Local Notes: Library reopened, Hospice appeal and Arts Festival concludes
Sean Molloy under a hand painted mural in Ballaghaderreen library.
Ballagh Arts Festival hailed a ‘roaring success’ "The organisers of Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival 2025 have been overwhelmed by the positive response from people of the town and beyond to this year's events, with sell-out crowds and hugely enthusiastic audiences. 'The best yet' was a frequent comment on the 8-day celebration of local and invited talent. The Festival is particularly grateful to a small army of volunteers and stewards, which ensured everything ran smoothly and safely. Gratitude is also extended to our generous local sponsors, whose support is so essential to the Festival's existence, but in particular to Fr. Martin Henry of St Nathy's College, Bishop Kevin Doran and Fr Paul Kivelehan of St Nathy's Cathedral, for permission to stage events in the excellent College Hall and the town's magnificent Cathedral. Thanks too, to everyone who attended events over the 8 days. Hoping to see you all again at Festival'26."
Mens shed says ‘Hello and Welcome’ Situated behind Solan’s on Main Street, Ballaghaderreen Men’s Shed is open every weekday morning and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8 p.m.. All are welcome!
As usual, the Shed took part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade, which is always a fantastic “coming together” in celebration of St Patrick. This year we paid homage to local legend Mary Gallagher and we were honoured to win the “Most Topical Entry” award. It is the third year running we’ve won an award!It was also great to see the return of the May Day Fair this year and the Shed proudly had a stall to show off some of the work we do in the workshop.Another annual highlight for us was the summer barbecue held at the Shed, which attracted plenty of people (and a fair few passing children!), who joined us for what were some excellent burgers. We always have a programme of interesting visits and this year was no exception. This year we have visited The Museum of Country Life, Drumshambo Distillery, Strokestown House, Westport as well as having a trip on the Shannon. Our highlights, though, must be the visits to Croke Park and to the Omagh Bluegrass Festival. We had a guided tour of Croke Park and had a real chance to admire and enjoy the ambience of the great stadium This is an important part of life at the Shed. This year we have had basket-weaving classes, manual handling training, Alzheimer’s Awareness sessions and Smartphone training, amongst others. We also had property marking training, supported by Roscommon County Council. One of the highlights was the work we did with local artist Nollaig Molloy. Supported by Creative Partnerships, we had a series of clay-modelling workshops and family history workshops all of which culminated in a “Cut On The Lung” walk along the river to visit the site of the old town swimming pool. Talking of walks, we continue to have a weekly walk around the local area (at a pace we’re all comfortable with). Departing from the Men’s Shed at 7pm every Tuesday, there’s always room for more!We celebrated Men’s Health Week by staging a week ofv walks where we walked every day. It was also a delight for Shed members to attend events at the Ballaghaderreen Resource Centre. After all, Men’s Health matters to all of us! As well as external trainers and tutors, we often have outside speakers here at the Shed. Highlights included the visit of Ciaran Mullooly, now an MEP of course, who launched his book “The Future Is Now” at the Shed, Paddy Joe Burke, who shared some wonderful and amusing anecdotes with us, and storyteller supreme Vincent Pierse who entertained us with his wonderful stories. We have a very active woodworking workshop that’s open every day and we’re always on the lookout for interesting projects. We especially like restoration and upcycling projects. This year we’re pleased with our wishing wells, our bird and owl boxes and our restoration of park benches. Our current project, among others, is the restoration of a traditional cart. We plan to take on more projects involving local heritage and local historic sites. Recently we have been working with Lough Gara on local history projects. We’re always open to new members. You can make contact through our Facebook page, or just come along on a Tuesday or Thursday evening or drop into the workshop any weekday morning. See you in Autumn ’25!
Join the Ballaghaderreen Women's Shed for its new season. They meet fortnightly on Tuesdays from 11 am - 1 pm Join them for sessions filled with fun, laughter, and wonderful company! Enjoy arts & crafts, exercise, informative talks, day trips, and a chance to meet new friends €4 per session, €15 membership for 6 months. At Ballaghaderreen Community Park Club, off Convent Road, Ballaghaderreen F45 KP52Email womensshedballagh@gmailcom© ballaghaderreen Women's Shed Group YOGA & MEDITATION The Tibohine community is delighted to be welcoming Olivia back to the centre along with Tina for a fabulous evening of yoga and sound healing! Why not treat yourself to some "me time" and bring a friend along? Friday, August 22nd at the Tibohine Community Centre F45HD83 .Cost is €30. More info on Tibohine Community centre socials.
Ballagh welcomed the return of the ‘New & Improved’ Ballaghaderreen Library this month . The library contains the usual array of books . magazines and documents along with new interactive and digital facilities. Details of August events and groups at Ballaghaderreen Library are available at . Contact them on Facebook for more information or at Ballaghaderreenlibrary@roscommoncoco.ie Two wonderful exhibitions are now on display in Ballaghaderreen library until this Saturday 9th August. The exhibition includes paintings, artefacts and a large model crannóg. Not to be missed..All are welcome.
If anyone has 1c or 2c coins they wish to donate to the Hospice, can they contact Kathleen Rushe on 0874156033.
The group continues to meet in The Ozanam Centre from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. New Members are welcome.
This service is open to all parents, guardians or any family member 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 Monday mornings from 9.30 p.m. to 12 noon at Ballaghaderreen Family Resource Centre, New Street, Ballaghaderreen, F45 EK13. No appointment necessary
The Knitting Club meets in the Shambles, Ballaghaderreen, every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..
Ballaghaderreen FC 50/50 Draw, Tuesday 8th 50/50 Club Draw result winners: Nobbins and Mia . The Jackpot was €226. Seller: Molly's bar . The Joker was not found. Annual tickets are available for €90.00, which includes you in 52 draws. The Joker cards are getting even more scarce on the board now, so your chances of winning are increasing with Ballaghaderreen FC. Best of luck to all participating and attending The Ballaghaderreen Arts festival this week. Ballaghaderreen FC has a special orange-coloured deposit return scheme bin at its ground in the Ballaghaderreen Community Park. This bin is to raise funds for the club and also to clear the ground of empty plastic bottles and cans only!. Empty, undamaged plastic bottles and cans with the Re-turn logo are the only items to be placed in this bin. Ballagh FC, thank you for your continued support.
ALONE are recruiting volunteers around Co. Mayo and Roscommon. If you have some free time and would like to make a difference in someone's life, volunteer with ALONE. To join ALONE, please follow the link or call 0818 222 024 www.alone.ie/volunteers
‘Ballagh Tourism’ needs your help for the Summer Season! We need you to help promote what a unique area of beauty and a place of heritage Ballaghaderreen is. Ballaghaderreen Shop Local (BSL) will be giving Free Ads & free strategy advice on how to maximise your tourism exposure both locally, online and abroad, as well as advice on funding availability and products that can help. If your business is in the Hospitality, Leisure, Travel, Transportation or Lifestyle and Wellness, then we @BSL can help. Grants from Tourism Ireland, Roscommon CoCo and other bodies are available - so let us help to get you the support you need. Contact us @ Ballaghaderreen ShopLocal on Facebook or at Ballaghaderreenshoplocal@gmail.com.
The Walking Group meet every Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. in The Family Resource Centre. Phone Philly to confirm participation on 086 1360154. Refreshments served afterwards. Get involved, Get Active and make Friends in Ballagh.
Ballaghaderreen Golf Club continue with a New Member Introductory Offer for 2025 Please contact Brendan on 0874180878 for more details or email ballghadermengolfclub@gmail.com for an application form.
