Local Notes: Fair Day tradition being revived, confirmations and community cinema
Ballaghaderreen is set to revive the tradition of the May Day Fair. Pic. Eithne Gallagher
This May Bank Holiday, Monday, May 6th, ‘The Shambles’, in Ballaghaderreen will again play host to the May Day Fair, which in the past, saw people come from far and wide to sell their produce.
Ballaghaderreen has operated as a fairs and market town since the 1700s, once having seven fairs annually.
Organisers, Ballaghaderreen Tidy Towns, now want to breathe new life into the town’s long-standing history of holding a fair on May Day.
People are invited to join the tradition of the fair day of years past, at ‘The Shambles’ on the Charlestown Road, where there will be music, crafts, market stalls, food stalls, fair games, and a dog show.
Local artists will be performing and exhibiting their work throughout the fair as there will be a buskers’ tent and an art exhibition.
There will also be a pre-loved pop-up shop selling second hand and vintage clothes, shoes, bags and books.
Entertainment, workshops and many more events promise for a fun-filled day for all the family.
Join in from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Bank Holiday Monday, May 6th at ‘The Shambles’, Ballaghaderreen.
Gardening course will start on Tuesday, May 7th for five weeks from 6-8 p.m..
Arts and Crafts (lamp restoration) starting Thursday, May 2nd from 11-1 p.m. for five weeks. To book a space please contact The Shambles reception on 094 9862565.
Last weekend the people of Ballaghaderreen welcomed Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Kevin Doran to the parish. Bishop Kevin celebrated the 6 p.m. Vigil Mass in the Cathedral.
Congratulations to all who made their Confirmation recently. Thanks to all the parents, guardians and teachers for all their help in preparing them for Confirmation.
Diocese of Killala & Diocese of Achonry Pilgrimage to Lourdes ( July 18 to 23rd under the leadership of Bishop John Fleming, Bishop Emeritus of Killala., departing from Ireland West Airport Knock, five nights full board. €929- (single rooms available, supplement applies). Main Pilgrimage bookings should be made through Joe Walsh Tours: 01-2410800 or Email:
info@joewalshtours.ie. Book Online: www.joewalshtours.ie/
This week’s Ballaghaderreen GAA Cub 50/50 draw was held on Sunday. April 28th in Spell's Bar, Pound Street. The winner of the jackpot of €550 was Damien Hanley, The Square. Selling agent. Solan's. The next draw is on Sunday, May 5th in Durkin's Bar, The Square. Your support of our weekly draw is much appreciated. Weekly tickets are on sale in shops and businesses throughout the town. An annual 50/50 ticket, giving entry into every draw in the year is available from committee members for €90. Weekly tickets can also be purchased online through the Ballaghaderreen GAA Facebook page.
Confirmation took place on Sunday last in St. Patrick's Church Gurteen with thirty nine young people for the Sacrament. The Bishop of Achonry Bishop Paul Dempsey administered the Sacrament at the 11.30 a.m. Mass assisted by Fr. Joe Caulfield P.P. and Fr. Frank O'Grady, a native of Gurteen. This was one of the bishop's last ceremonies in the diocese before taking up his new appointment in Dublin. Well done to the pupils, parents, sponsors, teachers and Fr Joe and to all who prepared them for their Confirmation.
Gurteen Community Games Athletics will take place on Monday, May 6th at 2 p.m. in the Community Sportsfield. For entry forms please contact Peter on 087-6893670. Entry on the day taken from 1.30 p.m.
Lough Derg -one day retreats are as follows in Month of May -Sunday 5th, Monday 6th, Sunday 12th,Tuesday 14th, Saturday 18th Saturday 25th also Monday 27th. Also in August and September. Quiet days Saturday May 11th and Friday, May 31st. Three day pilgrimages begin Friday, May 31st to Thursday, August 15th. see www.loughderg.org to book online. booking is essential also to 071-9861518.
The Gurteen Celtic lotto draw last week was not won -numbers drawn were: 1,4,12,22. Winner of the €50 was Catherine Flaherty, Fauleens, Monasteraden. The jackpot is now €3,500 and the draw for next week will be in the Dapper Duck, Gurteen COMMUNITY CINEMA Coleman Community Cinema, Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on Saturday, May 4th at 2.30 p.m. is showing the Disney musical remake of The Little Mermaid. Treat bags are available. Admission is €5. One adult per family goes free. Further information from 071-9182599.
There will be a concert in the Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen on May 18th with the very popular group Shaskeen providing the entertainment. This is always an eagerly awaited group in Gurteen so booking is essential at 071-9182599.
Congratulations to all at Centra Gurteen for a very enjoyable day at their grand opening on Friday, April 19th. The supermarket has been recently revamped and looks completely transformed. Well done to all concerned.
