THE life and music of renowned piper Johnny Gorman will be remembered at this year's Ganly/Rushe traditional weekend in Gorthaganny, which starts on Friday, September 23. He was born in Derrylahan near Gorthaganny in the 1860’s. He became a travelling musician after his wife died. He played around Ballaghaderreen and moved on to Gurteen where Michael Coleman befriended him and got many of his tunes. He then moved to Ballymote before settling in Drumshanbo where he died in 1917. Mr Paddy Ryan of Shannonside Radio will give a lecture on his life and music of the piper on Sunday evening, September 25th in Coney Island lounge starting at 6.30 p.m.. Other activities over the weekend will include a Sean Nos dance workshop, Friday evening at 7 p.m.

This will be followed by a traditional concert with guests P. J. Hernan and Seamus Tansey. On Saturday night Matt Cunningham will play for a Céilí Mor while on Sunday night a singing session takes place at 9.30 p.m. in the hall. There will also be traditional music in Coney Ireland Lounge during the weekend.

Sports Day

On Sunday last the sports and family fun day held in Gorthaganny was a resounding success with a big number of people attending. Mr Dermot Earley performed the official cutting of the tape to formally open the new sports ground at the national school. He also planted a tree to mark the occasion. Rev. Fr John O’Rourke PP blessed the new sports field. The day which was organised by the Community Council and Youth Club with a full programme of sports events, including races for all age groups, tug-o-war, schools football blitz. The football was very entertaining with some budding young footballers displaying neat skills to impress their parents and others watching. There was also a full range of fun events a bouncy castle and a barbecue.

Coffee Morning

The coffee morning held in Gorthaganny hall on Thursday morning last in aid of the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice was most successful with €450 raised. Carmel Grady and Mary Morris who hosted the event, want to express thanks to all who supported the effort.

Late Mrs B. Stephenson

The death occurred suddenly on Friday, September 2nd last of Mrs Barbara Stephenson, Leeds, West Yorkshire and formerly of Silverfield Lisacul.

Predeceased by her husband Jack in July 2000, they had lived in Lisacul for a number of years before returning to Leeds.

Barbara will be deeply missed by her heartbroken son, Neil, who lives in Cloontowart, Lisacul and by her son Shaun and daughter Ann both living in Leeds and grandchildren, friends and neighbours both from Leeds and the Lisacul area.

Foróige

Lisacul Foróige club has resumed weekly Friday night meetings. The next club meeting is on Friday, September 23rd at 9 p.m. in the Community Hall. All 12 18 years old members are very welcome.

The club’s AGM takes place on Friday, September 30th.