Local Notes: Stokane NS visit the Jackie Clarke Famine Workshop.

Pupils from Stokane NS who visited the Famine Workshop at the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina, recently.
Students from third to sixth class from Stokane NS visited the Famine Workshop at the Jackie Clarke Collection. Education officer Celene showed the pupils a special presentation which detailed the pre-famine years, the desperate desolate days during the famine and the impact those famine years had on the people and population of Ireland. They discussed the impact mass emigration had on the country and the enduring legacy of the famine that is still evident in the country today, with mass graves and famine villages all over the island of Ireland.
Then then went to the library room to learn all about the Forgotten Famine Girls, where they viewed a replica ‘Famine Girl Trunk’ and the Famine Memorial Quilt, remembering the Mayo girls who emigrated to Australia during the Great Famine. Also on display was the Maquette (scale model) of the haunting John Behan sculpture of a famine ‘coffin’ ship. The sculpture depicts a coffin ship with rigging of human skeletons and bones.
It was an emotive and thought provoking morning and the pupils found it very interesting and informative.
The death occurred on Saturday, March 29, of Martina J (Mattie) Marren nee Grimes (age 97), 97 Arden Vale and late of Oakfield House, Sragh, Tullamore, Offaly and Enniscrone, Co Sligo, peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff of Newbrook Nursing Home, Mullingar, surrounded by her loving family. Mattie was pre-deceased by her beloved husband Bert and she will be sadly missed by her loving family Hilary (Galvin), Maire (Piggott), Pauline (Regan) and Robert, daughter-in-law Noreen, sons-in-law Michael, Raymond and Padraic, her adored 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Carmel Grimes, nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Mattie reposed at O’Reilly’s Funeral Home, Harbour Street, Tullamore on Tuesday, April 1, from 4pm with removal at 6pm to the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore. Her funeral Mass was held on Wednesday morning at 10am and after Mass the funeral cortege proceeded to the Church of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Enniscrone, for funeral prayers followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass. May Mattie rest in peace.
Congratulations to Jade Scott who was crowned Enniscrone Show Queen 2025, after a fantastic night with nine wonderful ladies, 10 amazing rose buds and 11 fantastic escorts. Jade was proudly sponsored by The Diamond Coast Hotel, Enniscrone. The show committee extend thanks to all the sponsors as without them no event is possible.
Kilglass Enniscrone Utd had already ensured the premier league championship four weeks ago with a game to spare and that last game was held on Sunday, March 30, with Real Tubber making the trip to McGowan Park, they themselves having secured their premier league status with a game to spare.
A large crowd gathered in Enniscrone on what was a lovely sunny day, perfect for football. The home team created a number of early chances without converting with Rob Jacob going close several times, however the visitors played their way into the game and took the lead when Ciaran Gorman ghosted in at the back post to knock home from a corner on 11 minutes.
However the lead only lasted 5 minutes before a spectacular equaliser from Daniel Gorman, who picked up the ball 25 yards out and fired an unstoppable rocket into the top corner via the post. The home team were wrestling control of the game and deservedly took the lead when Rob Jacob cut in along the endline, his clever pass finding Daniel Gorman whose tidy finish beat keeper Mark Burke. The home team were enjoying themselves at this stage and just before half time went 2 ahead, a through ball put Oisin Finnerty in on goals, although he was held up well by the Tubber defence, his pass found Charles McGoldrick who fired to the net to put daylight between the teams and give Kilglass/Enniscrone a 2 goal cushion at the break.
The visitors has a real purple patch on the restart and will wonder how they didn’t score, hitting the woodwork on 4 occasions, 3 of those in one helter skelter attack. Their failure to get on the score sheet seemed to knock the wind out of Tubber and it was the home team who pushed on, with substitute Michael Guilfoyle hitting two excellent individual goals in the last quarter to ensure a 5-1 win for the champions.
After the game the team were presented the Premier League Cup by Robert Kennedy, a just reward for a tremendous season and the team will play Super League football next season for the first time in 12 years.
On what was a fantastic occasion for the clubv, a half time presentation was also made to Pat McKeown who stepped down as club secretary the season after holding that position since 1978.
Easkey Tidy Towns are holding an important meeting on this evening Tuesday, April 8, at 8pm in the Courthouse. There are lots of exciting plans afoot to improve the lovely village and everyone is welcome. Remember if ‘Everyone gives a little, we can achieve a lot’.
Sligo U14’s begin their championship campaign under the management of Eoghan Rua man, Shane Feeney. It is also great to have four Eoghan Rua girls involved with the panel for the 2025 season – Ellen Kelly, Evie O’Connor, Grace Feeney and Lillie Hannon. She is also joined by club player Joanne McDonnell who is also part of the management team. The Eoghan Rua Club wish Shane and his management team as well as their four girls the very bvest of luck for the coming season.
Get your Saturday mornings all planned out. Starting on April 26th at 10am football coaching for U5’s, U7’s and U9s will be held at Enniscrone Kilglass GAA Grounds, Quigabar, F26 D710. Learn new skills and make new friends in a fun, welcoming and safe space for all. Both boys and girls are welcome.
Kilglass Parish Community Centre are holding a Community Gathering to celebrate one year of the Hub and launching Phase 2 on Sunday, May 4 at 7pm in The Hub. It will be an evening of fun, connection and celebration. There will be children’s entertainment, xBox Gaming Zone, and exciting announcements. Be part of this special milestone as they grow together. Bring your friends and family as everyone is welcome. More information at https://www.kilglassparishcommunitycentre.com.
Tireragh Community Support are holding an Easter Egg Hunt on April 20, from 12 noon to 3pm at Kilglass House F26H685. Tickets which cost €5 are available by calling 083 4461322. Booking is essential. There will be some egg-citing fun on the day and you could win a prize for Best Easter Bonnet.
Easkey Enhancement Association are delighted to host Chair Yoga with Jenn from West Coast Wellness on Tuesdays at 10.30am. Get in touch to book your place. The event is supported by MSLETB. Some of the amazing benefits of chair yoga are; it improves flexibility and strength; increases interceptive and proprioceptive awareness; reduces pain; elicits the relaxation response; and reduces stress and anxiety.
Social dancing is taking place in Skreen and Dromard Community Centre, on Saturday, April 12 at 9pm, with music by Philip English. Eircode for the centre is F91 EY01.
The praying of the Holy Rosary continues on Thursday evening at 8.15pm in Carns Shrine, Culleens, and will be led by Eilish and Paul. It is recited every Thursday evening for the Holy Souls during Lent.
Dance Fitness class is held every Friday morning at 11am in the Enniscrone Resource Centre. The class costs €8 per session will all proceeds going to the upkeep of the centre.. All ages are welcome. Contact 096 37444 for more details.
The Enniscrone Indoor Market is open every Saturday from 11am to 3pm. Come along and meet some of the fabulous traders eg. EWAC Enniscrone, Brown Penny, Suantrai na Coille, Seoda na Ce and more. Enjoy a coffee and some home baking. There will be wonderful gifts, decorations, paintings, handmade blankets, clothing, jewellery, local crafts, treats, fresh fruit and vegetables and much more. All are welcome.
Sean Nos dancing is held in Dromore West Community Centre on Saturdays for adults at 12 noon and children at 12.40pm For more information contact Rachel at 089 4543772.
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Castleconnor.
Castleconnor Community First Responders Group are holding a fundraising evening of 'Ceol agus Craic' on Thursday, April 9, in Castleconnor Community Centre at 8pm, featuring many musicians, including the pupils of Stokane and Corballa National Schools. Come along and enjoy some traditional music, recitations and songs. A great evening of entertainment guaranteed.
The hard work and training has been continuing at Castleconnor GAA Club with all the lads and representatives on various Sligo squads and academies.
The U16 squad trained on the new astro pitch at Scarden on a recent Saturday morning and they received their county gear after training. They completed their fitness testing programme with Sean Boyle the following Tuesday.
The U15 squad continue their gym work with strength and conditioning coach Kyle Murray and great work is being put in by all.
The u14 academy put in fantastic effort and displays in testing conditions in Summerhill on Saturday, March 29 last.
The numbers drawn in the Castleconnor GAA lotto which was held on Saturday, March 29, were 3, 13, 17 and 37. There was no jackpot winner and the match 3 winner was Amy Fleming. Kevin Langan won the €50 lucky dip prize. The jackpot in the latest draw which was held on Saturday, April 5, was€11,300.