Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
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 week 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
Born a stone throw away from the River Shannon on the Main Street and for 80 years never having strayed but only a short number of yards away from his birth place he was a man with a tremendous knowledge to his home town it was with great sadness we learned of the death on Wednesday last 26th November at his residence of Michael Connaughton, Knock. Mickey as he was most commonly known was predeceased by his son Murry, his parents Mike and Bernadette, his sister Mary, his brothers Noel (Dolie), Deckie and Lorcie. The Connaughton family, where Mickey grew up, lived near the bottom of Main Street where Ping’s Oriental Takeaway is now situated. Born a twin, with his brother Seanie in 1945, he was at the right time and age to see the beginning of the industrial revolution in Lanesboro and the arrival of all the families and their young families. His memory was always great and he could recall many of the events and occurrences from the growing of the community and when chatting with him he was always delighted to be recalling details of all the events over the ears in Lanesboro. He grew up with a great fascination of cars and engines and from a very young age he spent a number of years with Tom McNally’s garage. He loved the revolution of motor vehicles as it offered great challenges to his inquiring mind as to how to repair and reconstruct engines. Right up to the very end he spent many long days and nights repairing cars and doing up vintage cars to take to rallies. From the outset of Marty McNally’s carnivals he took a great interest in the showband scene and he travelled far and wide following bands. He built up a great knowledge and archive of memorabilia from those times, if there was ever a question asked about the glory days of the Showbands he invariably had all the answer such was his store of Showband wisdom. Mickey went on to work in the ESB power station and he was a valuable member of the team until his retirement following 40 years of service. He had a fabulous love of his home town and especially the Main Street and that was clear to be seen whenever he was walking home after a night out, usually with locals of his vintage, discussing the history of the town and area he would stop at the church and take a photograph of the Main Street and post it on social media with a comment. Gone is our encyclopaedia of community, cars, Showbands and we are all the poorer for that.
Mickey’s remains reposed at the home of his daughter Sinead and son in law Barry Hogan on Thursday. On Friday he was removed to St. Mary’s Church for Mass of the Resurrection and burial took place afterwards to Clonbonny Cemetery.
To his wife Mamie, daughters Tracy and Sinéad, his twin brother Seanie and brother Josie grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Christmas Fair
The annual Lanesboro Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday next 7th December in St. Marys Parish Hall. Lots of stalls have been booking so a varied and wide selection of Christmas cheer and bric-a-brac will be for sale. Santa will be also be appearing and he will be distributing free gifts to the children in attendance. Go along support local crafters and spread the Christmas cheer amongst all.
Open Day
Lanesboro Fire and Rescue Services will host an Open day at the Fire Station on the Longford Road on Saturday next 6th December. There will be two sessions with the first one commencing at 10.30am and the second one commencing at 2pm. The sessions will commence with Santa’s arrival at 10.30am and 2pm, followed by A Fire station demonstration at 10.45 and 2.15pm. At 11.30 and 3pm there will be a Kids Firefighting Fun Challenge followed at 12 noon and 3pm a Rescue from Height (Abseiling) Demonstration finishing at 12.30 and 4pm of a Chip Pan Fire Demonstration.
The team at Lanesboro Fire Station would love to welcome you all to the Open Day on Saturday and they are very sure you and your children will have a fabulous time.
How vital is our Fire Service team
Over the past few weeks with tragic and critical accidents occurring both north and south of the border we have seen the essential and critical need of first responders and the wonderful and vital work that they do.
Being first on the scene, the training that the Fire Brigade members receive, teaches them to respond and deal with the tragedies unfolding as well as stabilising those that are in need of help until the medical services arrive.
The training the fire service team receives covers a wide range of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, floods, and incidents involving hazardous materials. They are also involved in rescue operations, such as water rescue, general rescue, and extrication from vehicles. Beyond emergencies, fire services work in prevention, community education, and can act as first responders for medical situations.
Long gone are the days of just putting out fires and the training received shows that the training is for all eventualities.
Working on the local fire brigade service is not just something taken lightly by the local team; it is a commitment by all its members to our local community and they give up their valuable time to be at the ready to help any one of us in our hour of need. The local team is one of remarkable comradery with people from all walks of life giving of their time for us in their catchment area.
At present there are a few vacancies for men or women at the Lanesboro Fire Service and if you feel you would like to be part of this remarkable team you should apply at www.hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie
There are a few requirements in relation to response time but it should be no problem for those in the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, east Killashee and Derryhaun, Cloontagh area. For the younger generation there is a great trend for them to be in the gym and this physical fitness regime makes them ideal candidates to become members of the fire service.
Full and intensive training will be given to the successful applicants and even though this is a part-time job the remuneration is excellent with excellent opportunities for advancement to other opportunities.
Christmas Lights turn on
Over next weekend we will see the Christmas light in both Lanesboro and Ballyleague being switched on. Following 6.30pm Mass on Saturday night next 6th December the lights in Lanesboro will be switched on. While the big switch on in Ballyleague will take place on Monday evening 8th December following 7pm Mass in Ballyleague church. Go along for the great switch on and show your support for both communities who are making a great effort to ensure a bright Christmas.
Lanesboro man won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Medal
Football has always been the big game in County Longford ever since the GAA was founded in 1884. The parish of Rathcline was to the fore from the very beginning. Indeed, Rathcline Honest John Martin’s contested the first ever Longford Senior Football Final in 1890, losing narrowly to Colmcille. Strong and all as the game is in Longford, the nearest the county team ever got to a senior All-Ireland was in 1968, when they won the Leinster Championship for the one and only time, losing to Kerry by two points in the semi-final. Just one Longford man holds an All-Ireland Senior Football medal. Tommy Banks from Dublin St in Longford played at left full forward on the Dublin team that won the 1942 All Ireland.
What a surprise it is then to learn that a Longford man did win an All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medal. That man was Tom Belton from the townsland of Rathcline, and he played for the Dublin team that won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final of 1889. The dramatic story of Tom Belton’s success, and his death less than ten years later, is told in the recently launched 2026 edition of Teathbha, the Longford Historical Society’s annual journal. The story was researched and written by Seán Ó Súillebhain, the author of Longford’s Republican Story. Copies of Teathbha 2026 can be got in O’Brien’s, Lanesboro.
Shannon Gael AGM deferred
Following the death of Mickey Connaughton the AGM of the club scheduled for Friday night last was postponed and it will now take place on this Thursday 4th December at 8pm.
What will be celebrated on Thursday night will be a fabulously successful year on the playing pitch for the young underage players of the club. Everyone is invited to come along to Clonbonny on Thursday and join with the club in celebrating a great and electing a new committee for the coming year. We hope there will be a big attendance to acknowledge the wonderful 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.
Clár Funding for clubs
Many congratulations to both the Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s clubs who between them they were awarded a total of €140,500. Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Social Protection last week made the announcement of Clár funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population and thankfully our community benefitted from the funding towards their on-going projects. Rathcline received €40,500 for their development of a handball facility while St. Faithleach’s received €100,000 for their car park development and the installation of a sensory garden.
Well done tp both clubs on their awards.
Garden Club Charity Gala
Roscommon Garden Club is hosting a Christmas Charity Gala in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, on Thursday next 4th December at 8pm. A Floral demonstration will be given by Anya O’Dwyer followed by a wine and finger food buffet. The proceeds will benefit Roscommon Underwater Search & Recovery. Tickets at €25 are available at the Abbey Hotel or at McGuiness Totalhealth, Main Street, Roscommon Town.
Christmas Gala
Longford Flower Club will hold their Christmas Gala on Tuesday, 9th December at 8.00pm in the Backstage Theatre with AOIFA demonstrator Martina Flynn. All proceeds are in aid of local charities – Irish Wheelchair Association and St. Christopher’s Services CLG. Admission to the Gala is €15. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Search for a Star returns
Rathcline GAA Search for a Star will return to the stage at Lanesboro Parish Hall on Saturday week 13th December.
Presently rehearsals are taking place with the 11 participating groups with a great variety of both young and the not so young. If you would like to sponsor any one of the performing acts you should get in contact with any member of the executive.
Club Mass
The Rathcline club’s annual mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday next 6th December at 6.30pm.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 24th November for a prize of €667. The winning ticket was in the name of Johann Martin, Blenavoher who was the recipient of the €667 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.
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
Remembrance Mass
A mass for deceased Roscommon County Council staff & members has been arranged for Wednesday 10th December at 6.00 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon. All welcome. Refreshments will be served in the Canteen, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon after mass.
Longford County Choir
Longford County Choir with soloist Maria Matthews will hold their annual Christmas Celebration concert in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday 21st December starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at €15. Children under 16 accompanied by two paying adults are free. Tickets are available in Denniston’s, the Presbytery and Farrell Stationery.
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 Christmas outing in Sorrento’s Restaurant on Main Street. And what can be said is that the staff, service and food were spectacular. It was such a lovely evening where they were wined and dined on and everyone agreed it was a great evening out.
The last lotto draw before Christmas will be held in Kenagh on the 17th December for a jackpot of €1,100 and some extra prizes. Tickets can be purchased from the ICA info table at the Lanesboro Christmas Fair on Sunday next 7th December. The Longford Federation calendars for 2026 will also be on sale at the Fair for just €5 each. The theme for this year was our activities throughout the year so they will be lots of great photos in it.
The ICA Christmas Craft Fair takes place on Sunday next 7th December in the Temperance Hall, Longford. It would be wonderful if people could come out and support small and local crafters. Contact Virginia for details 0862026542.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 10th December and as always new faces are more than welcome.
Samaritan Christmas Concert
The 35th Annual Samaritan Christmas Concert takes place on Thursday 11th December in SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Athlone, at 8pm. The concert will feature the Army Band of the 2nd Brigade, Conductor Capt. William Chester, Tenor Paul Linehan, Athlone A Cappella Choir, Athlone Pipe Band and the compere will be Joe McCarrick. Tickets are priced €20 and available at www.athloneprinting.com The Samaritans are available 24hrs on Freecall 116 123 for anyone who is lonely/troubled/needing to talk
Ballyboro remembers Jeaff
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 last 30th November in Lanesboro Parish Hall saw a tie for first place between Mick & Kate Maguire and Liz & Niall Hughes. The last game winners were Anne and Freda. The raffle winners were Tom Fox, Noreen Gibbons, Pat Joe Fallon and Jim Horan. 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.
New Business
A new beauty business ‘The Beauty Loft’ has opened on the 1st Floor of Johnston’s Pharmacy, Main Street where the new beauty salon offers a range of quality beauty services. You can make your booking by text on WhatsApp at 085 123 7517 or book online on FRESHA or contact Julia @thebeautyloft.lanesboro. We wish Julia every success in he new business.
Music Lessons
If you would like lessons in the Banjo, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, where beginners and improvers are welcome in Roscommon Town you should contact 0892769614 for all information. Classes can be 1 to 1 or small groups. The rates are quite reasonable.
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
Church Gate Collection
The annual St. Vincent de Paul church gate collection will take place in Ballyleague on Sunday week 14th December before 11.30am Mass while the Strokestown St. Vincent de Paul members will be holding Church Gate collections at Ballagh and Curraghroe churches, this weekend, 6th/7th December. Your continuous and most generous support will be greatly appreciated.
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.
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 are running through until January 21st.
My Open Library
Lanesboro Library Invites You to the Launch of “My Open Library” Lanesboro Library is delighted to welcome the community to a special launch event for My Open Library on this Thursday 4th December from 6–8pm.
My Open Library gives patrons extended, staff-free access to the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year using their library card.
Join us on the night to learn how the system works, see a demonstration, and sign up for extended access. All are welcome!
Whether you want to use the library to study after hours, pick up a book on the way home from work or get out of the house with your little ones on a rainy day, My Open Library can provide you the access you need!
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
€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 with the correct numbers. The draw for this week will take place tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd December, for the wonderful prize of €15,000. 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 25th November and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 2nd December. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 13, and 27. The winner of the €50 prize were Eileen & Brian Plested, Cluain Dara, Ballyleague and the three €20 prizes were won by Kathleen & Teresa, c/o Supervalu, Bridie Venables c/o Sarah Best, Cloontuskert and Collette and Harper, Mount Dillon. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 2nd December 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.
Simon Casey plays 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
Roscommon Drama Festival
The full programme has been drawn up for the very successful Roscommon Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre, Roscommon from Friday 6th to Saturday 14th March.
Once again the premier Festival of amateur drama will play host to many of the leading groups in the country as they present what can only be described as a “wonderful feast of entertainment.”
The Festival kicks off on Friday 6th with Ballyturk written by Enda Walsh. This will be performed by Kilmeen Drama Group. Saturday night 7th sees New Heritage Theatre Group on stage with Deirdre Kinehan’s play Outrage described as a “theatrical hurricane of emotion, empathy, action and truth.
On Sunday 8th The Nenagh Players present their interpretation of The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan, “a compelling tale of familial recrimination, regret and rebirth” This is followed on Monday 9th with Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society’s production of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen (a version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz).
On Tuesday 10th we see Upstage Players from Claremorris take to the stage with the John B Keane classic The Year of the Hiker while on Wednesday 11th Corofin Dramatic Society will entertain us with Wit written by Margaret Edson. This has been described as a play in which ‘you will feel both enlightened and in a strange way, enormously comforted”
On Thursday 12th Glenamaddy Players introduce us to Chapatti by Christian O’Reilly This poignant and extremely funny play ‘shows us that love and romance can happen again after many years”.
Kilmuckridge Drama Group will present The Communication Cord by Brian Friel on Friday 13th and the Festival will draw to a close on Saturday 14th with the John B Keane play Sive. This will feature Dalkey Players on the final and awards ceremony night with the play commencing at 7.30pm.
The adjudicator for the Festival is Paula Dempsey who is very well known and respected in Irish drama circles.
There is now a wonderful opportunity to surprise the theatre goer amongst you this Christmas morning by buying tickets for this exciting Drama Festival.
Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre at 090 662 5824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Tickets cost €20 nightly with a five night ticket at €90 and a season ticket at €135.
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.
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.
First Saturdays: The First Saturdays conference will take place in Knock on Saturday next 6th December. A bus will depart from Granard at 8am and it will pick up at Lanesboro Church at approx. 8.45am. To book a seat, please call Peter 087 661 3510, Ursula at 087 601 6062 or Kitty 086 040 5621.
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 this coming 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
Advent Retreat Day: As we prepare for Christmas you are all invited to our Advent Retreat Day on Saturday next 6th December in Ballyleague Church. The retreat will take place from 11am to 1pm. During the retreat, we will pray the Holy Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions will be heard and a Spiritual talk will be given by a guest speaker. Several visiting priests will be available for your confessions at 12 noon. Come and be blessed.
Christmas Lights: The Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee will be officially turning on the Christmas Lights in the evening of Monday 8th December after 7pm Mass in Ballyleague Church. The Tidy Towns executive thanks everybody for all their hard work and dedication in preparing Ballyleague for Christmas and all other occasions. All the community is invited.
Church Gate Collection: The annual St. Vincent de Paul church gate collection will take place in Ballyleague on Sunday 14th December before 11.30am Mass. The Strokestown St. Vincent de Paul members will be holding Church Gate collections at Ballagh and Curraghroe churches on the 6th/7th December. Your on-going support will be greatly appreciated.
Kilgefin Christmas Party: The Kilgefin Parish Senior Citizen and retiree Christmas party will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Sunday next 7th December at 3pm. The afternoon will include dinner, music, spot prizes and fun.
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.
Religious Magazine: If you would like to get the religious magazine ‘The Messenger’ you should call Mary Ó Dúill at 3321969
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:. 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.