Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Sympathy
When one so young is taken from you and your community it is a terrible thing and grief cast a great darkness over the community. We in Lanesboro and Ballyleague share that cloud of grief with Joe and Nicola Kenny, their children Dylan, Shannon and Kate and the community of Hacketstown, Portlaw, Co. Waterford when news broke on Tuesday 3rd March of the death of Lauren Kenny, peacefully but unexpectedly.
Locally Lauren was granddaughter of Goretti and the late Noelie Kenny, niece of Caroline, John, Paul and Tony and grandniece of James Kenny, Ballyleague, Michael Kenny, USA, Martha Carberry, Kilcock, Josephine Farrell, Lanesboro, Mary Egan, Kiltimagh and Claire McIntyre, Birmingham, whose family home was 7 Knock.
We extend our deepest sympathy to the Kenny Family and their extended families on the great loss on Lauren.
Following Lauren’s Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Portlaw, her remains were laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Birth
Many congratulations to Maireád and Richard Rooney, Rathcline on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Emer McDermott and Brendan Kelly, Rathcline Road on the death last week of Emer’s father Harry McDermott, Roscommon Town.
St Christopher’s Fund Raiser
A coffee morning in aid of St Christopher’s will be held in St Mary’s Parish Hall on Sunday 15th March after 11am Mass. Numerous spot prizes to be won. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Best Chef
Since its opening, Sorrento Restaurant, on the Main Street has been receiving wonderful reactions and glowing comments. Adding to the validity of the plaudits was the recent announcement from the Irish Restaurants Awards that Leinster winner was head chef Marco Fabbi who is co-owner of this thriving business with his wife Marina,
Congratulations Mario and continued success to you, Marina and your team.
Lourdes Church Gate Collection
The annual Church Gate collection for the Lourdes Invalid Fund will take place on Saturday week 21st at the 6.30pm Mass and Sunday week 22nd March at the 11am Mass. Each year you have been more than generous with your contributions and your continued great generosity will be deeply appreciated.
Community College continue to impress
This is really a wonderful year for Lanesboro Community College in their extracurricular activities. From the achievements of Ronan Lyons with his wins in SciFest 2025 and again at the Yong Scientist, to the terrific run of the college’s soccer team who were beaten on penalties by Artane, Dublin in their soccer semi-final following an enthralling 5-5 draw.
This week sees the college’s junior football team play Enfield CC in the North Leinster Final on Tuesday at Rochfortbridge GAA grounds at 12noon. The senior team will contest the North Leinster semi-final either later this week or next and the Girls junior team are also in the North Leinster semi-final that will also take place in the coming days. The very best of luck to all the remaining teams and hopefully there will be much more success from the three teams.
A Night of Reflection
To find a way of acknowledging the contribution of Ciaráin Murtagh to Roscommon would always be difficult but the St. Faithleach’s club has just hit on a wonderful idea to honour Ciaraín’s contribution to Roscommon senior footballers.
Ciaráin, one of the three Murtagh brothers to represent St. Faithleach’s on the Roscommon teams over a number of years. Brian successfully led the way followed by Ciaráin and now Diarmuid is carrying on the Murtagh legacy.
Ciaráin began his illustrious 11-season senior county career when he came onto the Roscommon team in 2014 when Roscommon played Longford in the National Football League. He went on to make 122 appearances for the team and with an outstanding scoring record of 24 goals and 312 points. Ciaráin was great leader of men and he always led from the front as his scoring record will tell you. He led Roscommon into the lion’s den of Pearse Stadium, in 2017 when he captained the team to defeat Galway in the Connacht Final (2-15 to 0-12) where he scored 3 points to boot. It was made all the more special by having his brothers Brian and Diarmuid by his side as part of the winning panel.
Ciaran went on to win four National Football League Division 2 titles (2015, 2018, 2020, and 2022) and a Division 3 title.
All through his footballing career Ciaráin along with his brothers was the mainstay of the St. Faithleach’s club where their loyalty and dedication was unfaltering. The lads were following in the big footsteps laid by their father Andy who also gave sterling dedication to the club. While we mention the lads and their father we cannot go a step further without mentioning the background work and tireless support from their mother and wife Breda.
On Saturday 21st March ‘A Night of Reflection’ will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse where Ciaráin will be joined by former players and colleagues for who promises to be a night for the ages. MC on the night will be Shannonside’s commentator Willie Hegarty and the music afterwards will be provided by the very popular Gerry Keenan.
This is a historic night that should see the clubhouse overflowing and a fitting tribute to the legend that is Ciaráin Murtagh.
Hogan Cup Final
The previously mentioned Brian Murtagh may have called time on his county footballing career but he did not say adieu to the GAA. A teacher in Mullingar’s Coláiste Mhuire he turned his football brain to coaching the college team. Last year they won the Leinster Final for the first time since 1983. This year they made it back to back titles and this they went a step further by beating the hotly fancied Ulster champions Abbey CBS, Newry in the All-Ireland semi-final and qualified for the Hogan Cup Senior Football ‘A’ final that will take place in Croke Park on St. Patrick’s Day at 3pm.
A further link with the Coláiste Mhuire side is their towering midfielder Rory O’Brien is grandson of the late John (Jack) O’Brien thus grandnephew of Josie O’Sullivan and the late Peg Farrell.
We wish Coláiste Mhuire every success and hope they bring the Hogan Cup back to Mullingar for the very first time.
Cake Sale Fundraiser
Lanesboro Community College Parents Association will host a Cake sale – Fundraiser on St. Patrick’s Day in St. Mary’s Parish Hall from 12 noon until 3pm. Tea and coffee will also be served and you are asked to support and donate generously.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The launch is over the countdown is on and excitement is building for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that will take place in the community on St. Patrick’s Day. There has been a tremendous response to the call for floats and I believe the parade will be the biggest one yet. The town is generally thronged with thousands of people lining the streets each year and we again hope that the Gods will look favourably on us and bless us with a great day to for the viewing public.
The events of St Patrick’s Day celebration will open with the customary and hugely popular St. Patrick’s Day Mass in Lanesboro church at 11am. Mass will include traditional musicians, the parish choir, and champion Irish Dancers.
As usual the floats will assemble at the grounds of St. Faithleach’s and will commence at 2.30pm through Ballyleague and Lanesboro finishing a Lanesboro Community College.
There are a number of awards to be handed out for the best floats and we look forward to seeing wonderful and exciting floats on the parade. There will be prizes for floats in many categories; Best Club, Best Junior, Best Vintage, Best Business, Most original and the overall Best Float that will receive €300 and a trophy. There will also be an award for best dressed shop window.
Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day in aid of Cancer Research takes place on Friday week 20th March. This is the principle fundraising day each year towards the creation of an antidote for cancer. Cancer is blighting the country and there is not family that has not been affected by it scourge. Hopefully there will be tremendous support, once again, for Daffodil Day as we support those that are working so hard to find the cure.
Precision Pilates
What once was James Casey’s and his father before him Jimmy Casey’s butchers on the Main Street has undergone a major change and it will open on Monday next 16th March as Precision Pilates studio. Over the past number of weeks Jackie Glennon has been very busily adapting the building and it is now a brand new Pilates studio ready to be opened on Monday. We wish Jackie every success with Precision Pilates she assures us that there will be lots of classes to suit everyone from Mat and Reformer Pilates classes with herself and @rachelmulligan1 to higher intensity circuit style classes with @caoilfhionntea and @holliexkilroe
Photos from the 50’s
I have been asked to ask people of the parish or former parishioner families that had an old connection to the Rathcline GAA club to search their old photographs and see if they have any photographs of team and successes from the 1950’s.
If you have, can you leave what you have into the shop for copying and collection or scan and send it to me at joeaobrien@outlook.com
Irish Conversation Group
An enthusiastic group to encourage the speaking of Irish has begun in Lanesboro Library and will continue every Thursday from 5pm to 5.45pm. Everyone with an interest in speaking Irish are invited to attend and even those with an interest but have not the language, yet, are invited to attend.
Last Call for Accommodation
Can you provide accommodation?
If you would like to create another income stream you are being offered the chance to do so by entering into the accommodation sector be it as a B&B, renting a house or renting room in your own home.
The Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday 17th May and the Lough Ree Tri Club’s Two Province Triathlon on Saturday 12th July offer great opportunities and potential. The entire summer with the best weather in years drew in huge numbers to the area with a huge number seeking to stay locally.
In 2026 we are looking forward to welcoming the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May coupled with a local festival added in and the Two Provinces Triathlon on the weekend of Friday 10th and 11th July.
As you are fully aware 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.
It was suggested that we should ask local 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.
This is a wonderful chance for people that were toying with the idea of providing accommodation to do so over the weekends and they can use the opportunity to see if it is suitable for them and what they can do to tweak it to make it better for all and with any luck it will provide a new income stream and business.
At present, and for a a week or two more, 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
Community Games 2026 update
Registration: thanks to all who registered for the Lanesboro Community Games 2026. It was great to see some new faces at the registration evening last week, anyone still to register, please contact Serena on 0879176525
Chess: The three Lanesboro chess teams have been busy over the past few weeks, practicing and competing. Our U11 team has reached the county final, we wish them the very best of luck.
Swimming – Longford competition will take place on Saturday next 14th March in Longford swimming pool- Please contact Serena on 0879176525 to enter the swimming competition, Please note children need to be at a competitive swimming level to enter.
Art & Handwriting – Lanesboro competition will take place in St Mary’s Hall on Sunday 29th March at 2pm
Track and Field – Lanesboro will run the track and field competition in Clonbonny on Sunday 10th May.
Other upcoming Community Games competitions include GAA, Outdoor Soccer, Choir and Dance
All Community Games events are listed on the national website. https://www.cairncommunitygames.ie/events
It would be great to have a good Lanesboro representation in many of the Community Games events in 2026
A Coffee Table must
Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque has been a resounding success with excellent sales to date. The feedback from those that have already read the book of poems to the book has been superb and it is very pleasing to see the strong sales continuing.
The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
Table Quiz
Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club are holding their first ever table quiz on Friday night 20th March. The quiz will take place in Frank’s lounge Ballybeg and starts at 8.30pm. There will be a cash prize for the winning table and there will also be a table ticket draw for the contestants and a raffle for spot prizes. Entry to table team is €10 per person and teams consist of four per table. Questions will cover a wide range of subjects such as geography, history, science, nature, music, sport, general knowledge and literature. As the quiz is being organised by the vintage club there will be a few questions on vintage vehicles etc. This quiz is a non-mobile phone competition where you use your head and not your fingers to gain the answers. Use of phones by contestants will automatically disqualify the team from the contest.
Lanesboro ICA Guild
The next meeting takes place this Wednesday 11th March. The meeting will start at the earlier time of 7pm to facilitate guest speaker Sharon Rooney. The ICA guild always welcome new faces so if you are curious about ICA then make sure to pop in. They always close out their meetings with a cuppa and sweet treat.
Lotto
The ICA lotto was held on Wednesday last for a jackpot €1,300, numbers drawn were 5, 15, 27 and 29 and there was no jackpot winner. The three lucky dip winners were Denise Farrell, Sinead Butler and Ann Powell and well done to all winners. Thanks to all who continue to support the lotto. Lanesborough and Newtowncashel guilds are for hosting the next lotto so make to get your envelopes in to the committee in good time. The next draw will be held in ICA HQ on Wednesday 18th March when the jackpot will be €1,350.
Coffee Morning
Virginia would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the coffee morning in aid of Women’s Aid on Sunday last, a lovely morning was had while raising vital funds for a very worthy cause.
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.
Drop off can be made in O’Brien’s for collection by Andrew Knowles.
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.
Roscommon AC says Thank You
Small and forward thinkers many years ago set up the Lough Ree Athletic Club that is a pillar for all the athletic youngsters in not only Lanesboro and Ballyleague but for the surrounding communities. Although a small club the club has a wonderful history of winning many All-Ireland medals and providing runners at international level over its history. While the original committee was so far-seeing in building its own track so many years ago it is now great to see so many locals supporting the Roscommon Athletic club as they are embarking on a major 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 the big number from the community that have responded will continue to grow and all the young and not so young will have the opportunity to avail of the facility. In the years to come we look forward to the massive benefit it will provide. Thanks to everyone that so far supported this huge undertaking by 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 in the Lisnamult area they are urging everyone with an interest in athletics and sport 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
National Draw with great prizes
The GAA’s national Club draw for 2026 is now up and running and this is a great chance not only to be in with a chance to win some of the glorious prizes but also to support as all the money from the tickets sold locally will stay in the club. For just €15 you will be in with the chance of winning one of these fabulous prizes 1st – Toyota Corolla Hybrid, 2nd €20,000 cash prize, 3rd – €10,000 cash prize, 4th – €5,000 cash prize, 5th €5,000 cash prize, 6th – €2,500 Holiday Voucher, 7th and 8th All Ireland Hurling and Football package – the package is premium tickets for two people for both Football and Hurling finals with overnight accommodation and dinner in the Croke Park Hotel, 9th prize – the complete package for the All-Ireland Football Final with 2 Premium Level tickets, two nights’ (Saturday and Sunday) accommodation and dinner for 2 on Saturday night. The 10th and final prize is the complete package for the All-Ireland Hurling Final with 2 Premium Level tickets, two nights’ (Saturday and Sunday) accommodation and dinner for 2 on Saturday night.
Tickets €15 are available from the club executive or from O’Brien’s.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 2nd March for a prize of €650. The winning ticket was in the name of Michael O’Loughlin, Rathcline Road, who was the recipient of the €650 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.
Change of Location
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets on Friday’s between 10am and 12pm has moved to a new location. It has moved from Lanesbrew to Adie’s bar on Friday’s from 10am until 12noon.
Enhance your Fitness
A new and novel fitness regime for farmers and everyone else that wants to enhance their fitness regime through the Spring. This FREE and local 6-week lifestyle programme will enhance your, health, fitness, strength and energy and it is a golden opportunity that should not be missed. The programme will start on Wednesday 18th March at 7pm in Ballyleague hall. Book yourself in by contacting Laura 086 347 4662.
Social Dancing Afternoon
You are welcome to go along, join in or just enjoy the music and the people dancing. Social dancing will continue every second Wednesday with the next social on 18th March and from 2pm to 4pm. Bring along your friends and if you have a dance partner and have an enjoyable afternoon.
Cúl Camps advance notice
Longford GAA’s Kellogg’s sponsored Cúl Camp will take place at the Rathcline GAA club’s grounds in Clonbonny on Monday 29th June. As places for the camps are limited it is very important that parents register their youngsters early to be sure of a place.
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
The Joker escapes again
So far the Joker in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser has proven to be very evasive and Saturday night last 7th March saw a jackpot for €3,000 go unclaimed and now it is getting very interesting as the odds continue to grow in the players favour.
The pool continues to rise and the number of cards gets fewer and the odds of turning the Joker are increasing by the week, so get your tickets for Saturday night next and you may the lucky one.
The jackpot rises to €3,100 on Saturday night next where the odds of turning the Joker is now one in 41. Go along to the clubhouse enjoy a great night of fun and craic in the clubhouse and be in with a chance to win the growing €3,100 jackpot. The odds are getting greater in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,100 can be yours on Saturday night next. Saturday night winners in the draw were Darren Nerney and a shared ticket in the names of Laura/Maggie/Mary Hussey who won €100. Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal St. Faithleach’s, from any of the organising committee or in the clubhouse on Saturday night.
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
Appeal or Fresh Daffodils
Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day will be on Friday 20th March. As in previous years, the local voluntary organisers of Daffodil Day in Roscommon Town are appealing to the public to donate fresh daffodils. Volunteers will be available to receive daffodils at the Daffodil Day depot in the former ‘The Central Bar’, The Square, Roscommon Town, on Thursday 19th March from 10:30am – 6pm. Volunteers and students will be on the streets and at local shops selling fresh daffodils, silk daffodils and other items in support of this annual fundraiser.
You are asked to be as generous as possible to the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day wherever you live.
Purple Day
In Ireland today, over 45,000 people live with epilepsy. For further information, please visit www.epilepsy.ie. Purple Day (or Epilepsy Awareness Day) will take place on Thursday 26th March.
Three talks
There will be three talks over the next two months by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, commencing on this Thursday 19th March with the topic being ‘Who am I’; Thursday 23rd Apr the topic will be ‘Courage in the Crisis’ and the talks will conclude on Thursday 21st May with the topic ‘What can I do?’ The talks will begin at 7.30 p.m. in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Tickets at www.percyfrench.ie or call 090 6663794.
Lanesboro Library
Irish Heart Foundation – Free Blood Pressure & Pulse Checks
The Irish Heart Foundation will be at Lanesboro Library on this Thursday 19th March from 10am to 2:45pm conducting free checks with their expert nurses. Following your check, the nurses will provide you with heart health information and advice to help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Brain Health & Memory Issues Talk with Pauline Lee HSE
Join us on Friday week March 20th at 11am in Lanesboro Library for a talk with Pauline Lee of the HSE to learn how to look after your brain health no matter your age. Limited spaces – Book online or in library.
Parent & Toddler Morning
Join us in the library on Wednesdays from 11am – 12pm for our weekly parent and toddler morning.
Tea & Coffee provided and plenty of books, toys, and space for the little ones to enjoy.
Ciorcal Comhrá
Irish Conversation Group meeting in Lanesboro Library on Thursdays from 5 – 5.45pm. 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 043332129
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 March, 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 on Tuesday 3rd March were 9, 19, 21 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Fiona Gillen c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Brendan Rhatigan, Fermoyle, L, E, T and S óg c/o O’Brien’s and Anne McCarthy c/o Mags.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 10th March 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.
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.
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.
Dollars at the right rate just now
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).
The exchange rate of the US$ dollar is still very favourable with the rate at the time of writing standing at €1 to $1.15c 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 and plans are afoot to make the 2026 even bigger and much more remarkable.
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.
Time is running out for booking as the game is only a short number of weeks away on Sunday 12th April.
The flights will be going out on the Thursday morning prior to the game and returning on the Monday night after. 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.
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
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.
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.
Lourdes Pilgrim Fund: A church gate collection will take place on Saturday week 21st and Sunday 22nd March – note change of date from parish newsletter – at both Masses. Your kid generosity of past years will again be gratefully appreciated
Offertory envelopes: Boxes of envelopes for Church offerings 2026 are available for collection in the church.
Mothers Prayers in St. John’s Rest: An opportunity at St. John’s Rest, Knock Shrine from Friday 13th to 15th March for mothers who wish to pray together for their children and grandchildren. All women are welcome. All queries to Marie at 087 6184110.
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 this Friday 3rd April.
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
Caretaker: Liam Garvey is now caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Stations of the Cross: As part of the Lenten season activities, we will be having the Stations of the Cross at weekends 20minutes before Mass. This will replace the praying of the Holy Rosary before mass. Fr. Dan kindly encourages all parishioners to participate in in journeying with Jesus Christ as he embraces his passion, death and Resurrection at Easter.
Trócaire Lenten Envelopes: The annual Trócaire Lenten appeal envelopes are available in the three churches. You are asked to be generous in supporting the poor and needy as part of our Lenten observances.
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.
Station Masses: The list of the Station Masses has just been published and they will continue on this Thursday 12th March at 7pm in Curraghroe Church for the townlands of Doughill, Culleenoria, Tullyvarron and Killavacken.
On Thursday 19th March, again, in Curraghroe Church at 7pm for the townlands of Curraghroe, Mount Dillon, Erra and Drinagh.
On Friday 20th March at 7pm in Ballyleague Church at 7pm for the townlands of Ballyleague 1, 2, 3, and 4, Lough Ree Park, Shannon Heights, Shannon Grove and Ballyclare Court.
On Monday 23rd March at 7pm in Ballyleague Church for the townlands of Moneen, Gardenstown, Anrattabeg, Coolshaghtena and Kilnacloghy.
On Tuesday 24th in Ballagh church for the townlands of Tuam, Aughamuck, Fairymount, Carrowmoneen, Kilnalossett, Cappagh and Ballinwooley.
On Friday 27th March in Ballyleague church for the townlands of Portnahinch, Lininaria, Gallagh and Weekfield.
Mothers Prayers in St. John’s Rest: An opportunity at St. John’s Rest, Knock Shrine from Friday 13th to 15th March for mothers who wish to pray together for their children and grandchildren. All women are welcome. All queries should be made to Marie at 087 6184110.