Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Christmas and New Year Greetings
As this, most likely, will be the last issue of the notes to reach everyone home and abroad in my Longford Leader column, Home News and my blog page www.joeobrien.ie I would like to wish all my readers and their families a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and successful 2026.
We remember everyone that suffered bereavements during the year and everyone that suffered and continues to suffer ill health. Our thoughts are also with those that are currently in hospital or in care and may not be out for Christmas. Our thoughts and prayers will always go to you.
Throughout the year there has been great news and success for our people. We always take great delight in recording your wonderful news and successes and we hope that you and many others will have greater success in 2026.
Thank you to everyone that supported us through your comments and continued to give us information all year. Without your great support there would be no weekly Home News/Lanesboro Ballyleague notes.
It is always great to see many locals making return trips to the community over the year and it is always heart-warming to welcome everyone back.
To the many non-locals that read my page I would like to thank you and wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year.
Never to be forgotten are all those that will be working in essential services throughout the Christmas and New Year. Your great work never goes unnoticed and we are always greatly indebted to you all.
Thank you all very much.
Be a part of 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 extrications 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.
Meals on Wheels Thank You
The local organisers of the Longford Social Services annual church gate collection at all Masses in Lanesboro would like to sincerely thank everyone for their most generous donations. The amount collected was €404.23.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Bernie Masterson and her family, Lehery on the death on the death of her brother Gerry Kelliher, Ballincollig, Co. Cork who passed away on Thursday 4th December. The year 2025 has been an extraordinary tough one on Bernie as Gerry’s death comes after the passing of her sister Teresa in June and her brother Eddie in October. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bernie during this very trying time.
New Peace Commissioner
Evelyn Belton Rooney, Rathcline has just been appointed a new Peace Commissioner in the county of Longford and surrounding counties. This position was last held by the late Hilary O’Sullivan.
Joe’s Christmas Fruit and Vegetables
The Christmas schedule for Joe’s Fruit and Veg Stall on Main Street is Thursday the 18th and again on Monday the 22nd from 8am until 4pm.
Joe would like to wish all his customers a happy and healthy new year.
Reading for Christmas and New Year
If you are seeking out reading material for yourself or as a gift then there is nothing better than supporting a local writer. Some of the local books that are available are Odyssey by the young Killashee author Dan Magan, Out on our Own by Benny Neary, the history of Sliabh Bán by Henry Owens, Longford republican History 1900 – 2000 by Séan Ó Súilleabháin and 18 stone Up the Hill by now local man Andrew Knowles.
Ballyleague Christmas Lights Church Gate
The Ballyleague Christmas Lights committee is holding its church gate collection at Ballyleague Church on Sunday next 21st December. Your generosity towards the lighting will be greatly appreciated by a committee that work so hard in preparing Ballyleague for a brighter Christmas.
St. Vincent de Paul Appeal
“The Wonder of Christmas” is the theme for the 2025 SVP Christmas Appeal. Too many families – young and old, ‘wonder’ does not mean excitement or happiness, it starts a sad question – ‘I wonder will I be able to feed my family at Christmas or indeed throughout the year’. So many households are struggling to meet their daily needs – from families with young children to people living alone. From your donations, no matter how small, the local branch of SVP will assist local families. Envelopes can be obtained from the church porch or from O’Brien’s and donations can either be left in with your weekly offerings, left into Mairéad in the presbytery or into Joe & Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop. All donations, no matter how small, will be gratefully received. Thanking you for your continued support
35th Annual MS Christmas Day Run
It’s that time again! The 35th Annual MS Christmas Day Run is just around the corner, and we’re excited to have you join us for this festive and meaningful event.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Event Details: Christmas Day
Walkers Start Time: 10:00 AM from the Hall in Newtowncashel
Runners Start Time: 11:00 AM from the Hall in Newtowncashel
Route: Walk or run from Newtowncashel to Lanesborough
How to Participate:
If you’re joining us in person, lace up those running shoes, get ready to walk or run, and meet us at the starting point in Newtowncashel.
If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can still participate virtually. Simply complete your own walk or run, share your photos with the organizing committee, and donate via the provided GoFundMe link.
T-Shirts:
T-shirts for all participants have been generously sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors. Thank you, Peter and David Hanley and staff, for the support!
To claim your event T-shirt, please make a donation via the GoFundMe link and participate on Christmas Day.
Refreshments:
After the run/walk, we’ll be serving refreshments for all participants and their families in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesborough. Come enjoy some festive treats and celebrate the success of the day with us!
Support the Cause:
All funds raised will go to the Longford Branch of Multiple Sclerosis. Your participation and donations make a real difference to those living with MS.
Thank you for your continued support over the years. We look forward to seeing you there—whether in person or virtually—as we come together to support a great cause this Christmas!
Sponsorship Cards:
Sponsorship cards are available in O’Brien’s
The attachment shows sponsor David Hanley of Peter Hanley Motors presenting tops to Brigid Mullooly in advance of the race.
Christmas Masses
Lanesboro
Masses for Christmas time commences on Saturday next 20th with Mass at 6.30pm and on Sunday Mass will be at 11am. Reconciliation service, Confession, will take place at 7.30pm on Tuesday 23rd December. On Christmas Eve there will be a Children’s Mass at 6pm followed by midnight mass at 9pm. On Christmas morning Mass will be at 11am.
Christmas at St. Mel’s Cathedral
Polish Christmas Confessions – Tuesday 23rd December from 5pm to 7 pm.
Christmas Confessions: Wednesday 24th December from 10.30am until 4.30pm Extra priests will be available.
Christmas Eve Masses: 7pm (Family Mass) and 10pm (Midnight Mass)
Christmas Day Masses: 8am, 10am, 11.30am and 1pm.
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th December: Mass at 10am only.
Church of the Sacred Heart, Roscommon
Christmas Carol Service: Sunday 21st December at 7.00 pm
Penitential Service with Confessions on this Wednesday 17th December at 7.00 p.m.
Confessions: Saturday 20th December: 10.30 – 11.00 a.m., 2.00 – 3.00 p.m. and 6.30 – 7.00 p.m. Wednesday 24th December: 2.00 – 3.00 p.m.
On Christmas Eve the Vigil Mass will be at 7.00 p.m.
Christmas Day – Masses 8.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon
St. John’s Church December Services
The December schedule for the St. John’s (Lanesboro) and St. Coman’s (Roscommon) congregation for the month of December is as follows:
On next Friday 19th December in St. John’s Lanesborough the Nativity & Evening Prayer Service will take place at 7.30pm. Sunday 21st December in Roscommon, Morning Prayer Service 11.30am. On Thursday 25th December in Roscommon; Christmas Day Service, at11.30am. On Sunday 28th December in Lanesboro, Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
A wonderful entertaining night
Search for a Star on Saturday night last was and outstanding success and the entertainment value was second to none. There were 10 acts in total 1 – YMCA made up of James Casey, Gavin Greally, Patrick McHale, Sean McHale, John Rowan and Mick Shorthall. This act was sponsored by K Steel. Act 2 – One Direction made up of Lillie Dowd, Emma Dowd, Leah Kenny, Sarah Healy and Emily McDermott. This act was sponsored by Padraic O’Dowd. Act 3 – Declan Nerney was a solo act by Mick Wall and this act had an anonymous sponsor. Act 4 – Ghost Buster was made up of Aoife Nolan, Sarah Farrell, Caoilinn Flood, Orla Keane and Jane Dowd. This act was sponsored by Gerry Shanley Carpentry. Act 5 fittingly called The Jackson 5 was made up of Daire Cox, Aaron Kenny, Ronan English, Oisin Kenny and Duileach Ryan. This act received a donation from Cllr Sean Mimnagh. Act 6 – Singing Pirates was made up of Seadna Ryan, Pat Brennan and Paschal McKenna. This act was sponsored by Steve Peters and Chazey Properties. Act 7 – Grease was made up of Grace Cullen, Eabha Healy, Cáit Kiely, Bronagh Kiely, Lara O’Sullivan and Michaela Cox. This act was sponsored by Adie’s Bar. Act 8 – The Commitments was made up of Luke Lisle, Aoife Nolan, Jane Dowd, Sarah Farrell, Oisín Kenny, Mark Dowd, Aaron Kenny and Shane Killian. This act was sponsored by John Healy and Total Grid Surveys. Act 9 – Pitbull was made up of Sean Casey, Niall Keane, Max Webb, Oran Wyse, Matthew Heneghan Cormac Casey and Oran Kenny. This act was sponsored by Gerard Farrell Civils. Act 10 – The High Stool Prophets was made up of Cian Farrell, Pat Tiernan, Sean Kenny, Sean lisle and James Gorham. This act was sponsored by Elite Energies.
Extraordinary Master of Ceremonies was none other than Jimmy Connell, also known as Jimmy Jests who is recognised worldwide for his hilarious comic scripts on YouTube and Facebook. Jimmy is also a great commentator on the local Longford championship games televised on Clubber. He brought a wonderful joviality to the whole proceedings.
The sponsor of the excellent Hamper was Liam Farrell, Killashee.
Lanesboro Library
Family Music Workshop
Join us in Lanesboro Library on Saturday next 20th December from 12.30 – 1.30pm for a music workshop for parents and children. No experience necessary, all instruments and fun provided by Music Generation!
My Open Library
My Open Library gives patrons extended, staff-free access to the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year using their library card. Call into the library to learn how the system works, see a demonstration, and sign up for extended access. 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!
Christmas Opening Hours
Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd:10am-4pm
From Wednesday 24th until Monday 29th: Closed
Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st: 10am-4pm
Thursday 1st January: Closed
Friday 2nd Jan: normal hours will resume.
We would like to wish all our patrons a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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
Winter Wedding Fair
In the Abbey Hotel Roscommon, local lady Geraldine Greally, formerly Murray, Thureen, and her management team at the Abbey Hotel will host their Winter Wedding Fair on Sunday 11th January from 2-5pm. This is the perfect opportunity to talk to the experts on all things weddings. Meet the hotel team and award winning chefs while enjoying a glass of bubbly and complimentary refreshments for all newly engaged couples. Some of the midlands leading suppliers will be available to dispense advice with plenty of special offers on the day. If you are a wedding supplier or a newly engaged couple who would like to schedule a viewing simply register by email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie
Upcoming Events at the Abbey Hotel
Bingo Loco – December 20th 2025
The Drifters Anniversary Irish Tour – Saturday 17th January.
The Furey’s Farewell Tour will take place on Sunday 1st February
Tina Turner Proud Mary Tribute Act on Saturday 21st February
Tickets and gift vouchers are available from the hotel reception. Tel 090 6626240.
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. Now in stock are copies of Teathbha 2026 that can be got in O’Brien’s, Lanesboro.
The Joker begins in St. Faithleach’s
Following a delayed commencement the Joker was finally reined in by the travels of the most awaited man of the year Santa Claus and the Joker will be making its first (of many) appearance in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on this coming Saturday night where you will have the opportunity to win the first prize of €2,000 by just finding the Joker.
The clubhouse began its Christmas celebrations by hosting the Senior citizens and retiree’s Christmas party on Sunday the 7th December.
On Sunday evening last Santa Claus arrived at the clubhouse on his annual clubhouse visit and he regaled everyone from the very young to the very old who came along to welcome him to Ballyleague.
On Saturday night next 20th the clubhouse will be buzzing with the Joker draw but also with a planned great pre-Christmas night of entertainment. You will have the opportunity to win one of the multiple hampers along with some of the many spot prizes. Go along and have a cracking great night, meet friends and welcome Christmas in great style.
The attachment shows Santa Claus on his arrival escorted by one of his elves.
€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 16th 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 9th December and again there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 16th December. The numbers drawn were 7, 25, 26, and 29. The winner of the €50 prize was John and Francis, c/o Francis Clyne, Moydow. The three €20 prizes were won by Martin Rhatigan, Fermoyle, John Rice, The Abbey, and Kathleen and Teresa c/o SuperValu. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 16th 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.
Christmas arrangements: On Tuesday 23rd December the draw will be boosted with the runner up prizes all doubling and the prize structure will be 1 x €100, and 3 x €50 prizes. There will be no draw on Tuesday 30th December and the draw will resume back on Tuesday 6th January.
The Tidy Towns committee is extremely grateful to everyone that continues to buy tickets and they would like to wish everyone the happiest of Christmas times and they wish you a happy, successful and healthy 2026.
Shannon Gael AGM deferred
It was unfortunate but the rescheduled AGM was fixed for the same night as the Lanesboro Community College and it had to be cancelled again. With the Christmas time speeding in on us it has been decided to put the AGM back until the New Year with the new date set for Thursday 15th January in the Clonbonny clubhouse with a start time of 8.30pm.
What will be celebrated is a fabulously successful 2025 on the playing pitch for the young underage players of the club.
Everyone is invited to come along to Clonbonny on Thursday 15th January 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 8th December for a prize of €704. The winning ticket was in the name of Packie Reilly, Rathcline who was the recipient of the €704 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.
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 next 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
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 next 18th December. You can buy tickets online https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/BallyleagueNSFundraiser
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.
ICA Guild news
We had our last meeting of the year last Wednesday. We had a wonderful floral demonstration from Michelle, Annemarie and Siobhán showed us some fancy napkin folding and Jane chatted about her willow bird feeders and wreaths. We had a raffle for the floral arrangements, willow and a bottle of champagne. Congratulations to Joanne, Kathleen, Mary, Evelyn, Olive and Subhra. We partook in Kris Kringle and there was great excitement and fun opening all the gifts. We finished off the evening with lots of tasty treats and a cuppa.
The next big date in the ICA calendar is Nollaig Na mBan on Tuesday 6th January when all us gals will get together and let our hair down.
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.
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
St. Faithleach’s lottery
The Lottery draw took place on Tuesday last 9th December for a jackpot of €10,200. The numbers drawn were 13, 18, 27 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot. The consolation prize of €200 was won by Geraldine Donlon. Tickets are on sale at the usual local outlets or online https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers for the next draw on Tuesday 23rd December.
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
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
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.
Offertory envelopes for 2026: Boxes of envelopes for Church offerings for 2026 are available in the church. The boxes are listed per townsland with names on the boxes. Extra boxes are available for new contributors and when you take one please sign your name on the sheet provided.
The parish is allowed to benefit from families who contribute more than €250 to the parish accounts each year. All parish members donation more than the €250 are asked to fill in the form that is available beside the donation boxes.
Epilepsy Ireland: Epilepsy Ireland will hold their annual Church Gate collection on Saturday next 20th and Sunday 21st December. Your support will be appreciated.
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 2nd January.
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
Appreciation from Fr. Dan: I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you that attended the Kilgefin Parish Senior Citizen and retirees Christmas party 2025. It all began in July when I started making phone calls and email urging the then committee members to come together and get it started since there was a little savings in the Credit Union. With the new committee members, we never knew we would be hosting the biggest ever Kilgefin senior Citizens and Retirees Christmas party. This has made our senior Citizens and Retirees in the community happier with a greater sense of belonging. Fair play to the leadership of Gerry Donlon, Eileen Mullen and Ann McCormack and the hard work and dedication of all the members of the committee. We also thank all those who contributed generously with monies and gifts. We pray that this would just be the beginning of more beautiful celebrations in the coming years. Congratulations to you all. Fr. Dan.
Ballyleague Christmas Lights: Sunday next 21st December the Ballyleague Christmas Lights committee will be holding its annual church gate collection to aid in defraying the cost of lighting up Ballyleague for Christmas and the New Year. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Church cleaning & putting up the crib: It is intended to put up the crib in Ballyleague church on Friday next 19th at 3pm. Cleaning of the church will also take place on the same evening at 6pm. It would be great if as many as possible could come along to lend a hand.
Thank You: The Kilgefin Women’s shed would like to thank everyone that attended and supported their Craft Fair & Bake Sale held in Ballagh. A huge thank you to the Maen’s Shed that helped to get the hub prepared for the day. A special thank you to those that donated spot prizes and bought tickets for the raffle. Also, thanks to all that baked such fabulous goods for the bake sale. Finally, thank you to Tom Gill, Kiki Art, Ballyleague N.S. and Strokestown’s Women’s Shed for supporting the event. It was a wonderful day for the community.
Collection for Flowers: If you would like to contribute to a collection for flowers for Ballyleague Church for Christmas, please contact Maureen Curley. Thanking you in advance for your kindness.
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 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 on Tuesday last 9th December for a jackpot of €10,200. The numbers drawn were 13, 18, 27 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot. The consolation prize of €200 was won by Geraldine Donlon. Tickets are 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.