Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Give Blood this week
The need to give blood and presently there is an unprecedented need for blood hence it is much more important as the supplies of blood for those in need is at an all- time low with only a few day back up supply. We are now going into a much busier time and a much more critical time of the year in hospitals where the need for blood will only keep increasing. 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.
Locally, there are blood donor clinics in Roscommon Town at the Hyde Centre on the Athlone on this Wednesday 19th from 3.50 to 8.10pm and again on Thursday 20th from 3.50 to 8.10pm. There are also a number of clinics coming up in Mullingar at the Park Hotel on Monday 1st December, Tuesday 2nd, Wednesday 3rd, Thursday 4th, and Tuesday 9th all with clinic times from 3.50 to 8.10pm.
If you are intending to attend it is recommend that you eat something and drink plenty of cold drinks beforehand.
Allow yourself about 90 minutes to complete the process at the clinic from the registration to refreshments.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary and Niall Donlon, Moher and their extended family on the death on Thursday last 13th November of Mary’s mother Teresa Finnegan, Ardagh.
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.
Death
Sudden death rocks a community to its core and especially when it comes to one of the younger members of the community as was the case on Friday 7th December when the sudden death of Barry Fayne at his home in Cullentra broke. Barry was predeceased by his father John and by his sisters Sarah and Mona. Knowing Barry since his youth, always greeted you with great warmth, his happy go lucky manner and that perpetual beaming smile. A friendly, warm and friendly young man he was always a great conversationalist and loved nothing better than to have the chat. Following his father John’s sudden passing he took a greater interest in farming the home farm where he enhanced his farming skills and moved towards sheep farming. When they say ‘the apple never falls from the tree’ this applied to Barry as he inherited the exceptional skills of his father John in being able to turn his hand to absolutely any trade of skill. He was an avid reader and researcher of skills so that he could accomplish the challenge that faced him. He was becoming practically self-sufficient with his great interest in market gardening. Living on the banks of Lough Ree we had a great interest in the heritage and the history of its many islands. Barry’s generous nature and his caring attitude will never be forgotten. He has been a constant in aiding and assisting his mother through her times of illness. Barry leaves behind great memories and a great sadness at his all too young passing.
Barry’s remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Tuesday 11th November; the Mass of the Resurrection took place on Wednesday followed by his burial in in Rathcline Cemetery. To his mother Mary, his sisters Lisa and Aisling, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Shannon Gael AGM
Following on from what was a fabulously competitive and successful year on the playing pitch for the young underage players of the Shannon Gael club the club will hold its AGM on Friday 28th November at 8pm in the clubhouse in Clonbonny. There is hope for a huge turnout acknowledging the work done by the executive, the coaches and the young players. The future is bright and your support, ideas on further club development will further enhance the club. Please do come along as everyone is welcome.
Bord na Mona Mass
The annual Mass for retired, deceased and current workers of Bord na Mona will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Thursday week 26th November at 10am
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.
250th Celebration
St. Coman’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon, is celebrating its 250th Anniversary and part of its celebration the congregation will present an evening of Christmas Carols with the Athlone Choral Society with special guest Daren Lane in St. Coman’s Church of Ireland on Sunday 30th November at 6pm. Donations at the door and all proceeds are in aid of the Church Restoration Fund.
Set Dancing Classes
Set Dancing classes have commenced on Wednesday nights in the Rugby Club Longford. The class is from 7.30 to 9.30.
Everybody is welcome and no need for a partner and all levels are catered for.
Dancing is an excellent exercise for the mind and body. Get fit while having great fun.
Come along and give it a try and if you require more info 0868546433
Craft Fair and Cake Bake
On Sunday week 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 10th November for a guaranteed prize of €1,000. The pool rose to a staggering €1,282. The winning ticket was in the names of Danny O’Sullivan and Shannon Garcia, Main Street who were the recipients of the €1282 cheque. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection.
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.
Awards keep pouring into the community
Following on from their fabulous Pride of Place win two weeks ago the Cloontuskert Tidy Town team have spent another week of award winning. Committee member Tom Conboy is seen collecting their An Taisce Green Flag along with an additional National Highly Commended Pollinator Award for their Community Orchard last week at Maynooth University. See attachment.
Last week members of the Clancy family from the Lough Ree Distillery had a very busy time when they were collecting awards.
Bart’s XS was awarded Connoisseurs Pick at the Hong Kong Trade Development Wine and Spirits Fair, one of just three whiskeys selected for this honour.
At the Irish Whiskey Awards the Lough Ree Distillery was selected for Gold Medals for ‘The Bridge – Portaneena Single Grain Irish Whiskey and for their Whippy Vanilla Vodka.
During the week Chairman of the Rathcline GAA Club was announced by the Leinster GAA as the winner of the Beko Club Champion. For the past number of years Beko have been the official partner of best practice for Development in GAA Clubs across Leinster.
Members of the Lough Ree Triathlon club were further enhancing their own reputations and that of the clubs when last weekend Maura Dervin represented Ireland at the British and Irish Cross Country Masters and her age group team won 1st place, beating the favourites England by a single point. That was closely followed by the remarkable achievements of club member Marie Keane at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin, where she won 2 gold and 3 silver medals at the Celtic Masters Irish Short Course Championships.
Congratulations to everyone on your marvellous awards, they are well and truly well deserved.
A Calm Christmas Moment: Sensory Santa is for Everyone!
Skip the noise and the long lines for Santa this year. The Access For All Sensory Santa experience is designed to be calm, quiet, and wonderfully slow-paced and a chance to forget the usual holiday rush!
Whether you have sensory needs, a shy child, a busy toddler, or just prefer a relaxed atmosphere, this is your perfect photo opportunity. Everyone deserves a stress-free Santa visit and this is the ideal opportunity locally
Book your quiet moment today at the Access For All as there are limited slots available for a magical visit to Santa that will take place on Saturday 20th December from 10am to 3.50pm.
When you book you secure your 10 minute slot with Santa for up to 3 children. Each child will receive a gift and you are welcome to take as many pictures as you like. The cost of the visit to Santa is just €5 per child
Volunteer with SVP
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, you should contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at 1800 677 777.
ICA Guild news
The Lanesboro guild had their monthly meeting last Wednesday which was very well attended. Two new ladies were welcomed to the guild. The Christmas party will be held in Sorrento’s on Wednesday 26th November, the ladies are all very excited about this plus due to be showing local support for local business.
The next Longford Federation meeting takes place on Tuesday 25th November. These meetings are always a great opportunity to meet ladies from all the guilds around the county. The guild takes part in friendly competitions which is always good fun and showcases people’s varied creativity.
The annual ICA Craft Fair takes place on Sunday 7th December. There are still a few places available, for details contact Craft promoter, Virginia 0862036542.
Fundraising Table Quiz
Killashee Cemetery committee is holding their annual fundraising Table Quiz to raise funds for refurbishment and maintenance of the graveyard. The Table Quiz will be held in the Chestnut tree, Killashee on Friday next 21st November. Tables of 4 will cost €40. With a good number of families from the east side of our parish buried there we would encourage excellent support from the parish.
5-a-side tournament
We all remember the shock we felt when we learned of our recently and dearly departed friend Jeaffrey McGann. Jeaff was an avid five-a-side player right up to his passing and in his honour our local soccer club Ballyboro is inviting everyone to the Astro turf pitch at Lanesboro Community College to a five-a-side tournament on Saturday 27th December. The tournament will run from 12 noon until 5pm. The cost is €20 per player (over 18 only) and the proceeds will be presented to the Irish Heart Foundation.
Registration deadline is Wednesday 17th December. Players will be allocated to teams after
the registration deadline. To register and express your intent to compete you are asked to contact David Gilmore by WhatsApp 085 704 5505.
Let’s support Jeaff’s memory in great numbers and great style.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night 9th November in Lanesboro Parish Hall are 1st Tom Nohilly & Pat Joe Fallon. 2nd Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. Last game winners were Kitty Feeney & Jim Horan. Raffle winners were Geraldine Green, Noreen Gibbons, Barney Kenny and Peggy Moran.
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.
Line Dance Classes
Beginners Line Dance Classes comes to the Temperance Hall Longford (N39 R9X8) every Monday night at 7.30pm. This popular dance continues to grow rapidly countrywide and this is you opportunity to learn the steps and join in at all the dances and functions. The tutor is Christopher Beirne and if you require further information please call 086 847 4744
Book continues to sell very well
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 and it has proved to be a very popular book.
Coffee Morning
A coffee morning supporting Radio Maria will take place this Wednesday 19th November following 10am Mass. All are welcome to come along and support in the Parish Hub.
Lanesboro Library
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.
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
Drumeela Garden Club Gala Night
If you and your friends are looking for a lovely night out, you could come along to this Gala 30th Anniversary Celebration in the Cornmill Theatre, Carrigallen on Friday 28th November with a start time of 8pm.
Leonie Cornelius, gold medal winner at Bloom 2025 and bestselling author, contributor to the Sunday Independent, who also appears on the RTE Today Show will speak at this event.
Timothy Elliott, one of the region’s most artistic and skilful floral demonstrators will create some beautiful arrangements. There will be a grand raffle of €500 garden consultation with Leonie and many floral displays. Lovely refreshments will be served on the evening.
Book your tickets on www. cornmilltheatre.com
St. Faithleach’s Lotto surpasses €10,000
The St. Faithleach’s GAA draw has reached €10,000 following nobody having the correct numbers in the draw last Tuesday 11th November in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 6, 20, 23 and 30. The next draw will take place on this Tuesday 25th November. The winner of the €200 draw was Amanda Cox, Curraghroe. Tickets for the new jackpot of €10,100 are on sale at all local outlets or from club members.
The JOKER: Due to circumstances beyond the control of the organising committee the new Joker fundraiser had to be cancelled on Saturday night last. It is hoped that the first night celebrating this unique fundraiser is delayed by just one week and that it will take place in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Saturday night next. Notices will be posted locally and on the club app during the week as to the updated situation.
Craft Fair & Bake Sale
On the last Sunday of the month, Sunday 30th November, the 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 a great selection of handmade crafts and home baked goods will be on sale. There will be stalls from guest crafters such as renowned creative artist 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.
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 11th November, 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 11th November and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 18th November. The numbers drawn were 5, 8, 13, and 22. The winner of the €50 prize was Alan Hanley, Ballyleague and the three €20 prizes were won by Mary Lannon c/o The Yacht Bar, Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen and Francis Clyne, Moydow. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 18th 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 next 21st November.
Lend me a Tenor
Roscommon Drama Group is delighted to be taking to the stage once again, with their production Lend Me A Tenor written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Kieran Madden of Roscommon Drama Group. The play is guaranteed belly laughs, not to be missed on Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November at 8 p.m. Tickets available from Roscommon Arts Centre – €18.
Simon Casey in St. Brigid’s
A fundraiser for St. Brigid’s Church parish Funds, Ardagh, will take place in St. Brigid’s Church on Sunday 14th December. Christmas Time with leading vocalist Simon Casey will offer an evening of Christmas cheer with songs of hope and inspiration. Tickets are available in O’Brien’s Lanesboro or you can pay by REVOLUT to Betty 086 3855 424.
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 donated by The Lunch Bag, 3rd €200 donated by Duggan’s Bus Hire and Midlands Sports Surfaces, 4th 3 months membership at Roscommon Leisure Centre, 5th €100 Abbey Hotel Roscommon Voucher donated by Gary’s Gardening and 6th Electric Heater donated by Keogh Electrical Ltd. Tickets are priced at 1 – €10; 3 – €25; 8 – €50. The draw will take place on Thursday 18th December. You can buy tickets online https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/BallyleagueNSFundraiser
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
Retreat
The Youth 2000 Connaught retreat takes place on November 21st – 23rd in Summerhill College, Sligo. Workshops, music, talks, testimonies & more. Donation only. Register online at Youth2000.ie, contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information.
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.
The Key: A new free magazine, produced by the Irish Dominican Friars, is available in the church porch three time a year.
Spirit Lifter: A November Spirit Lifter is the ‘Abide in my Love’ Women’s Conference that will take place in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran from Friday next 21st to Sunday 23rd November.
Coffee Morning: A coffee morning supporting Radio Maria will take place this Wednesday 19th November following 10 am Mass. All are welcome to come along and support in the Parish Hub.
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 December.
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.
Volunteers wanted for Ballagh Church: Presently, Fr. Dan is looking for volunteers to open Ballagh Church on a rota basis. If possible, he would like to set up a group of 12 people; therefore it could be done on a monthly basis. At the moment Fr. Dan would like to have the church open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with the heat turned on before Mass. If you are interested please contact Clement Collins 086 805 4205.
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
Club AGM: St. Faithleachs GAA Club AGM takes place on Saturday week 29th November in the clubhouse at 7pm; all members are invited to attend.
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 M0’angan 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 €10,000 and the numbers drawn were 6, 20, 23 and 30. The jackpot for Tuesday 25th November will now stand at €10,100. Congratulations to Amanda Cox who was drawn as the winner of the draw for €200 prize. Tickets on sale at the usual local outlets or online https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers
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.
The JOKER: Due to circumstances beyond the control of the organising committee the new Joker fundraiser had to be cancelled on Saturday night last. It is hoped that the first night celebrating this unique fundraiser is delayed by just one week and that it will take place in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Saturday night next. Notices will be posted locally as to the situation.