Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
The Pier Inn Reopens
The Pier Inn formerly known to us of the older generation as Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha and a pun that the fabled Christy Moore still rates as one of the finest venues he played has just seen Declan Fox once again taking over the running of this legendary pub.
Declan took the keys on Thursday last and the pub will be open weekly, Thursday through to Sunday with the winter opening times from 6pm until closing time. Declan has informed us that that he will be open on Bank Holidays and all through Christmas. He will take bookings for parties and occasions and he can accommodate earlier opening if requested. Declan can be contacted by phone at 0858622488 or email declanfox66@gmail.com
Apply for your Residential Energy Survey
Longford and Roscommon County Councils, supported by SEAI, have approved funding to develop Energy Master Plans for Lanesborough and Ballyleague. Climate 23 Energy Consulting has been selected to develop the Plans which will identify energy-saving and cost-saving opportunities and potential grant aid sources for homeowners, businesses, and community groups.
Climate 23 is conducting a residential survey of homeowners and renters and your responses to the survey will provide valuable inputs to the Energy Master Plans. By submitting a response to the survey, you can choose to be entered into a draw to receive a FREE Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate and Technical Energy Retrofit Assessment of your home – worth €500.
All information gathered will be treated with strictest confidence, in accordance with GDPR.
For residents of Lanesborough, please complete the survey at this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/sturwrjnn
For residents of Ballyleague, please complete the survey at this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/e759xt3z
Please complete the survey as soon as possible and before by Sunday next 9th November, 2025. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. For more information, please contact: Gerard@climate23.com
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Joan and Alan Farrell and their family, The Yacht Bar and Ballyleague on the death of Joan’s mother Mrs Mary Matthews, Virginia, Co. Cavan on Tuesday 28th October.
Another Jewel
Last week I wrote a piece entitled ‘Community update and prospects for future potential’ and after I writing the piece it was announce that another historical building and another of the jewels in our community is about to come up for sale. Shannon View, sitting on 2 acres, the ancestral home of the Farrell family situated just at the bridge and overlooking the river on the Ballyleague side is about to come up for sale. It is another wonderful opportunity for someone of vision and means to buy it and create a very special family home or business.
Death
The community of Fairymount, Kilrooskey and the wider community were saddened to learn of the death at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe on Wednesday 22nd October of Seamus Farrell, Fairymount Kilrooskey. He was predeceased by his parents Annie and James. Seamus in his youth was an excellent footballer and in the 78 season St. Faithleach’s and Kilbride amalgamated at underage and they went on to win the County Minor championship with Seamus being a very pacey corner forward and he score a goal in the final. Seamus was a renowned character and a very active member of Macra na Feirme and was a regular in the sketches that they annually put on – a natural for the stage. He was a friendly and outgoing man who farmed the family farm and he transported animals to the mart for local people. He worked at Roscommon Mart for many years and he was recognised as a very good judge of an animal. His passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him.
Seamus reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday 24th followed by the removal of his remains to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Saturday and burial took place afterwards to Derrane Cemetery. To his wife Patricia, his daughter Mairéad, his sons Patrick and Kevin, his sisters Marian and Annita, his brother Padraic, grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
TAI CHI
Longford Westmeath TAI CHI and CHI KUNG – Movement for Health and Fitness will commence in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Wednesday 12th November at 7pm. This hour long class will be a 4 week course. For information and booking please phone 087 9925 816
Death
At Roscommon Hospice, following a long illness, the lady with the golden voice and most generous heart, Ita Trimble, Newline, Kilrooskey, passed away following a long illness on Sunday 26th October much to the sadness to the entire community. She was predeceased by her infant son James, her sister Pauline, her parents James and Margaret Cahill, Whitehall. While Ita’s illness was long she bore it with a great spirit, dignity and courage as was the quality of the woman. She was a lady who never stood still as along with giving all the love and attention to her own children she, along with her husband Seamus were foster parents to 35 foster children and they also took in and cared for 19 Chernobyl children when they came to holiday in Ireland. Ita was a wonderful singer, she released her own CD and was a member of the renowned Roscommon Solstice Choir. She was recognised as humorous, witty and her warm and friendly smile warmed everyone’s heart. Ita was an inspiration to us all and her passing is greatly felt far and wide by everyone that knew her and was affected by her wonderful and entertaining character.
Ita’s remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Monday. Her remains were removed from her residence to St. Mary’s Church Ballagh on Tuesday for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards in Kilgefin Cemetery. To her husband, Seamus, her family, Caroline, Aisling, Dannielle, Sharon, and Ollie Quinn, extended families, grandchildren, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Back in Stock
The Heritage Homes in South Longford proved to be very popular so much so that it sold out in very short time. With a very limited number of books (250) printed and a guarantee of no second print the book will in a very short time be a collector’s item. A very limited number of books are now on sale in O’Brien’s and if it is of your interest you must make haste before all are gone.
Death
With the passing of one of your most learned and best read people of your parish you are always the poorer and that is our situation following the passing on Monday 27th October at his residence of Pat Farrell, Derrygeel. Pat was predeceased by his wife Pam, his son Ciarán and his sister Sr. Mary. He was a very deep thinker, quiet and a gentleman, who was recognised as a hard working farmer, a homely man and a great neighbour and friend. He was well-known for his loyalty and gentleness and his willingness to help anyone in their time of need. Pat had a great love of reading and in particular poetry where his favourite poem was ‘The Man from God Knows Where’ and he would recite the 13 verses of the poem with great gusto. His reading took him a lot into a man that he respected so much, the legendary Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician Michael Collins who strove for Irish Independence in the early 20th century. In his earlier years he worked in Clondra at Atlantic Mills. Pat always had the mantra that education was everything and it was something he bestowed on his sons who all followed his advice and achieved in their education. In his spare time Pat loved to watch soccer on the television. He had a deep faith and belief and was a weekly church goer. Pat’s simple ways and steadiness were unique in the times we live in and his loss will be greatly felt by everyone that knew him.
Pat’s remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Wednesday 29th, before being removed to St. Mary’s church on Thursday for the Mass of the Resurrection, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. To his sons Martin, Paul, Colm and Damien, his sister Dympna, his brothers John, and Michael, their families, relatives and friends we extend our profound sympathy.
Festival Folk returns
Last year Roscommon Cancer Support hosted Festival Folk in Roscommon and it was a resounding success and proved to be a fabulous support to Roscommon Cancer Support. The support last year from our local community was excellent and it is hoped that it will be even greater this year.
This year, Roscommon Cancer Support group, have put together another fantastic line up to perform at the Abbey Hotel on Thursday 11th December at 8pm. Featuring will be national and international artists, Mike Hanrahan, Pat Shortt, Mary Coughlan, Ultan Conlon along with the Roscommon Men’s Choir, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley, Vincent Pierce and the Shannon Academy School of Dance. The compere will be Deirdre Kelly. Tickets, priced at €25 are available from the Abbey Hotel (09066 26240), Vita House (090966 25898) or online at Eventbrite.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Aidan and Eileen McWeeney, Mount Dillon, their family and extended family on the death of Aidan’s aunt Eithne Murtagh, Clondra, sister of the late Tom McWeeney who passed away on Friday 31st October.
Christmas Fair
The annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 7th December in St. Marys Parish Hall. To make a booking or enquiries you should contact Mags on 0863600419. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Craft Fair and Cake Bake
On Sunday 30th November, Kilgefin Women’s Shed is holding a Craft Fair and Bake Sale from 1pm to 4pm in the Parochial House Ballagh, F42YN61. There will be lots of handmade crafts and home baked goods on sale. There will also be stalls from guest crafters including Tom Gill, Strokestown Women’s Shed, Kiki Art and Ballyleague N.S. There is free entry to the Craft Fair and Bake Sale and tea and coffee will be served. There will be a raffle on the day with lots of prizes. You are encouraged to go along and support the Women’s Shed.
Phone number correction
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 the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at the corrected phone number 1800 677 777.
Training Exercise extended
The Irish Defence Forces are conducting a training exercise in the Lough Ree Power Station from this Monday 3rd November to Thursday 6th November. A few months back the Defence Forces held a similar exercise and the sounds of gunfire and loud bangs caused some concern for those in the locality unaware of what was happening.
This is an advance notice that the exercises will be happening, again, at the power station on the three days mentioned and they will endeavour to minimise disruption of any kind especially any noise pollution the exercise might cause.
There will be approximately 100 soldiers involved in the conduct of offensive and defensive operations in an urban environment. The exercise will take place between 8am and 10pm each day
Table Quiz
The Rathcline GAA club is hosting a Table Quiz in Adie’s Bar and Restaurant on this Friday night 7th November. This promises to be a great night of fun and highly intellectual questions that will entertain everyone. The quiz will have a throw in time of 9pm and do come along and bring your friends. A table of 4 costs just €40.
College Open Day
Lanesboro Community College will host their annual College Open Day on Thursday week 13th November. During the day, primary school students are invited, giving them the opportunity to explore the school’s facilities and meet the teachers and experience life attendance at school. In the evening students and their parents are invited to join tours, presentations and to avail of an opportunity to meet and chat with staff members. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at the growing and progressive Lanesboro Community College.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night 2nd November in Lanesboro Parish Hall seen a three way tie for 1st place between Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley, Gerry Leavy & Kevin McDonagh and Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. The last game winners were Niall and Liz Hughes. The raffle winners were Jack Bannon, Petey Donlon, Annie Eggleton and Kitty Feeney.
1st New card players will always be welcome to join in for a great night of card playing and friendliness. Light refreshments as always are served.
Pilates with Regina
Mat Pilates classes (with Regina) takes place every Thursday evening at St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro 7.30pm The classes incorporating balance, resistance, and weight bearing exercises. For further information call Regina at 087 2485822.
Give Blood
I know I keep on about the need to give blood and at the moment it is more crucial than ever as the supplies of blood for those in need is at an all- time low with only a 3 day back up supply and as we go into busier times in hospitals the need for blood will only keep growing. No matter where you located and reading these notes are please look up the blood service website and find a clinic close to you and donate. In Ireland the website for checking your nearest clinic is www.giveblood.ie There is also a great need for those from other countries living in Ireland to donate blood as the service also needs diversity in the donor base.
ESB Annual Mass
The Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesboro will be held in the Parish Hall, beside the bridge), on Wednesday week 12th November at 8pm. All are welcome to go along and celebrate the memory of all those that worked there and made the community a richer place.
ICA
A group of our ladies met last week to put together shoeboxes for Team Hope. It was an enjoyable evening wrapping the boxes and filling them with all the gifts sent in. It’s very heart-warming knowing these small boxes will bring so much joy to the children receiving them. A very big thank you to all that dropped in items and those who helped put the boxes together.
The next Guild meeting takes place in the Parish Hub on 12th November at 8pm. The ladies of the Guild looks forward to seeing and welcoming new faces, so if you are curious please do come along . There’s no pressure to join and we always close the meeting with tea and cake.
New book launched
Back at the beginning of August Dan Magan launched his book of poetry Songs of the Sesh. Last weekend just 12 weeks later Dan has just published his new book Odyssey –Summary to Skitzpathic Diaries. This is a very frank story by this young 31 year who said “went all the way on every drug, and I saw the light”. The book is on sale in O’Brien’s priced €20
Lanesboro Library
1-to-1 Digital Skills Classes
We are delighted to announce that Lanesboro Library will host 1-to-1 Tutor Led Digital Skills classes every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm. Classes are 30 minutes each. Please contact the library to book your place. Classes began on Wednesday last and it will run through until 21st January.
Board Game Battles
Saturdays from 10.30am-12.00pm, Lanesboro Library will host a drop-in session where you can play board games and challenge your friends! Parental supervision is required.
Longford Libraries Design a Bookmark Competition
Entry forms are available at all local libraries. Participants are encouraged to create bookmarks inspired by their love of reading, with ideas such as “I love books!” or “I love reading!” Completed entries should be returned to a local library by Saturday next 8th November 2025.
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 or 0433321291
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 27th October for an excellent jackpot of €564. The winning ticket was bought by Nicola and Leah Byrne who won the €564 pool 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto reaches €10,000
The St. Faithleach’s GAA draw has reached €10,000 following nobody having the correct numbers in last Thursday 30th October draw in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 3, 9, 19 and 24. The €200 lucky draw winner was Leo Tully. The next draw will take place on Thursday 13th November. Tickets are on sale at all local outlets or from club members.
Carers Support Group
The Carers Group for families and carers of people living with Dementia will take place each Tuesday between 4th November and 2nd December from 2-3pm in the Conference Room, Primary Care Centre, Flancare Business Park, Athlone Road. No registration required, free parking, tea/coffee provided. For info – contact Jeena Thomas, Clinical Nurse specialist on 087 474 0529.
€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 28th October, 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 28th October and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 4th November. The numbers drawn were 3, 19, 220 and 28. The winner of the €50 prize was Marie O’Keeffe-Kane, Moher, and the three €20 prizes were won by Michael Kelly, Colehill, Tracy Whitlow, The Green and Phil Carroll, The Green. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 4th November and every Tuesday morning. 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.
Cloontuskert N.S.
Cloontuskert NS is currently accepting applications for admission to junior infants for September 2026. Application forms are available from the school of available for download at www.cloontuskertns.ie The school would appreciative if you could register your interest on or before Friday 21st November.
Security Course
This is an opportunity to get your Security Officer Licence in Longford. This course is conducted with a PSA approved trainer; the course satisfies QQI level 4 and those competing the course will receive a Certificate in Static and Retail Security. The course takes place in the EDI Centre, Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford; Eircode N39 Y0F4.
The course will commence on Wednesday 19th November over duration of 4 weeks – one class per week. The cost of the course is €390 (DEASP (Department of Social Protection) payments accepted and there are also payment plans available). All enquiries by phone to 085 125 3260 or by email at info@assuredsecurityacademy.ie
Fundraising Raffle
The Ballyleague National School Parents Association is holding a Fundraising Raffle and they are encouraging everyone to support their raffle. The prize structure is 1st €1000 voucher for Wildlands, Galway or the cash equivalent, 2nd A Galaxy tablet, 3rd €200, 4th 3 months membership at Roscommon Leisure Centre, 5th €100 Abbey Hotel Roscommon Voucher and 6th Electric Heater. Tickets are priced at 1 – €10; 3 – €25; 8 – €50. The draw will take place on Thursday 18th December.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
The Bhaile Ros Comáin Branch Activities in Roscommon Town: On the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month from 8 to 10 p.m. in Bear an Ráille, Abbeytown; on the 2nd Monday of every month a Breakfast Session will take place in Feast Restaurant from 10 to 11.45 am; The 1st Sunday of every month there will be a Junior session for beginners 3 to 4 p.m. and a junior session for advanced 4 to 5 p.m. on the last Sunday of every month from 6 until 8 p.m. in Foxes Bar. Each month there will be a Rambling session in a different pub every month; Every Wednesday night – Set dancing with Karen Feerick for parents/children 7 to 8 p.m., and adults from 8 to 9 p.m. in St. Comán’s Wood Primary School.
Branch classes in tin whistle/flute, fiddle etc. will take place on Friday evenings. For more information please call 087 9316673 or 087 4637758
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a free coping skills program for women affected by trauma, mental health and /or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms and gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and “take back your power from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The program is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Castlerea, Boyle and Roscommon town. For more information please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690 or email lcampbell@rwn.ie
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.
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 Fire 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.ie
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.
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 7th November.
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
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
Kilgefin Christmas Party: The Kilgefin Parish Senior Citizen and retiree Christmas party will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Sunday 7th December at 3pm. The afternoon will include dinner, music, spot prizes and fun. As the parish has not hosted the Christmas Party for a few years and with a small number of committee members the intention is to hand deliver invitations but if they do not get to you you are asked to take this notice as your invitation and if everyone could state their intentions of attend on or before 20th November so that the committee can make preparations for a definite number. RSVP have to be made to Helen Wallace 086 0886981Gerry Donlon 086 8221924 or Marian Murphy 089 4303169. Alternatively a box will be left at the back of the three churches if you wish to leave your reply and details in the box.
Ballyleague Church Rota: Copies of the updated rota for Ballyleague Church are available in the church porch.
Save the Date: On Sunday 30th November, Kilgefin Women’s Shed is holding a Craft Fair and Bake sale from 1pm to 4pm in the Parochial House Ballagh, F42YN61. Lots of handmade crafts and home baked goods will be on sale. Also stalls from guest crafters: Tom Gill, Strokestown Women’s Shed, Kiki Art and Ballyleague N.S. there is free entry with tea and coffee served. There will be a raffle on the day with lots of prizes.
Retreat:The Youth 2000 Connaught retreat takes place on November 21st – 23rd in Summerhill College, Sligo with workshops, music, talks, testimonies and more. Register online at www.Youth2000.ie or contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information.
Religious Magazine: If you would like to get the religious magazine ‘The Messenger’ you should call Mary Ó Dúill at 3321969
Cloontuskert N.S: Cloontuskert NS is currently accepting applications for admission to junior infants for September 2026. Application forms are available from the school of available for download at www.cloontuskertns.ie The school would appreciative if you could register your interest on or before Friday 21st November.
Conference You are invited to ‘Abide in His Love’ Women’s Conference 21st to 23rd November in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran Co. Donegal. Guest speakers will include Sr. Mary Madeline Todd OP (USA), Megan Madden from ‘A Mother’s Lace’ (USA/UK), Fr. Barry Braum, Fr. Mark Wharton (UK), Fr. Francesco Mary Gavazzi, CFR, Nashville Dominican sisters, and Mass with Archbishop Eamon Martin. Check out Eventbrite for tickets and more information. This is an event not to be missed!
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 20 minutes before mass times.
Newsletter inclusion: Any items you want included in the newsletter you must email the contents to kilgefinparish21@gmail.com on or before the Wednesday of that week.
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 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.
Lottery: The lottery draw took place last week and there was no winner of the jackpot of €9,900. The jackpot for Thursday 13th November will now be €10,000. Congratulations to Leo Tully, who was drawn as the winner of the draw for €200.
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.