Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
€40,000 grant for Commons North
When I was browsing through Facebook on Friday last I noticed a good news story appearing as an announcement from Sean Mimnagh where he said that €40,000 in an ORIS grant has been allocated for enhancement work on the Commons North Walkway.
Sean says ‘following the devastation caused by Storm Eowan, I met with Longford County Council staff and Coillte on site in relation to the damage caused by the storm”. As a result of that meeting an application for the 2025 ORS grant funding was submitted. Sean says that this funding will significantly enhance the second section of the trail, with work due to start as soon as possible.
Former local lady passes away
It was with great sadness we learned of the death in Reno, Nevada, USA of Maura Clark. Maura, formerly O’Neill from number 9the Green was daughter of the late John and Dolly O’Neill. She is predeceased by her husband, John Clark, her brothers Gerald and John Henry and her sisters Bernie, June and Patsy. The O’Neill family, who moved from their home in Kenmare, Co. Kerry, were among the first families to take up residence on the Green when John O’Neill took up employment with Bord na Mona. During their time on the Green they were a lovely family who immediately integrated with the locals and their ways. The older generations always speak highly of the family and their own times growing up with the girls and boys of the family. Our community shares in the sadness of Maura’s death with her surviving brothers Bobby (England), and Joe (USA) to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
A Sunday morning in Lanesboro
This photograph/attachment is taken from Brigid Mullooly’s spectacular library of photographs in and around our community and the majestic river Shannon.
Let me set the scene for Lanesboro and Ballyleague and the serene place it is with the majestic river Shannon flowing through our twin towns and the summer months of cruisers going to and fro at a sedate pace creating a great air of relaxation and visual beauty. This long lasting fabulous summer weather we had over the past few months has brought another layer of languidly as well as seeing droves of people coming to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of both sides of the bridge. The streets have been very busy with many boating tourists and day visitors bringing their custom to all the businesses of the community. For so long we have waited for the opportunity to show off all we have to offer her but it was not until we got this excellent summer that we were rightly able to showcase our community and I will say that all our visitors are high in their praise for the quality of our presentation.
Over the past two Sunday mornings whilst out walking down about the Shannon it was remarkable to see how much activity that was going on along and on a the banks of the river and in the bay area – kayaking, paddle boarding, hurling and football on the green area, tennis, yoga, swimming at the marina on the Ballyleague side and also at the pontoon beside the small harbour, Megan Banahan’s activity group that go walking/running, those availing of a leisurely walk through the Commons North woodland walk, the many people using the Sweaty Yeti – the cosy corner for sauna, wellness, and relaxation and a big numbers relaxing reading papers and books while enjoying the ambiance with their coffee from the Lanesbrew hub. The number of campervans parking over the weekends continues to grow and there is a need to see a dedicated site and facilities provided for this growing number.
For us that are privileged to live here it is a remarkable place to live and enjoy and it is also very special to hear all the comments from tourists remarking what a wonderful and beautiful place it is. A lot of work has gone in by so many groups and individuals in creating our Homeplace into something that is so very special and they must all be complimented for their magnificent work. We know there is much more work that has to be done but we are well on our way if the comments are anything to go by and we also know that the encouraging words of so many will only drive the development of Lanesboro and Ballyleague to another level. We must thank all those people for their tireless work.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua upgrade
Work has just commenced at the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club where a new stone facing is being built on the façade of the building thus greatly enhancing the appearance of the building. The funding for this was obtained by Cllr Mark Casey from the ESB fund allocated to Lanesboro on the closing of the power station. This will not only greatly enhance the beauty of the club building but also the general area.
Windsong Music Lessons
Names for enrolling at Windsong Music for the academic year starting Monday next 25th August are now being taken. This course offers lessons for all ages and levels in piano, singing, violin, cello and harp. Also, individual grinds for Junior and Leaving certificate music students covering written papers and practical exams. Contact can be made at 089 4974865/ 087 3649005 or windsongmusiclessons@gmail.com
Job Training Opportunities
An Open Day at the National Construction Training Campus at Mount Lucas on Tuesday next 26th August will offer accredited training opportunities, apprenticeships and hands-on simulators for heavy plant machinery for those interested in pursuing a career in any of the trades in the construction industry. This is an ideal opportunity for everyone with even the slightest interest to have a look at what is on offer at Mount Lucas.
A free bus will leave Lanesboro at 9.30am and there will also be a light lunch included for those travelling.
You will be offered short Accredited Courses, Longer Apprenticeships, Simulators for Machine and Crane Operations and an Upskilling Option for those Employed or unemployed.
Booking is essential and you should reserve your spot today. To do so you should text your name to Sean Mimnagh 086 1687630 and reference Mount Lucas in your text or you can email Margaret Mulligan at mmulligan@longfordcoco.ie
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, Frances Kilcoyne (Barnacor), their sisters Kathy (Limerick) and Annie (England) and brothers, Jimmy (Dublin) and Paddy (England), and their families on the death of their brother-in-law Don Fitzgerald in London recently. Don was husband to the late Mary Hanley and Funeral Mass and burial will take place in London on Tuesday next.
Poetry book selling very well
The new book of poetry from a young man who is publishing his first book of poetry continues to sell very well. Coming from the intellectual and literary Magan family from Killashee this first book of poetry Songs of the Sesh – Poems to be made music by Dan Magan brings to life the life experiences and tribulations of a young man just breaking through the 30 year age. Dan, a vibrant young man spent some time in preparing this book and it is a fabulous achievement for one so young. It is unique to have this young generation delving into poetry and perhaps it is a book that his contemporaries should explore into and experience the craft of Dan’s writing. Going deep into his mind and thoughts Dan creates a wonderful book that will be very much worth reading and interpreting. It just goes to show that the literary brilliance does not veer too far off the path and a new generation of the Magan family takes the candle and carries it forward. We wish Dan every success with his book and look forward to much more to come from him. Dan’s Songs of the Sesh – Poems to be made music is on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10.
Guided tours on Land and Water
Tourism is a growing business countrywide and with the great summer we are having the town is presently doing a great tourist trade. Lanesboro has been doing much better this year than for many a long year. Be it the foreign tourists on their boating trips along the Shannon or those on day trips to the Shannon there have been great vibes in and around the area making the town quite busy. Honestly, there is no place better to be on the warm dry summers we are having than in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and enjoying all the beauty it has to offer.
A new and exciting venture has just been launched in the community and it offers just another tourism opportunity and an added attraction to the town. Many a time I have written about the great entrepreneurial spirit of our local people and the great ideas they have for the town and this new business will add greatly to what is available and it will also compliment the great work being done by Access for All.
We wish John Sorohan the very best of luck with his undertaking and we look forward to many people availing of John’s business.
Some exciting guided tours are now being offered to anyone that would like to explore Lanesboro.
The first is a ‘Town Walk’ where you will discover Lanesboro through time, including its industrial heritage. The duration of this tour is 45 minutes and there is a capacity from 2 to 10 persons.
The second walk is the ‘Commons Woodland Walk’ where there is a 2km or 4km option through our semi-native woodland with a local guide. The duration of this walk is 1 hour and it can cater for 2 to 10 people.
The third tour is the ‘Electric Boat trip’ that will be a short cruise north or south of the bridge, getting close to nature on the silent electric boat. This tour can accommodate 2 to 6 people and it will last for 1 hour.
Bookings can be made by phoning 085 838 8484.
New bus Stops and Timetable
The outstanding success of the daily number 426 Rural Link bus between Longford and Roscommon and vice versa has seen a new timetable being produced with additional stops being added on to the route. The bus will now commence at the railway station in Longford and stops from now on will be Specsavers, main St., Longford, Aldi on the Lanesboro Road, Mastertech just past the railway bridge, Megabowl on the Lanesboro Road, Ballymacormick Crossroads, Killashee at the soccer pitch, Clonfower Crossroads, Curraghrua estate in Lanesboro, Lanesboro, outside Ciaran Mullooly MEP office in Ballyleague, Ballyleague hall, Cloonadra, Moneen Cross, Beechwood crossroads, Emoe Crossroads and the Mart Road, Roscommon. The bus from Monday to Saturday will pass through Lanesboro up to 17 times a week with a slight change on a Saturday so you will have to familiarise yourself with the new timetable. Sunday will see the 426 go through Lanesboro 8 times and again the new timetable must be checked.
The new timetable is available, free of charge, from O’Brien’s Corner Shop and there should be a copy in everyone’s house.
Ballyboro celebrate 25 years
It is amazing how quick time flies and it is very hard to believe that is almost 25 year since the formation of Ballyboro FC. The club in its 25 years has continued to go from strength to strength and it has provided so much activity for so many boys and girls. The club will celebrate its Silver Jubilee on Sunday next 24th August from 12noon until 3pm. There will be a series of 5-a-side games, barbeque, bouncy castle and fun games for kids all at the clubs Astro pitch. Go along and join in the fun and activities of the day.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 17th August weekly card games held in Lanesboro Parish Hall are: 1st Tom and Joe, in joint 2nd Josie & Freda Connaughton and Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. Last game Peter and Mary Gregg. Raffle winners were Peggy Moran, Mick Maguire, Tom Skelly and Niall Hughes
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.
€15,000 can be yours
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning. For the past number of months the jackpot has reached it upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers it continues to be available for the person that will have the correct numbers. The draw for this week will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 19th August, for the wonderful prize of €15,000. If the draw is not won don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money.
Last week the draw took placed in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 12th August and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 19th August. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 26 and 27. The winner of the €50 prize was Sarah Best, Cloontuskert and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Shane Healy, Ballyleague, Seamus Reilly, Ballyleague and Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 19th August. 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.
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
Last autumn the first running of the Sliabh Bán was an outstanding success and on Sunday 21st September the second annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival will once again take place at Lismehy, Strokestown.
Some of the highlights at this year’s festival will include vintage Corn Trashing, a vintage tractor display, vintage Stone crushing, vintage car display and vintage timber sawing. These attractions should bring a big crowd but the supplementary attractions will make a wonderful day at the Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival. The festival will commence at 12 noon and admission is €10 for adults with free entry for children.
Defibrillator Group in Ballyleague
Maciek Koczur is a Supervisor Paramedic at Roscommon Ambulance Station with 20 years’ experience in the Emergency Services. Maciek’s phone number is 085 1581419.
Along with his family he moved to Ballyleague just over four years ago where he has become a very popular figure and valuable member of the community. He is now setting up a defibrillator group for Ballyleague. The goal is to develop it into a Cardiac First Responder (CFR) Group to provide fast help during cardiac emergencies in the village.
Maciek is looking for a few people who might be interested in joining a committee to help making the project work.
He is anxious to hear from anyone interested and he would also like that everyone that reads this would share it on their Social media platforms.
Football Championships
Rathcline continued with their fourth round game of the championship on Sunday evening last in Michael Moran Park, Carrickedmond where they concreted one of the top two positions and a guarantee of a quarter final place. This win means that their final game against Clonguish is of little bearing only to determine who will finish in the top spot in their section.
St. Faithleach’s produced a stirring second half performance to come out emerging as comprehensive winner over St. Dominick’s in Knockroghery on Sunday last. This victory means that at least a point from their final game against Clann na nGael on Friday 29th August in Strokestown will insure a safe passage into the championship quarter final.
Well done to both teams and it is wonderful to see both clubs going so well and creating a growing excitement in the area.
Rathcline Ladies will take on Sean Connolly’s on Sunday next 24th August in Ballinalee at 11am.
Win €1,000
The St. Faithleach’s club are once again hosting their annual club fundraiser ‘Where will the MOOPOOP’ on Saturday 30th August at the club grounds in Ballyleague. Each year this has been a tremendous and valuable fundraiser for the club and is again hoping to maximise their sales in an effort to help further developments and promotes games. Everyone in the community is encouraged to be very supportive of the initiative. Tickets cost €10 each or 3 for €20. You can buy your tickets to win €1,000 online at www.stfaithleachsgaa.ie or from members of the club.
Lanesboro Library
Summer Stars
There is still time to register for the Summer Stars Reading Challenge. Visit the library to join and be in with the chance to win lots of wonderful prizes before the Summer ends!
Extended Opening Hours
Lanesboro Library is delighted to announce their new opening hours!
Monday: 10-6, Tuesday: 10-6, Wednesday: 10-6, Thursday: 10-6, Friday: 10-5, Saturday: 10-2
The library will close weekdays from 1-2pm for lunch.
Digital Library Offering
Your Library Card can get you further than you realise, make the most of it!
The library has many online offerings that are free with your library card: Borrowbox – Ebooks, Audiobooks, Magazines and Newspapers, Press Reader – International and Local Newspapers and Magazines. Lote4Kids – Children’s Bedtime Stories in over 90 languages, Transparent Languages – Learn a language for free, there are 120 courses to choose from.
Universal Class – Online Learning Courses which will help you up skill professionally, Freegal Music – Stream Music Ad-Free.
Thank You
We would like to thank all the children that have participated in our Summer Stars events so far. We hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have!
To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Visit Corlea
As we are nearing the end of the holiday season and visitors arriving on our doorstep there is one jewel in particular in our crown that should be availed of and that is the true wonder: the Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre. 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 first place to start with your 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. The knowledge and time given by the local guides at the centre is an experience in itself.
Kids Photography Competition
A new and exciting kids photography competition is currently in play encouraging children between the ages of 6 and 13 to ‘Explore Longford’ and submit one high quality photograph of a scene, attraction, town or village in the county Longford. The completion will run until Saturday 30th August and it is strictly one photograph entry per child. Entries should be emailed to photocompetition@longfordcoco.ie
The 1st prize-winner will receive a Guided Electric Bike Tour for a family of 5 with Ethical Tours, Ballymahon (€225 value) 2nd prize-winner will receive a Supervised Kayaking Pass for 4 with Alan’s Yippee Kayaking on the Royal Canal (€100 value) and the 3rd prize-winner will receive a national Book Token.
With the excellent weather and light that we are currently having this is an ideal opportunity for all our budding photographers to get out and get great photographs of all the beauty that surrounds us.
Lyons Den After-School
Lyons Den After-School service at Ballyleague National School provides a well-balanced inclusive programme of activities for play, rest and recreational opportunities to support children’s health, well-being, learning and development. The service will run from Thursday 28th August 2025 to Friday 26th June 2026 from 2pm until 6.30pm. The service offers a Breakfast club, Arts and crafts, Sorts and games and hot food. For further information please call 01 621 5790 and applications can be made at applications@kidsinc.ie
Kilgefin Cemetery Sunday
The annual Cemetery Sunday with the Blessing of the Graves at Kilgefin cemetery will take place on Sunday next 24th August at 6pm.
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 27th August at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Jenna Mary Thomas, CNS in Dementia Care and her topic is ‘Responsive Behaviours ‘ The Café will then run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learnings. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie
Great interest in the New York trip
There has been a wonderful response shown by so many people expressing their interested in taking advantage of the Roscommon trip to New York next March/April.
New York 2026 will welcome the Roscommon senior team travel to play New York GAA in the first round of the Connacht GAA Championship. Each year a Connacht team travels and it has become a huge social event for so many supporters and a golden opportunity for people to avail of group rates for a special trip to the Big Apple and next year it is Roscommon’s opportunity.
As part of the county trip, the St. Faithleachs GAA club is organising a trip to New York for the Roscommon/New York Connacht Championship game in Gaelic Park. The timing of the game is perfect as it will take place on the week ending Sunday, April 2nd (Easter Sunday). Flights would most likely be going out on the Thursday morning prior to the game and returning on the Monday night after. The club have received provisional prices for the trip from a travel agent and the prices are coming in at approximately €1400 per person sharing. Other prices for more than two in a room will also be available to those requiring same. The price will include flights, centrally located hotel and transfers from and to the airport. Match tickets are not included. Booking this special trip would involve paying a deposit directly to the travel agent and the remainder closer to the flight date.
The club is still looking for approximate number of people that are intending to go. If you are considering travelling or intend going you are asked to contact Jimmy Mangan on 086 8177915 or Michael Cleary on 087 2238293 with your name and the names of your intended travellers. More details will become available when the game date is confirmed.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 11th August for a jackpot of €661. There was a real cause for double celebrations for the draw winner Jonathan Hegarty. Jonathan also celebrated his wife Orla giving birth to a baby girl later in the week on top of winning the pool of €661 on Monday night – a real cause for double celebrations. 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 as it is keeping the winning money at a high and exciting level every week – thank you.
A Career in Nursing
Start your journey with Galway and Roscommon ETB’s Access Route to Nursing, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University. The course takes place at GRETB Castlerea Training Centre, Co. Roscommon – with expert educators supporting you every step of the way. Join others who’ve taken this path – and access nursing with GRETB today. Tel: 1800 140 242 or Email: guidance@gretb.ie
Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday next 24th August with a bus leaving Kenagh at 6.30am and picking up passengers en route to Lanesboro and Ballyleague arriving at 7am. All enquiries and bookings should be directed to Mary at 043 33 21969.
Join the local Fire Service
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
Smart Recovery Ireland
You are invited to contact Darren O’Brien at 086 1715334for the nearest location as meetings are no longer held in Roscommon.
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
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 11:30 am 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.
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.
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.
Jubilee Year Celebrations: You are all invited to visit three shrines in the diocese: St. Manchain’s Church, Boher, Ballycumber, Co. Offaly to celebrate the heritage of our faith; St. Mel’s Cathedral which reminds us of the hope which is the cornerstone of our lives; The Poor Clare Convent, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim where the love of the Lord’s presence is ever near in the perpetual Adoration which is held there.
Lough Derg: The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday next 24th August with a bus leaving Kenagh at 6.30am and picking up passengers en route to Lanesboro and Ballyleague arriving at 7am. All enquiries and bookings should be directed to Mary at 043 33 21969.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock: The annual Ardagh Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday 7th September, The ceremonies commence with the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm followed by Pilgrimage Mass at 3pm.
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 5th September
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.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Kilgefin Cemetery Sunday: Cemetery Sunday with the Blessing of the Graves at Kilgefin cemetery will take place on Sunday 24th August at 6pm.
The Legion of Mary: The legion of Mary organising a day trip to Lough Derg on Saturday 6th September 2025. The bus will be leaving the Sacred Heart Church car park at 6.30 am. For bookings please contact Teresa 087 1206343 or Noreen on 086 3529916 (090 6625209).
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 still 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
St. Faithleach’s GAA
New York 2026:
St. Faithleachs GAA Club is organising a trip to New York for the Roscommon/New York Connacht Championship game in 2026 and todate there has been a great interest shown in the trip. The game will take place on the week ending Sunday, April 2nd (Easter Sunday). Flights would likely be on the Thursday morning prior to the game and returning on the Monday night after. We have provisional prices for the trip from a travel agent of approx. €1400 per person sharing. Other prices for more than two in a room will be available. The price will include flights, centrally located hotel and transfers from and to the airport. Match tickets are not included. Booking would involve paying a deposit directly to the travel agent early on and the remainder closer to the flight date.
At this stage, we are looking for approximate numbers of people who are likely to go. If interested, please contact either Jimmy Mangan on 0868177915 or Michael Cleary on 0872238293 with names of intended travellers. More details will be available when the game date is confirmed.
Cards: The weekly card game continues every Tuesday evening with the first deal at 8pm. New players always welcome. Refreshments will be served on the night.
Clubhouse If any members wish to use the clubhouse please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member.
Senior Men
Moo Poo Fundraiser
Tickets are readily available for our annual MooPoo fundraiser. Tickets are €10 each and are available online or from any club members. Keep an eye out for us selling tickets in local shops too. Thank you for your support.