Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Judging Time
As we start into June it can only mean one thing to both the hard working Tidy Towns teams on both sides of the bridge.
There is a tremendous onus on every one of us to play our part. A simple task of tidying up and sweeping the litter and in recent day the falling leaves. Tipping up some paint jobs that need to be done would also be a great help to the appearance of your premises in both Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Pride of place should always feature in our thinking and there is no better way of showing it than by cleaning up and helping both committees.
Environmental Worker required
Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op is looking for a worker to join them via their Community Enterprise programme. Eligibility to participate on the CE scheme is; you must be over 21 and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for one year or more or 18 years of age and over for certain disadvantaged groups.
You can register your interest by contacting a case officer in your local Intreo Centre or contact supervisor Sean 086 1427143.
The job offers a developmental opportunity with no experience required as training will be given. Duties: grass cutting, strimming, litter picking and upkeep of the village.
Tidy Towns lottery
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on Tuesday 3rd June and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The numbers drawn were , ., 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 10th June. The winner of the €50 prize was Michael Kavanagh, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 Marie Casserly c/o Mags, Oonagh Casey, Curreen, Rathcline Road and Sinead Farrell, Lehery. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 10th June. 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.
Club Longford Car Draw
Once again Club Longford will hold their annual Car Draw. Club Longford, formed a few years ago have been to the forefront in raising funds in support of all Longford county teams and the club is supporting the development of mens and ladies football and hurling in the county. Their support, due to your generous support of the draw, has been great to date and they aim to continue to support the teams as they strive for attain greater results for the county.
This year tickets will cost just €20 each or 3 for €50 and you are encouraged to support. Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s. The draw will take place on Saturday 19th July.
The ‘Win a Car’ draw was launched recently and the first prize is a Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid, sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors. Second prize is €1,000 sponsored by Nally Brothers Ballymahon, Third Prize is also €1,000 and it is sponsored by Elgin Energy. Fourth prize is a €300 voucher for the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport sponsored by Source Technical Providers Ltd. Buying your tickets early will also include you in the ‘Early Bird’ draws for the All-Ireland Hurling Final with accommodation in the Castleknock Hotel including breakfast and dinner and also 2 tickets for the All-Ireland Football Final with overnight accommodation in the Croke Park Hotel with breakfast.
Kayaking in memory of Junior
On the 28th June last year the community lost one of its finest characters and activists when Junior (Patrick) Hannon, Ballyleague and formerly Roscommon Town passed away. To remember Junior and celebrate the first anniversary of his death a short kayak will take place on Saturday 28th June at 2pm.
If you are a kayaker that enjoyed Junior’s company on the water and/or was trained by Junior you are welcome to come along and join in the celebration of his memory. At present there are 30 kayakers signed up to take part as well as 6 support boats from Roscommon Sub Aqua, Lough Ree Sub Aqua, Athlone Sub Aqua, Longford Sub Aqua as well as Roscommon Civil Defence and Ballinasloe Civil Defence. This promises to be a wonderful occasion and a wonderful way to celebrate Junior’s memory and a man that gave so much of himself to so many people young and old.
All kayakers are asked to be at the small harbour below the car park at 1.30pm and to be ready for a 2pm start. The route is a short kayak around the cut and back to the harbour where light refreshments will be supplied and an opportunity to chat and reminisce about Junior. By contacting Philip Cribbin 086 3828913 you can get further information or have your intent to kayak registered.
Official Opening
Back in the last days of April Marco, his wife Marina and family opened the doors to their new restaurant Sorrento. After the past eight weeks of hugely successful trading they will now officially open their business on Monday next 16th June. Marco, Marina and their family would like to invite you to the restaurant for the official opening where there will be live music and much more.
Major Success
It is rarity that we can acknowledge the outstanding success of a young entrepreneur from our community. It is with a wonderful sense of pride that I learned last week of the momentous success of Ray Hanly. Ray son of Maura and the late P. Hanly, Lehery CEO and Managing Director of ‘B&J The Kitchen’ who spent the last 10 years building up this remarkable ready meal facility business across Australia and New Zealand.
Last week Ray completed the sale of the business to the internationally renowned and respected Woolworths Group Limited that is an Australian multinational retail and finance company, primarily known for the operation of its retail chain Woolworths.
While working in England, Ray was well known for his creativity and his entrepreneurial acumen and his expert eye for business. Since his moving from England to Australia some 10 years ago Ray seen an exponential growth of the ‘B&J The Kitchen’ business throughout Australia and New Zealand as a food solutions provider producing more than 800,000 chilled and frozen meals each week across Australia and New Zealand. Hence we see one of the biggest multinational companies recognising the further growth potential of the company allied to their own and buying over the company.
We extend huge congratulations to Ray and as the name changes to ‘The Kitchenary’ Ray says that it “reflects our passion for food, creativity and craftsmanship,” Ray is now in the role of CEO of The Kitchenary and there is no doubt that he will not rest on his laurels and he will have his creative, inventive and entrepreneurial mind working towards greater success.
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 Triathlon Ireland 2025 Midland Aquathon series will continue on this Wednesday 11th at Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle where the Lough Key Tri Club will be hosting the event. 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 and 4th Wednesday of each month from 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 continuing every Saturday for the Summer
Coding and Robotics workshop 10th July from 10.30-1.30pm
Teddy Bear’s Picnic (4-8 years) 12th July at 12.30pm
You can register for all library events in the library or online by visiting longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events.
Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
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
School draw this Sunday
Sunday next will see the culmination of the Lanesboro Primary school draw to raise urgent badly needed funds to carry out maintenance work not covered by Government funding. The draw has brought back a massive amount of memories that so many people reminiscing about their times in the school. Boys and girls shared junior and senior infants before the boys moved to the Boy’s school on the Green while the girls continued their primary education there.
There has been a great response from so many and the parents Association is close to meeting its target. A final push by everyone will be a huge boost for the present pupils and the numbers that will follow.
A lack of Government school funding sees an urgent appeal from the Parents Association of the school for support in their efforts to rise substantial funding for urgently required work along with other school future projects.
The 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.
Local Fire-Fighters needed
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
Annual Day with the Stars
The Annual Shannonside/Northern Sound Annual Day with the Stars will take place on Sunday week 22nd June at Roscommon Racecourse. This outstanding musical event that draws huge crowds from all over the country has been remarkable for its popularity with the huge numbers attending year on year. If you have not ever been there then this is a must and especially if you have country music 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.
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.
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, a 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.
Ball Run Winner
Congratulations to Pierre Boudin, Lough Bannow who was the owner of the first ball to the finishing post in the great ball run organised by the Rathcline Club. As a result Pierre won the prize of 1,000.
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 8th June card game held in the Parish Hall showed that there was a three way tie for 1st position between Pat Joe Fallon & Tom Nohilly, Kevin McDonagh & Joe Dolan and Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. The last game winners were Kay Featherstone and Annie Eggleton. The raffle winners were Bridie Glennon, Seamus Casey, Tom Skelly and Brendan Hanley.
1st 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 2nd June with a guaranteed jackpot of €1,000. The winner of the draw was Frank Beirne, Strokestown Road who was the winner of €1,089. 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.
Healthy Roscommon
In conjunction with Roscommon Leader Partnership, Healthy Roscommon, are delighted to invite you to Roscommon Mart on Friday 13th June for a health and wellbeing event to mark Men’s Health Week. The event runs from 10.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m., it will feature wellbeing checks by Croí, Fit Farmers taster session, financial planning support & information stands on all aspects of health and wellbeing. All are welcome to this free event. For further information contact healthyroscommon@roscommoncoco.ie
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
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: Cemetery Sunday for Clondra will take place on Sunday 22nd June and for Killashee and Ballinakill on Sunday 29th June.
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
Sacred Heart Novena: The Sacred Heart Novena will take place from 19th to 27th June in Ballyleague church after Mass. Prayer leaflets will be available from Mary Ó Duillat 50c each at the back of the church.
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. 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.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Community Games
Well done to the St Faithleachs players who won county medals at the county finals of the Community Games.
The U14 boys relay team won gold and are through to the All-Ireland Finals and the team was Tadhg Shea, Lorcan Vesey, Ben Smith and Hugh Creedon
In the U16 100m Sophie Cox won a silver medal and Katie Smith won bronze.
Condolences
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Jim Browne, Ballyglass. Jim was a former minor club and senior club Chairman and lifelong supporter alongside his beloved Phil. May Jim Rest in Peace.
Cúl Camps
Cúl Camps are being held on the club grounds on the week beginning July 7th to July 11th.
Early booking online is advised at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Junior Men:
Our Junior Men’s next League fixture vs. Fuerty takes place at 8pm in Fuerty on Friday 13th June. The very best of luck to the lads and their management. Please support.
U14 Girls
Best of luck to the U14 girls in the Division 4A league final this Thursday at 7pm in Ballyleague against Michael Glaveys. Please support
Senior Men
Senior League O’Rourke Cup
St. Faithleachs 1- 16 Michael Glaveys 0-10. Well done to the senior men and the management team on a wonderful result. Some fantastic football played and a thoroughly deserved result. The team are out again in two weeks’ time.
Junior Ladies
Hard luck to the Junior Ladies who just fell short on Sunday last in the league quarter final against Strokestown. A mighty effort was put in. All attention will now focus on the upcoming championship.
Roscommon:
The best of luck to Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh in the final group game of the championship this weekend when Roscommon takes on Cork. The best of luck also to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon ladies as they take on Fermanagh on Sunday in the TG4 All Ireland intermediate championship.
Cards
Card game continues every Tuesday evening with first deal at 8pm. New players always welcome. Refreshments will be served on the night.