Local Notes: Water Heritage, Fair Launch and Chess Club
Robyn Reynolds, Aoibhinn Naughton and Aoife Heneghan, Roscommon Town, pictured at Roscommon Show last weekend. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Kilteevan Tidy Towns is hosting an event Protecting our Local Rivers and Streams on Sunday, August 23rd at 11 a.m.. Everyone welcome including children if accompanied by an adult. Gather at Kilteevan Community Centre at 11 a.m.. places are limited, to register email kilteevantidytowns@gmail.com There will be a short presentation, demonstration and training by Janet Laffey, Community Water Officer. Come along and learn how to identify river insects and carry out citizen science or stream on your own river. The event will also see the launch of Kilteevan Tidy Towns’ leaflet on Protecting Our Local Rivers and Streams by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Domnick Connolly. This will be followed by a cupán tae.
A day trip to Lough Derg, will take place on Saturday, September 12th, leaving the Sacred Heart Church car park, Roscommon, at 6.30 a.m.. Booking enquiries to Teresa 087 1206343 or Noreen, 086 3529916 (090 6625209).
Roscommon Pride celebrates diversity, inclusion and community with a week of colourful events, entertainment and activities. Check out https://roscommonpride.ie/ for tickets and event details.
Athlone Samaritans need additional volunteers to maintain their 24 hour free befriending service. Could you be a Samaritan volunteer? No experience or qualification needed as training and mentoring will be provided. If you think you might be interested, call or text John 087 7176168 or email athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org
"Seeking Safety" is a free coping skills programme for women affected by trauma, mental health and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms. Gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and "take back your power” from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The programme is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Roscommon Town, with a new group starting in Castlerea on Thursday, September 10th. For more information, contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 0949621690/lcampbell@rwn.ie.
Athleague End of Summer Festival offers a fantastic weekend of live entertainment and community celebration, featuring Mike Denver, Brendan Shine, Proud Mary & City Limits (Tina Turner Tribute), Vinegar Bill, Qween (Queen Tribute), and a family fun day with music, food and activities for all ages.
Ballyforan Fair Launch Event 2026 takes place at the Fair Green, Ballyforan on August 23rd at 4 p.m. followed by refreshments.
The South Roscommon Family Resource Centre is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help run a friendly Chess Club. Whether you’re an experienced player or simply passionate about the game, your time and encouragement can make a real difference. No teaching qualification is required—just patience, enthusiasm, and a love of chess! If you’d like to volunteer or would like more information, the team would love to hear from you.
Judging in the national Tidy Towns Competition is ongoing for August. Roscommon Town is at Gold Medal status in the competition, and the volunteers are aiming to retain and increase the points this year. The Tidy Towns volunteers encourage residents and business owners to play their part by maintaining their property. The volunteers meet every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the car park opposite the Garda Station. Everyone is welcome.
A new four week block of fun exercise classes, Smooth Movers, is underway at the Lisnamult Sports Centre with a mixture of seated/standing/walking/flexing/dance, lots of fun and laughs, all gentle and suitable for everyone, all welcome. Text Bonnie 0872238237 to book your place.
Balance bikes are available to loan from Roscommon Library. Balance bikes are a fantastic way to help young children develop balance, confidence, and coordination, giving them the perfect start on their cycling journey before moving on to pedals. For more information or to borrow a balance bike, contact Roscommon Library on 090 663 7277 or email roslib@roscommoncoco.ie.
Couples celebrating their silver, ruby, golden, diamond, platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend one of two jubilee Masses, along with their families and friends on either Sunday, October 4th at 2.30 p.m. in Ballaghaderreen Cathedral or Sunday, October 11th at 2.30 p.m. in Kiltoom Church. Bishop Kevin will celebrate both Masses. Light refreshments will be served afterwards for all in attendance. As each couple celebrating an anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Kevin, they are asked to register their details at www.achonryelphin.ie
