Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
So many times I have commented on the arrival to our community of great people to work with Bord na Mona and ESB and it is with great sadness I record the death of one of these great people when we learned of the death on Tuesday 13th May in Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague, of John Jordan formerly of 34 The Green at the age of 89. John was predeceased some nine years ago by his wife Bernadette (Dettie) after 59 years of marriage. John a native of Fairymount, Co. Roscommon came to reside on the green when he got employment as a fitter with Bord na Mona in 1969. He was an outstanding ballroom dancer and along with Dettie they won numerous dancing competitions and they were always a joy to watch when dancing at local functions. John was also a wonderful singer with great renditions of many Irish songs and ballads. When along with Dettie they arrived in Lanesboro John was content to make the Green his forever home and from there he raised his family with a great devotion and family ethic. He was always an encourager and believer that a lot of knowledge and education is no extra burden to carry. Although not a player in his time here he was a very keen watcher of sport and supporter of his family in their sporting exploits. As technology began to develop John embraced it and armed with his iPod he kept in touch with his family worldwide via face time and social media. When he rang you you had better answer as he would keep ringing until your battery ran out. Family was his main priority and it remained so right up to the time that he could no longer contact them due to his failing health. The abiding memory of John in his retired years was of him daily strolling down the town and he was instantly recognisable by his warm and friendly greeting and his distinctive cap. We will all miss John Jordan but we will always fondly remember him for the many memories.
John reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home, Longford on Thursday last before being removed to his home where he was to spend his final night in his own residence. On Friday, his Funeral mass took place in St. Mary’s Church after which he was laid to rest alongside Dettie. To his sons Frank, Johnny, Declan, Anthony, Fintan and Wesley, his daughters Mary, Caroline and Lisa, his sister Frances, extended family and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
New Local Librarian
For all of us that remember our first visit to the library in Lanesboro we were welcomed as youngsters and the not so young to Longford branch library when it was located on the Green where we were welcomed by Tess Murphy who was the librarian. Years rolled by and during that time a new librarian was appointed in the guise of Stella O’Sullivan who was Tess’s daughter and Stella introduced us into the technology world and the expanding library role in our community in the new library on Main Street. Recently a new branch librarian has just been appointed to further develop the library and take us into the AI and all the new and modern communications area. Carrying on the tradition of the Murphy/O’Sullivan tradition is none other than Amy O’Sullivan who after many years studying and working away has along with her husband Brian and daughter Cadhla was relocated back to Lanesboro. Amy has huge boots to fill following the line of her grandmother Tess and mother Stella but we are absolutely sure that the tradition will be carried out and developed further by Amy. It is great to see the O’Sullivan family back in Lanesboro where they were always a leading family. Amy will be well supported by her father Brendan, her brother Danny – who has also relocated back to Lanesboro, her sister Lara and the entire community and we wish her every success as she grows and expands the Lanesboro Library.
Lanesboro Library
Opening hours
Monday Closed, Tuesday – Thursday 10am-1pm &2pm-6pm, Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm
Library Groups
Knitting & Crochet group meet every Tuesday 2-4pm.
Poetry & Music circle meet on 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month 4–5.30pm.
Little Library Bag
Children aged 4&5 can collect their little library bag in Lanesboro Library in advance of beginning Primary School. The bag will include 2 free books, colouring pages and learning materials.
Upcoming Events
Protecting your Brain Health and Function with Pauline Lee of the HSE – Wednesday May 28th at 2pm
Holistic Health Care Workshop with Áine Hughes – Nervous System Regulation You can register for all library events in the library or online by visiting longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events.
As always, photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Bene Merenti Medal
The cross of meritorious service to the church is awarded by the Pope to members of the laity and clergy in recognition of outstanding contributions to the church. .
On Sunday next 25th May Bishop Paul Connell will be visiting St. Mary’s church to celebrate 11a.m. Mass and to present this special Papal Award to Ann Carroll for her 20 years of dedication and service as sacristan in the church and also for all her work in the parish. Without doubt this is a well-deserved acknowledgement and we congratulate Ann on her award.
Everybody is invited to go along and join in the mass for this very special and unique occasion for Ann and family and indeed the parish of Rathcline.
Wonderful and Special Community
“Build it and they will come” has been a saying that from the 1950’s to 2019 that really to applied to the Lanesboro/Ballyleague community and they did come in their droves to work in Bord na Mona and ESB. Unfortunately with the departure of ESB and negligible staff remaining in Bord na Mona this is no longer the case.
Last year we saw the light in raising the community from the ashes when the two very progressive Tidy Towns committees under the leadership of Vinnie McGowan and Gerry Trimble come together to hold a Family Day that encouraged wonderful collaboration and great vision by these committees. This year the event was expanded and the committees welcomed into the equation Gaelforce who were organising the Great River Swim.
The Family Day on Saturday was again an outstanding success attracting huge numbers of people and their families to the Banks of the Shannon for what another fabulous day. When the 600 swimmers and their families and supporters were added into the days proceedings this was really a day of unbelievable excitement. The God’s really shone down on the entire day with the clear sky and sun beaming down and reaching 25degrees and the event and people really enjoying their day in our community. From the many people I spoke with during the day they we high in their praise for the events of the day. The comments were loud in their praise not only for the event but they also were heard to say that our community was a Hidden Jewel and that there was no doubt that they would be back. The day culminated with a great celebratory barbeque and music in Clarke’s bar.
What we cannot overlook is this magnificent success was the support received Longford Tourism Officer Denise Canavan, Gaelforce, Cllr. Sean Mimnagh, Longford and Roscommon County Councils, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Access for All, the fabulous contribution by the St. Faithleach’s GAA club and by all our local stewards.
As a member of the group said to me this morning “roll on next year and we will be bigger and better”.
Gaelforce is a wonderful addition to our events calendar and we look forward with a great deal of hope for another Gaelforce Great River Swim in 2026.
These characters, above, were seen throughout the community as part of the Family Fun Day.
The Sweaty Yeti
Friday next 23rd May we will see the new Sweaty Yeti Wellness and Recovery Centre open in the Distillery yard on the Banks of the Shannon. Eugene Maguire’s new venture is sure to draw great excitement and according to so many there is going to be no lack of business for this new and exciting venture. Eugene has spotted a niche in the market for this new business and there can be no better location to avail of the Wood Burning Sauna, Hot Tub, Ice baths and Compression Boots while availing of the beautiful and calming views of the much sang about the Broad Majestic Shannon. For a start the centre will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be made online only at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
Coffee Dock Open
Adding to the experience of the Wellness and Recovery Centre is the opening of Lanesbrew Coffee Shop team who will open their Lanesbrew 2 Coffee Dock in the Distillery Yard. Lanesbrew 2 is right beside the Sweaty Yeti and as Regina and her team are renowned for their expertise and great tasting coffee this will be a huge addition to Regina’s expanding business and also to the clients of the Sweaty Yeti.
Tractor Run Success
On Sunday last to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the death of Owen Kelly a Tractor Run was organised by his friends and family. Gathering in Clonbonny under a cloudless sky from early morning was a huge array of tractors, lorries and machinery. When registration was completed there was in excess of 120 taking part. The enormity of the attendance of machinery made for a remarkable sight when they rolled out on their way to Newtowncashel and back again to Lanesboro. Afterwards a draw took place in Adie’s and this added greatly to the monies raised that was going to support the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Head Injury Unit at Beaumont Hospital.
New book of Poetry
Gifted Moments is a new book of poetry just recently launched by Rose Moran RSM. This is the second book of poetry published by Rose following her previous publications. Rose RSM, a member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy will always be remembered as a former teacher with Sisters of Mercy Primary School. The book is available in O’Brien’s and it costs €10.
Updated Triathlon News
Kids Triathlon Recognised as one of Ireland’s best triathlons the Lanesboro Tri Club will once again host its Two Provinces Kids Triathlon on Friday 11th July. Acknowledged as ‘The Family-Friendly Triathlon’ Lanesboro Tri Club will as is the tradition on the evening before the main Two Provinces Triathlon they host the Two Provinces Kids Triathlon. Youngsters come from far and wide to take part in this race of a 100m swim, 5k cycle and 1k run and when you see their efforts through the race and their sheer delight at the finish you realise what a fantastic event the Kids Triathlon is. Entries can be made online at www.triathlonireland.com
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.
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 while the girls continued there for their further six years. 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/cause/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
Songs for a Summer’s Evening
Music lovers can expect a rare treat as Cantando Chamber Choir comes to Lanesborough to perform a two-part musical journey, Songs for a Summer Evening, themed around Planet Earth and Love. The concert takes place in St Mary’s Church, Lanesborough on Saturday 7th June at 8pm. Proceeds from the concert will benefit Killashee Cemetery Committee and Lough Ree Access-for-all wheelchair accessible boat tours. Ciaran Mullooly, former RTE correspondent and MEP, will be the compere for the event.
Cantando, a versatile mixed voiced chamber choir, performs in a wide variety of styles and genres. The programme combines timeless folk melodies, modern choral masterpieces, and favourite love songs. With themes that celebrate nature’s beauty and the many forms of love, this concert is both a tribute to our planet and a celebration of the human heart.
Programme highlights include: The Seal Lullaby (Eric Whitacre), Look at the World (John Rutter), traditional favourites like Loch Lomond and Shenandoah, and modern love songs including The Way You Look Tonight and Can’t Buy Me Love.
Cantando is directed by Orla Barry; the choir has performed in numerous concert venues including The National Concert Hall, 3 Arena, St. Patrick’s College Chapel, Maynooth, and Trinity College Dublin. They have taken part in International and National competitions, were the first Irish Choir to achieve a gold award at the Verona International Choral Festival, and have won awards at all the major Irish choral festivals. The choir has made several recordings including broadcasts for RTE and a double CD of Contemporary Church Music, Sing for Joy.
The concert promises to be an uplifting experience for music lovers of all ages.
Tickets are priced at €15 and are available at Joe O’Brien’s shop in Lanesborough and at the door on the night. For further information, please call 043 33 21166.
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns
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.
Friday Coffee Morning
A new initiative of a Coffee Morning commenced in Clarke’s bar on coming Friday mornings and it 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.
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 7th June. 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.
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
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.
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.
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 13th May and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 9, 15 and 21. 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 20th May. The winner of the €50 prize was Antoinette Skelly, Newtowncashel, c/o O’Brien’s and the three €20 prize winners were Eithne Clyne, Lanesboro, J. T. Mullen, c/o The Yacht Bar and F & E Clyne, Lanesboro. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 20th 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 18th May card game held in the Parish Hall seen a three-way tie for 1st place between Noel & Martin McDermott, Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon and Harry Skelly & Gerry Leavy. Last game winners were Tom Mulvihill & Johnno. Raffle winners were Noel McDermott, Joe Dolan, Brendan Hanley and Niall Hughes.
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 12th May. The winner of the draw was Terri Skelly, Rathcline who was the winner of €685. 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
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.
Rosary Rally: The 40th All-Ireland Rosary rally will take place at Knock Shrine on Saturday 7th June. Speakers at the rally will be Archbishop Francis Duffy, Fr. John Harris OP and Christine O’Hara.
SMA/OLA Pilgrimage
The annual SMA/OLA pilgrimage to knock will take place on this Saturday 24th My. Ceremonies will commence at 2pm.
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.
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
Ballagh Church: As some would have noticed, the gateways have been widened to make it safer and more convenient to enter or leave the church grounds. Unfortunately, because of this, the gates are no longer fit for use. We have enquired about trying to add on to the to the original gates, but this will not work out and would not be cost effective. Therefore, we are suggesting selling the original gates and putting the money from this sale towards some other work that needs doing in the church. If anyone has any objection or other suggestions they are asked to contact Fr. Dan.
Diocesan Advisors in Primary Schools: The Diocese of Elphin seeks to recruit two part-time Diocesan Advisors at Primary School level to support the Catholic ethos and ‘Grow in Love’ programme in the catholic schools throughout the diocese. Those interested in applying should contact Fr. Michael Drumm as soon as possible at 083 8833585.
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
St. Faithleach’s GAA clubSenior Men
Cúl Camps
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps 2025 take place from 7th July to 11th July 2025 at St. Faithleachs GAA, Ballyleague. Online booking is advised on the Cúl Camp website. Any problems please make contact with our Coaching Officer, Jerome Kelly.
Membership
All membership is now due. Please contact Ursula Kenny if you have a problem with your Foireann account. If you are not registered, you’re not covered to play.
Underage
Underage training is starting back this Thursday at 6.30pm for U6s, U8s and U10s. U6 is for children born in 2019 and 2020. All levels welcome and new members welcome. Please contact and committee member for further information.
Cards
Card game continues every Tuesday evening with first deal from 8pm. Refreshments served. All welcome.
Clubhouse
For members looking to use the clubhouse, please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member.