Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Joe Lohan was a stalwart of his community that was widely acknowledged as a tireless and dedicated worker be it on his farm or with his job with Bord na Mona until his retirement. Just 7 days after the death of his work colleague and friend John Lawlor, both gentlemen were cut from the same characteristic cloth, Joe passed away at his home surrounded by his family in Trilamartin, Curraghroe on Thursday 26th March. He was a man of the people and of great standing and integrity, he was recognised as such no matter where you travelled and mentioned his name. He farmed his land at the bottom of Sliabh Bawn with great diligence and his attention to detail as could be clearly seen. His support and helpfulness and caring in the vicinity was legendary. His gentle manner and warm smile melted even the coldest of hearts and his passing will sadden the hearts of every one of us that had the great pleasure to know or work with him. Joe had a great dedication to his religion and he was a regular at his local church in Curraghroe. Life was not actually kind to himself and his wife Mary as they were predeceased by two sons, Seamus and infant son Padraig, and Joe’s parents Michael and Mary and by his brother-in-law Mike. With Bord na Mona he worked mainly with the rail crew where his dedication to his job and his work colleagues left everyone in total admiration. A testimony to the esteem in which he was held was clearly seen by the large and representative attendance at his reposing and Funeral Mass.
Joe’s remains reposed at McHugh’s Funeral Home, Strokestown on Monday 30th March before being removed to St. Cecilia’s Church Curraghroe. On Tuesday his Funeral Mass took place followed by burial at Cloontuskert Cemetery.
Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Mary, his daughters Breda and Trish, his son Oliver, his sisters Nora, Kitty, Liz, Mary, Breege, his brother Micky, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marion Nealon, the Green and her family and in particular her daughter Sonja whose husband Des Kelly, Hollywell, Derrane died on Saturday 28th March following a bravely borne illness. Following his Funeral Mass in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane on Tuesday last Des was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Athletes continue to impress
Only a few weeks ago I wrote in these notes about the exploits of two local athletes and the progression they were making at the Connacht Indoor championship and qualifying for the 123.ie All–Ireland National Juvenile Indoor Championship final. Come last weekend in Athlone both young men again exceeded themselves and claimed All-Ireland medals.
In the U-13 Shot Put final Andrew Nolan, and son of Enda and Martina Nolan, Knock Manor threw a remarkable 17.51 m to claim a national title but not only that he far exceeded the previous record at his age group.
Oisín Dillon, son of Denis and Eilish Dillon, Fermoyle, lined up for the final of the U17 800m final and with a tremendous burst in the final 30m he got up to claim a national bronze medal and smashing his own personal best by a good distance and it won’t be long that Oisín will break the 2 minute barrier.
Congratulations to both lads on wonderful performances.
Championship Begins
The road to All-Ireland glory begins on Sunday next when the Roscommon team led by our own Diarmuid Murtagh, will start their campaign with the first round of the Connacht Championship in Gaelic Park, New York City.
We wish Diarmuid, his teammates and team management every success for Sunday and for the Championship.
While a great number from the locality are availing of the opportunity to go to the match whilst taking in a holiday in New York for those staying at home they can go to the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse and watch the game live from Gaelic Park.
Seeking pictures, stories and memorabilia
Come a Saturday in the latter end of September it is proposed that there will be a ‘Reconnection and Recollection Day’ of the time, the workers and their families of all those, county, countrywide and worldwide, that worked with Bord na Mona and ESB and those that lived in the community. From the 50’s right up today there are many hundreds of workers and their families that have worked with Bord na Mona and ESB
There are a lot of old photographs and memorabilia floating around with former workers and their families in many photo albums and attics and we would love to get our hands on them for an exhibition for the day. Your help and support will be hugely appreciated.
This is just an opening salvo in the search for all pictures, stories and memorabilia and we will give you a chance to do a family search over the next week or two before announcing ways and means of making your contributions.
Linking with Tourism
Fáilte Ireland is developing a new Destination Experience Development Plan (DEDP) for the Mid-Shannon and Midlands region, covering Longford, Offaly, Westmeath and southern Roscommon within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
As part of this process, a community workshop is taking place in Longford to hear directly from local residents and community groups. This is your opportunity to share what matters to you:
· The places you value
· The stories worth telling
· The experiences that make your area distinctive
· Anything you think the plan should address
The session will be informal, interactive and welcoming. There is no specialist knowledge needed to attend.
Board-based materials will present the emerging directions for the plan, followed by guided discussion and local mapping exercises.
Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
The County Longford Community Workshop will take place on Thursday 16th April between 6pm and 8pm at Ballinamuck Visitor Centre.
Registration is free and to register click the link below https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986062542528?aff=oddtdtcreator
There will be additional ‘Drop In’ Community Sessions to accommodate anyone who can’t attend the event in Ballinamuck, Fáilte Ireland have organised 2 additional Community Drop-In Sessions were a member of the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands team will be in attendance to hear from local residents and community groups and enable their voice/opinions to be captured in the DEDP.
Ballymahon Library on Thursday 16th April between 10.30am and 12.30pm and to register for that session register at the following link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-shannon-midlands-dedp-community-drop-in-ballymahon-tickets-1986078245496
Granard at theKnights & Conquests Visitor Centre on Thursday 16 April from 2.30pm – 4.30pm and you can register at the following link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-shannon-midlands-dedp-community-drop-in-granard-tickets-1986078358835
Everyone with an interest in the future of their own community and its relationship with tourism and the growing number of tourists are welcome. Your local knowledge and ideas will play an important role in shaping the plan.
For more information or to complete the DEDP residents survey, visit Mid-Shannon & Midlands Community & Business Survey
Support for Teresa
The annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, will, this year, take place on the streets of Dublin on Sunday 31st May. Teresa Kiernan, Gurteengar, will be taking part in this sold out event. Teresa is taking part to raise vital funds for the County Longford Hospice Homecare CLG. There are sponsorship cards throughout the local businesses and your generosity is called upon for such a very worthwhile organisation that does so much great work.
2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland
Congratulations to Tommy Kearns, formerly of Rathcline, who was one of those nominated for the upcoming 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Tommy, son of Maureen and the late Tom Kearns, Rathcline House, is CEO and Cofounder of Xtremepush, Co-founder Imobile, a “Curious George & Aways Learning” and the quality work done by his business has led to this wonderful nomination.
The 2026 EY Entrepreneur of the Year is in three categories with eight selected in each; Emerging; Established and International. The winner will be announced later in the year and we will be keeping a keen eye in the ‘Established’ section that Tommy has his nomination.
We wish Tommy every success in the completion as well as in his business.
50th Anniversary
Rathcline GAA invites you to their 50th anniversary of the club’s 1976 County Senior Football Championship success. This celebration will take place in the club grounds at Clonbonny on Sunday 24th May. You are invited to join the club and parish as they recognise this historic achievement of the great team, players and management. The celebration will be in conjunction with the club’s senior league fixture versus Longford Slashers. The club looks forward to welcoming you and the club heroes of 1976. More details of times and event schedule will follow.
Parkinson Ireland Coffee Morning
Roscommon Branch of Parkinson’s Ireland is holding a Coffee morning in Roscommon Golf Club, on this Friday 10th April, 11am to 1pm. All funds raised go to services for people with Parkinson’s in Roscommon Golf Club. All welcome. Please support.
Junior Busking Competition
This is a call for all young musicians to enter in the Junior Busking competition that is taking place on Saturday 16th May as part of the Lough Ree FlowFest alongside the Family Fun Day and the GaelForce Great River Swim. More events will be announced as we get closer to the days of the festival.
Volunteers are required to help out with the Saturday and Sunday and you can express your intentions by signing the volunteer sheet left in to O’Brien’s.
Successful Coffee Morning Fundraiser for St Christopher’s Service
On the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day, 15th March, a very successful Coffee morning was
held in St Mary’s Parish Hall to raise important funds for St Christopher’s Services. This well-attended event raised a total of €3,220,
which is a tremendous tribute to all involved. The fundraising group, led by Josie O’Sullivan and Geraldine Farrell, would like to
thank all of those people who donated so generously, as well as those people who sponsored some wonderful
prizes for the raffle. The fundraisers were very grateful for the use of St Mary’s Parish Hall and they would like to thank Margaret for all her help, as well as support from Ciara Myhill, Josie Myhill, Brigid Mullooly and Marie Farrell. Organisations like St Christopher’s Services are an important part of the fabric of our community, and the total amount was gratefully received and acknowledged. Many thanks to everyone for making this event an annual success.
Adult /Community Education Degree
At Maynooth University the Department of Adult and Community Education’s new evening BA will starts in September 2026, and it runs on-campus, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm-10pm.
There are three BA options to choose from: BA Local History, Cultural Heritage, and Environment, BA Equality and Community Studies, or BA Adult, Community and Further Education.
Your chosen degree course is designed for adult ages 21+. The application should be made through the CAO and it is fully approved by SUSI meaning for many people there will be no fees incurred.
This is a real and ideal opportunity for people to get a degree and further enhance their education and job prospects.
For further information see website www.maynoothuniversity.ie/adult-and-community-education
Do you shop in Tesco Roscommon?
If you shop in Tesco Roscommon your support is required for Ballagh National School who were 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. Thank you in advance for your support.
Walk in the Park
Longford Parkinson’s Branch is holding a ‘Walk in the Park’ at the Mall grounds, Longford, on Saturday next 11th April at 11am. This is the group’s annual fundraiser and you are asked to be generous in your donations. For further details you are invited to contact 087 7640 409.
Community Games Social Media Coordinator,
Lanesboro Community Games is looking for a volunteer to help out with updating the Lanesboro Community Games Facebook page. If you are over 18 years of age and could spare some time to help promote the Lanesboro community games on the social media, please contact Serena on 0879176525.
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.
The Joker escapes again
The Joker in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser continues to be very elusive and Saturday night last 4th April saw the jackpot pool of €3,400 go unclaimed and now it is becoming intriguing as the odds of cutting the Joker continues 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 €3,500 on Saturday night next 11th April where the odds of turning the Joker are now one in 37. 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 €3,500 jackpot pool. The odds are continuing to grow in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,500 can be yours on Saturday night next. On Saturday night last the winners in the draw were David Healy and the McCormack consortium 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.
Just 3 weeks to go
The Roscommon Athletic Club is determined to develop the very first athletic track in the county of Roscommon and it will be situated in Lisnamult as part of the Lisnamult Community Sports Park.
Their ambitious plan is to create top class athletic facilities of national competition standard comprising of an 8 lane 400 metre track and field event area. 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.
The club is delighted to see the amount of support it is receiving from the Lough Ree Athletic club’s catchment area.
The club is currently running a draw where two excellent prizes can be won. The prizes are sponsored by two 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
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club,
Changing Gears Course
A Changing Gears course for those aged 50+ years comes to Roscommon. Changing Gears is a 5-session course, which supports people in dealing with change and life transitions (e.g. getting the most from retirement/handling bereavement/ill health/becoming a carer, or having more time for yourself) in mid to later life. It helps participants to identify what has served them well up to now in life, the successes and challenges they have experienced what supports they have in place and what they may need to introduce for their next stage of life. The course will commence this Thursday 9th and will continue each of the following Thursdays, 16th, 23rd, 30th April and 7th May from 10:30am – 1pm in Gleeson’s, the Square, Roscommon. Tea/Coffee is provided during the refreshment break. To register please ring Fiona of Age & Opportunity on (01) 913 3922 or email engage@ageandopportunity.ie .
Local ICA Guild
Lotto
Our lotto took place last Wednesday and there was no winner of the jackpot. Congratulations to the 3 lucky dip winners who received €20 each. The next draw will be on Wednesday 15th April for a jackpot of €1450. Tickets can be purchased from any guild member and Bells shop Newtownforbes. Thanks to all who support our lotto.
Federation AGM
Our federation AGM will take place in ICA HQ on Tuesday April 21st and will be hosted by Coolamber Guild, numbers for suppers directly after your meetings to Sinead Butler on 087 9968138 please. The competitions for the meeting are Art; Decorate an old boot, Craft: Needle felted picture A5 size and Produce; 4 potato cakes round. We will also have the federation final of the Tea Cosy competition, the winner on the night will be sent forward to the national AGM, and details of same have been sent to your presidents.
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. 11 am to 2 pm Craft morning
April meeting
Our next guild meeting takes place in the parish hub this evening Wednesday 8th April at 8pm. New faces are always welcome and you’ll be treated to a lovely cuppa and a sweet treat
National Heritage Week
As previously mentioned in these notes The Shannonside Heritage Society will be holding a photographic exhibition to coincide with Irish Heritage week, which this year runs from the 15th-23rd August.
The theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and the exhibition will be held in St Mary’s hall.
We are looking in particular for any old photographs relating to: Bord na Mona, varies versions the Power Station, any domestic bog workings – cutting, harvesting, footing etc., any other photographs relative to other industrial works such as the Quarry, Tomato Farm, Windmill etc. etc.
Also, photographs of any lost buildings, buildings that have changed their use over the years, ie shops, pubs, hotels and any photographs of land and areas prior to development.
We are particularly keen to have any pictures that might show the river as a working environment, including any photos of the river banks packed with fishermen and boats as was often the case.
If you have any such photographs that you think will fit nicely with our exhibition then we would ask you to please:
Mark the back of the photograph with your name and phone number so that we can return them to you.
Leave them in an envelope with O’Brien’s Corner Shop marked for the attention of Andrew Knowles at Shannonside Heritage Society.
Please submit your photographs by 1st July 2026
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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 30th March for a prize of €625. The winning ticket was in the name of Rachel and David Kilcoyne, Kilrooskey, who were the recipient of the cheque of €625. 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.
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 is caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Lanesboro Library
Lego Workshop for Kids
We will host a Lego Workshop for kids aged 8-12 on Friday 10th April from 3.30 – 4.30pm
Mindful Art for Adults
Beginning Saturday 11th April, we will host an hour of mindful art every Saturday from 1-2. No experience necessary, no equipment needed.
Please book online or in library for any of the above events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
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 holds their 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 still remains to be won
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s at 10.30am. For the past number of months the jackpot has been static at its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody continuing to have the correct numbers that €15,000 is still there to be won. The next draw takes on Tuesday 7th April, for the 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 31st March were 12, 13, 16 and 22. The winner of the €50 prize was John L Farrell, Rathcline and the three €20 winners were Jack & Billy, c/o Mags, Ann Marie Linehan, The Green and Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 7th April 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 by Paddy Joe
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.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The lottery draw for St. Faithleach’s GAA club took place on Tuesday last 31st March in the clubhouse for a jackpot of € 11,000. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 18 and 25 and there was nobody with the correct numbers. The jackpot for the next draw on 14th April rises to €11,100. The winner of the draw for €200 was J.P. Kilcline.
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.
Lotto Not Won
The St. Faithleach’s Lottery draw took place on Tuesday last 31st March for a jackpot of €11,000 and the jackpot was not won. The numbers drawn were 9, 12, 18 and 25. The winner off the €200 draw prize was J.P. Kilcline, Ballyleague. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 14th April for a jackpot of €11,100.
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.
Annual Stations of the Cross Procession: you are all invited to join the congregations of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and St. John’s for the Annual Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday morning starting at 10.30am. The procession will commence from St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro and end at Ballyleague church.
Everybody is invited and welcome to join as they walk prayerfully with Jesus as he embraced his suffering and death at Calvary for our salvation.
Youth Retreat: A retreat in honour of St. Carlo Acutis will take place for teenagers, aged between 13 and 19 years, in Knock Shrine on Sunday 19th April. The retreat will include games, testimonies, catechises, lunch and gift packs. Places are limited and pre-booking is required. Please contact 086 3020 948 for helpful information.
On Saturday 18th April from 6pm to 9pm, an evening programme will take place in Knock Shrine, reflecting on Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist.
Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage: The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 30th May to 4th June and it will be led by Bishop Paul Connell. Flights are from Knock International Airport with fares beginning from €989 and rising to €1049. For more details contact JWT Pilgrimage Travel website or phone 01 2410 800. For those wishing to travel as Assisted Pilgrims, please contact Ann O’Reilly, 086 8312 785.
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 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 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
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.
Easter Message: Fr. Dan would like to express his deepest gratitude to all parishioners for your active participation during the Easter activities and for your generosity. He thanks all the Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar servers and all that came out for the Stations of the Cross Procession on Good Friday. Thank you for your commitment at the liturgy. Thank you to the Sacristans and the Altar Society members for preparing the altars with flowers and cleaning of our churches. Fr Dan appreciates the selfless sacrifice of all the volunteers at different levels. May the joy of the Risen Lord continue to reign in your hearts and your families. Amen.
Thank You: The Rise & Shine Pilgrimage Trust that will bring children and young people to Lourdes in April would like to thank everyone that contributed to their Church Gate collection on March 15th. The sum collected amounted to €154.80.
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 of talks, testimonies and 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.