Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
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 and Martina O’Brien’s shop in Lanesborough and at the door on the night. For further information, please call 043 33 21166.
Annual Honda 50 Run
Each year the numbers get bigger and bigger for the Lanesborough Honda 50 Run. Motorcyclists come from many counties far and wide for this Satellite Communication Service Provider Veusat sponsored Run. The proceeds of the day will go to the Co. Longford Scuba Divers who do much great work as well as creating a wonderful pastime for so many.
This year on Sunday 8th June the Honda 50 Run will start from the Parish hall/car park area there is no doubt that the spectacle will be bigger and better than ever. All bikes and bikers are welcome.
For information you can call 087 2289468.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Joey Horgan, Curraghrua and his extended family on the death of his father John Horgan, Cluain Na Sibhe, Killashee who died on Tuesday 20th May.
Restaurant
On Friday next 30th May the new restaurant area at Adie’s will be officially opened. The new extension of a restaurant area has already proven to be hugely successful with great reports coming from locals and visitors alike. The opening ceremony will be followed by wine, treats and canapés. The invited guest speaker will be renowned chef Gary O’Hanlon. We wish Gerald and his sister Lorraine continued great success.
Marriage Jubilee Mass
A very special Jubilee mass will be celebrated in St. Mel’s cathedral on Saturday week 7th June at 7.30pm. Couple who are celebrating 10, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 plus years of marriage are invited to participate in the celebration. You are asked to notify your intention of attendance by contacting the presbytery at St. Mel’s phone (043) 33 46465. Refreshments will be served in the crypt afterwards.
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.
Tidy Towns lottery
Your continued support for the lottery draw is a great encouragement to the committee who can now plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town for 2025. Last week further enhancement of the town took place with the putting up of flower baskets on the poles throughout the town and it is only through your great support for the draw that this enhancement and future planned work can continue.
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on Tuesday 20th May and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The numbers drawn were 11, 13, 22 and 29. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on 27th May. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road and the three €20 prize winners were Johnny, Jackie & Yvonne, c/o Mags, Niamh Rowan, Cloontaghbeg and Eileen Mullen c/o XLNTEE.. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 27th 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.
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 evening 11th July for all the youngsters aged between 8 and 15 years that are training hard at the moment for their big evening of competition. Acknowledged as ‘The Family-Friendly Triathlon’ Lanesboro Tri Club will as is the tradition on the evening before the main Two Provinces Triathlon host the Two Provinces Kids Triathlon where they will welcome up to 100 contestants. 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 and how much enjoyment they gain from the event. Entries can be made online at www.triathlonireland.com
Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon
Entries are now open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon and by all accounts the entries so far are exceeding the numbers of last year. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July and the tri Club and the local community will again welcome competitors from all over Ireland.
2025 Midland Aquathon
Are you preparing for the upcoming Two Provinces Triathlon? The opportunity for a competitive session is available over the next 5 Wednesday evenings at 7.30pm. The Triathlon Ireland 2025 Midland Aquathon series will commence with Longford Tri club hosting the first of the series on Wednesday 4th June at Tarmonbarry Harbour. The series will continue on 11th at Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle where the Lough Key Tri Club will host. On 18th Lanesboro Tri Club will be the venue for the third leg of the series at the marina below the car park. The fourth in the series will be hosted by Athlone Tri Club on 25th at Coosan Point and the final event of the series will take place on 2nd July at Crookedwood, Co. Westmeath hosted by the Midland Tri Club.
The series will be a swim of 250m or 750m followed by a 5k run. Those taking part must have a full TI licence or ODL. The entry fee is €10 for individuals or €20 for relay teams. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served after each event.
Lanesboro Library
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
Kids Movie Club starting Saturday June 7th at 11am with Cartoon Saloon’s Wolfwalkers.
All children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Holistic Health Care Workshop with Áine Hughes – Nervous System Regulation on Wednesday 11th June at 11am.
You can register for all library events in the library or online by visiting longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events.
The opening hours for the library are Monday: closed. Tuesday: 10 to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Wednesday: 10 to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Thursday: 10 to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. Friday: : 10 to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Saturday 10am to 2pm.
Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Have you got your ticket?
It is wonderful to see the excellent work that is being done around the school with the installation of the new modular class room and the new ramp for wheelchair users. These new additions to the school will add greatly and what the school can offer to its students. The past 4 weeks of great weather has helped the workers enormously and judging by the excellent work already done it looks likely that there will be an earlier completion date.
Since the launch of this fundraiser for Lanesboro Primary it has brought back a lot of memories and created great conversations amongst classmates, boys and girls, in junior and senior infants and girls in the higher classes about the great memories of what was then Sisters of Mercy Girls National School. The Parents Association of the school, now Lanesboro Primary, is now seeking the support from the huge numbers that has gone through and the families of those that are currently 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 substantial funding for the repainting of classrooms, making urgent repairs, refreshing 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/LanesboroPrimarySchooll 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 having to go online.
Can you be a local Fire-Fighter?
There is a great need for the numbers employed as local fire-fighters at Lanesboro Fire Station. If you work or live locally and feel you can be at the fire station with a short reaction time then come along and enrol for the training programme and assessment. The training is wide and varied and following the intensive training your qualification will be recognised as a medical responder where they can provide first aid until medical support arrives and the training enables you to be capable of making lifesaving interventions. Some can even go forward for training to be recognised as first responders. The training can be a springboard to many great things. Looking at the development of the local brigade staff over the years you see a remarkable comradery and their abilities continue outside of the fire station environment.
Living in the parishes of Rathcline and Kilgefin or the western side of Killashee you should be within the required time.
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 or work within a quick response time from time alert from the fire station on the Longford Road means there are lots of younger and stronger young men and ladies well capable of doing this great community work. 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
Summer Choral Concert
A Summer Choral concert will be hosted by Longford County Choir and St Mel’s Cathedral Choir in St. Mel’s cathedral on Sunday next 1st June at 7.30pm featuring Soprano Maria Matthews, Tenor Dermot Deely with Director Fintan Farrelly. Tickets cost €15 each and they are available from Denniston’s, Farrell Stationery and the Presbytery.
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, sponsored by Keane’s Supervalu, Lanesboro, at the legendary Galway Races will take once again take place on Monday 28th July. There has always been a great number from the community travelling to what is always a most enjoyable day at the famous Galway races. There is an ideal opportunity for businesses and companies to avail of the opportunity for a great day out for their clients and workers at the Galway Races. The ticket package includes Racecourse admission, complimentary car parking, champagne reception on arrival, Racing tipster to aid you through the card, Four course Gourmet Meal, complimentary wine with the meal, Afternoon Tea, Reserved table for the day. There will also be a prize for the Best dressed lady and Gent and after meal entertainment with Mickey and Duxy. There will be Tote betting facilities as well as a full bar facility.
If you would like to book or find out more information you can contact the organising committee of Liam Connerton 086 8776405; Stephen Rooney 086 3176301; Seadna Ryan 085 1595512; Pat Connerton 086 1617501 and Lorraine Farrell 087 6827966. Per person the cost of the full day package is €150 and early booking is advisable.
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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 25th May card game held in the Parish Hall are 1st Niall & Liz Hughes, in joint second place was Jim & Kitty and Jack Bannon & Tom Skelly. The last game winners were Mick and Kate Maguire. The raffle winners were Sean Cox, P.J. Glennon, Johnno and Gerry Leavy.
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 17th May. The winner of the draw was Breege Nerney, Curraghroe who was the winner of €688. 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.
Wedding Showcase next weekend
Local lady Geraldine Greally (nee Murray) and her team are hosting a Mid-Summer Wedding Showcase in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Sunday 1st June from 2-5p.m. If you are recently engaged or know someone who is still undecided on a wedding venue be sure to pop along on the day. Complimentary glass of bubbly and light refreshments will be served. View the ballroom and outdoor walled garden at the Abbey, a perfect setting for a romantic summer wedding celebration or civil ceremony. Meet the wedding team and a niche selection of recommended wedding suppliers on the day. To register or to arrange a show around on the day please email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie or Tel 090 6666211. Select dates remain for December 2025 and Spring 2026.
Winning again
Shamrock Thoroughbreds is one of Irelands’ leading racehorse syndicators and former Curraghroe native Harry O’Donnell is a shareholder in the syndicate. To date they have had pretty good returns from their horse syndicate. The latest success came on the opening race meeting of the year at Roscommon racecourse where Shoot to kill trained by Stephen Thorne won at a price of 10/1.
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 week 7th June. Speakers at the rally will be Archbishop Francis Duffy, Fr. John Harris OP and Christine O’Hara.
Pilgrims of Hope: You are invited to a retreat day to celebrate Jubilee 2025 at the parish hub beside the church on Saturday 21st June from 9.15am to 3.30pm. The sessions will include, reflections, discussions, creative activities and there will also be bring and share lunch. For further information or to confirm your attendance contact Maireád at the parish hub phone (043) 33 21166.
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
Annual Holidays; All parishioners are asked to note that Fr. Dan, this week returns to his homeland of Nigeria for his annual holidays. Consequently, there will be no weekday masses and the weekend masses r=will be as usual. Fr. Enobong Udoidlong, of Ceili Catholic Community, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath will cover all the masses. Fr. Larry Behan will be available for baptisms, Funerals and all emergencies. For all other enquiries you are asked to contact the Parish secretary Vivienne Barry on the parish mobile 089 9722625 or kilgefinparish21@gmail.com
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
Parish Accounts: copies of the Kilgefin Parish Income and Expenditure 2024 are available at the back of Ballyleague Church for your information. You are invited to take a copy. If you have any queries you are asked to contact Fr. Dan or Brenda Reynolds. You are thanked greatly for your continued support and generosity.
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.
.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.