Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Community Games
At this stage all my readers know of my great love of the Community Games organisation and the wonderful outlet it provides to so many children in so many disciplines. It is also a wonderful community event and we are privileged to have had two very successful Community Game organisations on both sides of the bridge. They need the support of the whole community and especially every parent that has children of participation age to become involved and carry on the magnificent tradition of both Community Games groups.
On Tuesday 24th February in the Parish Hub, beside the church, the Lanesboro Community Games committee will hold its annual registration and information evening at 8.30pm. Parent of every youngster in the parish should go along and register their youngsters to become a part of this enthralling local Community Games group.
The local track and field competition will take place on Sunday 10th May in Rathcline’s GAA pitch in Clonbonny.
Opaque – a book of poetry
Following a very successful launch of his book of poetry in the Parish Hall on Saturday night last Kieran Feeney would like to thank everyone that supported the launch and the hall committee for making the hall available.
The book of poetry will be on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €15.
Hive of Activity
Only 5 weeks into 2026 and it is brilliant to see that Lanesboro is a hive of activity with a lot of work happening on the Longford Road.
On the vacant site in front of Vinnie McGowan’s engineering Newtowncashel businessman Peter Hanley who has his business in Ballymahon is building a working space on the site. Further out the road work was going on last week at the former Cullen’s Filling Station where the canopy was taken down and without doubt this was done with future development in mind. Just a further 70 meters up the road the former home of Fr. Tom Leavy is now being converted by Michael and Una Hanley into a crèche/full-time early years education and afterschool service.
Adding into the equation is the training course at the Fire station that has been going on for the past three weeks and it had fire service personnel from many counties coming to Lanesboro to avail of the training opportunities that can be offered in our community.
Despite the inclement weather, all the work is continuing at a rapid pace and when completed they will only help to create a vibrancy to the entrance to the town and display to those travelling the road the confidence in the future of our community and economy.
National Heritage Week
I know I am a little previous but speaking to some members of the local Lanesboro Heritage group they tell me that they are preparing an exciting presentation for National Heritage Week that, this year, takes place from Saturday 15th August to Sunday 23rd August.
The group are seeking old photographs and memorabilia of the Rathcline parish, be it its people, places, events and any other photographs of relevance to the history of the parish.
This is a prior notice to inform you of the upcoming event and to give you the opportunity to search out and share the photographs and documentation with the committee.
This trawl through the history of Lanesboro and the parish of Rathcline can only be successful with your input and collaboration. Let’s join together and get out all the old memorabilia and photographs and make this a very special Lanesboro celebration.
Details as to the drop-off point will be made in the very near future.
Former Local Garda passes away
A memory from my childhood was the arrival of a new member of the local Garda force who went on to be a great family friend. Mick Creaton, a native of Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon was stationed to Lanesboro as a new Garda and it was there he met and married local lady Bridie Dowd from Carrowstrawley who at the time was a teacher in Cloontagh. During his time Mick who was renting a house in Anrattabeg became a very popular member of the community. I believe that he was part of the County Junior Championship winning team with Rathcline in 1956. Mick was transferred to Limerick from Lanesboro where they made their forever home. Being an ambitious man he made great strides through the ranks of the Garda . At the time of his retirement he had reached the rank of Chief Superintendent. He was always an affable man with a great sense of humour and a warm friendly smile. Along with his late wife Bridie he always enjoyed his many trips back to the parish and to link up with old friends – it was always great to meet him.
Mick passed away in Limerick on Sunday 1st February. His remains reposed at St. Nessan’s Church, Raheen on Wednesday and following his Requiem Mass on Thursday he as laid to rest in Crecora Cemetery, Limerick. To his children Geraldine, Donal, John and Deirdre and their families we extend our deepest sympathy.
Mick was also uncle to James, Caitríona, Ciara and the late Elizabeth Casey, Carrowstrawley and we extend our sincere sympathy to them and their families.
Longford Lights 2026
One year more spectacular that the past one for the past three years the Longford Lights 2026 festival will once again take place in Longford Town from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd February.
Longford Lights will return for its final year and make sure that you go along and celebrate the spectacular Longford Lights festival for the final time.
This year there will be a trail of illuminated art and events that will explore visitors to explore Longford Town at night
This year’s event will feature 28 artworks based on the theme Lightly Playful staged around Longford Town and Connolly Barracks.
For those of us that have encountered the previous three events we are anxious to see what this year’s Lightly Playful theme has to offer. If you have not already been there then you must go and encounter one of the best evenings you will ever encounter.
You are invited to take a walk through town to the main off-site location at Breaden’s Lane, entered via Pig Market Lane. Here you’ll discover an illuminated Wanderland, loosely inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Along the way, pause to experience Glory at St John’s Church, illuminations in Garvey’s Lane and Let the World Spin at Providers. This year also features a dedicated children’s programme of workshops and performances, taking place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, offering even more opportunities for families to play, explore, and create together.
For those young at heart but older in years, consider choosing the later time slot for your visit. As the younger families head home, the festival becomes quieter and more immersive, offering a chance to experience the artworks in a more relaxed and atmospheric way.
Entry to the main festival site in Connolly Barracks is by ticket only.
Entry times are at the set times of 6.30pm and 8pm.
All Tickets cost €5 + booking fee. Children Under 3 years are FREE. Children aged under 3yrs are free of charge, but still require a ticket. Children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Event tickets can be bought online at www.tickettailor.com
Looking to create extra and new accommodation
Last year the events ran in Lanesboro and Ballyleague drew in thousands of people taking part, spectating or supporting in the events. There were three main draws in particular that brought people from all over the country and that was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday 17th March, the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday 17th May and again at the Lough Ree Tri Club’s Two Province Triathlon on Saturday 12th July. The entire summer was the best weather in years drawing in greatly enhanced numbers to the area. Every year our community in Lanesboro and Ballyleague makes themselves available for stewarding and this tremendous voluntary effort adds greatly to the running of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Gaelforce swim and the Tri Club Two Provinces Triathlon
In 2026 we are looking forward to welcoming the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday 17th March, the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May and the Two Provinces Triathlon on the weekend of Friday 10th and 11th July.
There is a great shortage of accommodation locally to accommodate many of the participants and their supporters who want to come to Lanesboro/Ballyleague for these weekends. Indeed, there is a constant shortage of accommodation in the area to satisfy the needs of everyone that wants to stay in our beautiful area throughout the year.
At a recent meeting it was suggested that to help alleviate the accommodation problems that we should ask people that may have spare rooms for B&B or empty properties to make them available for the weekends at the going rates for those extra people that need to be accommodated and want to stay locally. Presently, there is a register of available properties and accommodation being drawn up and if you have a spare room, an apartment or a house available could you please get in touch with Nuala to express your willingness to be involved. The contact number is 043 33 21977 up to 2pm daily or email your information to lanesborotourismcoop@gmail.com
Change of Location
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets on Friday’s between 10am and 12pm has moved to anew location. It has moved from Lanesbrew to Adie’s bar on Friday’s from 10am until 12noon.
Social Dancing Afternoon
Social Dancing afternoons will commence in Adie’s bar on Wednesday 18th February from 2pm to 4pm. You are welcome to go along, join in or just enjoy the music and the people dancing. Social dancing will continue every second Wednesday 4th March, 18th March and so on. Bring along you friends and/pr your dancing partner and have an enjoyable afternoon.
Thank You
Lough Re Sub Aqua Club would like to thank everyone who braved the water and took part in the Christmas Day Swim and to our community for their donations and on-going support over the year.
The club would like to say a big thank you to Ciara Gillen who took the time to make her homemade soup which went down a treat with everyone on the day and also to Joan and Alan Farrell for their sponsorship.
Time to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We are just over five short weeks away from the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro. For us in the community and the surrounding parishes this is a wonderful occasion with so many clubs, associations, local groups and individuals getting into the spirit of the occasion. There are many well thought out floats and the creativity and ingenuity of people is what brings thousands to the streets every St. Patrick’s Day.
This year we are again hoping for a huge parade with more participating floats making the parade the best in the midlands area.
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration who we are and the parade is a sense of great pride for all of us and a wonderful opportunity to get out and celebrate with our community and neighbouring parish our heritage.
Women on the verge of HRT
Roscommon Drama Group presents “Women on the Verge of HRT”, a play with music and comedy in Roscommon Arts Centre on this Thursday12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February. To book tickets call 090 6625824 or visit www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Ballyleague Hall caretaker
Liam Garvey was recently appointed as caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser
In an effort to help finance the costs of running the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the St. Patrick’s Day committee are holding a Table Quiz in Adie’s bar on Friday night 20th February. Put the date in to your diary as your full support for this event will be greatly appreciated.
GRÁSTA
Are you preparing for marriage? There are weekend residential courses available from 6th – 8th March and again 13th – 15th November. Details are available at www.grasta.org or info@grasta.org
Married couples weekend residential courses are available on 7th – 8th March and again on14th – 15th November. Details are available at www.grasta.org or at info@grasta.org
Coffee Morning Fundraiser
A coffee morning fundraiser for Palestine with Eye Witness Stories from the West Bank and East Jerusalem from Human Right’s Monitor, Lisa Kerr will take place on Sunday next 15th February at 12 noon in Kilbride Community Centre. Please come along and support.
Roscommon Community Challenge 2026
The annual Roscommon Community Challenge will take place this year on Friday night 6th March with a moonlight 5k and 8k trip around the beautiful surrounds of Roscommon Town.
Every year more and more people from the Lanesboro and Ballyleague community are participating and this year it is hoped that there will be many more.
To help in advance of this event, the usual and extremely popular twice weekly training sessions will take place. The planned start date for this training was halted this week due to the inclement weather, but training started on Monday 12th January.
Training comprises of sixteen structured evening sessions, held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm from Roscommon Community Sports Park with expert – led support for walking and running,
The training programme provides a dedicated plan for walkers which will build safely towards a 5k, it also ensures gradual progression which is suitable for all fitness levels. Everyone is training and preparing alongside each other with the same end goal, getting fitter, healthier, and completing The Roscommon Community Challenge on Friday 6th March. Total cost of this training programme is only €30. Register for the event on Eventbrite (online only) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963970007160
If you are a complete beginner with little or no experience, if you are a walker, a jogger, a runner or indeed if you want to set yourself a challenge to improve your health and fitness this training is the place for you. Children (must be accompanied by an adult), grannies granddads……everyone is welcome to what is a fun and challenging experience No matter what level of fitness you are currently at there is a place for you on our training programme.
This year special emphasis will be placed on our walking group with additional supports being provided to them to enable them to reach their highest potential.
So, register now to be part of something special, improve your health and fitness and at the same time know that you are helping a wonderful cause in Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park. Further information can be had on 0861721181. The organisers are hugely indebted to Noel and his staff at Roscommon Sports Partnership; without their help we would not be able to provide such quality training by fully qualified expert tutors.
The Joker still not won
So far nobody was turned over the Joker in the card cut in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser and Saturday night last 7th February saw a jackpot for €2,600 go unclaimed. The pool continues to rise and the number of cards gets fewer and the odds of turning the Joker are increasing so get your tickets for Saturday next and you may the lucky one. The jackpot rises to €2,700 for Saturday night next where the odds of turning the Joker is now one in 45. Go along; enjoy a great night of fun and craic in the clubhouse and be in with a chance to win the €2,700 jackpot. The odds are getting bigger in your favour and the pool continues to rise. Saturday night winners in the draw were Colm Mangan and Georgina Walsh who both won €100. Tickets can be bought online on the club portal member.clubspot.app or from the organising committee
P.T.A.A. (Pioneers)
The P.T.A.A. (Pioneers) is a spiritual organisation, formed over 125 years ago, promoting abstinence from alcohol and abusive substances. On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Friday 12th June, a mass will be celebrated in St. Mel’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. Pioneers of 10, 25 and 50 years membership will be presented with silver and gold pins.
Your opportunity to be part of the Fire service
Generally they are first on the scene of emergency calls, 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.
Generously supporting
With a community so steeped in athletics with the Lough Ree Athletic club it is so great to see so many locals supporting the Roscommon Athletic clubs fundraising drive to build their own track in Roscommon Town.
Their dream is to create top class athletic facilities of national competition standard comprising of an 8 lane 400 metre track and field event area. This will help greatly in the development of runners and sports people in the wider hinterland. When it is completed it will be of great benefit to the many athletes from our wider area that will be able to use the facility.
Athletics speaks a universal language and gains universal support and we hope that a huge number of people of this area, that will have the opportunity to avail of the facility, will support this huge undertaking of the Roscommon Athletic Club.
The club is seeking your support for their fundraising draw as they have to fundraise €1millon to see the project to it conclusion. With an identified site readily available in the Lisnamult area they are urging everyone with an interest in athletics to support their upcoming draw.
There are two incredible top prizes up for grabs, sponsored by two of the leading Irish companies based in Roscommon Town. Lidan is dedicated to providing high-quality modular buildings and they will supply a €65,000 stunningly designed and crafted Garden Room and nationally and internationally acclaimed Mark Lohan Kitchens will supply a €25,000 Bespoke Kitchen.
Tickets, locally, are available locally in O’Brien’s Corner Shop. Tickets are priced at €30 each, 2 for €50 or 5 for €100 or they can be bought online at www.winagardenroomkitchen.ie
Lanesboro Library
Ciorcal Comhrá/Irish Conversation Group
Ciorcal Comhrá ag tosú i leabharlann Bhéal Átha Liag, Déardaoin, 12 Feabhra, 5 – 5.45pm ar feadh ocht seachtaine.
Irish Conversation Group is starting in Lanesboro Library on Thursday 12th February, 5 – 5.45pm for eight weeks.
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!
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 to be won
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 can select the correct numbers. The next draw takes on Tuesday 10th February, for the wonderful jackpot of €15,000. Don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw were 6, 20, 21 and 27. The winner of the €50 prize was Deirdre Kelly, and the three €20 winners were Kathleen Hussey, c/o The Yacht Bar, Brigid c/o Mags and Martin Tucker, c/o O’Brien’s.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 10th February 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s Lottery took place in the clubhouse on Tuesday last 3rd February for a jackpot of €10,600. The numbers drawn were 10, 11, 16 and 22. There was nobody with the correct numbers and the jackpot will rise to €2,700 for the next draw on Tuesday 17th February. The winner of the draw for the €200 prize money was Eamon Bolger, Ballyleague.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 2nd February for a prize of €1172. The winning ticket was in the name of Lillie Dowd, Thureen who was the recipient of the €1172 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.
Alzheimer Support Meeting
The Longford branch of The Alzheimer Society will hold their monthly support group on Wednesday 11th February at 7.00pm in the office of the Society, 2 Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Business. For more information, you can contact Breda on 086 3802183.
The support groups provide an opportunity to meet others in a similar situation, to share stories and experiences, and access information and practical advice in a relaxed, understanding and supportive environment.
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
Roscommon Drama Festival
Roscommon Drama Festival will run from Friday 6th to Saturday 14th March.
Tickets are booking out fast for what promises to be a “wonderful festival” which promises the very best in Irish Amateur Drama. There are two changes from the original programme which have occurred due to unforeseen circumstances. On Saturday night 7th Corofin Dramatic Society will present their play Wit by Margaret Edison. This play was originally to be performed on Wednesday 11th March. As a result there will be no show on this night. We apologise to patrons for any inconvenience caused.
One of the highlights of the Festival is the Children’s Short Story Writing Competition for 5th and 6th classes in the local primary schools. A short list of four plays in the programme has been made available to the schools and the students are encouraged to participate and write a short story based on any one of them. The winner will have their story printed in the Roscommon People. This competition has gone from strength to strength over the years with great credit due to students, teachers and parents alike.
The Festival was officially launched on Wednesday last 25th February by Councillor Liam Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council. Awards will also be presented to the winners in the various categories of the story writing competition on the same night. Tickets are now on sale at Roscommon Arts Centre priced at €20 nightly. A special five night ticket costs €90 while a season ticket covering all eight nights costs €120.
Tickets are selling fast, so if you want to be part of “one of, if not the best Drama Festivals” in the country contact Roscommon Arts Centre at 090 662 5824 or www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Coping Skills Program
“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 and Boyle with a new group starting in Roscommon Town. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problem with a member of the Samaritans in total confidence and confidentially? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you, a private chat with the assurance of confidentially can mean a lot. The alternative to getting down is a chat with a member of the Samaritans and that facility is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year so do not hesitate calling the Freephone number 116123 for your support.
ALONE
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information please contact us on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.
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.
Now is the time to buy your Dollars
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. New York will host Roscommon in Gaelic Park on Sunday 12th April at 3pm (8pm Irish time).
At the moment the dollar is pretty weak with the exchange rate as of Saturday showing the rate as €1 to $1.19c and now is the time to avail of the favourable exchange.
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.
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: Boxes of envelopes for Church offerings 2026 are available for collection in the church.
Rathcline Parish: The parish is allowed to benefit from families who contribute more than €250 to parish accounts each year. All parish donors have to do is to complete a form that is available on the table beside the donation boxes in the church. If you need any assistance please contact Maireád at the parish office or phone her at
3321166.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 6th February.
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
Thank You: The sum raised at the recent Table Quiz in aid of the painting of Ballagh Church came to €2930 and the committee are very grateful to everyone for their support.
Caretaker: Liam Garvey is now caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Annual MSP Envelopes: At the request of Bishop Kevin Doran, everybody is encouraged to support and contribute generously to the religious order of Fr. Daniel, the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) in their missionary activities in different parts of the world especially in areas ravaged by wars, famine, hunger and lack of basic human infrastructures. For more information into MSP you should visit www.mspfathers.org The envelopes will be distributed very soon and you are asked to return the envelopes by the weekend of 10th and 11th February. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Support for ALONE : 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.
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.