Testimonial by Abbey newlyweds

Recent Abbey newlyweds

Shanagh O’Dowd and Denis McCaffrey shared their wedding day feedback in conversation with Geraldine Grealy (Marketing and PR Manager at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon). Shanagh is from Boyle, Co. Roscommon, and Denis is from Cloone, Co. Leitrim

So tell us where you met…

We met in a shop in Carrick-onShannon 18 years ago.

And your engagement?

We got engaged on the 24th of December, 2021. Denis made a sign out of fairylights that spelt ‘Will you marry me?’. There were pictures of us through the years and he prepared mulled wine and had Ed Sheeran’s ‘Perfect’ playing. It was a big surprise and very romantic!

What made the Abbey Hotel special as your chosen venue?

We had looked at some previous hotels for our wedding, but when I (Shanagh) walked into the Abbey Hotel, I turned to Denis and said this is the one – that’s even before I looked around. It was so elegant and had such a warm homely feeling.

We were so lucky on our wedding day; the sun was shining, which allowed us to have an outdoor wedding in the Abbey’s secret garden. All credit to our suppliers and the Grealys and their staff in the Abbey who made sure our reception was everything we hoped it would be.

Shanagh, where did you get your stunning wedding gown?

I got my wedding dress from

Newsbriefs

Pearls and Lace in Donegal. And all the suits were got in Lavin’s in Ballymote, Co. Sligo.

Who was your photographer/ videographer?

Our wonderful photos were taken

Car Wash in aid of Castlerea Show

Castlerea Agricultural Show are holding a fundraising Car Wash on Friday, 2nd of June from 10 am to 6 pm on the Square in Castlerea. All funds raised go to the running of the Agricultural Show on the August Bank Holiday Monday. All support is greatly appreciated.

Castlerea ICA meeting

The Castlerea ICA Guild will hold their next meeting in D Gaff, Barrack Street on Tuesday, 6th of June at 8.15 pm. New members welcome.

Investigation into criminal damage in Monksland

Gardaí say they are continuing to investigate an act of “criminal damage by fire” which occurred late on Thursday, May 18th at a building site in the Monksland Industrial Estate in Co. Roscommon.

Two excavators and a small digger suffered significant damage during the course of the incident. The fire was extinguished by local fire services and the scene was preserved and a technical examination carried out.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the M6 motorway east-bound between Ballinasloe and Athlone on Thursday, 18th of May between 11 pm and midnight are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Athlone Garda Station on 090-649 2600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

by the fantastic husband and wife duo Viliam and Bibi at Revtakstudios. The results speak for themselves. They are brilliant at what they do.

What about special touches?

Shanagh found a very talented and funny magician online. Jack Wise was so funny and knew how to work the room.

Who provided the musical entertainment?

The band was the very talent Connor McKeon band. They got the party started. I still have guests that were at the wedding coming up to me and telling me how amazing the band was. For our ceremony music, we had the very talented Adam Daly from Boyle.

Were there any stand-out moments from the day you would like to share?

As a bride, you want everything to be perfect on the day. And the staff at the Abbey Hotel ensured that it would be and they wouldn’t settle for anything less.

From the chef who prepared our amazing food to the friendly waiting staff that were so polite and helpful. Lisa our wedding coordinator was just fantastic. Lisa was a dream to work with.

John Glynn AND HIS BAND

Kilbride Community Centre

Sunday 4th June, 10pm-12

Bar open / refreshments

Admission only €10

Sinn Féin (Castlerea) calls for mini-roundabout!

Sinn Féin members in Castlerea have called for a mini-roundabout to be installed at what they have described as a dangerous and busy junction in the town.

Patrick Conry Sinn Féin Castlerea have written to Roscommon County Council highlighting safety issues and long tailbacks at the junction of the Ballindrimley road and Main Street.

Cathaoirleach of the group, Henry Hughes, said: “This junction is not only dangerous for vehicles exiting the Ballindrimley road going in the direction of Ballinlough, but is also causing long tailbacks of traffic, especially on Thursdays, when the mart is busy. A mini-roundabout would greatly help to resolve the issue.

“We, as the local Sinn Féin Cumann in Castlerea, are appealing to the relevant authorities to hopefully make this happen”.

Mr Hughes said a letter has been circulated to the relevant authorities in recent days.

– A very enjoyable, social night for dancers & music fans

Music and dancing at Kilbride Centre

John Glynn and his band will be playing at Kilbride Community Centre on this Sunday, 4th of June. Music from 10 pm-12. Bar open/refreshments. Admission is just €10.

A very enjoyable night for dancers and music fans on the cards. A great social night for all!