Local Notes: Wrenboys Competition, Tidy Towns, SPCA Collection
It was a day to remember for the Michael O'Callaghan Memorial Cup at Orchard Park, Elphin, Town versus Country.
Elphin CCE hosted the inaugural Wrenboy Competition on January 4th in Elphin Community Centre. Despite the icy conditions there was a great turnout with teams from Roscommon, Cavan, Leitrim and Elphin. Groups of up to 18 participants from Roscommon and surrounding counties entertained with a traditional 30 minute show of singing music, dancing and comedy. There were junior (U-18) and senior sections. The stage was set up like a country kitchen with the wrenboy groups coming in to entertain the residents in the house. Results: Junior Overall – 1st, Cavan; 2nd, Roscommon B; 3rd, Elphin junior and Roscommon A; Senior – 1st, Elphin; 2nd, Ballinamore.
The death occurred on December 31st, peacefully, with his family by his side, in the wonderful care of the staff at Roscommon Hospice of Mr Timothy (Timmy) Murray ‘Timmy’s Bar’, Main Street, Elphin. Predeceased by his parents Eamonn and Bridie and sister Marguerite. Timmy will be very sadly missed by his brothers, John and Paddy; sisters-in-law, Ger and Lisa; brother-in-law, Michael; nephew and nieces, Michelle, Alan, Gillian, Megan and Olivia; relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends and customers. His remains were removed on Monday morning from Brady’s Funeral Home to St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin for Funeral Mass at 11:30am. Timmy was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
The death occurred on December 29th, peacefully, surrounded by her family, in the wonderful loving care of the staff at Highfield Healthcare, Whitehall, Dublin, in her 89th year of Mrs Attracta Mulleady (nee Murray), Windmill Road, Elphin and late of Ardvarna, Ballaghaderreen. Predeceased by her parents Michael and Agnes Murray, her brothers John Francis, Bernard and Henry, her sisters Mary, Anne, Josie, and Philomena, brothers in law Tom, Bernard, Frank and sister in law Hilda. Sadly missed by her husband, James; children, Colleen, Deirdre and Michael; brothers, Michael and Peter; sister, Bernadette; son-in-law, David; Deirdre’s partner, Stephen; cherished grandchildren, Simon, Kirstie, Ben, Nicky, Carl and Hayley; great grandchildren, Grace, Henry and Rory; brother-in-law, Pat; sister in law, Beatie; the extended Murray and Mulleady families, neighbours and friends. Funeral Mass on Saturday in St. Patrick’s Church, Elphin was followed by committal service in Glasnevin Crematorium.
Happy New Year from the Allin4Elphin Team who look forward to engaging the community groups/community members to help execute on the award of €300,000 for various streetscape and painting improvements in Elphin. The group is very appreciative of the support from Roscommon County Council on this application. More information will be shared in time.
Elphin Tidy Towns wish all volunteers and supporters a very Happy New Year. There is now a planting scheme in place in the town. Please check the Facebook page for details of meet ups. All welcome.
Happy New Year to all the musicians, listeners, singers, dancers who support the regular sessions. The full Irish session on New Year’s Eve was great. The next singers’ session will take place on Sunday, February 1st, which is the Bank Holiday weekend. Everyone welcome.
It was a day to remember for the Michael O'Callaghan Memorial Cup at Orchard Park - town versus country. What a fantastic turnout. Thanks to everyone who played and supported the event, special thanks to Liam Buttler for organising a great event. Congrats to the country on their brilliant victory and to John Finnerty (Player of the Match), thanks to Sean Brady for sponsoring. Thanks to Smiley and Marty for taking on both teams. Nearly €2,000 was raised for Elphin/Ballinameen and Northern Harps LGFA underage development. Presentations were held afterwards for the following: Junior Player - Alan Gormley; Young Player, Sam O'Rourke; Senior Player - Shane Beirne; Clubperson - Martin Travers. Happy New Year to all.
Huge thanks to everyone who attended the Elphin Comhaltas session on St. Stephen’s Day. There was a great attendance at the youth session and the adult session with the very best of traditional music and singing.. Happy New Year to all.
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.
The death occurred recently of Fr. Thomas Patrick (T.P.) Reynolds, Missionary Society of St. Columban, formerly Strokestown. T.P. Reynolds was born on March 14th, 1935 in Strokestown. T.P.’s father, Thomas, was heavily involved in the management and running of the ‘Magnet Ballroom’ on Elphin Street, opposite the family home, which T.P. named though a public competition held in 1950.
After finishing his education at Scoil Mhuire, Bawn Street, T.P. qualified and served as a meteorologist in Claremorris for 15 months. He went to St. Columban’s College, Dalgan Park, County Meath, in September 1955. During his time there he was the heart of their orchestra, being an exceptional pianist.
Following T.P.’s ordination on December 20th, 1961, he taught in Whitby, UK, until 1967. From 1968-1972 he taught in Oconomowoc & St. Columban’s Seminary, Wisconsin, USA. During this time he received MA degrees in French and Theology. From 1973-1979 he worked in Milwaukee, additionally graduating with a Ph.D. in Religious Studies with New Testament Specialisation. From 1980-1983 T.P. worked in pastoral work in Lima, Peru. He was appointed to Chicago, Illinois, USA, in 1984 where he taught, and served on the regional council and as chairman on the Board of Trustees of the Catholic Theological Union for 12 years. From 2008-2023 he worked in Los Angeles, California, performing parish duties and offering New Testament courses to parishioners.
T.P. retired to Ireland at the end of September 2023, having served for 68 years in his various roles.
Fr. T.P. Reynolds passed away on Sunday, December 14th at St. Columban’s, Dalgan Park. T.P. was predeceased by his parents Thomas Patrick and Annie Teresa (nee Conboy), Elphin Street, Strokestown; his brothers George & Dono, and his twin sisters Colette & Attracta (McGrath). He is survived by his older brother Michael, younger sister, Teresa (Johnston), sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, Columban family and many friends.
Lourdes group Strokestown is holding a Table Quiz in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown on January 23rd at 8.30 p.m., €40 for a table of 4. Raffle and finger food on the night. All funds raised goes to the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrimage Fund 2026. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Roscommon SPCA will hold a church gate collection of the new 2026 year at St. Patrick's Church, Kiltrustan on Sunday, January 11th. Roscommon SPCA is run by a team of dedicated volunteers with all money donated going directly towards animal welfare in the county. If you would like to learn more about Roscommon SPCA please visit the website at www.roscommonspca.ie
Results of the draw held on December 23rd - numbers drawn - 3, 4, 8, 9. Two "Lucky Dip" winners - Declan Gill, Lacken, and John Murray, Castlenode. Next draw on Tuesday, January 6th at the SCDA office. Jackpot - €800. Thank you for your continued support.
A pilates course is underway at Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown, on Mondays at 7 p.m., Suitable for all ages and abilities. Text Bonnie at 087 2238237 for more information.
The death took place recently at Mullingar Hospital of Mrs Evelyn McGowan (nee Fallon) of Lack, Whitehall, Tarmonbarry, wife of the late Mr Michael John McGowan. Daughter of the late Mr Charles Fallon and of the late Mrs Mary Kate Fallon, she was predeceased by her sons, Benedict and Padraic, daughters-in-law, Mary and Liz, son-in-law, Martin Collum, granddaughter, Catherine, brothers, Charlie Joe and Michael, and by her sister, Kathleen. She was a highly respected member of her local community and who now mourn her passing. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Church, Whitehall, and the interment followed in Ballymacormack Cemetery, Longford. She is survived by her daughters, Mrs Geraldine Collum (Ballinamuck), Mrs Gabrielle Devine (Derryharrow, Longford) and Nuala (Lack); son-in-law, Kevin Devine; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, Mrs Ethel Carroll (Kilmore), Mrs Margaret Glynn (Mullingar), and Mrs Charlotte Morgan (Fore) nieces, nephews, extended family and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, Longford of Mrs Mary Skelly (nee Dolan) Ballynamanagh, Colehill, County Longford, wife of the late Mr Harry Skelly. A native of Carroward, Kilrooskey, she was predeceased by her brothers, John and Peter Dolan. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carrickedmond, and the interment followed in Abbeyshrule Cemetery. She is survived by her sisters, Nancy and Terry Dolan and Mrs Bridie Cox, brother-in-law, Dan, sister in law, Kathy Skelly (London), nieces, Mary and Paula, the Skelly and Byrne families, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently of Mrs Leona Cox (nee Lohan) of Tullyvrane, Lanesborough, wife of Mr Edwad Cox. A native of Moher, Strokestown, she was daughter of the late Mr Charlie Lohan and of the late Mrs May Lohan. She previously resided at Drumlish. News of her passing was heard of with deep regret among her relatives, former neighbours and friends. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Lanesborough, and the interment followed in Clonbonny Cemetery. She is survived her husband, son, Aron, daughter-in-law, Patricia, grandchildren, Amy, Sarah and Daniel, sisters, Mary, Loretta and Charlette, brother, Tom, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
