28-05-2025
Around the Districts: Marville Centre to Tubbercurry
North West Hospice appeal for volunteers for Sunflower Days
Sunflower Days in aid of North West Hospice take place from June 5 to June 6. If you could volunteer to spare an hour or two in your local area to help out with Sunflower Days, please contact North West Hospice at 071 9170523 or email fundraise@ All funds raised from Sunflower Days go directly towards patient care.
CONDOLENCES
The Merville Management Committee, staff and on Behalf of the Wider Merville Community wish to offer our condolences to the family and Friends Pat McGarry, late of Matthew Shea House, Bath Street, Waterford and formerly of Tracey Avenue, who has passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
DREAMCHASERS CHILDCARE
Pre-enrollment Spaces are now available for our Award-Winning Community Based Pre-School Service for the 2025/2026 Term. With a Focus on Outdoor Play, Dreamchasers Childcare Service has an established Community Centered Programme for all children with an emphasis on fun being our Number One Priority. Free Preschool Places on the ECCE Scheme and Qualifying Supports such as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) are available. Please contact 071 9152022 Mobile 086 4424093 for further information.
SAFETY MATTERS
All Patrons of Merville Community Centre are asked to exercise caution when driving in the area when on Drop Off and Pick Up, as these times can be extremely busy both at the centre and in the locality. Best Practice would be to Drop Off and Pick up outside the centre where possible. Be especially aware of Pedestrians crossing at the centre Entrance and Exit. Think Safe.
PENDANT ALARMS
Merville Community Centre facilitate on behalf of our community the provision to eligible persons of Social Monitored Pendant Alarms, under the Seniors Alert Scheme that is administered by Pobal Equipment Funding is available for eligible persons over 65 years for the installation of an monitored alarm on a landline in the person's home. The alarms are now available for persons aged 65 or older and living alone, living with another person who meets the terms and conditions, living alone for significant periods of time during the day, or is a carer to someone else in their household. First year monitoring is free for all new applicants. Subsequent annual monitoring charges are then payable by the user. Other Systems are available at various costs for those who do not possess a Landline. Overall this monitoring product adds Peace of Mind for Both the Users, family and Friends at minimal cost. Contact Merville Centre Office at 071 9150029 for further information.
YOUR NOTES
Local Voluntary and Community Groups are reminded that any notices for publication can be emailed to mervilleycc@ or hard copy left into the Merville Centre for inclusion in our Local Notes.
RIVERSTOWN
Exceptional Community Support
The Riverstown's annual tractor run raised an incredible €10,000 for the local first responders group. These funds will buy much-needed items to such as CPR training tools including mannequins to up-skill volunteers, first aid kits to support on location and many other items which are needed to establish the group properly as well as the running and maintenance of the defibrillators. The kindness and generosity of the community has been remarkable. A huge thank you to the sponsors: Asgard Constructions, DMG motors, Rally Toys for Kids, Cawley Commercials, Callaghans Forklift, Romer Furniture, Homeland Agri Sligo Aurivo, Aaron Cawley, Seán Malone, Trade West Tubbercurry, Johnny Kenny, Marina Swann, Hugh and Doreen Kelly, E & C transport, sponsors of the raffle, Splash Swim School, Homeland Agri (Riverstown), Martin Baker, Your Stop Shop, Rivertown, Garden Shed Collooney, Michael Flynn, Collooney, Power house pilates. Thank you and well done to the organisers Camilla and Eamon Jinks, Enda Candon, Hilda O'Shea and Liam Kelly. A huge thank you to all those who helped out on the day; the stewards, those who provided refreshments and all who helped out in the Teach Ceoil. Thank you to Wasy's for providing food for the auction in Tommy Mac's and the McDermotts for their hospitality on the night. Last but not least a round of applause for Damien Kelly for his exceptional auctioneering skills which really encouraged people to dig deep on the night.
SHAMROCK GAELS
The Gaelic for Mother's and Others (G4M and O) are back training every Monday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Riverstown Park. This is a fun way to meet new people and no experience or fitness level required. New members always welcome, just join on Monday at 8 p.m. Saturday morning coaching continues for all boys and girls aged 4-10. Any enquiries please contact Michelle at 087 6157455.
OPEN WATER AQUATICS ACADEMY
Sligo Sport and Recreation in conjunction with Swim Ireland are running a number of open water swimming classes in Lough Arrow, Ballyneary from Thursday, June 12, till Thursday, July 17. Cost is €65. Adults Grade 2 and three class takes place from 7 p.m. to 7.45 p.m., junior three from 6.15 p.m. to 7 p.m. and junior two from 5.30 to 6.15 p.m. Wetsuits are recommended. For more information visit the Swim Ireland website, specifically open water programmes.
VOLUNTEER APPEAL
North West Hospice would like to appeal for volunteers for upcoming Sunflower Days in aid of North West Hospice which will take place on Thursday, June 5, and Friday, June 6. Anyone that can spare an hour or two in their own local area to help out with Sunflower Days, please contact North West Hospice at 071 9170523 or email fundraise@ All funds raised from Sunflower Days go directly towards patient care.
COMMUNITY CINEMA
Coleman Music Centre, Gurteen, F56 TF88 will be showing 'The Wild Robot' Movie on Saturday, May 31, at 2.30 p.m. Treat bags are available. Admission €5. One adult per family goes free. For more info call 071 9182599.
COMMUNITY NOTES
Please email carrowcashel@ or alternatively text or call Iris at 086 8258525 to have news items included in Riverstown Community News.
SKREEN-DROMARD
May Social Dances
The second April Dance will take place on Saturday, May 31, with music supplied by Liam Mannering. Dancing commences at 9 p.m. and everyone welcome.
Skreen Garda Barracks
Skreen Barracks is now manned every Tuesday, with the opening hours of 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Yoga Class in Beltra Hall.
Yoga Classes started in Beltra Hall on Tuesday, April 22, at 6.15 p.m. This Class is suitable for beginners. For further details or to book a place contact Aisling at 085 1415401.
Dates for your Diary.
Annual Mass at Holy Well
The annual Mass at St Patrick's Holy Well Dromard will take place on Sunday, June 29, at 6 p.m.
Annual Cemetery Mass Dates
The annual Cemetery Mass in St Mary's Cemetery Skreen will take place on Sunday, July 27, at 11.30 a.m. The annual Mass in Dromard Old Cemetery will take place on Saturday, August 3, at 6.30 p.m. Beltra Country Market.
Beltra Coutry Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. with lots of home baking, garden produce, fresh crepes and beautifully handcrafted gifts and cards for every occasion. A 'Making your own Monster Workshop' with Brenda and Julie will take place on Saturday, May 31, for all to enjoy. Afterwards enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the Market Tearoom which operates from 10 a.m. to midday where you are assured of a warm welcome and friendly chat. Free Parking. Beltra Hall F91 VX97. New members are always welcome. Please support your local market.
Friends of Carmel Retreat Day.
Friends of Carmel will hold a Retreat Day on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To book or for any query, email friendsofcarmel@
Bereavement Support Group
This Group meet on the second Wednesday of every month in the Newman Institute in Ballina at 8 p.m. No booking is necessary. The next meeting will be on June 11 and everyone is welcome.
Skreen-Dromard Parent and Toddler Group
The parent and Toddler Group will meet every Thursday in the Skreen-Dromard Community Centre from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Connect, enjoy a cuppa and have fun with your little one. €3 per family for ages 0 to 36 months.
Dementia Social Inclusive Club
The club meet every second Wednesday in the Skreen-Dromard Community Centre from 2.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. with the next meeting on Wednesday, June 4, and every two weeks from then. Everyone welcome for chat and cuppa. For further details or enquiries ring Erin Lynch at 087 3972583.
Skreen-Dromard Community Care-Active Retirement Group
The Skreen-Dromard Community Care-Active Retirement Group have resumed from Wednesday, January 22, with Chair Yoga led by Grainne McGowan from 11 a.m. to midday These gentle exercises are chair based and suitable for all abilities. Everyone welcome.
Bingo.
Weekly Bingo continues in Dromore West Community Centre on Friday Nights at 8.30 p.m.
Templeboy Foróige Club.
The Templeboy Foróige Club meet in the Old School House Templeboy every Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for fifth and sixth class pupils and from 8 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. for students first year and upwards.
All welcome to come along and have fun.
Beltra Roof Replacement Fund
Beltra Hall is now in urgent need of Roof Replacement and this project is taking place this summer. If you wish to contribute to this fund please contact Caroline at 086 0307900 or Audrie at 086 6069063. Donation buckets are also available in Beltra post office and in Collery's Shop. Your support will be deeply appreciated.
TUBBERCURRY
South Sligo Summer School
Time is flying and there isn't much longer to wait until the town of Tubbercurry will be alive with music ringing from the rafters the 39th year of the South Sligo Summer School is just around the corner and the organising committee have once again put a packed programme together with something to appeal to everyone. From workshops to suit beginners to advanced of all ages in a whole range of traditional musical instruments as well as set and sean nós dance & traditional singing, lilting and sean nós singing, all facilitated by a team of wonderful tutors, there truly is something for everyone any questions, just ask anseo@ / phone 086 0566383 or pick up the programme flyer in the shops and businesses in town.
This year's series of Afternoon Presentations will appeal to a broad audience, ranging from a much anticipated hour or so in the company of father and daughter Colm & Siobhan O'Donnell on Monday, July 14 to a sharing of musical memories and influences with Declan Folan & Fr James McDonagh on Friday, July 18, while midweek will feature Talks on Regional Fiddle Styles with Manus McGuire; reflections on Jim Coleman, brother of fiddle player, Michael, by Gregory Daly and a 'Try the Pipes' session open to all, facilitated by Na Píobairí Uilleann, on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday respectively. All these Afternoon events start at 2.30 pm in St. Brigid's Hall everyone is welcome to attend.
As for céilís and concerts, starting with Swallow's Tail Céilí Band on Sunday night 13th July, the floor will be hopping in St Brigid's Hall nightly for a full week of dancing to seven of the best bands in the land, including recent All Ireland winning Piper's Cross Céilí Band from neighbouring County Mayo, making their first visit to the summer school, on Tuesday 15th July. Add All Ireland Champion Sligo bands Innisfree and Dartry, not to mention perennial favourites Matt Cunningham, Glenside & Donie Nolan and Taylor's Cross as well as nightly concerts in The May Queen, Monday to Friday, kicking off with a Tribute to mother and daughter, Bernie & Holly Geraghty from Ballindine on July 14, a week to remember is definitely in store!
The organising committee are extremely grateful to the many local businesses, families and individuals as well as community facilities including North Connacht College and Tubbercurry GAA Club for making spaces available for classes, workshops and other summer school events. Everything will be based in the town again this year and this is sure to bring an atmosphere of fun, friendship and community spirit which makes all the difference in ensuring that 'Music Week' is a week of celebration of all that is great about our rich heritage of traditional music, song and dance here in Tubbercurry and South Sligo.
