Local Notes: Wedding Celebrations, Stage School and Summer Camp
Claire and Kate McCann, and Colette Carney at the unveiling of a sporting Wall of Fame at the Fairymount Memorial Garden last weekend. Pic: Liam Reynolds
The Western Gaels Summer Camp is back for 2026, running from Monday, August 17th to Wednesday, August 19th, 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, at the local GAA grounds in Frenchpark (F45 NN92). Ages: 5-14 years - primary school and First Year secondary school. Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zaum9rPgt8. Camp is open to all young people from any location - you do not have to be a member of Western Gaels to attend. Everyone is welcome
All envelopes are due back the weekend of August15th/16th for those who wish to donate towards Fr. Micheál Donnelly’s farewell party, It will be held on Sunday, September 6th next with Mass at 3 p.m. in Ballinagare Church followed by a function in Ballinagare Community Centre. All welcome.
The death occurred peacefully, after a short illness, of Mr Brian Payne, Hermitage, Ballinagare and late of East Wall, Dublin on Monday, August 3rd last at the North West Hospice in Sligo. Brian will be sadly missed by his heartbroken wife, Bernadette; daughter ,Cheryl; son, Brian; grandchildren, Alex and Mia; sister, Marie; brothers, Henry, Michael, Paddy, John and Thomas; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends. Following Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Ballinagare on Friday, August 7th last, the funeral proceeded to Drummin Cemetery.
Mr Michael John Sharkey, Dublin and formerly of Bella, Frenchpark passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 4th last at the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin. Predeceased by his parents, Paddy and Kathleen, sister, Martina and his brother-in-law, Jim some time ago, Michael John (67) will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his sister, Marian (Treasure); brother, Pat; nephew, Liam; nieces, Katie and Maeve; great-nephews and grand-nieces, relatives and residents and friends of Highfield Healthcare. His remains were removed from the Sharkey Funeral Home, Frenchpark to St. Attracta’s Church, Ballinameen on Friday evening last. Following Requiem Mass, celebrated by Fr. Alan Conway on Saturday, August 8th , burial took place in Killaraght Old Cemetery.
Pray for the repose of the souls of Ms Úna Mulrennan, Carrowbehy and Castlehill, Castlerea; Mrs Thomas Vesey, Bohalis, Ballaghaderreen; Mr John Molloy, Cootehall, and Dublin; Mr Don Paul, Livingston, Scotland and Mr Jorge Messi, Rosario, Argentina. May they rest in peace CHURCH NEWS Thank you all most sincerely for the very generous donations towards the recent cemetery collections. Let us continue to maintain the beautiful family graves as a mark of respect for all loved ones who are buried there. Masses will be held in Ballinagare at 7 p.m. on Friday (14th), Fairymount at 11.30 a.m. Tibohine at 7 p.m. and Ballinagare 8.30 p.m. on Saturday (15th) and Frenchpark at 10 a.m. and Fairymount at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, August 16th.
Congratulations to Emma Gilligan and Eoghan Sheehan and Derek Ryan and Bernadette Moran who were recently married. The respective couples are wished long and happy married lives together.
A family sports day will take place at Tibohine Community Centre on Sunday, August 23rd next from 1 pm. to 4 p.m.. Further details will be available at a later date.
Western Gaels held its weekly lottery draw on Saturday, August 8th last. There was no jackpot winner. Cash prize winners (€20 each) were Eugene/Nancy Beirne, Seamus Flannery, Dermot Lyons, Paul Neary and Patrick Philips. The numbers drawn were 2, 14, 21 and 24. The next draw (jackpot €3,900) will take place at the clubhouse in Frenchpark on this Saturday, August 15th. Tickets are available on-line through the Clubforce app or from local outlets.
Deadline for entries to the 2026/27 Fantasy Football League is Thursday, August 20th next. Contact 086-0783814 for further details.
Castlerea Youth Stage School has announced enrolment for 2026/2027. This season, the junior group will present The Wind in the Willows, while the senior group will perform Wonderland the Musical, with performances taking place on March 13th & 14th, 2027. Enrolment for children and young people aged 6–15 years takes place on Tuesday, August 25th from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea. Whether your child loves to sing, dance or act, or simply wants to make new friends and build confidence, everyone is welcome. No previous experience is necessary. For enquiries, contact 087 9677439 or 087 6323166. Follow Castlerea Youth Stage School Facebook.
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The popular Rathcroghan Visitor Centre, Tulsk has announced a number of events to celebrate Heritage Week, which takes place from Saturday, August 15th until Sunday, August 23rd. The week kicks off on Saturday with “Turning the Sod,” a social evening of music, talks and conversation in appreciation of the bog landscape. Led by Cruachán Creatives, Turning the Sod features a number of guest speakers with key themes being conservation, memory and harmony. Event starts at 8 p.m. and admission on the night is €5.
On Monday, August 17th a screening of the short film ‘Tracing our Ancient Routes’ will take place between noon and 1 p.m.. The film depicts the archaeological research undertaken in preparation for the proposed Tulsk to Rathcroghan Active Travel Route. The proposed 5.2km route intersects with a number of ancient trackways that led people over many years to important sites in the complex. Findings made by archaeologists will be included in the short film.
Artist Liam O’Brion will hold an exhibition on Wednesday, August 19th between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. These drawings appear in the artist’s publication of An Táin Bó Cúailnge - a modern art and literature interpretation of the ancient Irish story associated with the landscape of Rathcroghan. Refreshments will be served on the night.
Finally, on Thursday, August 20th the Finnbennach Bull Sculpture will be launched at 3 p.m.. The original sculpture, funded through Roscommon LEADER Partnership, was made by Longford artist, Liam Kavanagh and will serve as a landmark sculpture for Tulsk and County Roscommon.
The afternoon will also feature storytelling as the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre unveils it’s new installation of the White Bull from the great mythical tale An Táin Bó Cúailnge.
The second round of the Intermediate Championship takes place this Friday evening August 14th at 8 p.m. in Tarmonbarry as St. Barry’s host Tulsk in their second round-robin encounter in this year’s championship. The side will be hoping to atone for their loss against St. Dominic’s in their opener just over ten days ago. The very best of luck is extended to all involved with the team. The club's PB Networks sponsored Junior B team got their championship campaign off to a winning start with a 0-12 to 0-6 win over Padraig Pearses ‘C’ last Friday evening in Tulsk. Well done to all involved. The second round of the Junior B Championship will take place on Sunday August 23rd when Tulsk face a St Barry's ‘B’ selection at 1.30pm in Tarmonbarry.
Roscommon SPCA will hold its annual church gate collection at Killina Church, this Saturday, August 15th. The support of the local community is greatly appreciated.
The Tulsk Under-14 boys team got their season back on track after a great win over Elphin/Ballinameen. Tulsk started fast and were two goals to the good after five minutes, but the Elphin/Ballinameen lads came back strong with three goals. Both teams exchanged points in a very enjoyable first half which ended Elphin/Ballinameen 3-3, Tulsk 2-4. The Tulsk lads were a different outfit in the second half, and right from the throw up, they showed their intent with a great team score. With some positional changes, the Tulsk lads kept the pressure on and created more excellent scores. Tulsk kept the momentum going to see out a very encouraging result on a scoreline of Tulsk 7-12 to Elphin/Ballinameen’s 5-7. The team’s next game is at home to Castlerea this Thursday night in Tulsk.
Anyone who was present at a wonderful talk and demonstration by ‘An Gobha’ (The Blacksmith) Tom King will have been enthralled by a wonderful morning of storytelling and demonstrations of the wonderful art of the blacksmith. The event was a most enjoyable and fun affair and great credit is due to the management and staff of the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre for hosting such a fascinating and enjoyable event.
An information evening and AGM of the Suck Valley Kayaking Club will take place this Thursday, August 13th at 9 p.m. in the Old Schoolhouse, Ballintubber, F45 T853. For more information, contact Ruth on 086-1988 036.
Congratulations to Roscommon’s U-14 county camogie team and local representative Keeva Scanlon who lifted the All-Ireland U-14 title last week, bringing further honour, not only to Tulsk but to the sport of ladies football in general to the county.
Pilates classes take place in Tulsk on Mondays at 7 p.m.. Book in advance via WhatsApp: +353 (85) 731 7619. Classes are suitable for everyone and are a great way to gently engage all your muscles and clear your mind.
