Ballinahown & District News – 21/03/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 15th March 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 42. Winner: Anthony Duffy, Kilgarvan, Ballinahown.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Line Dancing: Beginners at 7.30pm and Advanced at 8.30pm.
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Birthday Greetings
Happy Birthday to Kate Rohan, Clonaderig, who celebrated her 21st Birthday in Killeens, Shannonbridge on Saturday 15th March. We understand a great night was had by all.
Local National Schools
St, Colmcille’s National School now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2025/26 school year. For further information call (090) 6430044.
St. Caillin’s National School, Rashina is also enrolling students for the 2025/26 school year. Contact the school on (090) 6454336
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week we our stories comes from James McEvoy, Clonmacnoise, Annie Flannery, Creevagh (both students and Master Molloy who was Principal, Clonmacnoise National School in the 1930’s.
Round Towers
The monks had round towers for defensive purposes. In Clonmacnoise are two round towers – St Finian’s and O Rourke’s towers.
When the monks saw the enemy coming it is said that they used to boil big pots of water and bring the pots into the towers. The monks had a wooden floor at the top of the tower and used to go up a ladder to the floor. Then they would throw down the boiling water upon the enemy and scald them. The enemy then would have to go away.
As we know there were no houses in those days, so every monk used to have a little hut of his own. The enemy used to burn down all the little huts and when they were gone every one of the monks had to build another new hut for himself.
St. Finian’s Tower
St Finian’s tower is sometimes called Mc Carthys tower. There is a church joined on to this tower called Finian’s church. Some say that the tower was built first and that the church was added on afterwards, but others say that the church was built first. The church and tower are called after Finian Mc Carthy and they were built in the 12th century. The church was used as a mortuary chapel. This tower is not so high as O’Rourke’s tower and the roof which goes up into a point is still on it. There used to be a stairs and rooms inside but they are all gone now.
O’Rourke’s Tower
Hundreds of years ago when the people were building O Rourke’s Tower in Clonmacnois they had to carry the stones from Moate in cleeves. One man as he was coming through Clonascra the band of the cleeve broke and the sand and stones fell in a heap and in place of the sand and stones now is a big round hill in Patrick Coughlan’s field. It is called the Round Hill.
O Rourkes tower is supposed to have been built by the Goban Saor. It is about 80 ft hight, but was much higher. The top was knocked off by lightening in 1135. There are eight windows on this tower round the top. This tower was used as a watch tower, and a man was always up there looking out on every side for the enemy. When an enemy was coming he could then see them when they were far off and so the monks and all their treasures would be safe there. The door going into O’ Rourkes tower is high up from the ground so that when the ladder was pulled up the door could be shut and then the enemy could not kill the monks. There is a dinge near the top of this tower said to be put there by Cromwell when he was in this part of the country. He had his big guns in the hills nearby.
It is said he was aiming for Athlone but he struck the tower instead which was a few yards away. O Rourkes tower is called after Teirnan O Rourke of Breffeny. He came to Clonmacnois to do penance.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 15/03/2025
Local woman named as Irish Cancer Society “PHD Researcher of the Year”.
Heartiest congratulations to Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Doon, Ballinahown who has been named as the Irish Cancer Society PHD Researcher of the Year.
Jennifer has dedicated the last four years to her groundbreaking PHD research project which she is hoping will eventually be rolled out nationwide and across Europe as a free service to young people facing a cancer diagnosis. Jennifer who is the daughter of Raymond Fitzpatrick and Mary Dooner completed her research at TUS Athlone. Once again, we say congratulations and well done Jennifer (see full report in last week’s Westmeath Independent and Offaly Independent.
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 8th March 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 1. Winner: Eugene Boland Snr, Loughill Ballinahown.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Line Dancing resumes: Beginners at 7.30pm and Advanced at 8.30pm.
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Birthday Greetings
Belated Birthday wishes to twins Joseph and Joan Egan, Clonaderig who celebrated their birthdays on 8th March. and Francie Coughlan, Clonaderig, celebrated his birthday on 11th March and finally Pat Butler, Clonaderig celebrates his birthday on 18th March. We wish you all the best for the coming year and hope you enjoyed your special day.
Ballinahown National School
Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.
The Big Breakfast – Ballinahown Community Hall 17th March
It’s that time of year again when the local community prepares for the main event on the local social scene – the Big Breakfast – organised by the Ballinahown National School Parents Association held each year on St. Patrick’s Day. In what has become a must attend event where people chat, eat and renew old acquaintances, young and old enjoy this great get together. So why not kick off the day with a full Irish breakfast for €10.
Don’t forget to stop by the bake sale on your way out to purchase some goodies for later in the day. The Big Breakfast is served from 9.00am and concludes at 12.30pm.
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week we our story comes from Carmel Guinan, Broughal NS, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly.
Care of the Feet
In olden times the people in Ireland did not wear boots Winter or Summer. The old people living today would tell you that they were twenty years of age when they got their first pair of boots. The people living now begin to wear boots when they start walking when they are one year old. Some of the children going to my school never go in their bare feet, they usually wear slippers or some sort of shoes. It is an old saying that you should never leave water inside in the house that you wash your feet with. It is also said that this water hides up cracks in the ground. There are no boot makers in my district but there are what we call cobblers. they mend boots and shoes for the people near them. There are less boot makers in Ireland now than in former times. A great many boot factories have been opened up in Ireland in recent years and they turn out good boots at a reasonable price, that the people prefer to get them from the factory than to get them made.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 08/03/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 1st March 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 19. Winner: Carmel Rohan, Ballinahown Village.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Birthday Greetings
Belated Happy Birthday to Sean Gaffey, Renaun who celebrated his birthday on Thursday March 7th. Brigid Smith, Ballyduff who celebrated her birthday on 8th March and her husband Garry who celebrates his birthday on 13th March.
Francie Coughlan, Clonaderig, celebrates his birthday on 11th March and finally Pat Butler, Ballyduff celebrates his birthday on 18th March. We wish you all the best for the coming year and hope you enjoyed your special day.
Ballinahown National School
Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.
The Big Breakfast – Ballinahown Community Hall
Yes folks it’s nearly that time of year again when the local community starts preparing for the main event on the local social scene – the Big Breakfast – organised by the Ballinahown National School Parents Association held each year on St. Patrick’s Day. Full Irish Breakfast only €10. In what has become a must attend event where people chat, eat and renew old acquaintances, young and old enjoy this great get together. So why not kick off the day with a full Irish breakfast. Don’t forget to stop by the bake sale on your way out to purchase some goodies for later in the day.
The Big Breakfast commences at 9.00am and concludes at 12.30pm.
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week we have two fireside stories from Birr’s Mercy Convent National School. The story teller was William Fluery
Story No.1
There once lived in the townland of Ballinree in the parish of Drumcullen a man named James Troy. At the very moment of his death he was seen by some of his neighbours betting over a stile and making his way for Eglish where the Parochial House was and is to-day.
It is said that the very same man took the comb from the “Bean Shide”. One day she was sitting on a stone combing out her lovely golden hair. When she saw him, she leaped up and ran away leaving her comb behind her on the grass. James picked it up and brought it home with him. On that night when he was in bed, and about to fall asleep she came to his window and asked him to give back the comb. This he would not do, for he thought it was a great thing to have a comb belonging to a “Bean Shide” in his possession. Still she kept on asking and beseeching him to give it to her, but he would not. When she heard him saying “No”. These are the words she said to him. “Take care my dear man will you have much to comb in the morning”. The man put these words as foolishness, when he rose the next morning he was bald. There was not even a rib of hair on his head.
Story No. 2.
There once lived in the townland of Rathure in the parish of Drumcullen and in the Barony of Eglish a man named Matthew Reddan. One night he was coming home from Knockbarron, a mile from Kinnitty and eight miles East from Birr, where he was after spending the evening with his friends. It was a dark night and between twelve and one o clock. Just after he had bade his friends farewell and mounted on his bicycle, a big black dog leaped out of the ditch and followed him the whole road home till he came to his own gate where he disappeared.
The same man was rambling at a and the chat was about “Bean Sidhe”. The man said I never saw a Bean Sidhe, I would love to see one. When the chat was over and everyone had gone his own way home he heard something roaring coming on behind him. He thought it was only a cat, but to his surprise it was the “Bean Sidhe”. It is said the moment he saw her, he began to get weak and every step he went he was getting weaker, he commenced to run, the quicker he ran the “Bean Sidhe” ran quicker too. At last when he came to his own house and as he reached the door he fainted. His Wife carried him into the house, where he recovered in a short time.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 22/02/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 15th February 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 11. Winner: Mary Daly. Clonaderig Lower.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Birthday Greetings
Happy Birthday to Bernie Ryan-Keegan, Corr Hill who celebrated her birthday on 11th February. Hope you has a great day Bernie.
Ballinahown National School
Now accepting applications for student enrolment for 2023/24 school year. For further information call 090 6430044.
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Each week we publish a story recorded at the time from schools in the general environs of Ballinahown. This week our story is from Ferbane Convent National School and deals with the excavations that took place at the convent in 1934. The story was recorded by the Principal at the school, Sr. Patrick.
Gallen Priory Excavations 1934
The site examined was a grassy mound that stretches from the lawn boundary in front of the Priory for a length of about 60 yards. This was quickly shown to be a thickly crowded burial area, but the areas were, so far as was possible, left undisturbed, and the work concentrated on a search for monastic remains. A thick spread of stone rubble with fragments of motor showed that a building had in all probability existed on the site, and it was not long before the foundation-walls of a church were discovered. This proved to be a long, narrow rectangular building with a sacristy in the north-east corner. The line of the walls was exposed, and a large number of burials within the church walls were found. There was abundant evidence that this building had been destroyed by fire, and it is thought, though it is not yet certain, that we have here all that remains of the church known to have been burnt in the 10 th century. It is hoped that further excavations will reveal the adjacent monastic buildings and provide further information about the plan of the ancient monastery. On the present evidence, we may suggest that the buildings and burials in and near the mound are not later than the early Middle Ages (11th and 12th century), and date back to the earliest days of the Gallen monastery ( late 5th and early 6th century).
During the work a number of interesting pieces of sculpture have been collected, and others include some notable carvings. The best is a beautiful grave slab bearing a wheeled cross in high relief, ornamented with human and animal figures. This is 10th century work. We have also found many earlier carvings, the most interesting being a slab with a marigold design that was built into the south-east corner of the church wall. This is probably carving of the early 6th century. We have also found an early inscribed grave-slab bearing the name of Coemzus, and a number of other illustrate various styles of Early Christian ornament in Ireland. These, together with the slabs previously discovered, form an exceedingly important collection, and it is hoped that arrangements may be made to house them in a building on the site.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 15/02/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 8th February 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 3. Winner: Padraig Egan.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Parish of Leamonaghan
Congratulations to the children of the parish who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Thursday in st Colmcilles Church, Ballinahown.
Ballinahown National School
Well done to the pupils who completed a four week Cycle Safety Course this week. Hopefully the course will benefit those involved when using their bicycles on the road.
The Rose of Ballinahown
The Rose of Ballinahown is a little known song that was written by Mr. John Doyle, Ferbane, Co. Offaly. Mr Doyle is better known as the composer of the song “The Fields around Ferbane” to which The Rose of Ballinahown uses the same ayre. Rumour has it that the song was written about the late Mrs Flynn who was wife of the local Publican Jim Flynn.
The Rose of Ballinahown
On a bright and sunny evening
The Spring being in full glee
I rambled down Rashina way
To view the scenery.
I lingered long in Doon’s sweet vale
Until the sun went down
And off I went in sweet content
To a pub in Ballinahown.
II
And there I saw a lovely lass
Whom me of peace did rob
I met her there my charming fair
Attending at the pub
She served me wine
And looked divine
A gem of beauty brown
My heart she stole my sense and all
The night in Ballinahown.
III
She looked just like a blooming rose
Refreshed in morning dew
Her cheeks were like the rosy dawn
And her neck the lily hue
Her eyes with love-light sparkled bright
With flashing orbs of brown
In beauty’s claim she won the name
The Rose of Ballinahown
IV
I gazed upon her beauty rare
A vision of delight
A sweeter face a nobler grace
Had never met my sight
I’ve seen a many a winsome lass
Through Ireland up and down
But none so fair that I could compare
To the Rose of Ballinahown.
Obituaries
The death has occurred of Sean Keogh; Hall, Moate, Co. Westmeath on February 7th
2025, unexpectedly after a short illness at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore. Predeceased by his parents John and Mary, brother Tommy. Sadly missed by his heartbroken family, wife Johanna, son John, daughters Lisa (Doyle), Nicola (Pillion), Joanna (Gallagher, Fuerty), Patrice (Smyth), sons-in-law Michael, Declan, Michael and Ruairí, daughter-in-law Carmel, grandchildren Cara, Holly, Chloe, Jack, Allie, Leah, Rachel, Caoimhe, Aoibhe, Conor, Clodagh, Cillian, Odhran, Darragh, Tiarnan, sisters Geraldine and Vonnie (Cunniffe, Leitrim), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, great neighbours and friends.
Sean reposed at his home on Monday 10th February from 4pm until 7pm with removal on Tuesday morning to St. Ciaran’s Church, Castledaly for his Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Interment took place afterwards in Kilcleagh Cemetery, Castledaly.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 08/02/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 1st February 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 16. Winner: Martina Rohan, Clonaderig.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Each week we publish a story from the collection. Our story this week is from Liss National School, Ballycumber and was recorded by Robert Cahill. The story is presented as recorded in 1938
Local Heroes
John and Henry Sheares were both born in the village of Ballycumber. At an early age they were taken by their parent to Dublin to be educated as lawyers. They defended successfully five of the leading United Irishmen about the year 1796. After this they induced the two brothers to join their ranks.
They were very capable men and soon had a large number of men drilled and equipped under their command.
They were great friends of a man named Armstrong who was born in Castletown Ballycumber and was a Captain in the King’s Co. militia. This man was a spy in the pay of the government.
On his information the Sheares were arrested. At the trial the evidence failed as a paper that would prove the guilt of the Sheares could not be found though the house was raided. Armstrong went to the house and professed to be trying to help the Sheares, and he said that unless a certain paper could be found, the Sheares would surely be hanged.
The woman directed him to a secret drawers but after a search he failed to find it. The woman then searched and found it. Armstrong in a great glee marched off to the court where on his evidence the Sheares were convicted.
They were hanged, drawn, and quartered the next day.
On Armstrong’s tomb in Liss the sun is said to never shine and on it is inscribed. “The Saviour of Ireland”.
Obituaries
The death has occurred of Kay Kelly (née Earls) Carrowkeel, Clonfanlough, Offaly / Loughrea, Galway
Kay died on January 28th 2025 unexpectedly but peacefully, with her family at Tullamore Regional Hospital. She was a native of Bullaun, Loughrea, Galway and was predeceased by her beloved husband Peetie, infant son Tomás, son Earl and sisters, Mary, Margaret and Bridie.
Kay will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family, Padraig (Podge), Róisín and Conor, grandchildren, Keelan and Kara, sisters, Mona and Pauline, brothers, Gerry and Mike, Padraig’s partner Edel, uncle Vincent, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
Kay reposed at her home on Friday (Jan. 31st) from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. with removal on Saturday afternoon (February 1st) to St. Kieran’s Church, Clonfanlough where her Requiem Mass was celebrated at 1.30pm. Interment took place afterwards in Clonmacnois.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Ballinahown Sports Park Annual General Meeting.
The AGM of Ballinahown Sports Park will be held on Thursday 6th February commencing at 8.00.pm in Ballinahown N.S. The committee would love to see mor people involved in the operation and development of the facility. There are now over 100 children using the park/astro turf on a weekly basis for football and training. Currently there are only six people involved in the committee. We would earnestly request parents in particular to get involved. The are very few communities in the midlands and indeed the country that have such a facility on their doorstep so please come along to the AGM and have your say on the future of the sports park.
Two Bronze Medals for Holly Ryan
Well done to Holly Ryan, Bloomhill who won two bronze medals for Ballinahown National School at the Connacht National Swimming Competition in Castlebar held on Saturday 1st February. Holly won a bronze in the 50 metre Breast Stroke and bronze in the 50 meter Freestyle. Hopefully we will see Holly represent Ireland at international level in the not to distant future.
Doon GAA
Congratulations to Sean Og Foley from Loughill, Ballinahown who plays with Doon GAA Club and lined out in the No. 5 Jersey for Offaly in their Under 20’s hurling match against Cork on Saturday 1st February. Great to see the local club produce a hurler capable of getting a place on the Offaly hurling team
Birthday Wishes
We extend birthday wishes to Anthony McLoughlin, Clonaderig, who’s friends threw a surprise birthday party for him last week in Martin@s of Doon. We understand a great night was had by all.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 01/02/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 25th January 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 38. Winner: Noel Duffy, Ferbane
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Brian Carroll, Rohanstown, who celebrated his birthday on 27th January and to Willie Ryan, Doon who celebrated his birthday on 22nd January. We hope you both enjoyed your special day.
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Doon GAA – Health Awareness Initiative
Important Talk on Addiction – Let’s Come Together as a Community
Doon GAA invites all players, members, and the wider community to join us for an important and informative talk on addiction this Wednesday 29th January, at 7 PM in Ballinahown Hall.
This talk will provide valuable insights into the challenges of addiction and how we can support those affected. Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or community member, this event is an opportunity to learn and strengthen our bonds as a team and a community.
Let’s work together to create a supportive and understanding environment both on and off the field.
The above event is free so do come along and become part of the conversation.
Ballinahown Sports Park Annual General Meeting.
The AGM of Ballinahown Sports Park will be held on Thursday 6th February commencing at 8.00.pm in Ballinahown N.S. The committee would love to see mor people involved in the operating and development of the facility. There are now over 100 children using the park/astro turf on a weekly basis for football and training. Currently there are only six people involved in the committee. We would earnestly request parents in particular to get involved. The are very few communities in the midlands and indeed the country that have such a facility on their doorstep so please come along to the AGM and have your say on the future of the sports park.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 25/01/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 18th January 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 22. No Winner.
Birthday Wishes
Happy Birthday to Kitty Corcoran, Cooldorough who celebrated her birthday on Sunday 19th January and to her grandson Callum Corcoran who celebrated his 18th birthday on Tuesday 21st January. We hope you both had an enjoyable day
Ballinahown Community Hall Events.
Monday Evenings – Pilates: Beginners Class 7.30pm, Advanced Classes 8.30pm
Tuesday Afternoon- Irish Dancing 2.15 and 3.15pm
Tuesday Evening: Please note Line Dancing Classes are taking a break for a few weeks and will return in March.
Wednesday Evening: Dance and Exercise class commencing at 8.30pm
Thursday: Progressive 25 Card Game at 9.00pm
Friday Morning: 10.30am to 12 noon Parent and Toddler Group
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. In involved schools from around the country submitting stories from their community as told to them by their parents and in most cases by their grandparents. Our story this week comes from Clonfanlough, Co 0ffaly. The ghost story was recorded by Mary Kelly, Clonfanlough who heard it from her grandmother, Mrs. Brigid Kelly, Back Road, Clonfanlough. Athlone who died on October the 10th 1936 aged 90 years.
Ghost Story
Once upon a time there was a man coming home from a fair in Tullamore. It was after twelve o’clock when he was coming home. The horse would not go quick enough for him so he looked down and saw a black dog running before the horse. The man blessed himself and the dog jumped over the man and sparks of fire fell all-round the man. The horse would not go at all then, so the man had to go into a house and stay there all night. He put the horse into a stable, and the man went to bed. When he was in bed a little while, he heard a noise in the stable, but he was afraid to go out. When he got up next morning he went out to see the horse, and he found him lying in the stable nearly dead. It was said that the dog was in the stable all night watching the horse. After a few hours the horse died of fright. It was said that the black dog was the devil.
Doon GAA – Health Awareness Initiative
Doon GAA are hosting a talk on Cancer Awareness in Ballinahown Community Hall on Wednesday 22nd January at 7.00pm. The talk will also cover Early Detection and symptons associated with same. Remember early detection saves lives.
On Saturday 25th the Health Van will visit Doon Gaa Grounds to explore more health issues at 2.00pm
The above events are free so do come along and become part of the conversation.
RTE Radio visits Ballinahown
Well done to all involved in bringing and participating in the RTE programme “Countrywide” on Saturday morning 18th January. The very popular radio programme featured those participating in the weekly Progressive Card Game. The Card Game is held every Thursday night at 9.00pm and has been running weekly for the past 28 years. Locals interviewed on the programme included Kathleen Finan who has been involved in running the card game since its inception. When the programme presenter Brenda Donoghue asked people why they attended the card game local woman Anne Connell responded saying she “was looking for and auld fella with money and a bad chest”. Leave it to our Anne to have a response worth quoting.
Ballinahown Sports Park Annual General Meeting.
The AGM of Ballinahown Sports Park will be held on Thursday 6th February commencing at 8.00.pm in Ballinahown N.S. The committee would love to see mor people involved in the operating and development of the facility. There are now over 100 children using the park/astro turf on a weekly basis for football and training. Currently there are only six people involved in the committee. We would earnestly request parents in particular to get involved. The are very few communities in the midlands and indeed the country that have such a facility on their doorstep so please come along to the AGM and have your say on the future of the sports park.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 18/01/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 11th January 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 20. Winner: Robert Studdard, Athlone.
Birthday Wishes
Congratulations to Ann McEvoy, Clonlyon, who celebrated her birthday the week before last. Hope you had a good one Ann.
Stories from the School’s Collection
The “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation. In involved schools from around the country submitting stories from their community as told to them by their parents and in most cases by their grandparents. Our story this week comes from Ballycumber, Co 0ffaly.
Old Stories
About four miles from Ballycumber lived an old unlettered man who had never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and as the local school children were being instructed in preparation for that Sacrament, the Curate took the old man in hands to instruct him in the Catechism.
When the day of Confirmation came and after the Bishop had examined the children he approached the old man and asked him to tell him where Christ was Crucified. The old man paused for a moment and then answered in a loud voice “Mount Temple” needless to say at such a solemn ceremony smiles appeared on many face. Even the Bishop himself found it hard to remain dignified. He gently told the poor man the true answer and administered to him the Sacrament of Confirmation. “Mount Temple” is a little rural village in the Moate district.
Obituaries
The death has occurred of Vincent Rocke, Clonmacnoise, Shannonbridge, Athlone, Co. Offaly.
Vincent died on January 10th 2025 unexpectedly. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Theresa and parents Michael and Elizabeth.
Vincent will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving family, Amanda, Joe, Vinnie, Sandra, David, Martin and Ian, grandchildren, Kevin, Nicola, Aaron, Ben, Kya, Ethan, Evelyn and Grace, son-in-law Kieran, daughters-in-law Amanda, Nat and Shannon, David’s partner Emma, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends. Funeral arrangements were not available at time of writing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Ballinahown Sports Park Annual General Meeting.
The AGM of Ballinahown Sports Park will be held on Thursday 6th February commencing at 8.00.pm in Ballinahown N.S. The committee would love to see mor people involved in the operating and development of the facility. There are now over 100 children using the park/astro turf on a weekly basis for football and training. Currently there are only six people involved in the committee. We would earnestly request parents in particular to get involved. The are very few communities in the midlands and indeed the country that have such a facility on their doorstep so please come along to the AGM and have your say on the future of the sports park.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.
Ballinahown & District News – 11/01/2025
Ballinahown Development Association Lotto – Bonus Number drawn on main Lotto Draw Saturday 4th January 2025. Winning Bonus Number: 39. No Winner.
Birthday Wishes
Congratulations to Seamus Moran, Ballyduff who celebrated his birthday in Martins of Doon on 31st December. As always Seamus enjoyed the night with friends and good porter.
Stories from the School’s Collection
We have had a number of requests recently to include stories from the Schools Collection which we used to feature in our weekly news. In the past we published stories from Ballinahown and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, we have exhausted most of the stories of interest relating to Balllinahown and it’s hinterland. We will now extend the boundaries where stories were recorded by schoolchildren in the late 1930’s to include areas such as Athlone, Moate. Kilbeggan, Clara, Rahan, Cloghan etc.
It should be noted the “School’s Collection” was an initiative undertaken in the early part of the last century (late 1930’s) by the Irish Folklore Commission with the co-operation of the Department of Education and the Irish National Teachers Organisation.
Our story this week comes from Ballinahown National School and tells us about a church that existed in Kilgarvan which is located near Ballinahown. The church in Kilgarvan was a precursor to the original church in Ballinahown that now serves as the local Community Centre. This week’s story was recorded by Eiblin Ni Dubhlain, Ballinahown The story is presented as recorded at the time.
Kligarvan Church
About two miles from Ballinahown on the main road to Athlone stands the ruins of an ancient church. In ancient times half of this parish was in Athlone and this old church served the area. It was called Kilgarvan.
The meaning of the word is the “Church of Garvan”. There was a Church, a Convent, a graveyard and a fair green there. One time when the main road was being widened human skulls, a child’s skull and a man’s leg and other bones were discovered.
There are stones about the place believed to be those of headstones and of the church.
There was also a stone like a holy water font which is believed to belong to the Church.
A Franciscan used to say Mass in the Church and he was a great grand-uncle of my father. His name was Fr Ready. Every time he said Mass the people made a collection of a Shilling for him. He was staying in a house the other side of the Shannon in the Penal days.
James Lally whose house is in Kilgarvin had a picture of the old church and after the ambush of Tubrid a hill near his dwelling his house was raided by the Black and Tans and they destroyed all the pictures in his house among them the interesting one of the church. There is no other copy extant in the district.
Obituaries
The death has occurred on Saturday 4th January 2025 of Mr. Michael Kennedy, Slí An Aifrinn, Athlone, formerly of Ballykeeran, Athlone. Born in Clonaderig, Ballinahown, Michael was Principal in Rashina and Ballinahown National Schools for a number of years prior to embarking on a new career. Michael passed away peacefully at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family in the exceptionally kind care of the staff of Retreat Nursing Home, Athlone.
Predeceased by his wife Claire (née Reid); sons Conor and Garret; sisters Mary and Rita and brothers Paddy, John and Dennis. Greatly missed by his family Kilian and wife Soledad Chavez (Santiago, Chile), Joanna and husband Ken Phelan (Philadelphia), Nicholas and wife Fiona (Athlone) and Gavan (Manila, Philippines); grandchildren Kyle, Adam, Robyn, Lauren and Ben; Claire, Malcolm, Hugh and Owen; and his great-grandchildren Jack, Conor and Sophie, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Michael reposed at his daughter Joanna’s residence (Riverhill, Ballykeeran on Monday 6th January from 4.00pm until 8.00pm. His Requiem Mass took place Tuesday at 11.00am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tubberclair, Glasson, followed by private cremation. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
The death has occurred of Christine (Chris) O’Sullivan (née Hanniffy) Ardnaree . Arcadia, Athlone, Co. Westmeath & formerly of Doon, Co. Offaly, peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday 4th January 2025
Predeceased by her beloved husband P.J., her parents James and Mary-Ann Hanniffy, brothers Kieran and Jimmy, sisters Peggy and Theresa and Patricia’s son-in-law Christopher. Sadly missed by her loving daughters Marie, Carmel, Patricia and Geraldine and son Desmond, son-in-law Joe and sister-in-law Connie, grandchildren Sarah, Ciara, Aisling, Christine, Rachael, Ashley, Sophie, Kerri-Jo, Laura, Christina, Stephen and Garreth, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Chris reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home, The Strand, Athlone on Monday 6th January from 7.00pm until 8.30pm. Her Requiem Mass took place at 12 noon on Tuesday 7th January in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan followed by interment in Coosan Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Local News
If you have a story, birthday greeting, wedding anniversary etc. you would like to share with us at Ballinahown & District News please contact us on 087 6308357 or at denisrohan@outlook.com by 06.00pm on Sunday evening. If you have any photographs of bygone days and would like to share them with our readers you can drop them into Rosie’s Shop or if you have a scanner you can scan them and forward to us at the above email address. All photos will be treated with care and returned to you when scanned.