Local Notes: Promoting archaeology in Sligo communities

Local Notes: Promoting archaeology in Sligo communities

It is great to see that conservation and repair works are now underway by Enniscrone and District Community Development (EDCD) CLG on Enniscrone Castle.

Deirdre McGuirk of Atlantic Archaeology has been instrumental in delivering much of the outreach and education for the Sligo Community Archaeology Project. She has been busy designing information sheets and colouring competitions focused on Easkey Abbey, St Fechin’s Abbey in Ballysadare, and ring forts in Leafonney. 

Schools close to these monuments have been invited to participate in the colouring competition and some beautiful entries are coming back in. It is very rewarding to see Sligo schools and students engaging with the project and eager to showcase their creative abilities while interpreting the local monuments within their communities.

In addition, Deirdre has also delivered three training seminars focusing on a Beginners Guide to Online Resources for Archaeology. Venues for these events were kindly made available by Sligo Library, West Sligo Family Resource Centre, Enniscrone and Coolaney Community Centre.

Throughout this year's project, archaeologist Frank J. Hall, a PhD scholar at the University of Galway, has been compiling a gazetteer of castle sites across County Sligo. His goal is to identify and reassess unclassified sites within the county, creating a foundation for future research and investigations at each location. To date, this research has identified over 100 castles in the county, many of which have been lost over the centuries.

Frank recently brought students from Coláiste Iascaigh out to examine the architectural features and construction techniques at Roslee Castle, Easkey’s local tower house on the shoreline, an iconic castle on Sligo’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Conservation and repair works underway.

It is great to see that conservation and repair works are now underway by Enniscrone and District Community Development (EDCD) CLG on Enniscrone Castle through generous support and funding from the Community Monuments Fund and lots of hard work from local volunteer Michael Breen in project managing things to this stage.

The Sligo Community Archaeology Project is committed to preserving local heritage by offering guidance on funding opportunities for archaeological research and conservation, supporting both individuals and community groups throughout the county.

Mass time change

The time of the Vigil Mass in Enniscrone Church has changed to 7pm from Saturday last, November 2, and remain at 7pm for the winter.

Christmas Tree of Remembrance

Lights will be switched on the Christmas Tree of Remembrance at Kilglass Parish Community Centre on Saturday, November 30, at 7pm. 

Everyone is invited to come along to the event of remembrance and celebration which will begin with Mass at 7pm in Kilglass Church, honouring the memory of loved ones and offering prayers for the community’s intentions.

Afterwards, gather at Kilglass Hub for a festive community evening, where Canon George will officially switch on the Kilglass Christmas Lights. For a donation of €10, a personalised Christmas bauble can be dedicated to someone special and help decorate the Christmas Tree of Remembrance. Enjoy tea, coffee, mulled wine and mince pies as the people of Kilglass come together to celebrate the Christmas spirit with friends and neighbours.

If you cannot join in person on the night, baubles can be purchased online. 

Blotto

The numbers drawn in the Enniscrone combined football clubs blotto draw, which was held on Sunday, October 27, were 21, 33 and 35. 

The €25 prizewinners were Jim Young, Val Colleary, Mark O’Connor and Kathleen Walsh. 

The jackpot in the latest draw, which was held in Hopkin’s Bar on Sunday, November 3, was €9,000.

The late Annie Kelly

The death has taken place of Annie Kelly, nee Bourke, Ard na Greine Nursing Home and formerly of Woodlawns, Enniscrone, peacefully at Ard na Greine Nursing Home. 

Annie was predeceased by her parents Robert Bourke and Mayme Lynott, her husband Jim, brothers Brendan, Martin, James and Charlie B.

Annie was the beloved mother and will be sadly missed by her daughters Christine (Enniscrone), Shirleyann (Enniscrone), Siobhan (Enniscrone) and son Robert (Cork City), brothers Oliver, John and Robert, sisters Mary Kathleen and Christina, grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Annie reposed at McGowan’s Funeral Home, Ballina on Wednesday, October 30, from 5 to 6.30pm and her funeral arrived to the Church of the Holy Family, Kilgass on Thursday morning for 11am Requiem Mass before proceeding to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. 

Sincere sympathies to her family and friends.

Rosary for November

Rosary will be recited at Cairns Shrine, Culleens for the month of November each Thursday evening at 8pm commencing on Thursday, November 7, and continuing on November 14, 21 and 28.

Senior men in Connacht Shield action

The senior men from Kilglass Enniscrone Utd FC were in Connacht Shield action on Sunday, October 27, welcoming Moyne Villa to McGowan Park. 

The men got off to a poor start conceding two early goals, the first a rebound after a penalty was saved. However, the lads rallied and Oisin Finnerty pulled one back with a nice finish and shortly after a fine strike from Michael Guilfoyle left it 2-2 at half time.

The visitors retook the lead in controversial fashion, a header adjudged to have crossed the line while the home defence thought otherwise. The lads were back level with three minutes to play when Michael Guilfoyle grabbed his second with a shot from the edge of the box. It looked destined for extra time, but the visitors won one last free which was headed home by their big centre back, taking the spoils and progressing onto the next round.

For KEUFC it’s full focus on the league from now on.

Sympathy

Kilglass Enniscrone United offer their deepest condolences to senior ladies player Bernie Finlay on the passing of her father Tommy, Tullamore.

The club also extends their sincere condolences to senior players Lauren and Brandon Fitzgerald, who is also a dedicated coach with the club, on the passing of their granny Annie Kelly (nee Bourke), Woodlawns, Enniscrone.

Their thoughts are with both families, friends and neighbours at this sad time. 

Ar dheis De go raibh a n-anamacha.

Special Mass

A special Mass will be held on Friday, November 8, in Enniscrone Church to remember all those who have passed away during the past year in the parish. 

A list of names of those who died will be read out and each family will be invited to carry a candle forward to the altar (candles will be provided). Those who have died in the parish during the year will automatically be included on the list. 

If you would like a loved one who died elsewhere mentioned, let Fr Gerry know closer to the date of the Mass.

Social dancing

Social dancing is taking place in Skreen and Dromard Community Centre, on Saturday, November 9, at 9pm.

There will be music by Martin Corneen and Francis Smith (Ferry Men).

The Eircode for the centre is F91 EY01.

Christmas Market 

The free Christmas Market and Santa Experience will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 11am to 4pm in Kilglass House, F26 RH56. 

Booking this year is essential to visit Santa. Text/WhatsApp 083 4461322 to book your slot. Meet Santa and some other special guests, listen to story telling, toast marshmallows and get your face painted. Explore the market for some local handmade crafts and delicious bakes also.

Indoor Food and Craft Market

The Indoor Food and Craft Market is held in the Old Church, Main Street, Enniscrone, every Saturday from 11am to 3pm, featuring a wide range of handmade gifts, jewellery, paintings, plants and flowers, home baking, vegetables, fresh fish, bric-a-brac and local crafts. Please go along and enjoy a coffee and some home baking.

Country and Gospel Concert

A Country and Gospel Concert with Patrick Feeney will be held in St Adamnan’s Church, Skreen, on Sunday, November 24. 

Tickets, which cost €25 each, are available from Audrie at 086-6069063 or Helen at 087-6806905. Doors open at 4pm and the concert commences at 5pm. 

All proceeds are in aid of Skreen/Dromard Community Centre.

Bingo

Bingo is held in the Old Church, Enniscrone, every Tuesday at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm with free tea and coffee on offer. The proceeds are in aid of Western Gaels Hurling and Camogie Club. All are welcome to come along and support, and be in with a chance to win.

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Castleconnor

Lotto

The numbers drawn in the Castleconnor GAA weekly lotto, which was held on October 26 last, were 10, 22, 35 and 36. There was no jackpot and no match 3 winner. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Jim Kent. 

The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Saturday, November 2, was €24,000.

Sympathy

Castleconnor GAA Club have extended sincere condolences to their coaching officer Bernie Finlay on the passing of her father Tommy, Tullamore, Co Offaly. They also extend their sympathies to Cathal, Shay and Jack. 

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

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