April 13, 2026
community
Ballinamore ICA celebrates 60 years with community field day
The Ballinamore ICA Guild marked its 60th anniversary with a community event at Ballinamore Old Fairday, featuring demonstrations of traditional cooking, home-baked goods, and social activities. The event showcased the organisation's range of activities beyond baking, including social outings and community support initiatives. Members including Tess Murphy and David Lutton (chairperson) highlighted how the ICA provides companionship and opportunities for women of all ages.
Tess Murphy, David Lutton, Lillian
Event held at Ballinamore Old Fairday; ICA Federation headquarters located at barracks in Longford; head office in Dublin
"Local milestone celebration showing how community organisations bring people together and support women"
heritage
Traditional boxty-making demonstration at Ballinamore community event
Radio presenter Norbert Fielbe documented a traditional boxty-making demonstration at the Ballinamore ICA field day, with volunteer David showing the preparation process using potatoes, flour, eggs, and milk. The traditional Irish dish, similar to a pancake, was being cooked on site for visitors to the community event.
David, Norbert Fielbe
Demonstration held at Ballinamore Old Fairday during ICA community event
"Traditional Irish food-making at its best — watching boxty being made the authentic way"
death
20th Anniversary of Acclaimed Writer John McGahern's Death Marked
March 30th marks the 20th anniversary of the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished writers. McGahern, who was born in Dublin but had strong connections to County Leitrim and Roscommon, is remembered for groundbreaking novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings on sexuality that cost him his teaching job, and his legacy in Irish literature.
John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th, 2026 (anniversary date). John McGahern Barracks in Cooke Hall, Roscommon, operated by volunteers and dedicated to McGahern's memory.
"A tribute to one of Ireland's most important writers since Beckett, marking 20 years since his death."
death
20th anniversary of death of acclaimed writer John McGahern
Today marks 20 years since the death of John McGahern, one of Ireland's most accomplished and important writers. Born in Dublin but reared in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, McGahern was known for his novels including 'The Barracks' and 'Among Women'. Author and broadcaster John Scally reflects on McGahern's life, his controversial writings that cost him his teaching job, and his later contentment farming in Fina, County Leitrim.
John McGahern, John Scally, Tony Doyle
March 30th marks the anniversary. The John McGahern Barracks in Cookshill is operated by volunteers and is dedicated to McGahern's works and memory and is open to visitors.
"Remembering one of Ireland's greatest writers on the 20th anniversary of his death - a complex literary genius who paid a heavy price for telling uncomfortable truths."
April 12, 2026
religion
Father Edward Flanagan elevated to Venerable by Pope
Father Edward Flanagan, a priest from the Roscommon/Galway border who founded Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, has been elevated to Venerable by Pope Francis—a significant step toward canonization. The announcement was welcomed by the Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre in Ballinamore and church leaders including Bishop Kevin Doran. This recognition honours Flanagan's pioneering work with homeless and at-risk children.
Father Edward Flanagan, Bishop Kevin Doran, Fidel Macron
Father Edward Flanagan Visitor Centre located in Ballinamore, open to public; established three years ago
"Local priest on path to sainthood—proud moment for Irish heritage and the church's recognition of his pioneering child welfare work."