Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
After taking a circuitous route from her early home in Fuerty, through Dublin and Cork before arriving on the Rathcline Road with her husband Frank and family Geraldine Cafferty soon made herself a home in our community where she became a very popular figure. It was with great sadness we learned of Geraldine’s passing at Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague on Tuesday 10th March. Upon meeting Geraldine be you friend or stranger you always came away with a light heart and a smile such was her personality. She was jovial, and warm, her beaming smile, she lit up the darkest of day and she was a woman of great empathy. Geraldine her husband Frank and their family moved to the Rathcline Road from Dublin 40 years ago this year and she involved herself with a number of local groups. She was a woman that was very house proud and always kept her home spotless, she loved to cook and from time to time hosted coffee mornings always to support needy causes. Geraldine had a wonderful eye and knowledge of antiques where she always appreciated the craftsmanship of old furniture. She was deeply into nature and animals, dogs in particular, but she welcomed and fed all types of wild animals in her back garden. Geraldine was a fiercely loyal and supportive lady be it to her family or with local businesses and especially the county of her birth. For all of us that had the pleasure of Geraldine in our lives her passing will leave us with a great emptiness.
Geraldine’s remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday and her mass of the Resurrection took place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
To her husband Frank, her sons Justin Norman and Robert, grandson Dylan, her sisters Eileen and Anne, her brother Johnny, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lourdes in-church collection next weekend
The annual for the Lourdes Invalid Fund will take place on Saturday next 21st at the 6.30pm Mass and again on Sunday 22nd March at the 11am during the Masses and following Holy Communion. Each year you have been more than generous with your contributions and your continued great generosity will be deeply appreciated.
Exciting news for the community
On Wednesday last I received a text message from Sean Mimnagh telling me that the planning authorities had approved the application for a 500 seater amphitheatre for the quarry. The quarry site is past the car park and the lower marina, just inside the gate where the Commons North Woodland Walk begins.
Longford County Council completely backed this proposal since the first mention of the amphitheater 12 years ago.
The first mention of an amphitheatre came following a Fire Service course in Kilkenny. Local fire service man and now chief of the local Fire Service, Vinnie McGowan, was on that course and while he was passing the time on one of the evenings he got into a conversation with a man as to what was worth seeing in and around Kilkenny. As the man happened to be caretaker of the Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre he said that it was something well worth seeing. The next evening Vinnie travelled out to Ballykeeffe to see the amphitheatre and was completely taken aback by the sight and location. It was almost 13m from Kilkenny city and down a country road and in a quarry. Vinnie, from a family, with a very strong musical background seen the enormous potential an amphitheatre had to offer. Immediately, the local quarries sprung to mind and he had a vision for a similar amphitheatre for Lanesboro and with the backdrop of the river Shannon and he contrasted the Lanesboro site being on the banks of the Shannon and in town. When he came home he immediately spread the word of this fantastic sight located in Kilkenny. Since then, Ballykeeffe has continued to grow incrementally from year to year with many of the top Irish and international artists, choirs and orchestras playing there.
From the very outset there was tremendous support from the officials within Longford County Council listened and indeed they seen the potential that an amphitheatre could have in Lanesboro. Covid came and got in the way of the first planning discussions and surveys so the idea had to be put on the back burner. Over the past two years the council officials reignited the planning of the amphitheatre and had a number of environment and impact surveys carried out to ensure locals living on the Rathcline Road and wildlife would not be affected by the building of a 500 seated amphitheatre.
We look forward to the next steps in the development and hopefully in the not too distant future what was the old quarry and now the amphitheatre will be alive with music and arts for everyone to enjoy.
Brainstorming Meeting
The future of Lanesboro and Ballyleague is looking very bright with many ideas being proposed along with the continuous development of walkways/cycleways, the announcement of the planning permission for the amphitheatre, the Lough Ree FlowFest Festival weekend around the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday 16th May and when we add in the annual Lanesboro Triathlon clubs Two Provinces spectacular on Saturday 11th July and the Kidathon the previous evening we see how the community is developing.
With the Lough Ree FlowFest Festival weekend Friday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May in mind there will be a ‘Brainstorming Meeting’ in the parish hub, formerly the priest’s house, beside the church on Tuesday 31st March at 7pm.. Everybody with ideas on the development of a festival and all clubs in the community are asked to send representatives. There are many young and very capable people in our community those people that have come to live amongst us in recent years are invited to come along and bring along what you have seen or been involved in in other communities.
A community with greater vibrancy is what we are becoming and your contributions will bring fresh ideas, an excitement and make our community a more enthusiastic place to live and enjoy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Jimmy Flanagan, his sons Shane and Alan and their extended families on the death on Thursday last 12th March of Jimmy’s mother, Eileen Flanagan, Clonberne, Co. Galway who was in her 96th year.
Digital Rising Star
For the past 30 years The Spider Awards have been celebrating excellence in digital marketing, innovation and technology. Each year they host a black tie gala in the Mansion House to recognise outstanding creativity from agencies, brands and individuals across various online categories. According to Business & Finance and Irish Tech News, “this event is recognised as the benchmark for digital excellence in Ireland and the awards are widely considered a major accolade within the Irish tech and marketing landscape”.
The Spider awards are sponsored by Business and Finance and this year our community were honoured that a young lady from the community, Strategy Director at the young and vibrant Havas Media Ireland Michelle Brady, Rathcline Road, was nominated in the newly introduced category of Digital Rising Star. Nominations for the quality of her work are nothing new to Michelle as she won two Silver Global Social Media Awards in 2024 for her work with Woodie’s when she was working with Wolfgang Digital.
On Friday night last 13th March in The Mansion House, Michelle, daughter of Peter and Sharon Brady, added another accolade to her trophy cabinet when she was declared the winner of the Spider Award as Digital Rising.
This is a wonderful achievement for Michelle and her continued success shows that Michelle continued not only to develop in her work practices but also impress those in the digital world. The award was presented by Lou Hickey of One4all and accepted by the team on stage.
Congratulations Michelle and we wish you continued success.
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 night next 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.
Community Supports
Find out what supports are available to you and your community for; Education, Employment, Community Activities and local initiatives. Longford Community Resources is hosting a Community Information event in Drumlish Community Centre on Monday 23rd March from 10an to 2pm.
Go along, ask questions and find out information on what supports are available for you and your community.
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.
Table Quiz
Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club are holding their first ever table quiz on this 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.
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.
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
Chess: Great performances from all the Lanesboro chess teams this year, we had teams in the U16, U13 and U11 categories, with the Lanesboro U11 team narrowly beaten in the county final last week. Great chess games from all our players and we hope you keep up the practice and be ready to represent Lanesboro again next year, Big thanks to Audrey Sorohan for co-ordinating the practice evenings and competitions, Also thanks to Mick Shortall for refereeing the games.
Swimming: On Saturday 14th March, we had 5 swimmers representing Lanesboro,
U12 freestyle Muireann Rutherford.
U10 freestyle girls: Sophie McKenna Cosgrove, Lucie Boudin.
U10 freestyle boys: Tadhg Rowan, Eoghan Rutherford.
And they came away with 3 Silver medals and 1 Bronze.
Art and Handwriting: On Sunday 29th March at 2pm, the Lanesboro Art and Handwriting competition will take place in St Marys Hall, Lanesboro
Age categories in the Art competition- U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 and Age categories- U10, U12 & U14 in the handwriting competition.
Look forward to seeing you there.
A book of poetry for your Coffee Table
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.
Double Winners
On Sunday last Creggs rugby team completed a league and cup double following a hard fought victory over neighbours Dunmore rugby club in Dexcom Park, Galway in the Connacht Junior Cup on a scoreline of 11pts to 5. Local lads Eoin Kelly, Lee Kilcoyne, and Mikey Dunne played major roles in this fabulous double for the Creggs club and we congratulate them on their great success. See attachment.
The Joker escapes again
The Joker in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser continues to be very elusive and Saturday night last 14th March saw the jackpot pool of €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 €3,200 on Saturday night next where the odds of turning the Joker is now one in 40. 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 €3,200 jackpot pool. The odds are continuing to grow in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,200 can be yours on Saturday night next. Saturday night winners in the draw were Trisha & Paul and Gerry Donlon 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.
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club, Abbey St., Roscommon
Lanesboro ICA Guild
We had our March meeting last Wednesday which was well attended as usual. Our meeting kicked off at the earlier time of 7pm to facilitate our guest Sharon Rooney who had very kindly offered to do a makeup demonstration for us. Virginia was the model and Sharon showed us very achievable makeup ideas with products from the Sculpted by Aimee range which is available in Johnston’s Chemist. Make sure to check out her Instagram page.
To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Festival week), Kay organized a fun quiz for us in Irish, which we enjoyed taking part off. There were a few spot prizes given out. Kay and Eilish also gave us a rendition of Oró Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile which was beautifully sung.
Our March Walk will take place on Sunday 22nd March, at Corn Hill. Members who wish to take part will meet at Begley’s, Ennybegs, at 1pm and carpool from there. Hope as many as possible will be free to attend.
Our lotto will take place in ICA HQ tonight Wednesday at 8pm for a jackpot of €1350; envelopes can be purchased from any guild member or from Bells shop Newtownforbes, thanks to all who continue to support the lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Our guild meeting was brought to a close with a lovely supper provided by Noreen, Martha and Siobhan. Virginia also treated us to her griddle bread which won first place in the Federation competition. Make sure to check out our Instagram and Facebook pages photos and more updates.
Activities in ICA HQ this week, classes are open to all.
Wednesday 6 to 6.50pm Pilates.
Thursday 12.30 to 1.30pm Chairobics
8pm to 9pm Line Dancing
Friday 11am to 2pm Craft Morning
Saturday 4pm to 6pm Crochet class with Virginia
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 9th March for a prize of €635. The winning ticket was in the name of Jimmy Clancy, who was the recipient of the €635 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.
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
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 started on Wednesday 18th March at 7pm in Ballyleague hall. Book yourself in by contacting Laura 086 347 4662.
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
Appeal or Fresh Daffodils
Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Day will be on this 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.
Lanesboro Library
Irish Heart Foundation – Free Blood Pressure & Pulse Checks
The Irish Heart Foundation will be at Lanesboro Library on 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 this Friday 20th March 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 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. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
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 17th 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 10th March were 9, 19, 21 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Johann Martin, Blenavoher, and the three €20 winners were Carol Manning, Longford Road, Freda & Josie c/o Mags and T. Ryan c/o Mags.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 17th 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.
Two further talks
There will be two further talks over the next two months by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, Thursday 23rd April 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 are available at www.percyfrench.ie or call 090 6663794.
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.
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: An in- church collection will take place on Saturday next 21st and Sunday next 22nd March at both Masses. The collection will be taken up following Holy Communion and your kind 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.
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.
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 will continue on this Thursday 19th March, 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, Ballinwooley and Aughevernia.
On Friday 27th March in Ballyleague church for the townlands of Moher, Cloonadra, Portnahinch, Lininaria, Gallagh and Weekfield.
On Monday 30th March at 7pm in Ballyleague church for the townlands of Gortgallon, Ballyglass, Cloontuskert, Ernagh and Abbey.
On Tuesday 31st in Ballagh church for the townlands of Trilla Croghan, Kilnasella, Sheehane, Bogwood, Kilmurtagh and Mountcashel
Youth 2000 Day Retreat: A Youth 2000 day retreat takes place on April 25th at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. Youth 2000 provides an opportunity for young people (16 – 35) to develop their relationship with God, learn more about the Catholic faith & meet other young people through a structured retreat programme. Talks, testimonies & games. Check out Youth2000.ie to register or contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information
Tesco Community Fund: Ballagh National School is delighted to be nominated as one of the 3 groups to benefit from the Tesco Community Fund. The school committee would like to encourage everyone from all over the local area who is shopping in Tesco Roscommon over the next few weeks to drop a blue token into the Ballagh NS box. The school committee would really appreciate your support.