Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Why not Lanesboro?
In the past couple of weeks I have been involved in a number of conversations about Lanesboro and developments in and about Lanesboro and the common thread from all the conversations was that all the developments mentioned were being thought about further up the country. We see the fuel crisis was the straw that broke the camels back in terms of rural people and believe me the development conversations would be most suited in Lanesboro as it would be in any other area and that leads me to ask the question WHY NOT LANESBORO.
Hurlers/Camógs required
The resurrection of hurling has continued to grow in the Rathcline club with young players coming from many areas to learn the skill of hurling.
The club is open to accepting many more youngsters from under 8 upwards and their parents with an interest in hurling.
The number of girls turning up to learn the skills of Camogie is very encouraging and it is hoped that with a few more numbers there will also be a very active number of Camogie teams. With the President Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, in his final year of National President it would be a tremendous boost to have his home club in Rathcline having teams representing both him and the area.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Freda Fitzpatrick, Church View, and her extended family on the death of her sister Maureen Flynn, Assumption Road, Athlone, Westmeath on Monday 2nd March.
Tai Chi at the Shannon
Tai Chi started outdoors on the Banks of the Shannon. The meeting point is at the back of the parish hall at 7.15 pm. Contact Pat for info 087 992 5816.
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
Former local dies in Mullingar
Spending her younger life in Lanesboro, growing into a spirited lady who always remained loyal to her family, neighbours, friends and community despite her moving to England, New York before finally settling in Mullingar it was with great sadness we learned of the death at her home in Grange of Rosemary Slattery, Grange South, Mullingar on Saturday 11th April.
Rosemary moved to No. 2 the Green, with her late parents Thomas and Mary Kate when her father began working with Bord na Mona. Rosemary was predeceased by her brothers Brendan (Benny), Séanie, Jim and Mossie. Rosemary first departed to England before then relocating to New York where she met and married her husband John Slattery before they moved back to live on the outskirts of Mullingar. Home always remained Lanesboro and the family home moved from the Green to the Rathcline Road. During her mother’s later years she totally dedicated care and attention to her.
It was fitting that she worked in New York with fashion designer Óscar de la Renta as Rosemary was a lady with a tremendous eye for fashion and style and she was very well coordinated and elegant every time she went out. She was a caring and generous lady giving so much of herself towards all her brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces. Rosemary loved to chat and her interactions with so many locals when she came back to Lanesboro.
Her passing will sadden the hearts of all of us that remembered Rosemary and we extend our deepest sympathy to her surviving brother Fr. Kevin (Castlerea), her sisters Eileen (New York), Ann (Limerick) and Teresa (Watford, England), sisters in law Rita, Mary and Ita Reynolds (Cloontuskert) her brothers in law Tom and Malcom.
Rosemary’s remains reposed in Gilsenan’s Funeral Home, Mullingar on Tuesday 14th April, her Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Little Flower & Our Lady of Good Counsel and burial took place at Granlahan Cemetery, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon.
Use of the Power Station
As you know the Defence Forces and Rapid Response Unit of the Gardaí in recent times has been availing of the use of the power station, courtesy of ESB, for training maneuvers during the recent past. In the upcoming weeks and in preparation for Ireland holding the six-month Presidency of the European Union the power station will be in use from all the essential and critical services within Ireland for their training and preparation.
If you hear noise or see movement out of the usual coming from the power station, fear not, as it is most likely our essential services upgrading and honing their skills.
While the power station is still standing it is great to see that all our essential services are collaborating with ESB to avail of the station as a training site.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Padraig Dooney and his family, Lough Ree Park on the death on his mother Mrs. Bertha Dooney, Cross, Edmondstown, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon on Sunday 12th April.
Unique addition to Access for All
On Friday 1st May, manager Liam Grimes and his team at the Access for All Centre, Ballyleague, will unveil their new and exciting new VR project. This new and exciting VR project is a 10 minute virtual reality module that allows people to explore the monastic ruins and ancient stories of St. Diarmuid and Queen Maeve via this VR headset of Inchcleraun that is also known as Quaker Island.
This project has been in the making for some time and this initiative will open this historic and monastic site up to everybody. Such was the influence of this island to Irish history in all the historic annals it receives high regard.
Access for All under the leadership of Liam and his team has seen the business gone from strength to strength over the past number of years and there is no doubting that this extra tremendous facility will add greatly to the appeal of Access for All.
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.
The Sweaty Yeti Quarter
Eugene McGuire’s Sweaty Yeti business idea, on the banks of the Shannon and right beside the car park, has proven to be an outstanding concept where you can unwind in a wood-fired sauna and revitalise with an ice bath, all while overlooking the fabulous view of the bay area of the River Shannon and at this time of year watch all the boats cruising the river. Bookings can be made at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
A recent addition to this project has been Harvey Myhill’s ‘Píosa Pizza that to date has again been another remarkable business success with his handmade stone baked pizzas. Harvey, son of Jonathan and Ciara (nee O’Sullivan), Lehery, opened his business a short time ago and it continues to go from strength to strength. Píosa Pizzas orders can be made Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the premises are open between 5pm and 10pm. Such is the demand that it is rarely remains opened until 10pm due to the demand and all stock sells out. Bookings can be made on Instagram or by phoning 083 2021 369.
A recent new addition to this site is the Cata Coffee Shop that has speciality coffee and Matcha. This new and exciting venture by Kevin Kiernan opened last weekend and has added greatly to what is now being generally called the Sweaty Yeti Quarter. Cata will be open on Friday’s from 11am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday’s from 10 until 3pm.
It is wonderful to see young people showing tremendous entrepreneurial skills and we all should ensure their long time business by fully supporting our own young in our own community.
Correction
Last week I was informed the months mind of Joe Donlon, Ballyleague was to take place on Sunday last but due to an error the mass did not take place. A new date has been set and the mass will now take place in Ballyleague church on Sunday next 26th April at 11.30am.
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.
ReeFest and GaelForce Great River Swim Festival
The Gaelforce Great River Swim is rapidly becoming synonymous with Lanesboro and Ballyleague where it attracts well over 1000 contestants, supporters and spectators to the area. GaelForce is a very successful Mayo based Irish company specialising in outdoor adventures throughout the country and it brings a great support and atmosphere no matter where it goes and our community is no exception.
The programme for the weekend has been coordinated between GaelForce, an active local committee under the stewardship of Colm Croffy, Longford Tourism, and both Tidy Town’s committees that are creating the Family Fun Day on the Saturday.
For this week we will begin with the opening day Friday 15th May and what is on in the community.
The weekend kicks off on Friday with free walking tour of the area at 4pm. Even though the walking tour is free you must pre-register at info@loughreeboatingandwalkingtours.ie .
‘Try a Kayak’ is a beginner friendly kayaking experience in the bay area of the River Shannon organised by GaelForce. The cost of the experience is just €10 and you must book on the GaelForce website for the 6.30pm or 7.30pm slot.
Sweaty Yeti sauna and pizza evening will take place between 6.30pm and 9pm. Relax into the festival weekend with a sauna and pizza and the cost is €17 per person.
You must book your sauna time at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
From 9pm until late there will be a Traditional session in Adie’s (The Swan Tavern) where loads of our talented traditional musicians will display their amazing talents.
You will see in the note below of the Water, Waves, Words and Music concert taking place in St. John’s church which is a ticketed event and a limited number of tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10
If you would like to volunteer over the weekend you should leave your name on the volunteer sheet in O’Brien’s
Social Dance Classes
Social dancing includes Jiving, Waltz, Quickstep, Line dancing and you are invited to go along and join in the Social Dancing classes about to commence
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.
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.
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
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
The long awaited copies of the very popular ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte have just arrived back on the shelves and they are on sale at just €14.
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 19th April saw the jackpot pool of €3,600 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 €3,700 on Saturday night next 25th April where the odds of turning the Joker are now one in 35. 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 €3,700 jackpot pool. The odds are continuing to grow in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,700 can be yours on Saturday night next. On Saturday night last the winners in the draw were Anne Donlon and Maggie Curley 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 2 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. There is just 2 weeks to go before the draw takes place and you are encouraged to get your ticket before time runs out.
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
Our lotto draw took place last Wednesday in HQ. There was no jackpot winner and it now stands at €1500 Congratulations to the 3 lucky dip winners. The next draw will take place on Wednesday 29th April. Remember if you’re not in you can’t win. Envelopes can be got from any ICA member.
Federation AGM
The federation AGM took place Tuesday 21st April. More details next week.
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
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 13th May in the parish hub at 8pm . New faces are always welcome so do pop in
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 13th April for a prize of €lo. 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.
Ballyleague Community First Responder — Call for Support
We’re excited to announce the birth of Ballyleague Community First Responder (CFR), a collaborative effort led by Maciek Koczur, a paramedic and supervisor with the Roscommon Ambulance Service, who lives in Ballyleague. Last summer, Maciek issued a call to the community to form a volunteer group, and together with a local committee, we’re turning that call into action.
Key milestone: 12 dedicated volunteers are ready to train and serve as first responders in our community, with training coordinated by Miriam Burke, our Training Officer.
What we’re aiming for:
Install 6 new defibrillators at strategic locations around Ballyleague to ensure rapid access during cardiac emergencies.
Build a trained, ready team that can bridge the gap until advanced medical help arrives.
Why this matters:
An invaluable resource for Ballyleague, potentially increasing survival rates from cardiac events.
A community-driven approach to emergency readiness and neighbourly care.
How you can help:
Donations will go directly to equipment, training, and clothing for our responders.
All funds will support the on-going development of the CFR and the safety of our community.
Join us in getting Ballyleague CFR off the ground. Your support today could save a life tomorrow.
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 21st 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 14th April were 10, 18, 21 and 24. The winner of the €50 prize was Niamh Rowan, c/o O’Brien’s and the three €20 winners were Jacinta Healy, Church View, Eileen Plested, Ballyleague and Cían O’Brien, 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, this 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 Lotto
The St. Faithleach’s lotto draw took place on Tuesday 14th April for a jackpot pool of €11,100. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 11 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot will rise to €11,200 for the next draw on Tuesday 28th April. The winner of the €200 draw was Eileen Mullen, Moher.
The club thanks everyone for their continued great support.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
Our next Social evening is Sunday, April 26th from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1) Music By: Pat Mulchrone
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friend’s old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone! Newcomers are always welcome!
For more info contact: Aisling 086 3663901
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.
Thank You: The local organisers of the Mary’s Meals Church Gate collection would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed to their collection on the weekend of 10/11th April. The amounted contributed amounted to €375.55
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.
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.
Dioceses of Achonry And Elphin Pilgrimage To Lourdes –
Assisted Pilgrim Section: The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 28th August – 2nd September inclusive, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Doran. Pilgrimage highlights includes Mass at the Grotto, Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament Processions, Anointing of the Sick, Water Ceremony. Flights are ex Knock Airport. The Pilgrimage includes the Assisted Pilgrim Section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim Section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame, which is situated near the Grotto and Sanctuary area. They will be cared for by the Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section and full details are available from Very Rev. Ray Milton, P.P., Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. (Tel: 090 666 1115). Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 11th June. All other enquiries in relation to the Pilgrimage can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) at 016852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
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
● Roscommon to New York:
Everyone from St. Faithleach’s had an absolutely fantastic time on our trip to New York, creating wonderful memories as we cheered on Diarmuid and Roscommon GAA team in their exciting match against New York . The energy from the crowd, the pitch gathering for photos and the camaraderie among all of us made it an unforgettable experience. Be sure to check out our Instagram page for some amazing photos from the trip that capture all the highlights and moments we shared!
● 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 Results: St. Faithleach’s (2-10): Michael Glavey’s B (2-09)
Round 4 will take place against Boyle B on Saturday 2nd May at 18.00pm in Abbey Park.
● Ladies Junior League (Division 4):
Round 5 Results: St. Faithleach’s (1-14): St. Michael’s/ St. Ronan’s (1-07)
Semi-Finals Fixtures – to be confirmed.
● U-16 Ladies League (Division 2B):
Round 4 Results: St. Faithleach’s (1-09): Northern Harps (6-10)
Semi-Finals Fixtures – to be confirmed.
● U-14 Boys League (Division 3):
Round 3 Results: St. Faithleach’s (1-05): Tulsk (6-07)
Round 4 will take place against Clann na nGael on Tuesday 21st April at 7pm in Ballyleague.
● U-14 Ladies League (Division 3):
Round 2 Results: St. Faithleach’s (7-16) : Strokestown (6-08)
Round 3 will take place against Four Roads on Thursday 30th April at 7pm in Ballyleague.