
This valentine’s night, February 14th show your support for The Lip Sickners at an open darts competition in Donegan's Pub, Ragwood Organisers promise you won’t be sickened, you’ll be shocked, impressed, and thoroughly entertained, so it’s definitely one not to be missed.
On Tuesday, January 27th the Ballagh FC 50/50 jackpot of €23-0 was won by Calum Brehony, seller, Newsround. Next draw is tonight, Tuesday, February 3rd at the Community Park. Thank you for your continued support. Tickets are available in outlets throughout the town and online at Clubforce.com. Remember annual tickets are available for €90.
A family support drop-in clinic is now available at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource centre. This service is open to all parents, guardians or any family member who is experiencing any type of issue or problem within the family. This is a safe and confidential space to seek support, advice and guidance on issues arising in your everyday life. This is an inter-agency project with Tusla Family Support Workers. Clinics are on Mondays from 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon. No appointment necessary.
Valentine's themed arts and crafts for little ones takes place on Saturday, February 7th at 11 a.m. in Ballaghaderreen Library. Suitable for ages 4+.
A Grow mental health peer support group meets every Wednesday, 7.30 pm - 9.30 p.m. at the Ozanam Centre, Oak Grove, Ballaghaderreen. Online group available from 6:30 p.m. on Grow.ie/peer-support-mental-health.
Ballaghaderreen CE Scheme has positions available for general operatives and an admin assistant. For details e-mail adcesupervisor@theshambles.ie or phone 086 1426068. Job descriptions are available on www.jobsireland.com
A quiz night in aid of Lisacul Community Development will be held on February 6th at 9 p.m. in Creaton’s Bar, Lisacul. Tables of four, €10 per person.
If you have local news, a story worth sharing, an upcoming event, a fundraiser, a milestone, or anything happening in and around Ballaghaderreen, feel free to send it in so it can be included for others to see in the Ballaghaderreen Notes. Whether it’s a club update, school achievement, charity drive, “thank you” note, community notice, or a reminder about something coming up, this column is here to reflect what’s going on locally and to help keep people connected. Contact Erik Nielsen at ballaghaderreennotes@gmail.com
Seán Keane will perform in concert on Saturday, February 14th at 8 p.m. in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen, F56 TF88. To book call 071 9182599 or online at www.colemanirishmusic.com.
The death took place suddenly at Sligo University Hospital on Sunday, January 25th of Mrs Tina Sherlock (nee McDermott), Cloonfeightrin, Doocastle and formerly of Gurteen. News of her passing was received with shock and sadness. She was well-liked in the community and beyond. She was predeceased by her son, John her parents, Nora and Tom and her sisters, Josie, Mary-Alice and Chrissie. Her remains reposed at her residence on Wednesday evening and her Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Bunninadden on Thursday with burial afterwards in Kilturra Cemetery. She is survived by her husband, Batty; sons, Liam and Michael; daughters, Martina and Patricia; daughters-in-law, sons -in-law, her sister, Winnie McGrath, and her family, the family of the late Chrissie Murray, sister-in-law, Rita Mulligan and family, grandchildren, nephews and nieces and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. May she rest in Peace.
The death took place on January 17th in Littlehampton, England of Patricia Dwyer. She was predeceased by her husband, Vincent - brother of Frank , Killaraght to whom sympathy is extended. May she rest in Peace.
The death took place on January 20th of PJ (Paddy)Rouse, Kinlough -predeceased by his wife Alice on December 12th. She was a sister of the late Ted McGowan. Sympathy to all the relations and friends.
The death took place on January 21st of Teresa Doherty, Derrymaquirke and Carrick-on-Shannon, sister of the late Paddy O'Grady and aunt of Ollie O'Grady. May her soul rest in Peace.
The death took place on January 26th of Alacoque McGrath of Boyle and Artane. She was sister of the late Annette Flanagan and her late husband Willie Flanagan, Killaragh. May soul rest in Peace.
Rainbow Road Pre-School, Mullaghroe is now enrolling for September 2026. For more details contact Bridget at 086-0691845.
Mindful Mondays - mindfulness and relaxation at the Coleman Centre, 8.30-10 p.m. from Monday, February 9th, for 5 weeks. Contact Sarah 083-0618006. Yoga classes continue weekly, join anytime-pay as you go option at Coleman Centre, Mondays 7.15 p.m., gentle flow and Tuesdays at 10 a.m..
The Eastern Harps 50/50 draw was held on Monday, January 26th and the winner was Lynda O'Connor c/o Roisin Dubh who won €648. The club appreciates all support.
Bingo is held every Friday at 8 p.m.- jackpot of €1,900 on 45 calls and the lotto jackpot is €300. Support is greatly appreciated.
