Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Margaret Brehon and her family, Doughill on the death of her sister Kay Walsh in Clonsilla, Dublin on Friday 3rd April. Kay was part of the Walsh family formerly of Derryhaun.
Tai Chi at the Shannon
Tai Chi will be starting outdoors on the Banks of the Shannon on this Wednesday 15th April. The meeting point is at the back of hall at 7.15 pm. Contact Pat for info 087 992 5816.
Championship Begins
The Leinster Championship began on Sunday last when Longford took on Westmeath in the Leinster championship. Unfortunately, the game did not go to plan and Westmeath emerged victors. For my part I believed until later in the past week that the game was on Sunday week and not last Sunday. Rathcline have 3 players on the Longford panel and while Sunday was not a good one, we look forward to Oran Kenny, Iarla O’Sullivan and Oisín Kenny creating their own pieces of history in the Tailteann Cup.
On a more positive note Diarmuid Murtagh led the Roscommon to victory when they defeated New York in Gaelic Park, New York. They now go on to play Mayo in the Connacht semi-final on Sunday week.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Paddy and Anne Nolan and family, Mahoraveen, on the death on the death of Paddy’s brother Tom, Derryadd, Killashee who passed away at Thomond Lodge, Ballymahon on Thursday last 9th April.
Local lady dies in Manchester
It was the greatest sympathy that we learned of the death in Manchester of Kathleen Egan who passed away on Saturday 28th March. Kathleen formerly Rooney, daughter of Pat and Mary Rooney, Rathcline. Kathleen was following in a long line of the Rooney family living in Manchester where the Rooney family’s name is legendary, down through the years for the way they looked after the huge number of Irish and local going to work in Manchester. Kathleen, a number of years ago married Kilmovee, Co. Mayo man Chris Egan and they had three children. Kathleen was a regular visitor back home to Lanesboro where her warm, friendly personality and warmth endeared her to all that knew and came to know her. Kathleen’s passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts of her family and all of us that knew her. Kathleen was predeceased by her sister Masie just eight months ago.
Kathleen will be laid to rest following her Funeral Mass in Manchester on Wednesday next 22nd April. To her husband Chris, family, Kevin, Nicola and Christopher, her brothers Tom, Joe and John, her sisters Bridie, Anne, Rose, Frances, and Margaret we extend our deepest sympathy.
Seeking pictures, stories and memorabilia
Come a Saturday in the latter end of September, Saturday 26th September it is anticipated that we will have 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. If you have such photos and would prefer to hold onto them we can have them scanned and you treasure will never leave your presence. 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.
Addendum to Parish Notes
We have been asked to include the following notice in relation to the Months Mind of Joe Donlon, Ballyleague. The Mass will take place in Ballyleague church on Sunday next 19th April at 11.30am.
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 next 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 16th 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
Mini Marathon 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.
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.
A wee bit of help with Weeding
Ballyleague Tidy Towns are planning a light work evening on Monday evening next the 20th April; the group will be carrying out some weeding and general tidying up and would very much appreciate any help as we prepare for this year’s competition.
Meeting point the old Sliabh Bawn Hotel at 7 pm.
Fabulous ReeFest/Great River Swim Festival
The return of the GaelForce Great River Swim is a wonderful benefit to Lanesboro and Ballyleague and it kick starts the summer season in a wonderful way. Last year, the swim that has four open water swim distances of 800m, 3.5km, 5.8km, and 12km attracted 800 entrants. When you factor in the supporters, family and friends it swelled crowd to well over the 1000 over the weekend enjoying the magnificent weather on what was a beautiful weekend to be in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. This year the GaelForce Great River Swim Festival has been joined by the locally organised ReeFest Festival that will make the weekend of 15th/16th and 17th May a spectacular one in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Presently the final programme is almost finalised and the weekend from Friday to Sunday promises to be fun filled and very active. Already some exciting events are locked in throughout the weekend and next week we hope to be able to give the full, extensive and exciting weekend itinerary.
This is a wonderful advertisement for our community and our wider area and we are looking for huge local support for the weekend events. It gives everyone the opportunity to mingle and welcome all our visitors over the weekend.
If you would like to volunteer over the weekend you should leave your name on the volunteer sheet in O’Brien’s
Water – Waves, Words and Music
In St Johns’ Church, we have one of the most spectacular, beautiful and iconic buildings in our community and we are delighted to announce that the church will be hosting a spectacular evening “Water-Waves, Words and Music” concert.
On the opening Friday evening, 15th May, of the ReeFest/Great River Swim Festival the renowned pianist Daren Lane will be performing in St. John’s from 7.30 pm. Joining Daren for the evening will be our local choir and our local writers group with their share of music, words and poetry.
Daren career led him to attend the Junior Academy of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Following this, he attended a specialist music school, the Purcell School of Music, studying piano, organ and guitar. He achieved his B Music Performance degree, specialising in piano from the Royal Academy of Music. Daren also studied organ, obtaining an ARCO diploma. He later gained an M Music degree in Performance from London College of Music. In addition to performance, Daren has experience teaching piano in London, Roscommon Town, Athlone and Ballyforan. He has a particular affinity with the music of Mozart, Schubert and Schuman and will also be including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Debussy in his performance.
The local choir is eagerly looking forward to playing their part in the evening and they are very busily rehearsing.
The local writers group is actively preparing their words and poetry with a great excitement and anticipation.
This promises to be one of the finest evenings ever in our community and with spaces limited early booking is essential.
Salmon’s lane Nature/Memorial walk
Ballyleague Tidy Towns would like to thank everyone who turned out to support their Nature/Memorial Walk on salmons Lane on Easter Monday. The walk was led by gardening expert Derek Healy of Creations Garden Centre Ballymahon who pointed out various types of Flora and Fauna along the route, A weeping Hornbeam tree was also sown to remember former Tidy Towns Volunteers and former residents of Salmons Lane. Additionally a number of Children present sowed wild flower seed at various locations along the walk, in addition a number of electronic devices were provided by Lee Williamson Shuttermaniac productions to help participants identify plants and bird sounds during the walk which proved to e a great success. Images and a short video of the event can be viewed on Ballyleague Tidy Towns Facebook Page
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.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
The Connacht Indoor Children’s Games Under 9 to 11 took place at the indoor arena in Athlone on Sunday 12th April. It was a hive of activity as over 900 athletes register to compete across the following events, 200m (U9), 400m (U10), 600m (U11), Long Jump 100m Sprints and Relays. This was a great opportunity for many of our young athletes to take part in their first competition and for the more experienced an opportunity to test themself against their peers from last year. With the large numbers competing, competition was fierce and while no individual medals came our way, the experience will benefit all the athletes going forward. Congratulations to all who took part today you were a credit to your Club. The Committee would also like to thank all Parents for their help and support over the winter and today at the start of the season.
Finally the Club would like to acknowledge the excellent performance of the local correspondent and his wife Martina on their granddaughter, Emily’s win in the 60m sprint U9 for Roscommon AC.
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.
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
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.
Books restocked
The large supply of Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque sold out very quickly and in recent days more books have become available. The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
Likewise with Daniel Mc Gann’s first book Odyssey, it has been a resounding local success and new stock arrived in the past week. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
The Joker escapes again
The Joker in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser continues to be very elusive and Sunday night last 12th April saw the jackpot pool of €3,500 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 over the Joker are increasing by the week, so get your tickets for Saturday night next and you may the lucky one. The Joker was delayed to Sunday night last to coincide with the Roscommon v New York in New York
The jackpot rises to €3,600 on Saturday night next 18th April where the odds of turning the Joker are now one in 36. 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 €3,600 jackpot pool. The odds are continuing to grow in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,600 can be yours on Saturday night next. On Saturday night last the winners in the draw were Shona Cox and Conor Glennon who both won €100 each. 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 about 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,
Lanesboro ICA Guild
AGM
We had our annual AGM last Wednesday which was well attended. Available rolls were quickly filled and we are looking forward to another exciting year ahead. Our normal monthly meeting took place after the AGM. Our summer trip to Fermanagh was discussed and the various activities involved. Our own Marie is taking part in the women’s mini marathon which takes place on Sunday 31st May and there was great support for her. Our meeting concluded with tea and sweet treats provided by Theresa, Doreen, Aileen and Marie.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 13th May.
Federation AGM
Our federation AGM will take place in ICA HQ on Tuesday 21st April and it will be hosted by Coolamber Guild. Numbers for suppers directly after the meetings must be made to Sinead Butler on 087 9968138, please as soon as possible. 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
Lotto
Our lotto draw takes place Wednesday 15th at 8pm in HQ. Jackpot is €1450 and envelopes can be got from any member.
Activities
The activities in ICA HQ in Longford this week and the classes are open to all.
Wednesday; 6 to 6.50pm Pilates.
Thursday; 12.30 to 1.30pm Chairobics
Thursday; 8pm to 9pm Line Dancing
Friday; 11am to 2pm Craft Morning
Saturday; 4pm to 6pm Crochet class with Virginia
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 6th April for a prize of €644. The winning ticket was in the name of Séan McGrath, who was the recipient of the cheque of €644. 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
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 14th 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 7th April were 8, 14, 15 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize were Kaylin, Freya and Ayla, c/o Freda Connaughton and the three €20 winners were Carol Manning c/o Yacht Bar, Freda Connaughton, Longford Road and Martin Tucker c/o O’Brien’s.
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.
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.
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.
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 next 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 next 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 1st May.
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.
Annual Holidays: All our parishioners are hereby informed that Fr. Dan will be travelling on his annual holiday in Nigeria from Tuesday 5th May. Consequently, there will be no weekday masses and the weekend masses will remain as scheduled. Fr. Enobong Udoidlong, Ceilí Catholic Community, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath will cover all masses.Fr. Larry Behan will be available for baptisms, funerals, and all other emergencies. For other enquiries please kindly contact the parish secretary Vivienne Barry in the parish mobile 089 9722625 or kilgefinparish21@gmail.com. Thank you.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
● Senior League: Topline Wards O’Gara Cup (Division 2)
Postponed Round 4 against St Brigid’s B to be re-scheduled.
Round 5 will take place against Padraig Pearse’s B on Saturday 25th April at 6pm in Woodmount.
● Junior League: Cryan’s Hotel (Division 4)
Round 3 will take place against Michael Glavey’s B on Saturday 18th April at 18.30pm in Ballyleague.
● Ladies Junior League (Division 4):
Round 5 will take place against St. Michael’s/ St. Ronan’s on Sunday 19th April at 11am. Location to be decided.
● U-16 Ladies League (Division 2B):
Round 4 Results: St. Faithleach’s (2-18): St. Dominic’s (1-05)
Round 5 will take place against Northern Harps on Sunday 19th April at 4pm in Ballyleague.
● U-14 Boys League (Division 3):
Round 2 Results: St. Faithleach’s (6-05): St Brigid’s (5-09)
Round 3 will take place against Tulsk on Thursday 16th April at 7pm in Tulsk.
● U-14 Ladies League (Division 3):
Round 1 Result: St. Faithleach’s (5-12): St Barry’s (3-05)
Round 2 will take place against Strokestown on Thursday 16th April at 7pm in Strokestown.
● Social Dancing has concluded. It was such a fun, friendly and relaxed environment to learn dancing in. Amazing to see the improvements from start to finish.
● Cards: 25 continue every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse
● Joker Draw: Jackpot stands at €3,600 and the draw takes place every Saturday night in the clubhouse. Tickets available on the night or on our ClubSpot App.