Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Lanesboro Primary School Fundraiser
For all locals of my generation and many other generations of boys and girls we have all been a part of Lanesboro Primary (Lanesboro Girls National School) and the school always brings back happy memories for us all. For many males reading this we will remember doing junior and senior infants there before moving to the Boys school on the Green. The Parents Association of the school is now seeking support from the huge numbers that has gone through and are still going through the school.
A lack of Government school funding sees an urgent appeal from the Parents Association of Lanesboro Primary School for support in their efforts to raise funding for the repainting of classrooms, make repairs, refresh the interior of the school along with other school future projects.
The Parents Association is appealing to everyone that has or had a connection to the school over the years to offer their support by taking part in the school draw that will take place on Sunday 15th June.
The Parents Association is launching an iDonate Raffle to raise the much needed funds. The prizes are 1st €1,000 voucher for Center Parcs or cash equivalent; 2nd Apple Ipad – sponsored by anonymous donor; 3rd Samsung Galaxy tablet A9+ sponsored by The Lunch Bag; 4th €100 One4all voucher sponsored by Anthony O’Haire Bus Travel; €100 One4all voucher sponsored by KSNPM Project Management and 5th €75 voucher for Swimming classes sponsored by Roscommon Pool and Leisure Centre.
There are two options to buying you tickets. The ticket prices are 1 ticket €10, 3 tickets €25 and 8 tickets for €50 and you can buy your tickets on www.idonate.ie.LanesboroPrimarySchool or scan the QR code where you see the poster s advertising the draw.
Alternatively, you can buy your tickets in O’Brien’s shop where you can buy your tickets without going online.
Local Fire-fighters required
The career as a fire-fighter attached to the local Lanesboro Fire Station may be part time but the training you will receive is second to none where you will learn a whole new set of skills. These skills will stand to you through your life and it will take you to a new and extreme level in terms of fire-fighting, rescue and first aid.
Lanesboro Fire Station is looking for a number people male and female to make applications to Longford County Council Fire Department. The stipulation is that you live and work within a maximum of 8 minutes response time from time alert from the fire station on the Longford Road. This is a wonderful opportunity for so many people living on both sides of the bridge and the hinterlands.
Full training will be given to all those that pass the interview and a warm welcome will be given to all the new recruits. The job of as a fire-fighter requires those applying to be adaptable and those selected will receive a good remuneration and as well will be part of a dedicated team of local fire-fighters.
To apply you should email hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie
Darkness into Light
The Electric Ireland annual Darkness into Light 5km walk/run will take place on Saturday morning next 10th May at 4.15am.
The Longford event will take place at the Mall, Longford.
The Roscommon event will take place from the Convent Gym and the Castlerea event will commence from Castlerea Community School Gym.
Every year a growing number of locals take part in Darkness into Light and I am sure that this year will see a record number taking to the roads and pathways in support of this huge and very vital event. Darkness into Light is a unique event and it is supported worldwide by vast amounts of people who raise huge money to help finance the unbelievable free services offered by Pieta House in helping to prevent self-harm those that are thinking of suicide and their services also aid those that have suffered loss by suicide.
The support given is incredible and as they continued from their Pieta House bases and from their 24 centres throughout the country. Your support links into everyone’s own community where Pieta quietly and dedicatedly works with suicide prevention and counselling.
Please be supportive and encourage others to do the same. We never know when the need for the support of Pieta will come to our door or to our community
New Restaurant/Café
Last week a new Restaurant/Café opened on the Main Street adjacent to SuperValu on Friday 25th April. Replacing the Wooden Spoon is the new Sorrento Restaurant/Café with chef Marco and his wife Marina who is the Maître d’ and their family who are offering an extensive menu and will be open 6 days a week. Head chef Marco has an extensive CV of working in top class restaurants and it is great to have his experience and expertise in our community and on our Main Street. The newly renovated restaurant shows a stylish restaurant with a wonderful ambience. Many locals have already sampled their extensive menu and the comments afterwards are excellent.
The restaurant will be open Tuesday 12 to 8pm; Wednesday 12 to 8pm; Thursday 12 to 9pm; Friday 12 to 9pm; Saturday 12 to 9pm and Sunday 12 to 8pm; Sorrento will be closed on Mondays.
We wish Marco, Marina and their family the very best of luck and we wish them wonderful success in Lanesboro.
Lanesboro Community Games
Sunday next at 3pm in Rathcline GAA Clubs grounds Lanesboro Community Games Track and Field will take place. The community games competitions are community based; only residents from the Lanesboro/Rathcline area can take part in the Lanesboro track and field competition. The first and second winners of each event will go on to represent Lanesboro in the County track and field in Pearse Park on Sunday 8th June.
The lists of events are:
Running
1. Boys & Girls Under 8/Over 6 60M and 80M
2. Boys & Girls Under 10/Over 8 100M & 200M
3. Boys & Girls Under 12/Over 10 100M & 200M & 600M
4. Boys & Girls Under 14/Over 12 100M & 200M & 800M
5. Boys & Girls Under 16/Over 14 100M, 200M & 1500M
Hurdles
1. Boys & Girls Under 10/Over 8 – 60 metres
2. Boys & Girls Under 14/Over 12 – 80 metres
Ball throw (size 4 sliotar)
1. Boys & Girls Under 12/Over 10
Discus
1. Boys & Girls Under 16/Over 14
Javelin
1. Boys & Girls Under 14/Over 12
Shot putt
1. Boys & Girls Under 14/Over 12
Long puck
1. Boys U12/ Over 10
2. Girls U14/ Over 12
There will also be an Under 6 80m fun run for all the younger children.
Please note, the Community Games age calculation is different from other sports. The year end is 31st July e.g. if your child is competing in U12, they must be U12 on 01/08/2025; If they turn 12 before 31st July they will be in U14 for Community Games.
Children may already be registered with Lanesboro CG if they have taken part in other CG events this year, If your child is not registered for 2025, please use the CG registration link, this has been circulated on various community WhatsApp groups.
The €5 registration fee can be paid at the gate on May 11th for any child that has not already paid the annual registration fee.
Any queries please email lanesboro@communitygames.eu or contact a member of the Lanesboro CG committee. Patrick Casey, Serena Gibbons, Donal Casey, Margaret Mullooly,
Siobhan Curran, Audrey Sorohan or Karen Johnston.
Songs for a Summer’s Evening
Cantando Chamber Choir will present ‘Songs for a Summer’s Evening’ in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday 7th June at 8pm.
Cantando is a mixed voiced chamber choir founded 30 years ago by their director Órla Barry
A highly accomplished and versatile group, as well as being good friends, Cantando sing in a variety of styles and genres, always expertly guided by their enthusiastic and talented director.
They have performed in numerous concert locations around Ireland including The National Concert Hall, Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, St. Patrick’s College Chapel, Maynooth and the 3 Arena Dublin and many more. They were the first Irish Choir to achieve a gold award at the Verona International Choral Festival.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s priced at €15 and as seating is limited early booking is advisable.
Machinery Auction
Roscommon Machinery Auction will take place on this Saturday 10th May from 11am at Dalton’s Pub Fuerty. Follow @roscommonmart on Facebook. Enquiries to Damien 085 1861165 or John at 086 3077091; office 090 66 26352 or email roscommonmart@gmail.com
Benefit 25 Game
A Progressive 25 Benefit card game will take place on this Thursday 8th May at 9pm in Kenagh Community Centre. To play costs €10 with good prizes to be won.
Friday Coffee Morning
A new initiative of a Coffee Morning will start in Clarke’s bar on this coming Friday 2nd May and will continue every Friday morning for 10am to 12 noon. For the price of a cup of tea/coffee you can enjoy chatting, getting to know new people, reminiscing with old friends and generally having a grand morning out. Everybody is invited to come along and join the group.
Tidy Towns and Gaelforce
All the preparation is now in place with just a few small details to be completed for what the organising committee expects to be a fabulous occasion in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on Friday week 16th and Saturday week 17th May. St. Faithleach’s club have really come to the fore in aiding the committee by providing parking for cars and camper vans, providing showers and opening the clubhouse at an extraordinary hour to facilitate check-in’s.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committees joined forces with Gaelforce, the adventure racing company, to create what should be a magnificent occasion when they host an enormous day in the area between the car park and marina where there will be a Family Fun Day happening at the same time as the Gaelforce Great River Swim over four open water distances. The area will include a Family Fun area, Spectator area for watching the swimmers as they finish their swims, a host of Artisan and Food stalls, camping area, face painting, live music and a playground. Events will start with a gentle series of events on Friday 16th from 6.30pm with Sunset Kayaking and riverside Sauna and at 9pm there will be live music at the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. On Saturday 17th May the day will commence at 8am with the Gaelforce Great River Swim and at 10am the Festival Area will open with Food and Artisan stalls, Riverside saunas from 10.30am, Family Fun area from 11am and live music from 12 noon. The events of the two day will be celebrated in Clarke’s Bar on Saturday evening with a Barbeque and live music from 8pm. There is no doubt that this will be one of the biggest days ever in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and a couple of days of wonderful celebration.
Last year we saw the Tidy Towns committees of both Lanesboro and Ballyleague come together to stage, with outstanding results, at their inaugural Family Day in the area between the car park and small marina. This year the two committees have, again, come together with the support of all local clubs and associations to join with Gaelforce in collaboration with fabulous organisations such as Longford and Roscommon County Councils, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Access for All, St. Faithleach’s GAA club for what should be an absolutely fantastic day on the banks of the Shannon. As you can see above this is a day that is being embraced by all local community groups, the Lanesboro/Ballyleague Collaboration group and by the county councils and other organisations. Together as one community we will welcome everyone from far and wide to come along and join with us in Lanesboro and Ballyleague for this very special day and a fabulous day of welcome to all our visitors.
For those that don’t know, Gaelforce is a family-owned Irish company, based in Leenane, Co. Galway and a company to be celebrated for all their tremendous work in promoting great outdoor activities. Their mission is to seek out new challenges to bring the best of adventure racing to Ireland and we are privileged that they have selected Lanesboro/Ballyleague to be a part of their great challenges. They design, build and run all their own events. You just won’t find challenges or locations like this anywhere else! They have come back to Lanesboro/Ballyleague this year for the Great River Swim that, looking at their entry list, is attracting swimmers of all abilities from all over the country for this Gaelforce Great River Swim.
For the Gaelforce Great River Swim there will be four swims over distances of 800m, 3.5km, 5.8km and the extreme distance of 12km.
With everybody coming together this will be, without doubt, another very exceptional day and one of the very best events to be hosted in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the banks of the glorious Shannon and there should be something to interest everybody.
Make sure you come along with your family and friends to the banks of the Shannon for what is sure to another marvellous day in Lanesboro.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Update
Cemetery Sunday will take place on Sunday 10th August at 6pm.
The landscaping of the new cemetery is now complete and it is looking beautiful in the evening sunshine. A lot of hard work has gone in over the past few weeks to get all the work completed. The shrubs when mature will really enhance the cemetery. The final phase is the replacement of the internal roads for which the community are currently seeking funding. 40 years ago on 5th May is when all the work started – the cemetery and its environs have come a long way since then. Due to a recent fundraiser and very donation to the cemetery committee the committee finds itself in a position to bring forward the plan for a complete refurbishment of the Mass enclosure that was earmarked for 2027. It will be a fitting tribute to mark the 40th Anniversary.
Meanwhile work began on Saturday last to replace the old cracked floor which is required to enable the erection of the permanent structure and the plan is also to replace the limestone altar, which has cracked, with a new granite altar. The current target is to have all completed in time for Cemetery Sunday on the 10th August.
Annual Day with the Stars
The Annual Shannonside/Northern Sound annual Day with the Stars will take place on Sunday 22nd June at Roscommon Racecourse. This is an outstanding musical event that draws huge crowds from all over the country. If you have not ever been there then this is a must and especially if you have country sounds and dancing running through your veins.
Again, top artists from the country music scene Nathan Carter, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Philomena Begley, Michael English, Patrick Feeney, Brendan Shine, Claudia Buckley, Robert Mizzell, David James and Jack Keogh have already committed to making this another memorable day in Roscommon. Tickets can be bought locally in O’Brien’s and they are priced €35 each. Accompanied children under 12 will be allowed in free. Free parking will also be available.
Rathcline off to the Galway Races
This week it was announced that the annual Rathcline Race Day, supported by Keane’s Supervalu, Lanesboro, at the legendary Galway Races will take once again take place on Monday 28th July. This is a really fabulous day out and a day full of entertainment. Full details of the day will follow in next week’s notes.
The Great Ball Run
Rathcline GAA will host a novel Great Ball Run on Saturday 31st May. The balls will be released on the Main Street from the church and the owner of the first ball at the winning line will receive €1,000. Balls cost €5 and can be bought from club members or from local shops.
Charity Tractor and Truck Run
May the 15th is a poignant date when we always remember the death of one of our popular young men. Owen Kelly, son of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road passed away following an accident 20 years ago. To celebrate the memory and 20th Anniversary of Owen’s passing there will be a Tractor and Truck Run and it will start from Clonbonny on Sunday 18th May at 2.30pm. It will be particularly pleasing to see all those that remember Owen and their friends to join in the Tractor Run and make it a spectacular day. All the proceeds of the day will be shared with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Head Injury Unit at Beaumont Hospital.
Volunteers Wanted
You are invited to be a volunteer for a very interesting piece of work as Roscommon Community Tourist Office is looking for volunteers to help with providing information to tourists/visitors to Roscommon town. A good general knowledge of the County would be helpful, but training will be provided. If you can spare 3/4 hours per week and are interested in joining their small team please call 090 6625613 between 10am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday or email touristvolunteers@gmail.com
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns
Three year Plan
As part of our annual competition entry we are encouraged to submit a three year plan of aspirations in relation to future projects or on-going activities in Ballyleague. We would very much welcome and appreciate comments or ideas that you the public have in relation to Ballyleague and its immediate hinterland. Email keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
AGM
Our AGM will take place in Ballyleague Hall on this Wednesday 7th May at 8.00 PM. WE strongly encourage members of the community to attend. Please note there will be no surprise nominations from the floor at the meeting. All executive positions have been agreed for the current year. We will look back briefly at our achievements for the past year and outline our ambitions for the year ahead at the meeting.
In advance of the meeting we are appealing for some new members to become involved, and in the coming weeks we will be reaching out to some people in the community to join our team in order to maintain and develop Ballyleague into the future
New Community Volunteers sought
Ballyleague TT has been a catalyst for much of the development and improvement around the village for the past number of years. In order to further enhance/maintain future development we need to be a strong voice in order to be on the radar of the decision makers. In order to be that strong voice we need new blood as many of our existing team have reached their hang up their Gloves/high viz jackets time. The physical workload in general is quite small and over the summer months we aim to meet up for approx. an hour every second week or so to maintain the village over the summer months.
One of the most important and vital duties during the year is attendance at meetings. During the year we have approximately 8 scheduled meetings and those meetings are the fulcrum for planning, development and updates on on-going projects and work. For urgent/pressing matters we meet accordingly. As you can see the tasks are not onerous and a little often saves timer rather than a lot of time done seldom.
Please give of your time to your community and help make Ballyleague a brighter and tidier village as we close in on major awards in the Tidy Towns competition.
Visit Corlea in 2025
Hidden deep in Longford’s boglands, near Kenagh, lays a true wonder: the Corlea Iron Age Roadway. Built in 148 BC, this remarkable Togher—Europe’s largest discovered—was part of a significant route way, possibly connecting the ritual centre of Uisneach to the royal site of Rathcroghan. Crafted from solid oak planks, peat quickly swallowed the Trackway, perfectly preserving it for over 2,000 years.
Step inside the visitor centre to see an 18-metre stretch of this ancient road up close! Discover our ancestors’ stories, mysteries, and incredible craftsmanship.
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) from Lanesboro is beginning to gain its rightful acknowledgement as a wonderful and unique place to visit. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe and it is on display at the Visitor Centre. You learn how people lived at the time and murals depict implements of the time.
This is one of Ireland’s most famous hidden treasures and it is a place that should be visited hugely and it is an ideal place to bring visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent and knowledgeable local facilitators will bring you though the experience and leave you in awe with the history of the Trackway.
Pictured above is the preserved Trackway discovered at Corlea
VHI Mini Marathon
On Sunday 1st June the Ladies Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin. A bus is being organised from Lanesboro in memory of the late Pam Farrell, who for many years organised a bus taking locals to the Mini Marathon and funds raised will go to the Cancer Society. If you would like to avail of the bus you are asked to contact Martha on 087 2638593 or Una on 086 8929402 for further details.
Ballymahon Convent Celebration
The Convent of Mercy Ballymahon invites all past pupils to celebrate their 100th anniversary at a special reunion day on Saturday 17th May from 1pm until 4pm.
Nursing Staff for Lourdes Pilgrimage
Those interested in joining as a nursing staff member for the Diocesan Pilgrimage are asked to contact Maireád in the parish office (3321166) or contact the nursing director Margaret McDonald at 086 3918577.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh/Clonmacnois annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 30th May to Wednesday 4th June. This is an ideal way to treat your mother to a very special trip and you can use the gift as a Mother’s Day present. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March. For details you should contact JWT for flight details. Those who need assistance, contact 0863918577.
Defibrillator Course
Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
Lanesboro Triathlon News
Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon: Entries are now open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July.
Tidy Towns lottery
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can now plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town for 2025.
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on Tuesday 29th April and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The numbers drawn were 5, 10, 19 and 29. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on 6th May. The winner of the €50 prize was Mags Gillen c/o Mags and the three €20 prize winners were Katazyna Kavanagh, Rathcline Road, c/o O’Brien’s, Margaret Brennan, Lanesboro, c/o Mags and Keith Brady Cloontuskert. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 6th May. The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.
We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 4th May card game held in the Parish are 1st Noel and Martin McDermott, 2nd Petey Donlon and Brendan Hanley. The last game winners were Pat Rock and Harry Skelly. The raffle winners were Peter Gregg, Kathleen Maguire, Gerry Leavy and Johnno.
The 8.30pm start will be the start time for the summer.
New card players will always be welcome to join in for a great night of card playing and comradery. Light refreshments as always are served.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 29th April. The winning pool amounted to an exciting €740. The winner of the draw was Mary Rooney, Rathcline. As usual the winning cheque can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated, and your great support is highlighted by the large pools every week – thank you.
Notes inclusions
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the notes of the following week.
Access for All boat
Have you availed of the wonderful experience on our doorstep? The Access for All boat is for everybody and it takes you on a 90 minute trip out onto the lake as see its beauty and some of the islands on Lough Ree. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs, but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Winter sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 11.00am and 1pm until the end of March. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175
Memory Café
Roscommon Dementia Alliance hosts a monthly café in Lough Key, Forest Park, Boyle to help support people affected by dementia, their families and carers. This month’s event takes place on Wednesday the 16th of April, 2 – 4pm and will include music, song, advice and a chat. If you would like to attend please visit www.roscommondementia.ie or contact Teresa Keegan on 0877061183 for more information.
Céilí Dancing
Are you interested in perfecting your Céilí Dancing or just want to learn the Céilí steps? Ceili Dancing will take place in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Donamon every Tuesday evening at 8.30pm under the guidance of Kevin Kelly. Traditional Irish dances are taught from beginners to completion. Everyone is welcome. Beginners get special attention.
Cemetery Sunday – Very Important Advance Notice
I have just been informed there will be significant changes to the dates and times of the Blessing of the Graves (Cemetery Sunday) at our three cemeteries in 2025.
On Saturday 12th July there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 14th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
Dementia Memory Club
The Roscommon Dementia Memory Club is designed for those that are living with dementia and their carer or friend or plus one! A café-like set up, followed by activities, storytelling, reminiscence, music, song and dance. The club offers a great opportunity for persons living with dementia & their carer to socialize and promote improved mental and physical wellbeing, and more importantly to have fun! You don’t have to dance, you can watch and enjoy and contribute in other ways! Come along and see for yourself at Roscommon Music Social Club, the Quad Youth Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon Town. F42 CH70 every Thursday 11:30am to 1pm. Contact Irene on 087 108 0650 or email IreneTabb@westernalzheimers.ie
Brothers of Charity seeks support
Volunteers needed: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? Volunteers provide a valuable contribution by connecting people to their local communities and enrich the lives of the people we support, by bringing friendship and fun in to their lives. Volunteers can do this by attending local social activities or sporting events together, going walking, swimming, or just sharing interests and chatting over a cup of coffee/tea. Volunteers will be supported in their role by the Volunteer Coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or 0874887314 for more details.
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support provided. Tax exempt Allowances paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@bocsi.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
Local Health Service
Local Heath Service is available at Roscommon University Hospital. The service will deal with urgent and routine health problems. The Freephone phone number to ring is 1800 700700.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829.
Line Dancing For All
They say that Line Dancing, stimulates the brain, reduces stress, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increases mental capacity, improves posture and balance, tones the body, strengthens bones and muscles, provides opportunity to socialize and meet people and its suitable and popular for all ages and all abilities.
Line Dancing classes take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town for beginners from 6pm to 7pm and Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Dance classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
Co. Longford Citizens Advice Centre
Co. Longford Citizens Information Service has recently been restructured and is currently under new management.
They continue to provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights, and entitlements. The range of areas covered by the citizens information centre are extremely wide including social welfare rights and entitlements and other social issues such as employment, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights, all where people need access to information.
The way people access the services changed during Covid and now they currently deal with a large number of queries over the telephone, however, they continue to provide our drop-in times and welcome people to their face-to-face service five mornings a week from the Longford office. The services are provided by experienced trained Information Officers who are there to help you.
The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and direction can be obtained at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm.
The Employability Service
Is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability or health issue to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market? If you are over 18, have a disability or health issue and would consider working part-time then you should contact Employment Services Roscommon support to help find you a job in your area. This is a confidential and free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Are you managing mental health issues? There is the opportunity for Individual Placement and Support (IPS) that is funded by the HSE and offers a range of tailored personalised supports to people using mental health services who wish to work. For further information you should phone 090 66 28608 or call/text 087 3745307. They can also be contacted via email at info@rosemp.ie
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
The club is extremely grateful for your on-going tremendous support.
ALONE
ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.
Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a national network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology.
We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and through harnessing other services.
We work to empower the whole sector of community support for older people through our Community Impact Network that provides Training, IT support and resources to other organisations.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. The number to ring is Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days, a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence-based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro
Priest contacts: If you have a need to contact any one of the priests you can do so by phoning Fr. Merlyn Kenny 086 0603433 or Fr. Turlough Baxter 087 9972259.
You can also contact parish secretary Maireád Rooney by calling into the presbytery from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm.or she can be contacted on the phone at 3321166.
Cemetery Sunday changes: On Saturday 12th July 2025 there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 13th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
Come Follow Me: Come Follow Me is a programme of parish/home based faith formation for children aged 7 to 12 years. There will be an Introduction and Information evening held in the Parish Hub on Wednesday 14th May from 7pm to 8pm. Come and see! Everyone iswelcome.
Ballymahon Convent Celebration: The Convent of Mercy Ballymahon invites all past pupils to celebrate their 100th anniversary at a special reunion day on Saturday 17th May from 1pm until 4pm.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh and Clonmacnois Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 will be led by Bishop Paul Connell, is open for booking now. It will take place from May 30th – June 4th costing from €969. For more details contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01-2410800 or email – info@joewalshtours.ie . Pilgrims who would like to travel with the Special Assisted Section should apply to Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577. Those interested in joining as a Nursing Staff Member for the Pilgrimage are asked to contact their local parish or the Pilgrimage Matron – Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577.
Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Tuesday’s in the Prayer Room
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 6th June
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.iee
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Elphin and Achonry Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 29th August to Wednesday 3rd September. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section are available from Fr. Ray Milton, P.P. Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (090 666 111 5). The closing date for receipt of Assisted Pilgrimage applications is 16th June. Nominations for the Youth section are being sought from parishes for young people between the ages of 17 to 20 years to participate in the pilgrimage. Youth must be nominated through their priest/Chaplin. Forms are available from the local parish office. The closing date for completed applications is Saturday 24th May. For all enquiries regarding the pilgrimage contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01 2410 800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
New Choir Members: Kilgefin/Scramogue choir is currently recruiting new singers and musicians as they continue to develop their popular choir. You are asked to contact Amanda 086607 1281 or speak to any of the current members of the choir to express your interest.
Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy: The Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy will take place from 29th July to 8th August with Bishop Kevin Doran. The pilgrimage is open to 18 – 35 year olds. The cost is €995 pps.
Defibrillator Course: Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish or surrounding areas to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
ALONE needs volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make friendly calls to an older person in your community? The commitment is for one hour per week. ALONE is seeking volunteers and if you can give just one hour we encourage you to do so. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interested please sign up at https://a lone.ie/volunteers/ For more information contact Helena: Helena.madden@alone.ie phone 086 0145829