Castlerea has many community champions and characters. In this special celebration, we’re highlighting six local heroes…
Illustrations: Paraic Newman
Words: Paul Healy
Name: Angela Webb
We know her because: She’s a Castlerea Musical Society stalwart (and involved in other community causes, including Daffodil Day)
A phrase that describes her: ‘Dedicated to the performing arts’
What sources told us: “A lovely person” and “A lady with a beautiful smile”
Did you know? Angela is a native of Clonberne, Co. Galway
What she might say: “How’s your people?”
Name: Danny Burke
We know him because: Danny has a remarkable track record of community volunteerism
A phrase that describes him: ‘Irrepressible, a character, fiercely proud GAA man’
Did you know? Danny is a former County Roscommon overall Person of the Year award winner
What sources told us: “A legend”, “A great storyteller”, “A one-off”, “Still volunteering with GAA”
What he sometimes says: “Ladies and gents, boys and girls!”
Name: Benny O’Connell
We know him because: He’s headed up Enterprise Castlerea for many years, and is a well-known businessman in the town
A phrase that describes him: ‘A man who is deeply committed to the development of the town’
Did you know? Benny was a County Roscommon Person of the Year Award winner
What sources told us: Only for Benny the Hub in Castlerea would not be there!
What he sometimes says: ‘White or brown, sliced or unsliced?’
Name: Aoife O’Rourke
We know her because: Aoife is a world class amateur boxer, already a European champion and an Olympian
A phrase that describes her: ‘Determined, focused, a champion’
Did you know? Last week Aoife’s sister Lisa brought further glory to the family, town, county and country when she too won European gold
What sources told us: Aoife is a lovely person who comes from a great family (which we knew!)
What she might say: “I’ll be back!”
Name: Breege Callaghan
We know her because: She’s a driving force behind Trinity Arts Centre and is also involved in Town Team
A phrases that describes her: ‘Very active community person’
Did you know? Breege has been a prominent spokesperson for the PNA (Psychiatric Nurses Association)
What sources told us: She’s a woman of boundless energy with a distinguished record of community involvement
What she might say (according to a source): “Sure we must be mad!”
Name: Tom Flynn
We know him because: He runs a famous, quirky, landmark shop in the town. Tom is a long-time member of the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band, and has also been involved in Castlerea Musical Society
A phrase that describes him: A unique and popular town character
Did you know? According to our sources, Tom rings Gerry Beirne once a week to order sawdust!
What sources told us: “A legend” and “A lovely man” with one source adding “I hope he lives to be 140!”
Do say to Tom: By any chance would you have some fishing tackle…and brussels sprouts?
Don’t say to him: You can’t fit any more in that shop!
What he might say: “Well lad” and “Thank you, lady!”
