Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Born with a disability and defying the odds of making life relatively comfortable is something rarely seen and for it to happen it takes a remarkable effort to make life as close to normal. This outstanding feat, during her lifetime, was achieved, with the tremendous support of her family, and Yvonne Chalmers, Barnacor until she passed away on Thursday 11th following a short but bravely borne illness. Yvonne was predeceased by her parents, the late John and Phil Chalmers, Knock and later Barnacor. She attended the exceptional service of St. Christopher’s Longford that offered and taught her to deal with the ways of the world. Yvonne will be sadly missed along the footpath leading to town as she regularly walked from her Barnacor home into town to do her shopping and her visits to the church. She was a calm and serene woman who went about her life without any great deal of fuss. Yvonne loved to travel, a special trip for her was to visit Knock Shrine for its tranquillity and the opportunity to pray – another trip that stood out for her was her trip to visit her brother Johnny and his family for Christmas. She loved to visit spas, have her nails done and shopping for the latest in fashion and bling. Yvonne loved to paint and she would rise early in the morning to greet the morning sun that gave her inspiration for her art work. Since the passing of her mother Phil in January 2024 Yvonne spent her week days living in Independent accommodation in Longford while frequently coming home for the weekends. Yvonne will be sadly missed by everyone that knew and the memory of her independence will live long in our memories.
Her remains reposed at her family residence on Sunday 14th before being removed to St. Mary’s Church on Monday for her Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards in Clonbonny cemetery alongside her parents. To her siblings Tracie, Johnny, Jackie and Robert, extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
New Sensory Shed Invitation
The Board of Directors of Lough Ree Access For All CLG wish to formally invite you to the official opening of their new Sensory Shed on Friday next 26th September at 12 noon at the Access For All Centre, Ballyleague. Parking is only available at the car park behind Lanesboro Parish Hall with just a short walk across the bridge to the centre.
Hospice Coffee Morning
St Faithleach’s GAA club is hosting a coffee morning in aid of Hospice in their Clubhouse on Saturday 27th September from 10.00am to 1.00pm. You are all invited to come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and support this worthy cause.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Gibbons families, formerly Clonfower, on the death of Eileen Gibbons, Belleeks, Co. Armagh. Eileen was wife of the late Kevin Gibbons who passed away 3rd November 2020. She was predeceased by her parents Bernard and Susan (Anna) McGeeney and her sister Teasie and Eileen is survived by her sons, Luke and Finbar, her sisters Bernadette, Siobhan, her brothers Hugh, Sean and Joseph, grandchildren Éile, Fiadh, Caomhán and Niamh to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. Following her reposing in Luke’s home in Crossmaglen and her Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Mullaghbawn, was laid to rest alongside her husband Kevin in Clonbonny cemetery. Eileen
Join the Solstice Choir
Following the summer break the renowned Roscommon Solstice Choir resumed practice in the Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday evening last. If you have a singing voice and would be interested in joining the choir you should go along to the Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday next 28th September at 7pm for ‘new member nights’.
Sympathy
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to J.J. Fallon, his family and extended family on the tragic death of his sister Mrs Geraldine Gannon, Oakfield, Strokestown who died on Tuesday 16th September.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 21st September weekly card games held in Lanesboro Parish Hall are 1st Mick and Kathleen Maguire. There were four pairs tied for second place: Peggy Moran & Pat Rock, Tommy Fox & Tom Rock, Kay Featherstone & Ann Corcoran and Harry Skelly & Annie Eggleton. The last game winners were Josie and Freda Connaughton. The raffle winners were Kay Featherstone, Tom Nohilly, Annie Eggleton 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.
Clarkes Bar Farewell Weekend
A message from Steve and Teresa
After 22 years of business, Steve and Teresa Ormsby will be closing the doors to Clarkes Bar for the final time on Sunday 5th October.
Steve and Teresa and their family would like to thank all their friends and customers over the years, also big thanks to all the musicians, DJ’s that have played in Clarkes in that time. A huge thank you to all our staff, past and present for your loyalty and commitment.
To mark the end of this era for Steve and Teresa and their family, we will be having a few celebrations on the weekend of the 3rd, 4th and 5th of October.
The last Monday night session with Joe Duffy, Phil and friends will be on Monday 29th September.
The last Traditional Music Session with Noel, Joe, Nuala and friends will take place on Wednesday 1st October.
We look forward to celebrating our time in Clarkes with you all – Steve and Teresa
Coffee Morning
The local branch of Longford Hospice is hosting a Coffee Morning on Sunday 19th October in Lanesborough Parish Hall from 11am until 1 pm. Your support will be greatly appreciated. (Please note the change of date from previous notes)
AGM
The St. Marys Parish Hall AGM will take place on Wednesday 1st October at 7pm in St. Mary’s Hall. You are invited to attend.
Cían McPhillips – Our Pride
Founded in 1973 the Lough Ree Athletic club has put so many young people from the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Cashel and Kenagh area through its hands creating a wonderful comradery and giving the opportunity to many young people to progress their sporting activities throughout their lives. A club that is primarily a juvenile club in our community has given us is a tremendous awareness of our own athletes as they achieve many goals but also a great consciousness of athletics in the country.
For a number of years and from a very young age the name Cían McPhillips from the relatively new Longford Athletic club had been making local news and headlines as his athletic prowess became very evident. As time went by Cían went from strength to strength and his athletic ability continued to make him an exciting prospect within Ireland.
The year 2025 will live long in his and his family’s memory as Cían stepped into the international limelight with outstanding runs, firstly in Boston in February, where his time in the 800m showed he was only just outside the national indoor record. In July, Cian’s run in Santry in the Morton Games meant his winning time qualified him for the World Championships in Tokyo in September.
In the first round of the World Championships he cruised to victory in a very convincing manner to make the semi-finals and in the semi-final he repeated the feat only this time he shattered the Irish record and created a great excitement for his final on Saturday last. Up against the fastest men in the history of the 800m and a host Olympic finalists and medallists he was not to be overawed and this 23 year old turned in a terrific performance only to be one place short, in fourth position, of a World Championship medal and once again he shattered his own Irish record. His new time now stands at an amazing 1.42.15.
Cian’s performance has highlighted his incredible ability and it has made everyone in our county immensely proud of this young man. It is not too often that we in Longford have people performing on the world stage and to be able to compete with such high quality performances is truly incredible and it gives us a great sense of pride.
We congratulate Cían and we are incredibly proud of his achievement and we also extend our congratulations to his family. We look forward to 2026 for Cían and we wish him every success.
Also, we must not forget the heroic efforts and achievements of Co. Louth athlete Kate O’Connor in winning a silver medal in the heptathlon; this too was a remarkable performance. We also congratulate Kate, her father that is her coach, her family and athletic team. With both athletes from two of Ireland’s smallest counties it just goes to show that nothing should hinder us in following our dreams and making them come through even on the world stage.
Heritage Homes in South Longford
In the past week a very interesting man called into the shop enquiring if we would sell his newly published book. His book is entitled Heritage Homes in South Longford and he has only printed 250 which will make this book very unique going forward. Eamon Hughes has concentrated his book in the barony of Abbeyshrule and he finely and extensively details in great depth the story of the 18 Heritage Homes in the barony. Upon reading the book you will appreciate that Eamon’s years of collecting information was indeed a labour of love. Avery limited number of books are available and for the discerning eye and those interested in the history of these homes this book should be on your table. The cost of this hardback book is €60 and it is available in O’Brien’s.
Volunteer
Do you think that you can find the time to do some voluntary work for St Vincent de Paul? If you would like to assist, please contact St Mel’s Conference at 043 33 42084 and leave a message.
The Big Rematch 2025
It’s all happening on this Friday evening 26th September at 7pm at Roscommon Community Sports Park Lisnamult when a Roscommon Town Garda Selection will for the 5th time in a row take on Roscommon Special Olympics. The winners will receive the Maire Allen Memorial Cup.
Special Olympics have won this title for the last 4 years and are driving towards a huge 5 in a row title.
It is believed that the Garda team are trying to coax one or two retired members out of retirement for this big match and without doubt they will need them as Roscommon Special Olympics have signed some new players who will add extra new talent to their already very talented team. Time will tell how all this will go; excitement is fever pitch at the moment and training has been going well for both sides. Organisers are encouraging supporters to join them on the night. The winners will receive the Maire Allen Memorial Cup; we know she would be so proud of all our athletes. So may the best team win and remember the Drive for Five is Alive this promises to be the most exciting and fun sporting events of the year in Roscommon. Our athletes and the members of Roscommon Garda Station put huge effort into this event, so a very enjoyable night is in store for all.
You are all invited to go along and support what promises to be a wonderful evening of sport and show your support for Roscommon Special Olympics.
Yin Yoga Sessions
Six weekly sessions of Yin Yoga Sessions will take place at Strokestown Park commencing from Saturday 1st November at 11.30am. This is a great opportunity to ease into winter and reset your nervous system. The sessions will be facilitated by Marianne Fallon, Chartered Psychologist and functional Yin Yoga instructor. You can see full details, times and availability at www.strokestownpark.ie or you can scan the QR code on posters locally.
Give Blood
Do you or have you ever considered donating blood? There is always an urgent need for blood donors and locally the next clinic will take place at the Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October. The Irish Blood Transfusion Board clinic will take place each day from 3.50pm until 8.10pm. Regular donors can book their appointment online at contactus@ibts.ie or if you need further information you can phone 1800 731 137 or Google search Irish Blood Transfusion Board.
Dance with Shelly
Absolute beginners Social Dance classes where you will learn the Jive, Foxtrot, Waltz, Quickstep and Social Line Dancing will be available in Lanesboro Parish Hall for four weeks commencing Tuesday 7th October from 8.30pm until 10pm.
No dancing experience needed and no dance partner required. All are welcome where you can ‘Dance for Fun and Fitness’
The cost is €40 per person for four weeks payable on the first night. Spread the word and learn to dance while having great fun. For information you can contact Shelly at 086 8690001.
Bridge Lessons
Learn to play Bridge now
Bridge is a game for life and it’s never too early or too late to start. Classes are starting in Lanesboro on Thursday next 25th September. To register your interest you are asked to phone 086 2350161 as soon as possible,
Morning Bridge
The Morning Larks Bridge Club resumes play on Friday next 26th September at 10 am in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon. New members welcome.
Grinds in German and French
If you are preparing for your leaving or Junior Certificate exams, at any level, there is no better time to get that extra bit of help in making the subjects easier. If this is of interest to your students then you should make contact at 089 488 5679.
Final weekend
On Saturday next the Rathcline Ladies will make the short trip to Longford and Pearse Park for the County Junior Final where they will take on Clonguish at 12 noon. Having been on the losing side for the past two finals the local girls have put in a tremendous effort this year to win the competition. A dedicated team management and panel have left no stone unturned and they are hugely determined to be victorious come 2pm on Saturday. The girls have put in the determined effort; sacrificing lots along the way, it is now our turn to put in the effort to be in Pearse Park to cheer them to victory. They really deserve big support and we hope that we will see you there in the club colours and we look forward to the team doing themselves proud and coming back home victorious. We wish the panel and their management the very best of luck.
Semi-Final Weekend
Having overcome Carrickedmond in what was a tense struggle by two points in the quarter final of the Peter Hanley sponsored Senior Championship Rathcline will turn their attention to Killoe in the semi-final in Pearse Park on Sunday next at 2pm. The senior team have been consistently building to this crescendo and they are just two games more from the Holy Grail and equalling the historic achievements of the 1976 team. Killoe have been one of the leaders in the county and we are new up and coming team and it is sure to be an intriguing game between two footballing sides. It has been a long time since we last reached a final and we have no doubt that this current crop of players has the ability and courage to go on and win on Sunday. The very best of luck to the panel and management.
St. Faithleach’s into semi-final
In what was a tense and tight struggle throughout the 60 + minutes in Rockfield, Oran, on Sunday last the St. Faithleach’s senior team had a hard fought victory over Michael Glaveys in the senior championship quarter-final. Playing against the wind in the first half they went in one point down and with all to play for in the second half everybody felt confident that, wind assisted, they would emerge victorious. However, it was Michael Glaveys that thundered into the second half and increased their lead. St. Faithleach’s kept plugging away and a number of two-pointers eased them into what looked like a comfortable lead. That was until Glaveys embarked on a final fling bringing them back to within two points. Nail biting it was at the end but it was another great day for St. Faithleach’s and they now take on Padraig Pearses in the semi-final in two weeks’ time.
It was great to see such wonderful support for the team and no doubt that there will be an even bigger crowd supporting the team in the semi-final.
Lough Ree AC
Lough Ree AC has recommenced training for autumn; to date we have had two runs, one in Lanesboro woods and one in Corlea bog, both very successful with over 50 athletes taking part. This Tuesday the run will be in Clonbonny bog at 6.00 pm. We are delighted with the level of support from athletes and parents which is much appreciated.
Both Longford and Roscommon Primary Schools Cross Country competitions are coming up in the next few weeks, parents please note that the schools have been notified. More details to follow later.
Huge congratulations to Cían McPhillips on his performance in the 800m on the world stage in Tokyo, he is an inspiration to all young athletes, his hard work has finally paid off and he is a credit to his club, county and country. Wishing him all the best for the future.
About the Presidential Election
The Irish Presidential election will be held on Friday 24th October 2025.
We hope you are planning to exercise your right to vote.
Things to know about the election: you can vote if you are over 18, an Irish citizen and registered to vote. If you are unsure if you are on the voting register you can check on www.Checktheregister.ie
If you are not registered, you must do so by registering on or before 7th October.
If you are eligible and wish to register for a postal vote your application must be registered with your local authority by Monday 29th September. To find out who can vote by post you can find out on the Citizen Information Centre website or at your local Citizen Information Centre.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place from the 1st to the 31st October. For further information, please log onto www.breastcancerireland.com and find out full information.
Guided tours with John
Tourism is a growing business countrywide and with the great summer we are having the town is presently slowing down after a busy 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.
€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 23rd September, 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 16th September and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 23rd September. The numbers drawn were 2, 17, 22 and 26. The winner of the €50 prize was Eileen Plested, Cluain Dara, Ballyleague and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Joan Matthews c/o The Yacht Bar, Kathleen T. Kelly, Carrowroe and Emer Gill, Rathcline Road. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 23rd September. 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 15th September for a wonderful jackpot of €715. The winning ticket was bought by Padraig Dooney, Ballyleague, who won the pool of €715 on Monday night. 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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
The next Social evening will take place on Sunday 28th September from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1)
And the music will be supplied by Adrian Ryan
This is a great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new. Newcomers are always welcome!
For more info contact: Aisling 086 3663901.
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
Seeking Safety:
Would you like to learn new coping skills to handle the daily impact of trauma/mental health and/or addiction? Seeking Safety is a free therapeutic program for women which are funded by the HSE. It is being delivered through Roscommon Women’s Network in different locations around the county. For more info, please call 094 96 21690 or email lcampbell@rwn.ie in complete confidence.
The Alzheimer Society monthly meeting
Alzheimer Café: The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on this Wednesday 24th September at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Holly Foley from Sage Advocacy, and her topic is ‘The Fair Deal ‘ 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.
Lanesboro Library
Longford Libraries Art Competition: Secondary School students from around the county are invited to participate in the Longford Libraries Art Competition. The theme of the competition this year is ‘Reading Takes You Places’. Entry Forms are available on the longfordlibrary.ie or from your local library. Winning entries will receive €50 and have their work published in the Longford Libraries calendar which will be available free of charge throughout the county. Let your imagination take flight — show us where reading takes you!
Board Game Battles
Every Friday from 3 – 4.30pm, Lanesboro Library will host a drop-in session where you can come along after school to play board games and challenge your friends!
Kids Movie Club
The library staff is continuing our Kids Movie morning on Saturdays from 11am-12.30pm. Free colouring sheets and activity pages with each movie. Parental Supervision is required.
Meditation with Melissa
Life is now more stressful; we need to take a side step and slow down the everyday hustle and bustle of life and meditation is a simple way to do just that. Join us for a free workshop September 26th from 2.30 – 4pm by booking your place in library or online.
Toddler Time with Sarah Sparkles
Children aged 0-4 will be treated to an hour of interactive storytelling, songs and puppetry on Thurs, Oct 2nd from 2-3pm.
Clever Little Handies – Introduction to Baby Sign
As part of the children’s book festival, we are hosting a baby sign workshop for new parents and their babies. Join us Oct 16th from 10.30 – 11.30am
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
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.
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
Mayo Roscommon Hospice
The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Care team are calling for people to host a coffee morning, evening with family, friends or work colleagues on National Coffee morning for Hospice Thursday next 25th September or on another date if suits you better. Please register for your free pack online at https://www.hospice.ie/coffee/ – email info@hospice.ie or call 0949388666. Donations welcome online at www.hospice.ie. Please support.
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 wonder of 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.
New York game fixed for Sunday 12th April
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 April. Last week the Connaught Fixtures for 2026 were announced and New York will host Roscommon in Gaelic Park on Sunday 12th April at 3pm (8pm Irish time)
It is five years ago since Roscommon played New York and the memories of that wonderful week in the Big Apple are still remembered and talked about.
This is a golden opportunity to join with the big numbers from the St. Faithleach’s club and avail of a fabulous few days in the city that never sleeps. It was hoped that the game would be on Easter Sunday but alas it is the Sunday afterwards 12th April.
Nonetheless the flights will 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 and you have to too them off the Connaught GAA website.. 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.
The local Fire Service – an ideal opportunity
There is an on-going need for the numbers employed as local fire-fighters at Lanesboro Fire Station to be increased. If you work or live locally and feel you, consistently, can be at the fire station with a short reaction time, when your pager goes, then come along and enrol for the training programme and assessment. There is great training offered and it is wide and varied and following this 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 choose to go forward for medical training to become a recognised as first responder. 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 to be shared outside of the fire station environment.
Living in the parishes of Rathcline and Kilgefin or the western side of Killashee you should be capable of reaching the Fie Station 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 very satisfying work. This is a wonderful opportunity for so many people living on both sides of the bridge and the hinterlands to avail of and one that should be appealing to so many.
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.iee
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
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.
Outstanding Local Health Service
Local Health Services are available at Roscommon University Hospital. Roscommon Hospital is providing an outstanding service for the entire area with short waiting times and excellent care offered. 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.
Support Group
Relatives and friends of anyone who has an alcoholic problem 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
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are still 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.
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.
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 3rd October.
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
Legion of Mary Pilgrimage: The Legion of Mary will hold their Annual Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday next 28th September. A bus will leave from Lanesboro church at 9.55am and from Ballyleague church at 10am. For bookings you should contact Ursula 087 9016062 or Kitty 086 0405621.
Meditation with Melissa: Life is now more stressful; we need to take a side step and slow down the everyday hustle and bustle of life and meditation is a simple way to do just that. Join us for a free workshop September 26th from 2.30 – 4pm by booking your place in library or online.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is open six days a week Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The society provides an opportunity for all of us to stand together and support people with dementia. Their phone number is 1800 341 341 and their website is www.alzheimer.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Volunteering: The parish is seeking out collectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Prayers of the Faithful readers, people to help keeping the churches clean and Altar Society members for the three churches in our parish. A new rota is being drawn up at the end of the month and new volunteers are needed to help with all the vital elements of maintaining a great parish community. Some of the current people involved have retired from some of the duties and we wish them well and thank them for their contribution. If you can be part of the new groupings you are asked to contact Brenda Reynolds 086 8896969.
KPPC Resolution: Parishioners are reminded that a decade of the Rosary will be recited before all Masses in all three churches of our parish at weekends and everyone is asked to be in the church 20minutes before mass times.
Introducing Pope Leo: A talk by Michael Kelly, will be held in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday September 23rd at 8pm followed by refreshments. If you would like to book your seat you are invited to email info@ionainstitute.ie or phone 01 6619 204. Admission is free.
Hospice Coffee Morning: The St. Faithleach’s GAA club is hosting a ‘Coffee Morning’ in aid of the Hospice in their clubhouse on Saturday 27th September from 10am to 1pm. You are invited to go along and enjoy a coffee and a chat while supporting this worth cause.
Jubilee of Marriages: Couples celebrating their Silver, Ruby, Golden, Diamond, Platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend a Jubilee Mass, along with their families and friends, Sunday 5th October at 2.30pm in Sligo Cathedral or Sunday 19th October at 2.30pm in Strokestown Church. Each couple will receive a certificate from Bishop Kevin, please register at www.elphindiocese.ie/jubileeofmarriages
St. Faithleach’s GAA
County semi-final beckons
Congratulations and well done to the senior team on their great win over a very strong Michael Glaveys side in Oran last Sunday. St. Faithleach’s will now play Padraig Pearses the weekend after next in the semi-final. Thanks to everyone for their great support all year and we look forward to more of the same against Pearses.
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 to date there has been a great interest shown in the trip. The game will take place on Sunday, April 12th April. Flights will be most 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.