Local Notes: Youth Stage School Enrolment, Congratulations, Cemetery Mass
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.
Concern worldwide thanks the people of Castlerea, Trien and Cloonbonniffe for their generous response to the church gate collection held on July 11th and 12th last. The total amount raised was €900.55. This will be used in projects around the world where Concern consider it most necessary. You can view the work at Concern Worldwide.
The winning bonus ball number in Castlerea Golf Club’s lotto for July 5th was 36. Winners were Marian McCormack, Amanda Soares, Jimmy Mannion, and Sean Fleming. Each receive €100.
The Suck Valley Kayaking Club will hold an information evening and AGM on Thursday, August 13th at 9 p.m. in the Old Schoolhouse, Ballintubber (F45 T853). Following a short AGM, an open information evening will discuss plans, share ideas and help shape the Suck Valley Kayaking Club. Everyone is welcome and there’s no pressure to take on a role. The focus will be on adult paddling as the club gets established. For more information contact Ruth on 0861988036.
A Mass of Remembrance will be held on Tuesday, September 1st at 7.p.m. at Castlerea Mart as part of the mart’s 50th anniversary celebrations. All are invited to attend and refreshments will be served afterwards.
The Castlerea Brass and Reed Band would like to extend congratulations to Roscommon ladies intermediate football team on defeating Fermanagh in the All-Ireland Final at Croke Park on Sunday, August 2nd. There were two former band members on the team with both giving outstanding displays on the half back line. They are Ella Thompson, daughter of band leader Richard and Fona Thompson, Willsgrove, Ballintubber, who played left half back and secured two points and Niamh Feeney, daughter of band member Helen Feeney and Joe Feeney, Lisnameane, Elphin, who played right half forward and scored one point.
The Castlerea Lourdes Deanery fundraising draw, which helps defray the cost of bringing assisted pilgrims to Lourdes will be held in Mulvihill’s on Saturday, August 15th at 10 p.m. Tickets for the draw are also on sale at Corrib Oil and Mulvihill’s Newsagents or from any committee member. They cost €5 each or a book of three for €10. The committee would like to thank the following outlets for allowing them sell tickets at their premises, Corrib Oil, Lyons, Mace, Castlerea Mart and Lyons Gala.
The death occurred on Saturday, July 25th, peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the Roscommon Hospice of Mrs Ellen (Nello) Harte, (née Hanmore), Low Longford, Castlerea. Predeceased by her husband Michael, parents, Jack and Mary Ellen and her siblings, Anna (O'Flaherty), Jack, Mike, Pat and Peter. Deceased was a very kind, gentle and jolly person. She always had time for people both young and old and loved having a conversation with them. She was a wonderful neighbour and anyone who frequented her home was always made most welcome and had the cup of tea or coffee and a scone. She was a gifted person and had a great interest in arts, music, as well as gardening, indeed she took great pride in her garden. For many years, each Tuesday she would visit Aras Mhathair Phoil to entertain the residents with music and song. She was a devoted Catholic and spent many hours in the Adoration Chapel in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea and made many trips to Medjugorje with her late husband Mike. Indeed, both cycled to Knock shrine on many occasions. She worked in Dyar’s Bakery for many years. She adored her grandchildren and great-granddaughter and loved when they would come to visit her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and she will be sadly missed by her daughters, Annamarie, Niamh, Derval and Ellen; brother Kelly (New Jersey), her sisters, Stephaine (Miller, Liverpool), Margaret (McHale, Donegal) and Brid (Cryan, Boyle); granddaughters Aimee, Charlotte, Sarah, Jade and Laura, and great-granddaughter, Julie, sons-in-law Philippe and Jeff, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours. Her remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea and following Mass of the Resurrection celebrated by Fr. Kevin Reynolds with co-celebrant Fr. Garbiel Murphy, Keash, County Sligo, burial took place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. The ceremony was enhanced by the beautiful music and singing of deceased’s sister Margaret McHale, her husband Cathal and their daughter Catherine McHale. Before the final blessing, her daughter Derval read the reflection. May Nello’s gentle soul rest in peace.
The annual Cemetery Mass will be celebrated at 12 noon on Sunday, August 30th (weather permitting). The Mass will be offered for all those buried in the cemetery and for all deceased parishioners.
